All articles tagged with #blizzard entertainment
Blizzard released a May 11, 2026 patch for Heroes of the Storm introducing broad balance changes across numerous heroes (e.g., Arthas, Chen, Deathwing, Gazlowe, Mal'Ganis, Tyrande, Zagara) along with several talent tweaks and buffs, plus map adjustments to Haunted Mines and Golem scaling. The update also includes bug fixes for maps and quest-related displays on various heroes, improving feedback and QoL.”
Blizzard is replacing its mini-sets with Class Sets in Hearthstone Patch 35.4, starting with a four-class batch (Druid, Hunter, Paladin, Mage) that each receive a seven-card class set designed to enhance archetypes and class identity. The program aims for stronger first-day class moments, noticeable meta shifts, and ongoing updates throughout the year with four sets per expansion cycle. Class Sets can be bought individually or bundled, using Runestones, Gold, or real money, with release beginning May 5 and additional sets rolling out in waves later in the year.
World of Warcraft’s Patch 12.0.5 rollout sparked widespread frustration over bugs and balance issues; Blizzard apologized, said the team has been working around the clock to stabilize the game with hotfixes, and committed to better, earlier communication about known issues and fixes going forward.
Diablo IV receives a major Skill Tree overhaul that turns each skill into multiple branching options, making upgrades immediately tangible and enabling highly personalized builds across all classes, with the Lord of Hatred expansion launching on April 28.
Blizzard released the Heroes of the Storm live patch on April 20, 2026, adding a full Arthas rework, a broad balance pass across many heroes, map updates (Garden of Terror Classic returns to Custom Games and Haunted Mines returns to Quick Match), and gameplay changes including the removal of Unranked mode, reduced mid-to-late game respawn timers (back to 65 seconds by level 22), a new Scrapper Mad Axe Mono Wheel mount, and updated home screen music; the patch also buffs Warhead Junction’s Nuke (cast time, DoT, and fort damage) and includes numerous bug fixes across maps and heroes.
Blizzard has shut down the private World of Warcraft server Turtle WoW after eight years, following copyright pressure as the project grew publicized and monetized through donations; Turtle WoW offered a heavily updated Classic+-style experience with rebuilt balance, new content, and a more grounded levelling arc that attracted many players seeking the old-school feel. The piece argues there are clear lessons for Blizzard about how players respond to Classic+ tinkering and pacing, suggesting official WoW could benefit from evolving leveling, content design, and playable options that capture Turtle WoW’s appeal while protecting IP.
Stormforge, a private World of Warcraft server project, will cease all operations by May 14, 2026 after a cease-and-desist from Blizzard; realms remain online until closure but no new accounts can be created. With Blizzard winning a court case against Turtle WoW, the crackdown on fan-run servers appears to continue, pushing players toward official WoW Classic options. Stormforge says it will pivot to its own non-Blizzard projects in the future.
Overwatch's Switch 2 port is reportedly running at 30 FPS rather than the promised up-to-60 FPS in docked and handheld modes, with Blizzard acknowledging the issue and promising a fix soon.
Blizzard announced Overwatch: Undivided, a 40-episode WEBTOON that expands the Reign of Talon storyline, with Episodes 1–3 available for free at launch on March 31, 2026; Episodes 4–8 can be read early via WEBTOON’s FastPass. The series centers on characters like D.Va, Juno, and Tracer and includes previews of various heroes’ designs, with the WEBTOON app and website serving as the reading platforms.
Former Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan says Blizzard CFO Dennis Durkin pressured hitting revenue targets, warning that 1,000 developers would lose their jobs; exact targets are redacted by confidentiality. Kaplan attributes the pressure to Overwatch League investments that strained resources, and he left Blizzard to work with indie studio Kintsugiyama on The Legend of California.
Blizzard announces Overwatch Rush, a mobile-first top-down hero shooter built from the ground up for iOS and Android. The game is in early development and currently undergoing limited geo testing with a release date not yet announced. A dedicated Blizzard team (separate from Team 4) is developing it, focusing on fast-paced, bite-sized sessions, intuitive mobile controls, and optional in-app purchases in a free-to-play model. Controllers aren’t supported in the current version, and further content, balance updates, and testing will evolve based on player feedback via Discord.
Blizzard partners with Zillow to launch a Zillow-style housing explorer for World of Warcraft, letting players browse in-game homes across Azeroth ahead of the Midnight expansion, with the new Hearthsteel currency enabling real-money microtransactions and refunds while highlighting regulatory considerations.
Blizzard released the first Diablo II expansion in 25 years, Reign of the Warlock, exclusive to Diablo II Resurrected owners, introducing the Warlock class and signaling potential future content guided by community feedback to honor the game's 30th anniversary.
Blizzard says there will be no Hearthstone 2, clarifying that a BlizzCon 2026 reveal will be bigger than usual but not a new game. The Hearthstone expansion Cataclysm is coming March 17, bringing new mechanics and Colossals, plus a temporary unlock of cards from recent sets. The company also reiterates Hearthstone won’t be on consoles or handhelds yet, though platform considerations—potentially influenced by Microsoft—are being explored for the future.
Fareeha Andersen, Anran’s voice actor, backs a large fan movement asking Blizzard to revert Anran’s in-game appearance to her original design, criticizing the current look as 'ozempic-chic.' Anran remains in testing ahead of her Feb 10 launch, with Blizzard likely to consider changes in a future patch based on fan feedback.