A sea of computer screens dot the World of Warcraft game area at BlizzCon, held in August at the Anaheim Convention Center. The annual two-day event is hosted by World of Warcrafts publisher, Blizzard Entertainment. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
BlizzCon is meant to promote upcoming products and sell merchandise, but for World of Warcraft’s avid players, it’s also a way to see one another in the flesh and reinforce connections formed online. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Joe Benga, from left, Dennis Mizer and Joel Gorman are at play at BlizzCon. They’re part of the Dread Pirates, a World of Warcraft guild, and the convention gives them a chance to meet face to face. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Illidan, a World of Warcraft character, spreads his wings on the convention floor. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
The Dread Pirates guild poses for a group picture. “We spend so much time together and share so much information that we become like a family,” says member Joe Benga. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Zephial Swiftriver, left, of Texas and Michael Mandel of La Habra Heights are dressed as World of Warcraft characters Druid and Rogue Tier 8, respectively. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Caithyn Culpepper came to BlizzCon dressed as World of Warcraft character Lady Alexstrasza. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
