BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report - all the news and announcements as Blizzard’s convention returns

Blizzard Entertainment held its highly anticipated BlizzCon 2026 opening ceremony on September 13, marking the convention’s return after a two-year hiatus. The event featured multiple major announcements from Blizzard President Johanna Faries and franchise leaders, outlining the company’s roadmap for the coming years.

Two standout reveals dominated the ceremony: Diablo V was officially announced with a target release window of 2029, while a new open-world StarCraft game (departing from the traditional RTS formula) is planned for 2030 release. Blizzard confirmed that the new StarCraft title will launch on both PC and console platforms, significantly expanding the franchise’s reach beyond its traditional PC audience.

Beyond the flagship announcements, Heroes of the Storm received significant news with the reveal of Xal’atath, the Harbinger of the Void, as its first new hero in six years since 2020. This marks the MOBA’s first substantial content update since 2022, signaling Blizzard’s renewed investment in the long-dormant title.

The opening ceremony also featured expected announcements regarding established franchises including World of Warcraft and Overwatch. The 75-minute presentation generated substantial industry buzz, with rumors about StarCraft’s comeback proving accurate following mysterious website glitches that had fueled speculation in the lead-up to the event.

BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report - all the news and announcements as Blizzard’s convention returns

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