I just got news from Blizzard Community Manager Xordiah on my IM that Blizzard is going to hold another World Wide Invitational (like a mini-BlizzCon for the gamers and the games industry) in late June this year.
The fourth Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational is coming to Europe! The event will be held at the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center, Paris, France, over the 28th and 29th of June 2008. Open to gamers from around the world, the Worldwide Invitational will feature a wide variety of activities, including:
- Artist and developer signings
- Professional eSport tournaments and casual tournaments for attendees
- Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II
- Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
- Silent auction
- Musical performances
To attend the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, you must purchase tickets in advance here on the Worldwide Invitational website. Tickets are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks on a first-come, first-served basis until they are sold out, though Blizzard Entertainment reserves the right to sell additional tickets in the future. There will be a five-ticket limit per household. Further details on purchasing tickets will follow in the weeks ahead.
Considering that StarCraft II was release during the WWI 2007 in Korea, one wonders what this one in France will give. Is there some game many French gamers like in particular, or is it just convenient to have it near the World of WarCraft datacentre there? Make sure to check all news sites in June! Possible games are Starcraft Online, Diablo III, Diablo Online or something completely new. Rumours certantly have been circulating…
So, see you in France?!
Update:
Official Blizzard WWI 2008 Page.
Official FAQ.
Apparently, the visit to the WWI will be €70/£55 and will include a famous Blizzard goodie bag!
What do I get for the price of a ticket?
Each ticket includes a 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational badge that grants access to the two-day event. Attendees will also get a Worldwide Invitational goody bag containing exclusive swag. More details on the contents of the goody bag will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Please be aware that transportation and accommodations are not included with the cost of any 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational ticket.
Last year in Korea, IncGamers reported back live from the event and you can read all about it in our reports of the 2007 WWI. There is also a gallery from the 2007 event if you ‘ve not checked those out before.
Yippeee I actually have a hope of going to this one:)