The Calm Before the Storm

There is a specific, electrical energy that only exists in Anaheim on the eve of BlizzCon—it's something truly special.

Walking around the perimeter of the Anaheim Convention Center the night before the doors open, you can feel the quiet tension of "the calm before the storm." The giant glass facade sits illuminated, towering over Katella Avenue like a beacon for gamers who traveled from every corner of the globe. Inside, production crews are putting the final touches on the main stages; outside, the real gathering has already begun.

Step away from the plaza and into the Hilton or Marriott lobbies, and that quiet tension evaporates into pure, unfiltered celebration. Music is blaring through the atrium, drinks are flowing freely at the bar, and every couch is packed with guildmates meeting in person for the first time in years. You can’t walk three feet without bumping into someone practically vibrating with energy and excitement for tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony. Over the clinking glasses, the chatter always turns to one burning question: What are they going to reveal tomorrow?

The rumor mill is spinning at maximum velocity, and the wild theories floating around the floor tonight are pure gold:

• World of Warcraft: Whispers about "Project Camelot" and early setups for The Last Titan have everyone trying to guess if we're heading back to a revamped Northrend, or if Blizzard is preparing to throw a massive curveball into the Worldsoul Saga.

• StarCraft's Revival: The persistent rumors of a long-in-development StarCraft shooter are reaching a fever pitch—will this finally be the year we see a Ghost or Marine unit in a true action perspective?

• Surprise Crossovers & New Tech: Between Overwatch hero teasers and wild Hearthstone Monk class theories, the hype for the Opening Ceremony is higher than it's been in a decade.

• Diablo’s 30th Anniversary: With three decades of demon-slaying under our belts, what brand-new horrors are hidden in the darkness of Sanctuary waiting for us to discover?

Tomorrow is going to be a monumental day for Blizzard fans all around the world. If you are lucky enough to be on the ground in Anaheim for the big show tomorrow, keep an eye out and come find some of our team from ActionRPG.com. We’ll be roaming the halls, checking out the panels, and soaking in the atmosphere right alongside you.

So try to get a couple hours of sleep, drink some water, and get ready for tomorrow.

We’ll see you on the convention floor!