Blizzard Entertainment is celebrating three decades of Warcraft with a special 30th-anniversary livestream. This broadcast, replacing the traditional BlizzCon announcement, will encompass the entire Warcraft universe, from the original Warcraft: Orcs and Humans to modern titles like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble. The stream promises a retrospective look at Warcraft’s history, a glimpse into the future with the Worldsoul Saga, and perhaps a few surprises. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in.
When and Where to Watch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct
The Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct will begin at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, November 13th. While the exact duration is unknown, it will be followed by a “World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music” concert featuring an orchestra and three choirs.
You can catch the livestream on Blizzard’s official Warcraft channels:
Additionally, viewing the stream within Hearthstone, Warcraft Rumble, and World of Warcraft will unlock special rewards. Blizzard will provide more details on these rewards later.
A promotional image for World of Warcraft's 20th Anniversary celebration featuring key characters.
Celebrating 30 Years of Warcraft History
The anniversary direct will commemorate the rich history of the Warcraft franchise, starting with the groundbreaking real-time strategy game Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, released on November 15, 1994. The stream will feature developers from across Warcraft’s history, sharing insights and reflections on the past 30 years. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft, launched on November 23, 2004, propelled the series into mainstream popularity, and its evolution will undoubtedly be a focal point of the celebration.
A Look into Warcraft’s Future: The Worldsoul Saga
Beyond nostalgia, the direct will also explore the future of the Warcraft universe, specifically the Worldsoul Saga. This overarching narrative, announced in 2023, will unfold across three World of Warcraft expansions. The first chapter, The War Within, launched on August 26, 2024. Two more expansions, Midnight and The Last Titan, will complete the saga by 2030. Blizzard aims to usher in a new era of gameplay and storytelling with the Worldsoul Saga, offering players a grand narrative spanning multiple expansions and culminating 20 years of adventure, setting the stage for the next 20.
Anticipating Surprises and the Future of BlizzCon
Blizzard has hinted at surprises in store for viewers during the anniversary direct. The official blog post encourages fans not to miss a single moment, suggesting potential reveals or announcements beyond the retrospective and Worldsoul Saga discussion. This stream effectively replaces BlizzCon 2024, which Blizzard canceled earlier this year with plans to revive it in the future. Instead of a single large event, Blizzard has opted for individual announcements and celebrations for its franchises throughout the year.
Conclusion: Join the Celebration
The Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct promises a compelling blend of nostalgia, future insights, and potential surprises for fans of the iconic franchise. Mark your calendars for November 13th and join the celebration on Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok. Don’t forget to watch within eligible games for exclusive rewards. This livestream represents a significant moment for the Warcraft community, offering a chance to reflect on the past and look forward to the exciting future of this beloved universe.
