Blizzard Worldwide Invitational 2008 Set

Blizzard has announced that their 2008 Blizzard Worldwide Invitational will touch down in Paris, France from June 28-29 this year. Those with a memory should recall that last year's event in Korea was huge news with the announcement of Starcraft II. Although it is unlikely for anything of that nature to occur this year, Blizzard has already confirmed some fun activities for participants:

* Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
* Artist and developer signings
* Professional eSport tournaments and casual tournaments for attendees
* Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II
* Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
* Silent auction
* Musical performances

You may notice that lucky attendants will be receiving a "hands-on" experience for the aforementioned Starcraft II and the latest World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. Sadly, what this confirms is that both games will be unlikely to surprise us with silent releases like Sega did with Sega Saturn back at E3 1995. Not a shocking bit of information as WotLK isn't expected until Q3 2008 at the earliest, with Starcraft II's expected release date not even guessed at currently, but one can always hope.

The convention is actually open to the public and will be held at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris. Tickets will run 70€/£55 and will go on sale within the next few weeks.