Another year, another BlizzCon. As November draws near, the anticipation mounts for the two day event. Gamers can't wait for the games, the tournaments, and most importantly: the swag.
Let's be honest, tens of thousands of people don't shell out two hundred dollars a pop just to see the latest World of Warcraft expansion. Every year Blizzard turns up the heat on the swag bag game, and this year marks the first time that virtual ticket purchasers can get their hands on the coveted goodies. Let's take a look at what Blizzard's most fervent fans have been able to get a hold of over the years.
2005: A Blizzard Odyssey
The inaugural year for BlizzCon, most fans were just excited to get a first look at The Burning Crusade, World of Warcraft's first major expansion. Attendees walked away with a code for Murky the Murloc as an in-game pet, a key to play Burning Crusade, and two ringing eardrums as The Offspring closed out the show. Most of all, Blizzard established its first-ever convention as a success by providing a stellar show and rewarding those who attended with unique souvenirs.
2007: Second Year Blues
After skipping out on 2006, Blizzard returned to Anaheim in 2007 with a bang. On the heels of the Emmy-award winning episode of South Park “Make Love, Not Warcraft”, attendees got an exclusive t-shirt with the South Park characters as well as their in-game avatars. In addition, a set of Blizzard-themed coasters, pins magnets and… hand sanitizer? Smart.
2008: Don't Hate, Inflate
Inflatable Frostmourne sword? Yes, please. Trading cards, silly face masks, comic books and Starcraft II themed sweat bands. Best of all was a World of Warcraft Polar Bear mount that now sells for over $600 on eBay. It was a good year to be a Blizzard fan.
2009: Hope You Like StarCraft
The biggest item in 2009's swag bag was a Jim Raynor vinyl figure from noobz, along with a Murloc space marine pet for World of Warcraft and a special addition authenticator. Also, more hand sanitizer. Are you trying to tell us something, Blizzard?
2010: Stepping Up the Collectible Vinyl Game
Following up from last year's Raynor collectible, a Dethling from WoW's Cataclysm expansion was the highlight, along with another authenticator, presumably because those darn things are so easy to lose. A downloadable code for a Murloc-dressed-as-another-Blizzard-character was included. I'm starting to sense a pattern.
2011: The Year You Should Have Gone, But Didn't
A mini-Tyrael figurine AND a Shaman Thrall Mega Bloks figure? Blizzard loved you in 2011. They also provided authenticators, Murlocs dressed as Crusaders, and coupons for SteelSeries products.
2013: Blizzard is Back! Again!
A Cute But Deadly set of Arthas, Kerrigan, and Diablo dominated 2013's offerings. A bit underwhelming, but if you're a fan of toys to put on your shelf, then it was a good score.
2014: Do You Like Metallica?
The band your friend likes a little too much closed out last year's show. Even if you weren't a fan of Metallica, there was a goody bag that provided something for everyone. A wristband with Alliance and Horde emblems (so you could change your allegiance on a whim), a bouncy ball with a little Protoss Archon inside, and everybody's favorite vinyl company, Pop, with a zombie Murloc exclusive to Blizzcon attendees. The year also introduced Blizzard fans to the world of collectible pin trading, because Disney cornered that market for far too long. One random pin and a Malthael keychain to be the envy of all your friends made for a very good BlizzCon.
2015: All The Swag Without The Lag
Can't make it to BlizzCon this year? That's fine, because now you can have the swag delivered right to your door! And this year does not aim to disappoint. There will be a random Heroes Of The Storm vinyl figure (because it wouldn't be fun if it wasn't random), an inflatable psi-blade for the Starcraft fans out there, a Hearthstone luggage tag to replace the lame one that came with your luggage, a Diablo keychain, an Overwatch emblem, and a Murkidin pin. They can't resist mixing Murlocs with everything, can they? The package looks great, and feature the useful BlizzCon messenger bag that all the items will be found in.
