BlizzCon 2014: Opening Ceremony
Nov. 7 at 11 A.M. PDT
LiveBlog: Refresh for updates!
BlizzCon 2014
Welcome to BlizzCon 2014! Here at Player Theory, we're going to give you all the real-time updates that matter to you from the Blizzard universe right here from Anaheim, Calif. BlizzCon is streaming the opening ceremony for free. After the ceremony is over, you'll need a virtual ticket to see the convention for yourself virtually, as well as unlock all the virtual goodies including a banner for "Diablo III," a card back for "Hearthstone," a mount in "Heroes of the Storm," and a murloc pet (as always!) in "World of Warcraft."
Currently, the main hall has a huge section full of computers with nothing on them - not even screensavers - and monitors that are completely off. There is currently a ton of speculation about what they are for and what's hidden in their hard drives. Could Blizzard be trolling us with not-actually-cancelled-Project-Titan? Could it be the next "Starcraft II" expansion? Could it have something to do with "World of Warcraft'" 10-year anniversary? We'll know soon enough!
"There's a ton of stuff [I like], but one of my favorite things we're doing this year, we're setting up a BlizzCon control room ... effectively, every single video feed runs through that room." Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment CEO
Introduction
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine "Warcraft" would turn into what it would become ... In many ways, we're just getting started Blizzard Developer
Morhaime takes the stage first, opening with a serious note on Let's take a stand to reject hate and harassment, and let's redouble our efforts to be kind and respectful to one another.
"Warcraft"
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the "Warcraft" franchise, as well as the 10th anniversary of "World of Warcraft." To help commemorate the anniversary, BlizzCon will premier a documentary called "Looking for Group" at 5 P.M. tomorrow at the main stage. Coming in December, Blizzard is rolling out anotDuncan Jones, the director of the "Warcraft" movie, will discuss the movie with Chris Metzen later in the day.her charity pet. All of the proceeds will support Red Cross in ebola relief efforts.
Duncan Jones, the director of the "Warcraft" movie, will discuss the movie with Chris Metzen later in the day.
e-Sports
e-Sport comeptitions for "Starcraft II," "World of Warcraft" 3 vs. 3 arena, and the "Hearthstone" World finals.
"Heroes of the Storm"
"Heroes of the Storm" is bringing new elements to the table, including new heroes: Thrall, Jaina, and lost vikings. We also get to see a new battle ground, the Egyptian-themed Sky Temple, battle grounds, ranked play, and new skins. The closed beta begins Jan. 13, 2015, ending the closed technical alpha that's been running for the past several months.
"Hearthstone"
"Hearthstone" is coming to Android tablets. Additionally, Blizzard is going back to the Alliance vs. Horde tension. For the first "Hearthstone" expansion "Goblins vs. Gnomes" which includes over 120 new cards, new creations of "blood curling horror" including an "Explosive Sheep" and mechanical devices including the "Annoy-o-Tron." The expansion will be available next month. However, "Goblins vs. Gnomes" is available at BlizzCon. Keep up to date with Player Theory for our thoughts on the initial demonstration of the expansion.
Make no mistake; the fuse has been lit. Jason Chase, "Hearthstone" Production Director
"Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void"
The next iteration of "Starcraft II," "Legacy of the Void," has been revealed, a game focused on the protos. You will command the protos, reuine the scattered protos tribes, and find the protos technology to beat your opponents. The three races of the "Starcraft" universe will come to its end in the final chapter of the "Starcraft II" trilogy. However, "Legacy of the Void" is not an expansion; it's a standalone game.
"Starcraft" pro players will be demoing "Legacy of the Void" later tonight.
And yes, the Lurker is back. Justin Browder, Game Director
New IP "Overwatch!"
Shaking, Chris Metzen, asked us to "open our hearts and our minds" to a new IP before unleashing a cinematic. Blizzard then introduced us to a little boy excited about his universe's history, a utopian society supported by Overwatch, a military task force, and his moping older brother before they're introduced to the heroes from their past.
It's been 17 years since we opened the door to a new world ... a new universe. Well, 17 years is too long to wait. And the wait ends now, my friends. Chris Metzen, Senior Vice President
Jeff Caplan, game director for "Overwatch," took the stage after the hair-raising cinematic. "Overwatch" is a team-based multi-player shooter. The characters are dynamic, yet approachable, so everyone can access what's "fun" about the new game. Characters include Tracer, Symmetra, Pharah, Hanzo, Reaper, Reinhardt, and Mercy. Each have a range of different abilities and utilities to support one another in completing cooperative objectives.
You know, the world could always use more heroes. "Overwatch" Cinematic
Open beta begins in 2015. At 12:30, Metzen and Caplan will introduce more of the game in the main exhibition hall. "Overwatch" is also available to play on the 600 previously darkened computers! Follow Player Theory for more information on "Overwatch" later today!
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor
Release: 11/12/2014 [NA] 11/12/2014 [EU]
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Mac, PC
Purchase: Amazon
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Release: 12/9/2013 [NA]
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: Mac, PC
Heroes of the Storm
Release: 3/12/2014 [NA]
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: Mac, PC
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
Release: 11/1/2013 [NA]
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Mac, PC
Purchase: Amazon
Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm
Release: 3/12/2013 [NA]
ESRB Rating: Teen
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Mac, PC
Purchase: Amazon
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty
Release: 7/27/2010 [NA]
ESRB Rating: Teen
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Mac, PC
Purchase: Amazon
