Blizzard has cancelled this year's BlizzCon due to complications caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

As announced in an event update, the show's executive producer Saralyn Smith claimed that organisers are looking at a digital format to replace the convention. That's likely to take place in early 2021. 

"We're feeling deeply disappointed about this decision, and imagine many of you will feel the same," said Smith.

"I truly love BlizzCon, and I know that's a sentiment shared by everyone at Blizzard. We will sorely miss connecting with so many of you at the convention and 'recharging our geek batteries' this fall."

"We're talking about how we might be able to channel the BlizzCon spirit and connect with you in some way online, far less impacted by the state of health and safety protocols for mass in-person gatherings. We'd want to do this as soon as we could, but given that this is new-ish territory and the different factors involved, it will most likely be sometime early next year."

Furthermore, BlizzCon is a stage for major esports events within Blizzard's games such as Hearthstone and Overwatch. As such, organisers will look for a different way to support those tournaments this year.

The annual show has joined a number of events that have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Next month, E3 was scheduled to take place, but the ESA cancelled the conference back in March. As a result, multiple companies have turned to digital alternatives.

Next month, as a part of Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, Electronic Arts will host EA Play online. Furthermore, Ubisoft has announced its event – Ubisoft Forward – for July 12th.