Blizzard Passes On E3

[Andy Chalk]

Blizzard Passes On E3

In a bit of a surprising announcement, E3 [http://www.blizzard.com] this year.

After experimenting with toned-down, press only events in 2007 and 2008, with near-disastrous results, E3 organizer returning to E3 [http://www.theesa.com/] after dropping out in 2008, but Blizzard, despite being owned by Activision, won't be following suit.

"Blizzard Entertainment will not be attending or participating in E3 2009," Blizzard PR manager Bob Colayco said in an e-mail to Edge [http://www.edge-online.com/news/blizzard-not-attending-e3-2009].

With the promise of an improved show and both Starcraft 2 [http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/] in the works, the timing of Blizzard's decision seems a bit odd. But as entertaining as E3 is for outside observers, many developers find it a distraction and a hassle, as they're forced to invest time and energy into preparing for the show rather than actually working on a game.

In recent years, Blizzard has also shown a preference for using its Blizzcon [http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08/] events, featuring tournaments, Q&A sessions, previews of new games and more. Unlike E3, these events are open to the public.

Starcraft 2 is set for release in 2009, while no date has been set for Diablo 3. For more information, don't bother going to E3.


Permalink

 

[John Funk]

Huh.

That's interesting. I suppose with WWI (WTB info on '09) and BlizzCon, they're kind of set as far as unveiling goes - lets them take it at their own pace, too. Still, a bit surprising.

 

[L.B. Jeffries]

I always get this image in my head that Blizzard and Activision have this really bad moody girlfriend/boyfriend relationship.

Hey honey, lets go to this great party. All our friends will be the-

I don't feel like it. I'm tired and I've got nothing to show.

Well yeah, but just make a demo or have some models dress up like el-

I SAID NO!

 

[cleverlymadeup]

well they kinda dropped the ball with e3, hopefully it will get back to being good again

 

[Samah]

WTB Blizzcon Australia :'(
I want a vanity pet!

 

[MisguidedZen]

E3 has lost alot of interest and credibility in recent years, and I don't think many developers are taking it as seriously. If Blizzard wants to spend more time in production of what will surely be some of their biggest titles without distraction, I say let them be. There will be plenty of other unveiling opportunities for Blizzard to take advantage of, such as PAX or their own BlizzCon. Whenever they decide to pull the curtain back, I want what they show to have alot of time, effort, and passion put into it, and not be something dolled up for a rushed convention.

 

[nova18]

I always get this image in my head that Blizzard and Activision have this really bad moody girlfriend/boyfriend relationship.

Hey honey, lets go to this great party. All our friends will be the-

I don't feel like it. I'm tired and I've got nothing to show.

Well yeah, but just make a demo or have some models dress up like el-

I SAID NO!

LMFAO.
It makes sense I suppose, Blizzard just want to concentrate on getting these games out, not making little sneak previews for gaming conventions.

Lets hope this years is good though, E3 needs to reclaim the throne for best gaming event of the year. Even Leipzig beat it last year.

 

[TsunamiWombat]

I always get this image in my head that Blizzard and Activision have this really bad moody girlfriend/boyfriend relationship.

Hey honey, lets go to this great party. All our friends will be the-

I don't feel like it. I'm tired and I've got nothing to show.

Well yeah, but just make a demo or have some models dress up like el-

I SAID NO!

And then the police show up and Activision has a black eye, Blizzard is in it's snow covered room crying "NO MEANS NO!"

 

[Limos]

I don't see the problem. I've seen the latest released gameplay of Starcraft 2 and it looks amazing. I get all I need to know from the site, why should I care about E3?

 

[Kross]

I always get this image in my head that Blizzard and Activision have this really bad moody girlfriend/boyfriend relationship.

Hey honey, lets go to this great party. All our friends will be the-

I don't feel like it. I'm tired and I've got nothing to show.

Well yeah, but just make a demo or have some models dress up like el-

I SAID NO!

You left out the part where Activision hits up Blizzard for some money to dress up at the show.