BlizzCon returned to Anaheim in 2026 for its first in-person event since 2023, and Blizzard used the opening ceremony to outline a packed slate of upcoming projects. Announcements covered Heroes of the Storm, Diablo, StarCraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone and World of Warcraft.
Heroes of the Storm adds Xal’atath
Xal’atath, the Harbinger of the Void, is joining Blizzard’s MOBA as a new playable character. She will not be the only addition planned for the Nexus, with further characters expected.
Although Blizzard reduced major development activity around the game in 2022, Heroes of the Storm has continued receiving seasonal patches and ongoing multiplayer support.
Diablo is being adapted for Netflix
Blizzard confirmed that an animated Diablo series is in development for Netflix, although no footage was shown and no release timing was provided. The announcement was shared on pic.twitter.com/F7dKh73f12.
Blizzard also hinted that screen adaptations based on Overwatch and World of Warcraft are being developed.
StarCraft heads into open-world action
The first trailer of the ceremony showed Terran marines charging into a brutal battle before being overwhelmed. The long-rumoured StarCraft spin-off is being led by Dan Hay, the former head of Far Cry at Ubisoft.
The open-world shooter is not expected until 2030, making it one of the event’s most distant announcements.
Overwatch introduces Doctrine
Doctrine is a stealth-focused support hero who uses drones to heal teammates. Blizzard described the character as essentially vampiric, and presented the reveal through a new cinematic short.
A hero trial begins immediately, while Doctrine is scheduled to arrive with season 5.
Diablo IV is coming to Switch 2
After months of speculation, Blizzard confirmed that Diablo IV will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15. The release will coincide with the game’s new season.
The Amazon joins Diablo IV in 2027
The Amazon will arrive as a new class pack during the first half of 2027. This bow-wielding warrior also brings a javelin into the Diablo arsenal, expanding the class’s weapon options.
Blizzard described the Amazon as combining disciplined soldiering, exceptional athleticism and mythical magic. The announcement can be found in the September 12, 2026 post from the official Diablo account.
Diablo 5 is targeting 2029
A surprise cinematic teaser confirmed that Diablo 5 is in development and planned for 2029. The sequel will depict the fall of Sanctuary, while Blizzard is promising changes to the world, character classes and more.
Further information is due during a dedicated panel later in the convention weekend. Until then, the latest arcade and gaming news remains the best place to follow major industry announcements.
Hearthstone announces Reign of the Black Empire
Reign of the Black Empire is the next Hearthstone expansion, launching on October 20. The card game will also receive the Monk class for the first time in 2027.
The Last Titan gets its first look
Blizzard showed the first footage from The Last Titan, the 12th expansion for World of Warcraft. Scheduled for 2027, it will conclude the Worldsoul Saga.
The reveal teased a gigantic robot equipped with enormous laser cannons, promising a suitably large-scale threat for the MMO’s next chapter.
Warcraft III receives a new campaign
Warcraft III: Reforged – Forsaken Kingdom continues the story of The Fall of Lordaeron, more than two decades after the original game’s release.
Blizzard says the campaign will provide 30 hours of content, alongside a new graphics mode and an additional unit. It is available from today, while the announcement’s supporting video can be viewed with 30 hours of content.
World of Warcraft Forever brings a “Classic Plus” approach
World of Warcraft Forever launches on November 4 and will explore alternate versions of important moments from the MMO’s history. The opening storyline begins around the events of the game’s first year.
The new version will operate alongside both the current game and existing Classic offerings, giving players three distinct World of Warcraft experiences. Blizzard has described the project as a new approach to vanilla WoW, outlined in This new approach to vanilla WoW.
For readers weighing up a home arcade setup inspired by classic gaming, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the key choices, while the arcade machine range offers a starting point for exploring cabinet formats.
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