Blizzard has announced the date for its new online convention, BlizzConline.
After BlizzCon 2020 was canceled, the Overwatch and World of Warcraft game developer has come up with an alternative event, premiering next year. BlizzConline will be taking place February 19 through 20, featuring a variety of community-oriented showcases.
“While circumstances are keeping us from gathering in person this year, we’re putting together a little something early next year to channel the spirit of BlizzCon into the form of an online show,” Blizzard stated.
In an official blog post on the new event, Blizzard noted that there’s still a lot of planning left to do. There will be more BlizzConline events announced down the line, but the team wanted to shine a spotlight on the Community Showcase until then. This will be an opportunity for cosplayers and artists to participate in online competitions and gatherings with fans from all over the world.
BlizzConline cosplay exhibition announced
BlizzConline’s Cosplay Exhibition is a “just-for-fun showcase” open to cosplayers of all skill levels from seasoned veterans to casual first-timers. Blizzard noted that the online format of the exhibition allows for cosplayers to invite their furry friends to the fun.
Cosplayers and dressed up pets have until January 4, 2021 to submit a photo or video of themselves for a chance to appear in the online show.
For guidelines on how to properly submit your cosplay for consideration, what is being looked for for in terms of quality, and other important criteria, it’s recommended that potential cosplayers read the official rules and registration guidelines.
More serious cosplayers will also have until January 4, 2021 to submit entries to the Cosplay Contest.
“The cosplay contest is always one of the highlights of BlizzCon—and even if we won’t be sharing a physical stage together, we still want to give top-notch cosplay creators a chance to showcase their skills in the virtual spotlight,” Blizzard said.
There will be four categories: Best Blizzard Character, Best Blizzard Weapons & Armor, Best Modern Creation, and Best Traditional Creation. Judges will determine one winner for each category as well as a best cosplay overall. The winners will be broadcast to the world during BlizzConline.
Here’s the official rules and the entry form.
BlizzConline art contest
BlizzConline will also feature an art contest.
“Whether you’re painting a valiant hero, sculpting an iconic villain, illustrating a memorable moment from inside your game (or out), this is your chance to shine a spotlight on your artistic talent,” Blizzard stated.
The game developer also noted that Blizzard’s 30th anniversary is February, 2021, which could be something that sparks an artist’s creativity. Of course, the artwork doesn’t have to mark that specific occasion and can instead be anything Blizzard-related.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third-place winners. They will also have their artwork featured in segments throughout the BlizzConline broadcast.
Like the cosplay contest, there are official rules and an entry form. The deadline is also January 4, 2021.
Digital Storytelling will also have a contest at BlizzConline. Blizzard invited “aspiring digital filmmakers and moviemaking auteurs” to create original shorts based on Blizzard’s universe. Once again, they hinted that the 30th anniversary might be a good starting point.
“That could mean retelling an epic story with your own spin, imagining a collision of iconic characters from different times or universes, or exploring wherever your creativity takes you. Your short can feature live-action, animation, in-game footage, or a mix of all three,” Blizzard explained.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place. The story will be shown during the live BlizzConline broadcast. Check out the official rules for maximum running time, file size and format, and other submission criteria. The deadline is January 4, 2021.
Blizzard will also be hosting a Talent Spotlight. People must submit a video of their performance, whether it be singing, dancing, or other special talents to possibly be featured during the BlizzConline broadcast. This is a chance for the Blizzard community’s “extraordinary abilities” to be recognized and celebrated.
March of the Murlocs
“If you’ve attended BlizzCon in the past couple of years, you may have encountered a particularly peculiar procession, as hundreds of people masquerading as murlocs paraded through the convention halls. In honor of that grand tradition-in-the-making, we’re inviting you to participate in a virtual March of the Murlocs for BlizzConline!” Blizzard exclaimed.
To be considered for this virtual event, participants must send a photo or video of themselves walking, marching, or dancing while dressed as a murloc. It can even be someone’s “imaginative interpretation” of a murloc. Blizzard also wants photos and videos of murlocs marching within the game.
“Gather up your fish-minded guilds and allies and show us what you mrgrlglgrrl!” Blizzard said.
All of the official deadlines, rules, and registrations can be found on BlizzConline’s recent press release. Fans can also reach out to [email protected] with any questions about showcases and contests.
