Geeks and gamers around the world are breathing either a sigh of frustration or relief. BlizzCon planners have made the difficult decision to call off the 2020 convention.

Blizard has debated canceling BlizzCon for weeks now. Concerning the near-universal ban of large public gatherings, the announcement comes at no surprise to anyone. Besides, "con crud," sickness spread at events, is a well-documented phenomenon that convention-goers would normally consider a reasonable risk to take just to be there. Nowadays, preventing the spread of disease is a universal responsibility.

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Luckily, there may be alternatives to BlizzCon in person, thanks to the modern wonder that is the Internet. Many companies are trading in live events for live streams, like EVO holding its 2020 tournament and convention online. There are even Overwatch and League of Legends "Summer Camps" being held online to keep esports players in top shape.

blizzcon 2019

"We’re talking about how we might be able to channel the BlizzCon spirit and connect with you in some way online," writes Saralyn Smith, Executive Producer of BlizzCon. "We’d want to do this as soon as we could, but given that this is new-ish territory and the different factors involved, it will most likely be sometime early next year."

It is understandable that many people, not just gamers, are itching to go somewhere to be with people. A gaming convention for many would mean a return to normalcy and an exciting break from sheltering in place. For others, it is a missed opportunity to network. Those who would normally be setting up the space, providing the parking, selling foods, drinks, and official Blizzard gear, would say it is a loss of work.

Everyone is feeling the pinch, but it's good to know the gaming community is making smart decisions to help players get through this, such as Sony creating a fund for COVID-19 relief.

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Source: Blizzard