Blizzard holds its fourth global geek convention

Geeks of the world unite… again. Blizzard announces its Paris-bound 2008 Worldwide Invitational event. Credit: Blizzard

Blizzard announces its Paris-bound 2008 Worldwide Invitational event. Credit: BlizzardWorld of Warcraft creator Blizzard Entertainment has this week confirmed plans for its fourth Worldwide Invitational event, which is set to take place in Paris (France, not Texas) on June 28 and June 29 of 2008.Hosted in Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in the glamorous French capital, the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Invitational will mark the very first time the event has been staged in Europe. Described by Blizzard as an opportunity to “bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere,” the Invitational will be held as a celebration of the communities surrounding and supporting Blizzard releases such as Diablo, StarCraft and, of course, Warcraft.“We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there,” enthused Mike Morhaime, CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we’re planning an entertaining show for all attendees.”

Credit: Blizzard Entertainment.

The Blizzard Invitational will be open to any gaming enthusiast over the age of 16. However, younger game fans will be permitted if a parent, guardian, or responsible adult is willing to accompany them. Expect to see frantic unaccompanied French 13-year-olds attempting to bribe ‘responsible adult’ Parisian winos loitering outside the venue with copious amounts of brown-bagged Cointreau.Invitational tournaments to be held during the event will cover StarCraft, Warcraft III, and World of Warcraft. Other activities will include artist and developer signings, hands-on demo play with upcoming World of Warcraft expansion Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II, a silent auction, musical performances, and plenty of Blizzard merchandise. Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational are limited and will officially be open for sale in the next few weeks at the price of €70 Euros (£55 GBP) per ticket. Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking can be found on the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website, which you can visit by clicking HERE.