Blizzard Showcase 2026: major announcements on WoW, Diablo, Overwatch, and Hearthstone are coming
Blizzard Entertainment is kicking off 2026 with a big wave of announcements. In celebration of the company’s 35th anniversary, the game developer and publisher under Microsoft is hosting a series of showcases spotlighting its flagship franchises. Over the coming weeks, the teams behind World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and Diablo will go live to share detailed plans and updates for the year ahead.
The first event in the lineup is World of Warcraft — State of Azeroth, scheduled for January 29. Executive producer Holly Longdale and game director Ion Hazzikostas will dive deep into the future of the iconic MMO. Expect discussions not only about upcoming content updates for both the current game and popular classic servers but also a sneak peek at elements from the next major expansion, Midnight. This expansion is set to launch after the global release on March 2 and will play a key role in the overarching World Soul Saga storyline.

In the weeks that follow, Blizzard will host individual streams focused on its other major titles. Overwatch takes center stage on February 4, Hearthstone follows on February 9, and the series concludes with a Diablo showcase on February 11. The Diablo event holds special weight as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, with fans expecting fitting announcements and celebrations from the studio.
Blizzard Entertainment president Joanna Faris has promised an exciting and memorable schedule for the community. Reflecting on the company’s 35-plus years of history, she hinted at even bolder plans ahead. This series of presentations also serves as a lead-up to the official return of BlizzCon, slated for September 2026.
Alongside the announcement of these streams, Blizzard released a video titled The Next Chapter. This visual journey highlights the studio’s history by showcasing nearly 400 physical artifacts from its archives. The film pays tribute to the milestones and releases that have shaped Blizzard’s identity over the decades.

