Can't make it to BlizzCon this year? Don't worry - you can still watch the festivities on TV.

DirecTV announced this week that it will be broadcasting the sold-out gaming convention in high definition next month. But there's a catch: BlizzCon's coverage will be a pay-per-view event that will cost $39.95 for the full two days. DirecTV, which will broadcast the event live from the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, is offering the event free to new customers that subscribe to the satellite television service by the end of this month.

In addition, current DirecTV customers that purchase the pay-per-view package will get an extra prize: an exclusive in-game polar bear mount, complete with a BlizzCon-flag-waving murloc, for the World of WarCraft character they play. While some gamers may balk at paying $40 for the event, DirecTV is hoping the insane frenzy over BlizzCon this year will lead to high demand for the pay-per-view event.

DirecTV said its coverage will span more than 16 hours and include interviews, live demonstrations, and footage of the show floor. "This first-ever BlizzCon pay per view event is an exciting option for Blizzard gamers across the country," said Steven Roberts, senior vice president of new media and business development at DirecTV, said in a press statement. "For the first time, they don't have to rely on the Internet to get the inside scoop on the convention. Viewers will feel like they are actually walking the show floor as they watch live coverage of the event from DirecTV in HD."

The pay-per-view deal is a testament to just how big Blizzard has become. With two highly anticipated sequels being shown at the event in StarCraft II and Diablo III, as well as a new expansion pack to the incredibly successful World of WarCraft, this year's BlizzCon might be the biggest show in Blizzard's history. Interest in BlizzCon 2008 was so high that Blizzard's online store site crashed because of the overwhelming demand for tickets. And as expected, the event quickly sold out, leaving many gamers disappointed. Some BlizzCon 2008 tickets are currently being sold on eBay and other Web sites for as much as $800.

The BlizzCon pay-per-view deal also marks another gaming major gaming venture for DirecTV. Last year, the cable service launched the Championship Gaming Series (CGS), a new professional worldwide gaming league that just completed its second full season. Competitions and other events are broadcast on DirecTV, which owns and operates the CGS.

BlizzCon 2008 will take place from Oct. 10-11 in Anaheim, Calif. Stay tuned for more BlizzCon news on Tom's Games.

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