Blizzard Entertainment used the BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony to announce multiple major projects spanning its core franchises. The announcements include an animated series for Netflix, a long-term release schedule for a new shooter, and expanded content for its flagship massively multiplayer online game.
Diablo Animation and Starcraft Shooter
Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard, announced an exclusive animated series based on the Diablo franchise developed for Netflix.
"As a huge fan of Diablo and a lover of the deep darkness of Sanctuary, I am thrilled to see this project come to life"
Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard
"And although I begged and pleaded to be able to share more, I still cannot reveal anything. I promise that as soon as we can, we will share more details with you"
Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard
In addition to the television project, Blizzard officially announced a third-person narrative open-world Starcraft shooter. The project is scheduled for release in 2030. Dan Hay presented the game during the ceremony.
"the sons and daughters of the Dominion answered the call. When humanity needed them most, their courage stood firm. Their sacrifice bought us another day. Now the call comes to you. Hold their strength. No matter the cost"
Dan Hay, Developer
World of Warcraft Updates
The studio also detailed upcoming expansions and projects for World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft Forever is a new Classic Plus massively multiplayer online game developed by the World of Warcraft Classic team. The project is set during the first year of the original game and features three new zones, overhauled zones, over one thousand quests, nine new dungeons, a new race, and full gamepad support. It launches on November 4, 2026. Separately, the next content update for World of Warcraft: Midnight was announced under the title Eclipse.
While the immediate focus remains on the upcoming launch of World of Warcraft Forever, the development team has emphasized that this "Classic Plus" initiative represents a significant departure from standard re-releases. By anchoring the experience within the inaugural year of the original title, the team aims to expand the game’s historical footprint rather than simply iterating on existing mechanics. The addition of a new race and the inclusion of nine dungeons are designed to flesh out the lore of the early Azeroth era, providing veteran players with fresh challenges while maintaining the foundational spirit of the original release.
The implementation of full gamepad support for this title marks a notable shift in the studio's approach to accessibility for its long-standing MMO portfolio. This integration is expected to broaden the player base, allowing for a more fluid experience that aligns with modern gaming hardware standards. As the November 4, 2026, release date approaches, the development team intends to provide further clarity on how these systems will interact with the overhauled zones and the influx of over 1,000 new quests.
Furthermore, the announcement regarding World of Warcraft: Midnight and its upcoming Eclipse update suggests a multi-pronged strategy for the franchise. By simultaneously supporting the live-service evolution of the modern game and investing in the nostalgic depth of the Classic team’s new project, Blizzard is positioning its MMO division to cater to divergent player preferences. The Eclipse update serves as the next narrative milestone for the Midnight expansion, ensuring that the current retail experience remains robust even as the studio pivots resources toward the ambitious 2030 timeline for its new Starcraft venture. With the Starcraft project still in its early narrative phases, the studio is clearly balancing high-profile, long-term development cycles with immediate content refreshes for its established player communities.
