As we have approached BlizzCon, Stratics has spoken with various guilds about what they are most looking forward to. We were fortunate enough to also speak with Drysc (WoW Community Manager) about what he was looking forward to:
There’s a ton of stuff. First we have all of our announced contests. I always like the costume contest actually. There are a host of panels, some of which I will be moderating. You can come and ask about World of Warcraft to the developers. You can come and ask about Starcraft II to the developers. There are activities and tournaments. Personally I think I like the panels, 'cause you can actually talk to the developers. You don’t get a direct conduit there very often to hear what they have to say about the game—what they think about the game. When they’re making the game…
I think you should be ready to have a lot of fun, because everybody that is coming is passionate about Blizzard games. That is really what separates BlizzCon from just your general convention like Comic-Con. At BlizzCon everybody wants to be there for Blizzard games. Everybody likes to talk to each other about Blizzard games. We have the realm meeting area. People can meet their friends from realms and battlegroups.
Vectivus from the guild Virtuous is looking forward to the events of the BlizzCon as well as the attractions of Anaheim itself:
Our biggest interest in attending BlizzCon (sheer awesomeness aside) is in the developer panels and meeting some of the faces behind the game. We've been avid players of Blizzard games for many years, and we're sincerely looking forward to chatting up developers, artists, community managers... anyone who will give us a minute here or there!
We'll be getting into Anaheim a day or two ahead of the conference, so we'll spend some time touring and checking out the nearby attractions. We'll also be raiding from the hotel, connections permitting. :) After hours, we're hoping to meet up with some other players and hit up some hot spots nearby, or otherwise enjoy the night life.
Zyeraa from Fraternitus Adamantius is looking towards a more social experience:
Well four of us are sharing a car/hotel and I think we're going to see what sort of amazing food (SUSHI!) Anaheim has to offer, and maybe we'll drive by something really cool we have to check out! We don't have any real set plans but I'm pretty sure we'll find a place for our guild to get together and have dinner on one of the nights ... among other normal things like just chilling by the pool at the hotel and meeting people.
I think most of the guild is looking forward to seeing what Blizzard has planned for all the adoring fans, acquiring a beta key to a new game, and of course meeting all sorts of other fans from all around. I am most looking forward to seeing what's new for Blizzard, getting some sweet convention freebies, and meeting in person a big portion of my guild.
The Scheduled Events are posted along with the Developer Panels. Drysc recommends that:
If you want to see something specific, get there early.
It seems that the biggest event not sanctioned by Blizzard is the Friday afterparty at the House of Blues. Fother came up with the idea and organized the community on the BlizzCon forums:
Well, just thought it would be a good idea to get together with fellow
Blizzard fans and talk it up. Not every day you get to have that many fans
in one place (real life).
The details of the event are here. All are welcome and there is not an age restriction (yes— you can come if you are under 18):
Aug. 3rd. Friday, after BlizzCon, it seems a large number of us will be heading down to the House of Blues. I called and informed them of the vast interest by Blizzers in the fine establishment. All ages are allowed. It is a restaurant w/ a bar. After 10:30 no more food is served and area becomes more of a socializing scene. It is in Downtown Disney (walking distance) right down the street.
Also, we will probably fill up the HOB, but don't fret; ESPN Zone is couple steps away. Here is a map of Convention Center and the area around it to give you a better idea. So let’s all shoot for House of Blues, if that doesn't work out, ESPN zone, after that any other place around there.
If you are going to eat, the Jazz restaurant is awesome. Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. Went there 2 weeks ago and if you like steak. Get the "Grilled Tournedos of Beef" I also added some shrimp on the side. It’s like getting your first epic item I imagine. haha
Be sure to wear your badge so we know that you are one of us.
Feel free to email me with any other questions.
Fother
FLASH-34@HOTMAIL.COM
BlizzCon is shaping up to be an absolutely awesome event. I personally can’t wait. What am I looking forward to? That’s easy—meeting everyone that I have had the pleasure to interact with from the Blizzard community and (of course) Starcraft II. Feel free to say hi when you see me there :)
– JoeMcDoug
