BlizzCon 2026 saw significant issues with scalpers, particularly surrounding exclusive merchandise, and the problem has extended to the newly announced World of Warcraft: Forever Collector's Edition.
Lines for the Blizzard merch store on the day before BlizzCon officially began were reportedly several hours long, with attendees facing substantial waits for the chance to purchase items. Among the most sought-after items was a Pepe plush, featuring the popular World of Warcraft character in a special outfit. By the time some attendees reached the front of the line, such items were already sold out. These exclusive items are subsequently appearing on resale sites like eBay for significantly inflated prices; the Pepe plush, initially costing around $30, was seen listed for as much as $155.
The issues extend beyond simple merchandise. The BlizzCon Darkmoon Faire event, which requires a ticket and involves multiple queues for entry and activities, offered exclusive in-game pets. One such item, a robotic duck pet for World of Warcraft, was obtainable through a lottery system within the Faire, requiring attendees to purchase a ticket, wait in line, purchase another item, and then win a random chance to receive a code. Codes for this pet have surfaced on eBay with sales reaching $600. Another item, a blind box plushie from the Darkmoon Faire, also offered a random chance at an exclusive flying axolotl pet, which has been resold for up to $500. The source notes that these pets are, as far as is known, only available through these limited and randomized BlizzCon events, contributing to their scarcity and resale value.
The scalping problem is not confined to BlizzCon itself. The recently revealed World of Warcraft: Forever Collector's Edition, priced at $150, has also become a target for resellers. Despite multiple restocks since its announcement, players report that the edition sells out within seconds of becoming available online. Images shared online show the Collector's Edition being listed on eBay for considerably higher prices than its retail value.
While Blizzard's security measures are improving, the source suggests the company bears some responsibility for these scalping issues. The design of the limited and randomized pet code system at BlizzCon and the relatively lax restrictions on Collector's Edition purchases are cited as factors that enable scalpers. While the exact number of Collector's Editions available in future restocks remains to be seen, the current situation has led to frustration among players unable to purchase the item at its intended price. The widespread nature of scalping, affecting everything from game merchandise to concert tickets, is highlighted as a persistent problem within consumer economies.