While it feels like we've hardly recovered from the last one, Blizzard have just announced their plans to hold their next BlizzCon gaming convention in August of this year. This will be their fourth such convention - which is marketed as "a celebration of the global player communities" that surround Blizzard's main universes - StarCraft, Diablo and WarCraft.

Proving that the company is, in fact, on track to take over the world, they've also announced that this year's event, to be held as usual in the Anaheim Convention Center, has expanded yet again - from three convention halls to four. Wow. (Pun not intended, honest!)

Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment explains:

“We’ve been amazed by the incredible response to each of our previous BlizzCon events. We’re pleased to be bringing the convention back to Anaheim this year, and we look forward to this new opportunity to meet Blizzard gamers from around the world.”

This year, BlizzCon is promising the usual wide variety of activities spread over the two-day (Friday/Saturday) event. Not only is it a simple meeting place for thousands of Blizzard gaming communities, but they're also planning some other fun stuff, like:

• Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games


• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers


• Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents


• Community contests with great prizes


• Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes


• A silent auction


• More exciting activities and attractions to be announced

As the August 21/22 date draws closer, we'll have plenty more details, about things like ticket availability and pricing - and whether or not Games On Net will have someone in attendance to bring you all the latest news on StarCraft II, Diablo III and whether or not The Lich King will be getting some more company in the near future.