BlizzCon 2026 marked the return of Blizzard Entertainment's flagship fan convention to an in-person format for the first time since 2023, and the developer used the occasion to unveil a significant number of new projects and updates across its major franchises. The opening ceremony in Anaheim, California, featured announcements ranging from new game sequels and spin-offs to multimedia adaptations.
StarCraft Shooter and Diablo 5 on the Horizon
A long-rumored StarCraft spin-off, described as an open-world shooter, was teased with a cinematic trailer. Dan Hay, formerly of Ubisoft's Far Cry team, is leading the development of this new entry, which is slated for a 2030 release. In a surprise reveal, Blizzard also confirmed that Diablo 5 is in development, with a cinematic teaser suggesting a narrative centered on the fall of Sanctuary. The sequel is expected in 2029, promising evolutions to the game's world and classes.
Diablo Expands to Netflix and Nintendo Switch
Beyond new game entries, the Diablo universe is expanding into new media. Blizzard announced an animated Diablo series is in development with Netflix. While no release window was provided, the company also hinted at potential adaptations for Overwatch and World of Warcraft. Furthermore, Diablo IV is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch on September 15, coinciding with the game's new season. The Diablo IV lineup will also expand with the addition of the Amazon class in the first half of 2027, featuring a javelin as a new weapon.
New Content for Existing Titles
Several existing Blizzard titles received significant updates and expansions. Heroes of the Storm will welcome Xal’atath, the Harbinger of the Void, as a new playable character. The support hero Doctrine, featuring stealth capabilities and healing drones, is arriving in Overwatch's upcoming Season 5. Hearthstone's next expansion, Reign of the Black Empire, is scheduled for October 20, and will introduce the Monk class to the game in 2027. World of Warcraft is preparing for its 12th expansion, The Last Titan, which will conclude the Worldsoul Saga in 2027 and features a colossal robot. Additionally, a new campaign for Warcraft 3 Reforged, titled Forsaken Kingdom, is set to release today, offering approximately 30 hours of content, a new graphics mode, and an additional unit. A new initiative called World of Warcraft Forever, described as a "Classic Plus" experience, will explore alternate timelines and begin around the events of the game's first year, launching on November 4.