Blizzard Entertainment has officially announced its comprehensive showcase schedule for 2026, featuring a series of developer-led livestreams dedicated to its iconic gaming franchises. These presentations will deliver significant updates and reveal future plans for titles including 'World of Warcraft,' 'Overwatch,' 'Hearthstone,' and 'Diablo.' This multi-faceted event also commemorates Blizzard's 35th anniversary and provides an initial peek into the much-anticipated return of BlizzCon, slated for September. In parallel, Bandai Namco Entertainment has separately unveiled 'Dragon Ball: Age 1000,' an entirely new game project set to expand the beloved 'Dragon Ball' universe with original concepts by creator Akira Toriyama.
Extensive Showcase Details and New Game Reveals
From late January through mid-February, Blizzard Entertainment will host a series of four dedicated livestreams on its official YouTube and Twitch channels, each focusing on a specific franchise. The 'World of Warcraft: State of Azeroth' presentation will kick off this exciting period on January 29, followed by spotlight events for 'Overwatch,' 'Hearthstone,' and 'Diablo.' Each session promises a wealth of new game announcements, detailed roadmaps for future content, and insightful commentary directly from Blizzard's development teams. Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this showcase, stating that it marks a crucial juncture for the company as it honors over three decades of history while charting an ambitious course for the future. She added that these presentations are merely the beginning of the extensive plans Blizzard intends to share throughout the year. To complement these announcements, Blizzard has also released a commemorative video titled 'Blizzard: The Next Chapter,' which chronicles the studio's rich history through an impressive collection of approximately 400 artifacts, highlighting pivotal releases and milestones over its 35-year journey. The video positions the upcoming showcase and BlizzCon's return as foundational elements of the company's next evolutionary phase. Meanwhile, during the 'Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri' event, Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. thrilled fans with the announcement of 'Dragon Ball: Age 1000.' This new 'Dragon Ball' game project, set for a 2027 release, will introduce an original world and characters meticulously crafted by franchise creator Akira Toriyama. A reveal trailer offered the first glimpse of a brand-new character designed exclusively for this project, promising a fresh expansion of the 'Dragon Ball' narrative beyond its established timelines. Further details regarding 'Age 1000,' including platforms and gameplay mechanics, are expected to be disclosed at the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026, scheduled for April 18–19 in Los Angeles. This annual fan event, now in its sixth year, will serve as a major platform for the 'Dragon Ball' franchise, featuring competitive tournaments for titles like 'Dragon Ball FighterZ,' 'Dragon Ball Super Card Game Masters,' and 'Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World,' alongside hands-on exhibits for upcoming games such as 'Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra' and 'Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero,' as well as merchandise and interactive fan experiences.
This dual announcement by Blizzard and Bandai Namco underscores a vibrant period for the gaming industry, signaling a future rich with innovation and expansion for some of the most cherished franchises. The detailed showcases and new game reveals offer fans not only a celebration of past achievements but also a tantalizing preview of the creative directions these companies are exploring. It highlights a commitment to evolving narratives and engaging gameplay experiences, suggesting that the coming years will be filled with exciting developments for gamers worldwide.