What is the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational?

The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational is a two-day event bringing together the company and gamers in a convention atmosphere, featuring Q&A panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers and hands-on opportunities with the company’s latest games. The Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational also showcases the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world as they compete in invitational StarCraft, Warcraft III and World of Warcraft Arena tournaments.

When and where is the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational?

The event will take place on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of June, in Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris, France.

Is there an age limit for attendees?

The event is open to attendees of ages 4 years and above. Due to the nature of some content at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (of 18 years and above).

Please note that strollers (pushchairs and prams) are not permitted inside the event venue, and cloakroom facilities are limited.

Where can I buy tickets?

To attend the event, you must purchase tickets in advance here on the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website. Tickets are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks on a first-come, first-served basis until they are sold out, though Blizzard Entertainment reserves the right to sell additional tickets in the future. There will be a five-ticket limit per household. Further details on purchasing tickets will follow in the weeks ahead.

What is the ticket price?

Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will go on sale at 70€/£55. Tickets are non-transferable, and Blizzard Entertainment reserves the right to deny admission to anyone who violates this policy.

Does my ticket allow access on both days of the event?

Yes, the ticket covers entrance on both the Saturday and the Sunday. Further details on the activities for each day will follow closer to the event.

What do I get for the price of a ticket?

Each ticket includes a 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational badge that grants access to the two-day event. Attendees will also get a Worldwide Invitational goody bag containing exclusive swag. More details on the contents of the goody bag will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Please be aware that transportation and accommodations are not included with the cost of any 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational ticket.

How do I receive my tickets?

Tickets must be picked up at the Porte de Versailles Exposition Centre, Hall 5; Blizzard Entertainment will NOT be mailing tickets out. To claim your ticket you will be required to bring a printout of the confirmation email and barcode from your ticket order and photographic proof of identity that includes your date of birth (e.g. passport, driver’s license or identity card).

When are ticket pickup times?

We will update this FAQ with final ticket pickup times closer to the event. However, ticket pickup will be possible during the opening hours of both days of the event.

I placed an order but did not receive confirmation. Can I check on the status?

Please email WWI2008@blizzard.com with any questions. We can verify whether your order was successfully placed.

Can I change the credit card I wish to use after I have already ordered tickets?

No, once the order is placed we are unable to change the card that is going to be billed, nor can we provide a refund. Additional tickets can be purchased using a different credit card provided there are still tickets available and you do not exceed the limit of five per household. Ordering additional tickets will not negate any prior orders.

If I wish to purchase more than five tickets can I place another order?

You may place multiple orders as long as the total number of tickets ordered does not exceed five per household. Additional orders will need to be placed by another household.

When will my credit card be charged?

Once the order request is submitted we begin the process of billing your credit card. Please be aware that once you have submitted your order we are unable to cancel the request and provide a refund.

Will there be a waiting list once the tickets sell out?

No. Ticket sales are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we run out, no waiting list will be available, though we reserve the right to offer additional tickets for sale later.

Whom should I speak with if I have further questions about Worldwide Invitational ticket purchases?

Please send an email to WWI2008@blizzard.com with your questions. Be sure to include specific details if you’re encountering any difficulties ordering tickets.

What forms of payment are available for purchasing tickets?

We are able to accept payment by credit or debit card only.

What are the opening hours of the event?

The hours of operation are 9:00 to 22:00 (Central European Summer Time) on Saturday, June 28th, and 9:00 to 21:00 on Sunday, June 29th.

Is there an age limit for attendees?

The event is open to attendees of ages 4 years and above. Due to the nature of some content at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (of 18 years and above).

Please note that strollers (pushchairs and prams) are not permitted inside the event venue, and cloakroom facilities are limited.

I am planning on carrying my costume and some water in a backpack to the Worldwide Invitational. Is this OK?

Bottles of water or other liquid may not be brought into the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, due to security regulations. Any bags being brought into the event should be smaller than 50cm x 25cm. Any bags larger than this may be refused entry. If you are taking part in the costume competition and require a larger bag to store your costume, please check with staff on your arrival. Only bags containing costumes can be checked into the cloakroom at the event.

The event staff reserve the right to search any bags being brought into the Worldwide Invitational for security purposes and to refuse entry if they are found to contain prohibited items.

Can I bring my iPod?

MP3 players are permitted at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, but personal electronic equipment may not be connected to any computer at the event for any reason at any time. Any attendee found doing so will be removed from the event, and his or her equipment will be temporarily confiscated for verification.

Can I bring my computer/laptop?

Desktop computers, laptops, and electronic storage devices, such as USB drives and flash memory sticks, are not allowed at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational. Please leave these devices at home or at your hotel before attending.

I'm planning on wearing a costume to the Worldwide Invitational. Are there any items I cannot bring into the event?

Costumes may not include or otherwise utilize any edged weapons (such as knives, daggers, and swords); actual clubs, maces, or other “crushing weapons”; or projectile weapons of any kind, even if unloaded or nonfunctional (this includes firearms of any kind including airguns, long bows, crossbows, etc.). Acceptable costume “weapon props” will be limited to air-filled or soft plastic melee weapons (swords, daggers, maces, clubs, etc.) and wooden staves that are not shod with metal.

Is there anything else that I can’t bring?

Attendees will not be allowed to bring weapons, alcohol, fireworks, bottles, cans, or large containers into the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational.

Any attendee found to have violated the prohibited items list may be removed from the event.

Is the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational open to attendees outside of France?

Yes. International attendees will be able to purchase tickets simultaneously with domestic attendees. Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks here on the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website. Further details on when and how to purchase tickets will follow in the weeks ahead.

Will Blizzard developers be attending the Worldwide Invitational?

Yes. Blizzard executives and development staff from around the globe, including members of the World of Warcraft and StarCraft II teams, will be present at the event to share all the latest news and participate in public discussion panels.

Will the European community teams from the forums be present?

Yes, our European community teams will be attending the Worldwide Invitational, in addition to members from all our global teams including the US, China, Taiwan and Korea.

What language will the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational be held in?

The Worldwide Invitational activities will be held in English and French. Where possible, subtitles in additional languages will be provided, and members from all of our language teams will be present at the event to assist. Our regional sites will also provide localized coverage of the Worldwide Invitational.

Does the event venue have access for mobility-impaired attendees?

The Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center has access and facilities for mobility-impaired attendees, including an elevator to the upper floor. Wherever possible, activities will be organized for mobility-impaired access.

Can I buy food and drink at the Worldwide Invitational?

There are catering services available at the Worldwide Invitational itself, as well as several bars and shops within walking distance of the venue.