A new StarCraft? Diablo 4 Switch 2? All the BlizzCon 2026 announcements from the opening ceremony as they happen

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   BlizzCon 2026 Reveals Diablo 5, StarCraft Shooter, and Switch 2 Port

   Blizzard revealed a slate of major projects at BlizzCon 2026, headlined by Diablo 5 and a new open-world StarCraft shooter described as Deadwood in space. Alongside these future titles, developers announced World of Warcraft: Forever and confirmed that Diablo 4 will continue past Season 15 into Season 16. Nintendo Switch 2 owners will receive the Diablo IV: Age Of Hatred Collection. The convention marked the first BlizzCon event since 2023, showcasing significant franchise updates and platform expansions across Blizzard's major properties.

   Why it matters

   The return of BlizzCon after a multi-year hiatus highlights Blizzard's push to revitalize legacy IPs with major genre shifts and hardware adaptations. The confirmation of ongoing support for Diablo 4 alongside the unexpected reveal of Diablo 5 demonstrates a dual-track strategy for the franchise. Meanwhile, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release expands the reach of the action role-playing series onto new hardware.

   What is confirmed

   • Blizzard revealed a new StarCraft open-world shooter, Diablo 5, and World of Warcraft: Forever at BlizzCon 2026.
   • Diablo 4 developers confirmed development will continue beyond Season 15 into Season 16.
   • The Diablo IV: Age Of Hatred Collection launches on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Additional news from BlizzCon 2026 will roll in over the days following the event's official conclusion.

   What to watch next

   • Further details regarding the release timeline and gameplay for the StarCraft open-world shooter and Diablo 5.
   • Post-launch coverage and player reception of the Diablo IV: Age Of Hatred Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2.
   • Official announcements concerning the content and release window for World of Warcraft: Forever.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. blizzardwatch.com — BlizzCon 2026 recap: Everything announced across all of Blizzard’s games
   2. www.rockpapershotgun.com — A StarCraft open-world shooter that's "Deadwood in space", Diablo 5, and a new classic-ish World of Warcraft branch out this year make up Blizzard of reveals
   3. blizzardwatch.com — Diablo 4 will have a Season 16, and possibly more, despite the Diablo 5 announcement
   4. nintendowire.com — Diablo IV: Age Of Hatred Collection coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this week
   confidence 100%
2. 2d ago

   BlizzCon 2026 reveals Diablo V and open-world StarCraft shooter

   Blizzard announced Diablo V and a new StarCraft title at the BlizzCon 2026 opening ceremony. The upcoming StarCraft 3 will be an open-world shooter scheduled for release in 2030. Other major reveals include WoW Forever and the launch of Diablo 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15. This event marks the return of BlizzCon after a hiatus since 2023. The showcase focused on reviving legacy franchises with significant genre shifts and platform expansions.

   Why it matters

   BlizzCon is Blizzard's flagship showcase event. The 2026 return follows a nearly three-year gap since the last event in 2023. These announcements signal a shift in direction for the company's core intellectual properties.

   What is confirmed

   • Blizzard announced Diablo V.
   • StarCraft is returning as an open-world shooter.
   • StarCraft 3 is scheduled for release in 2030.
   • Blizzard announced WoW Forever.
   • BlizzCon 2026 is the first such event since 2023.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Diablo 4 will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15.
   • Blizzard announced WoW Classic Plus.
   • A major new Overwatch update is coming.

   What to watch next

   • Official release date and platform details for Diablo V
   • Gameplay footage of the StarCraft open-world shooter
   • Confirmation of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware launch alongside Diablo 4
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Eurogamer.net — A new StarCraft? Diablo 4 Switch 2? All the BlizzCon 2026 announcements from the opening ceremony as they happen
   2. Blizzard News — Everything Announced at BlizzCon® 2026 Opening Ceremony
   3. Game Informer — Everything Announced At BlizzCon 2026
   4. XBOX Wire — BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony: Starcraft Returns, Diablo V Announced, Warcraft news and more
   5. Polygon.com — BlizzCon 2026: The biggest news and reveals from Blizzard's big show
   6. The New York Times — StarCraft Is Returning, but as an Open-World Shooter
   7. Variety — ‘StarCraft 3,’ an Open-World Shooter Game, Coming in 2030; First Look Revealed
   8. The Verge — StarCraft returns in 2030 as an open-world shooter
   9. Pure Xbox — Roundup: All The Biggest Reveals From Blizzcon 2026, Including Two Massive Announcements
   10. www.escapistmagazine.com — StarCraft, Diablo 5 and WoW Forever Define BlizzCon 2026
   11. www.eurogamer.net — Everything announced in the BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony
   12. beebom.com — Everything Announced at BlizzCon 2026: Diablo 5, StarCraft, and More
   confidence 90%