Ways to get Removed at Blizzcon 2019

We started analyzing Blizzcon rules to make sure just which are the best ways to get thrown out, and while some of them are pretty clear an spelt out, there's always an ace under a sleeve somewhere.

Blizzcon 2019Blizzcon rules and guidelines exist to help attendees understand how to behave while on the premises and what is and isn’t allowed to get in. 

Things aren’t looking up for Blizzard anytime soon, and it seems like the bad decisions they have are just lurking, waiting for the worst possible time to come out (Diablo Immortal, I’m looking at you), and this year everything started happening on the verge of Blizzcon, their big convention in which they announce their upcoming plans in front of the fans that had probably saved up to assist. 

The reason behind this particular opinion piece, is that I’ve been covering the events unfolding around Blizzard since the decision to ban pro-player Blitzchung over a political statement. In fact, I’ve written a comprehensive All-you-need-to-know article, in case you’re still a little lost, and I wanted to get a little ahead of myself and keep an eye out for any Blizzcon/Blizzard development that might occur. In particular, although I’m not anticipating this to actually happen, I’m keeping an eye on the rules that govern the convention, in case there any last-minute changes, such as… banning Winnie the Pooh Cosplays or bringing in signs in support of the Hong Kong protests. 

Now, I’m not saying I believe this is going to happen, but I don’t believe, seeing what we’ve seen so far, that they wouldn’t react and/or do something about any of these things that they might find in violation of their guidelines. 

And thus, I bring you the Ways to get Removed from Blizzcon

Be a child. One of the first things mentioned in their rules is that children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to be let in. Under no circumstances will they grant entry to kids aged 5 or under. No strollers allowed, either. 

Bring a big bag. If you are trying to have event security take away your bag, you must simply go over the permitted 18x12x8 inches dimensions. Also, be aware that all bags are subject to inspection at any time.

Bring pretty much any electronics besides a cellphone or simple camera: This might come as an exaggeration, but bringing any personal computer, storage device, drone, selfie sticks, tripod, GoPro or anything that doesn’t resemble a cellphone is a big NO-NO. As far as cameras go, anything with a permanent lense larger than 6 inches is also prohibited. Also, Streaming anything other than esports events is also prohibited, you can’t even point your phone to the screens.

Blizzcon stage

How many attendees will they have this year?

Leave your common-sense at home: This is a public place, so don’t bring anything that you wouldn’t take to… the library. No motorized vehicles, no scooters, no animals, no flammables, no confetti. Pretty much just be logical here. Exceptions are made for differently-abled people and/or licensed service animals. No emotional support animals, though. 

BYOF: Any external edibles or drinkables aside from sealed water bottles are prohibited. 

Show off your arsenal: Any (real) weapon is not allowed. Ranging from flammable liquids, passing through knives and firearms and landing on crossbows. 

Show lack of judgement with your costumeWhen bringing a costume to Blizzcon, the best way to not even be let inside is to go over the permitted dimensions: no wider than 4 feet, longer than 6 feet, or taller than 8 feet. You could also get yourself removed or your weapon prop taken away if they can in any way hurt somebody. So if your prop firearm actually fires or your arrows are actually sharp or your Junkrat shell has actual metal spikes, well, it’s getting taken away. Again, common sense is the golden rule here. 

So far we’ve been going through all the rules that are spelt out for us. Follow permitted dimensions when it comes to costumes and bags, don’t make any dangerous weapon, don’t bring any real weapons, forget getting anything other than your phone and short-snubbed camera in, and you should be good. However, there is an 8th way to get yourself removed from Blizzcon, or who knows? maybe even not be let inside.

Blizzcon cosplay

Make sure your costume doesn’t have pointy ends before getting to Blizzcon.

Pull a Wildcard. Like having a Joker in your hand when playing cards, the Wildcard can be literally anything. I’ll explain: Blizzard has stated in their rules that “In order to ensure the event provides a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming environment for everyone, Blizzard reserves the right to remove from BlizzCon any person whose conduct is deemed to be disorderly or unbecoming…”

While this might sound like a legit and reasonable rule, I can’t help but relate it to the Hearthstone Grandmasters Official Competition Rules v.1.4 p. 12, section 6.1 (otherwise known as the cited rule Blizzard used to disqualify and ban Blitzchung), which reads: “Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters…” 

My concern with this vague wording of ruling is that, while I understand things can be unpredictable and you can’t contemplate everything in your rules, this also gives ground to pretty much make up stuff to get you removed from Blizzcon or denied entry. If it happened at Hearthstone it can certainly happen at Blizzcon. 

We’ll be keeping an eye for any last-minute corrections to the Blizzcon rules, in case something is deemed important to add in short notice at Blizzard’s sole discretion.

3 Comments

  1. Avatar photo

    I have been a huge fan of blizzard entertainment for years. It might be possible I get to possibly afford to go to an event this huge. I have an awesome eva cosplay build in mind and if I have extra matterieral I would love to build something for the charity auction like I did the mortal kombat convention where I made an 6ftx4ft Nintendo 64 MK game cartridge. I would just hate to buy tickets and start putting money into all of that just to later on have my ticket removed.

    Reply
  2. Avatar photo

    What if i mention hong kong

    Reply
    • Avatar photo

      Unclear, but it might just fall into the “we deem your behavior unacceptable and you will be removed”, or maybe not. As I said, it’s a Wildcard, so anything can and can’t be grounds to get removed.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

×