For a lot of consumers, particularly younger consumers, video games are increasingly about connectivity as much they are about entertainment. Games are about immersing yourself in a world, controlling a character, or propelling a narrative forward, sure, but increasingly it is also about hanging out with your friends in a virtual world, and catching up as you work toward a common goal: Defeating an enemy, for example.

It is in that context that Blizzard Entertainment said this week that it is bringing back BlizzCon, its annual gaming convention for fans of its franchises, which include World of Warcraft and Overwatch. The announcement was tied to a panel discussion at SXSW Tuesday, featuring Blizzard president Johanna Faries, and podcaster, comedian and TV host Conan O’Brien.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke to Faries and O’Brien shortly after their panel ended.

Johanna, you announced earlier that BlizzCon is coming back after a few years hiatus.