Blizzcon 2019 Redemption

We have been raiding Blizzcon since 2007 and it was not until last year that we actually stood back and went "man ... that was very disappointing". It wasn't tied to the lack of announcements or the ho-hum feeling we had for most of the closing artists (although Lindsey Sterling is very entertaining) or getting our Uber ride ninja'd from us (funny actually). 

Things that really irk'd us with 2018 were the abysmal way security handled things ... they all needed lessons on mass crowds from the peeps across the street at Mickeyland ... those people know how to make things safe, secure and still flow smoothly. We had one incident where a very poorly trained and informed worker sent a mass of us on a long exodus with the promise of quicker entry ... that led to a TWO HOUR WAIT and many missed the opening show. We just started drinking Whisky at the Marriott bar around 11 am because of him (super thanks to the lady bartender who opened early for us). 

Once inside, the new hall layout felt like a massive segregation. Each one was designed to separate players of one game type from another ... but most Blizzard gamers play multiple game types ... so why put so much division in the system? Heck, Hearthstone was relegated to a far off land in the expansion wings that even by day two I still had people stopping me, asking if I knew where Hearthstone stuff was ... not good Blizzard.

So this year we approached the convention with apprehension ... a first for us in our decades long attendance. Surprise number one was the security and how it was designed. Although the initial retrieval of our statues and gear was a little "iffy" ... a five mile hike after getting our badges through a maze of directions ... could have been better. However, when it came time to actually entering the halls in the morning, we were greeted with speed and efficiency akin to the Disneyland security so respected. In a blink of an eye, we were through even in the early morning despite my brother's overly large belt buckle setting everything off. Point for Blizzard and the Universal security team company they contracted. 

Then came the layout ... halls were still separated to some degree but the openness of the halls, anchored by the massive Hearthstone Tavern center of the convention center gave a very inclusive, warm reception. It was as if every good starting point for a fantasy RPG was there: you all meet in a tavern ... now off with you to your adventure!!! We were delighted by how well things seemed to flow WITH each other instead of splitting each other up. And the use of each hall and space was, in our opinions, fantastic. 

The Arcade downstairs was one of the best uses we had ever seen for that space ... instead of a simple badge collecting store location. Despite being downstairs, it didn't feel "far away" from the main halls and still felt as if the convention was just spreading out. I'd love to see Blizzard expand on its use in the future even more.

The Darkmoon Faire was a tad out of the main area but I feel it was the best use of that expansion area ... they have to use it for something. The store was also a solid location downstairs as a destination that may be somewhat out of the way but in essence, does not interfere with the rest of the convention's traffic. 

I also was delighted to see the continued use of large monitors throughout all the halls and locations. Many people don't attend the panels in person but we do want to see them ... while in line is the PERFECT way to keep your lines moving, the players busy while waiting and puts a spoon full of sugar on the queues to play games. Well played Blizzard.

Shout out to the #FreeHongKong protesters for keeping their beliefs strong but peaceful and not overbearing. I think their points are strengthened by such a performance and from what I could see, they were generally accepted warmly. GGs all.

And here is to looking forward to Blizzcon 2020 ...

-Bones