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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><itunes:author>Joystiq</itunes:author><itunes:image href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/Joystiq_podcast_cover.png" /><itunes:summary>The Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week&apos;s video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.com</itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Games &amp; Hobbies"><itunes:category text="Video Games" /></itunes:category><item><title>World of Warcraft graphics overhaul 'probable,' says producer</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/world-of-warcraft-graphics-overhaul-probable-says-producer/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/world-of-warcraft-graphics-overhaul-probable-says-producer/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/world-of-warcraft-graphics-overhaul-probable-says-producer/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/rpgs/" rel="tag">RPGs</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=140903">
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</a> Although <em>World of Warcraft </em>is still the ever-reliable top dog, the game has lost that "new MMO smell." Producer J. Allen Brack <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=140861&amp;page=3">told Eurogamer</a> that a graphics overhaul is likely for the title's future. "That's actually something we talk about every expansion," he said, later adding, "Will we need a graphical update from the ground up at some point? Yep, probably."<br /><br />Brack cited two previous MMOs - <em>Ultima Online</em> and <em>EverQuest - </em>that have tried the graphics reboot with only moderate success. "In each case a lot of people continued to play with the original client, because it was faster, or they preferred it, or were just used to it or whatever," he said. <em>Wrath of the Lich King</em>, which will have some optional effects for high-end PC users, is scheduled for release <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/">Fall 2008</a>. <h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=140903>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/world-of-warcraft-graphics-overhaul-probable-says-producer/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1197575/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/world-of-warcraft-graphics-overhaul-probable-says-producer/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>blizzard</category><category>word-of-warcraft</category><category>wow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-16T11:45:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Shane Kim on Marvel Universe Online MMO cancellation</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/shane-kim-on-marvel-universe-online-mmo-cancellation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/shane-kim-on-marvel-universe-online-mmo-cancellation/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/shane-kim-on-marvel-universe-online-mmo-cancellation/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/02/marvelmmodeath.jpg" alt="" /><br /></div>
During a dinner on Monday night with Microsoft's Shane Kim and Kudo Tsunoda, we got the chance to quiz the former about Microsoft Game Studios' rationale for <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/marvel-universe-online-source-of-cancellation-rumors/">abandoning <em>Marvel Universe Online</em> MMO</a>. After years in development, the console-bound MMO died a slow and painful (-ly vague) death. The culprit: Kim tells us, "We don't have a heritage in MMOs." <br /><br />Of course, previous experience isn't a necessary ingredient in success (fun fact: <em>World of Warcraft</em> is Blizzard's first MMO!) and after rattling off the forces Microsoft could marshal in its pursuit of bringing an MMO to the Xbox - financial resources, first-party console support, a robust online component, a proven developer, a stellar license - Kim agreed. "All those reasons are why we started the project." But MUO still failed to make it to market, recalling Microsoft's many previous attempts to successfully deliver and sustain an MMO: <em>Asheron's Call 2</em>, <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythica">Mythica</a></em>, the console-targeted <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Fantasy_Live_Online">True Fantasy Online</a></em>, and <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/06/splitsvillemsftsigil/">Vanguard</a></em> (read more <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18450">here</a>). At what point will the company give up, consider its lesson learned? "I would never say we're done," Kim said confidently. <br /><br />So why does Kim think a company with Microsoft's significant resources continues to fail to bring an MMO to market? "It's a hits-driven business ... it's all about quality, all about hits." But he's not ready to give up yet. He says Microsoft has "learned the lesson" that it takes a lot of people to create and serve an MMO (good lesson!) and that he's reminded of how little success its had in the MMO space. In other words: MMO-icrosoft hopefuls shouldn't fret. The corporate behemoth will undoubtedly try again. How many lessons could there possible be left to learn?<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/shane-kim-on-marvel-universe-online-mmo-cancellation/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1196985/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/shane-kim-on-marvel-universe-online-mmo-cancellation/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>Marvel-Ultimate-Online</category><category>MGS</category><category>Microsoft-Games-Studios</category><category>Shane-Kim</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Grant]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-15T21:15:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The Agency to let players buy-a-spy [update]</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20080514/AQW075A14052008-1.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/agencymainquick.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
<strong>Update:</strong> Added source -- this <a href="http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20080514/AQW075A14052008-1.html">press release</a>, which vaguely implies that Live Gamer's RMT service, called Live Gamer Exchange, will allow players to "customize their characters through attire, weaponry, gadgets, vehicles, gear and aliases that tailor their game play." However, Massively's <a href="http://www.massively.com/bloggers/kyle-horner/">Kyle Horner</a> spoke last night with <em>The Agency</em> lead designer Hal Milton who said that no weapons will be sold. The team is currently discussing the sale of low-level operatives (analogues to low-level equipment), but currently, everything planned to be sold will be purely cosmetic and not gameplay affecting.<br /><br /><strong>Original: </strong>Remember all the hoopla over virtual arms dealing in <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/ea-explains-battlefield-bcs-pay-to-play-weapons/"><em>Battlefield: Bad Company</em></a>? Sony Online Entertainment's <em>not</em> hearing it. In fact, it announced today that its upcoming espionage MMO FPS, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/sony-officially-announces-the-agency-for-pc-and-ps3/"><em>The Agency</em></a>, will feature real money trading (RMT) of everything from clothing and gear to vehicles and weapons. <br /><br />SOE has yet to declassify its business model for <em>The Agency</em>, so this could go in one of two directions. If it's free-to-play (a la <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Battlefield-Heroes/"><em>Battlefield: Heroes</em></a>) the cash-for-guns program would be (slightly) easier to swallow. Since <em>The Agency</em> is a PC <em>and</em> PS3 title, we're laying a bet on a free model given the latter platform's already free online gaming service and today's announcement, which provides a means for SOE to subsidize free play with a cut of player trades. If it's subscription-based? Someone best send some fire-retardant undergarments to SOE brass.<br /><br />FPS players -- console ones specifically -- are used to earning their way to the top and into better weapons and gear, as seen in <em>Call of Duty 4</em>. The idea of playing a game where they're at an immediate disadvantage based on cash money is unlikely to sit well. At least trade works both ways; those who take the route of being skilled players -- and not <em>payers</em> -- can profit from their homegrown skills by selling stuff to noobs (and people with dead presidents lighting fires in their trousers).<br />%Gallery-3830%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20080514/AQW075A14052008-1.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1195589/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>microtransactions</category><category>pay-to-play</category><category>real-money-trading</category><category>soe</category><category>sony-online-entertai...</category><category>the-agency</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-14T20:45:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Vivendi: Wrath of the Lich King coming second half of 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/rpgs/" rel="tag">RPGs</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/wotlk-prince-arthas.jpg" alt="" /></div>
In a press release announcing Q1 2008 results (<a href="http://www.vivendi.com/corp/en/press_2008/documents/20080514_PR_Q12008.pdf">PDF File</a>), Blizzard owner Vivendi Universal asserts that the upcoming <em>World of Warcraft </em>expansion <em>Wrath of the Lich King </em>is "anticipated to be released in the second half of 2008." Mark your calendars, as we suspect the Christmas season is going to be a lot less productive.<br /><br />While we always expected release this year, Blizzard, who has yet to make a formal announcement, is notorious for delaying games until they've met some in-house standard of quality. Our attention is now focused intently on Blizzard's <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/wwi">WWI event</a> in Paris next month.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-press-release-asserts-wrath-of-the-lich-king-to-be-relea/">Big Download</a>]<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.vivendi.com/corp/en/press_2008/documents/20080514_PR_Q12008.pdf">Read</a> (PDF File)<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1195733/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>blizzard</category><category>breakingnews</category><category>vivendi</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wotlk</category><category>wow</category><category>wrath-of-the-lich-king</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-14T17:15:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Age of Conan early access 'sold out'</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/age-of-conan-early-access-sold-out/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/age-of-conan-early-access-sold-out/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/age-of-conan-early-access-sold-out/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/rpgs/" rel="tag">RPGs</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=93019"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/vistrix_900_490x392.shkl.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
Those who wanted to pay extra to explore <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Age-of-Conan/">Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures</a>' lands a little early are probably going to be upset to discover that "early access" is now sold out. A <a href="http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=93019">post</a> on the MMORPG's official forums gives little explanation as to why this occurred, but eagle-eyed players who read the fine print point to Funcom having discussed <a href="http://community.ageofconan.com/wsp/conan/frontend.cgi?func=publish.show&amp;template=content&amp;func_id=2433&amp;table=CONTENT">limited availability</a>.<br /><br />Looks like MMO players will need to find some other game to grind in until <em>Conan</em> officially begins next week.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/14/aoc-early-access-program-sold-out/">Massively]</a><br />%Gallery-6912%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=93019>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/age-of-conan-early-access-sold-out/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1195635/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/age-of-conan-early-access-sold-out/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>age-of-conan</category><category>age-of-conan-hyborian-adventures</category><category>early-access</category><category>early-access-key</category><category>early-access-program</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexander Sliwinski]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-14T16:15:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The best of WoW Insider: May 6-13, 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-6-13-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-6-13-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-6-13-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/meta-about-joystiq/" rel="tag">Meta (about Joystiq)</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/img_1506.jpg" /><br /></div>
It was a hell of a week in the <em>World of Warcraft</em>.  Not only did we get <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/11/all-things-wrath-of-the-lich-king/">a flood of information</a> about the upcoming <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/wrath-of-the-lich-king"><em>Wrath of the Lich King</em></a> expansion, but Blizzard announced that they are in fact <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/12/well-see-you-at-blizzcon-2008/">having another BlizzCon this year</a> -- and as you can see from the picture above, last year's was just plain awesome.  For info about <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/blizzcon">BlizzCon</a> and everything else <em>WoW</em>, count on Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider.<br />
<h2>News</h2>
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/death-knight-info/">The Death Knight class revealed</a><br />Blizzard drops the goods on the game's first Hero Class.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/more-death-knight-news-and-clarifications-via-the-cms-and-ten-to/">More Death Knight news and clarifications</a><br />Clearing up players' questions and concerns about what the Death Knight is for.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/10/is-it-really-ok-for-arthas-to-be-10-mannable/">Is it really OK for Arthas to be 10-mannable?</a><br />The game's baddest bad guy (mortal, anyway) is going to be able to be taken down by 10 players.  Are we really that powerful?</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/more-wrath-of-the-lich-king-impressions-and-information-coming-o/">More Wrath of the Lich King impressions and information</a><br />Lots more news about the new zones in Northrend and what we'll find up there.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/11/blizzard-cracks-down-on-arena-win-trading/">Blizzard cracks down on Arena win trading</a><br />Cheaters never win... trade.  At least not anymore.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Features</h2>
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/around-azeroth-grand-theft-azeroth/">Around Azeroth: Grand Theft Azeroth</a><br />Our daily screenshot column mixes up Liberty City and the <em>World of Warcraft</em> with wacky results.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/10/arcane-brilliance-level-70-checklist/">Arcane Brilliance: Level 70 checklist</a><br />Things to do for Mages at the highest level in the game.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/08/scattered-shots-why-certain-pet-families-are-popular/">Scattered Shots: Why certain pet families are popular</a><br />Why do some Hunters choose bears and others go for boars?  Find out here.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/07/spiritual-guidance-30-if-statements-that-priests-should-adhere/">Spiritual Guidance: 30 If statements that priests should adhere to</a><br />You might be a priest if... most of your Showbiz pizza tickets came from Whack-a-mole.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/07/guildwatch-going-too-far/">Guildwatch: Going too far</a><br />You don't have to be in a guild full of drama to love our scandalous weekly column about how mean people are to each other in game, but it helps.</li>
</ul><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wowinsider.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-6-13-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1194133/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-6-13-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>arena</category><category>arthas</category><category>azeroth</category><category>best-of-wow-insider</category><category>blizzard</category><category>death-knight</category><category>expansions</category><category>guildwatchh</category><category>hero-class</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wow-insider</category><category>wrath-of-the-lich-king</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Schramm]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-13T21:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Vigil Games details Warhammer 40K MMO</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/vigil-games-details-warhammer-40k-mmo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/vigil-games-details-warhammer-40k-mmo/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/vigil-games-details-warhammer-40k-mmo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.gamesradar.com/f/warhammer-40000-online/a-20080502174245201051"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/warhammer_40k_topper.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
While what we know about the game is barely knee-high to a gretchin, PC Gamer magazine recently had the opportunity to speak with a pair of folks behind Vigil Games' upcoming <em>Warhammer 40,000</em> MMO, specifically general manager David Adams and studio creative director Joe Madureira. Both shed a few details on what we can expect while we wait patiently to kill rats aboard space hulks for the emperor. <br /><br />Says Adams, the game will be "much more intense" and combat-focused than the traditional fantasy MMOs upon which we've cut our teeth, giving us all the more reason to want to trade up our broadsword for a storm bolter. However, the dev notes that the MMO "will be an RPG," adding that "Relic has the RTS angle covered with the awesome <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/dawnofwar"><em>Dawn of War</em></a> series - we are making an RPG." Other interesting tidbits from the article include note that the game will include all of the tabletop game's "important" races, customizable characters, a variety of solo, party-based, and PvP missions, and the possibility of in-game vehicles as well. We can't wait to see how the tabletop war game makes the leap to MMO, but as it stands, in the grim darkness of the far future ... <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/thq-wow-has-peaked-warhammer-40k-mmo-years-away/">there is only waiting</a>.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/12/warhammer-40k-mmo-info-update/">Massively</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/warhammer-40000-online/a-20080502174245201051>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/vigil-games-details-warhammer-40k-mmo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1193507/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/vigil-games-details-warhammer-40k-mmo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>games-workshop</category><category>gamesworkshop</category><category>vigil-games</category><category>vigilgames</category><category>warhammer</category><category>warhammer-40k</category><category>warhammer-40k-online</category><category>warhammer40k</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-13T09:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Massively Week in Review: May 6-12, 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/massively-week-in-review-may-6-12-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/massively-week-in-review-may-6-12-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/massively-week-in-review-may-6-12-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="1" hspace="1" border="0" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/aoc_nastybeastie_490-copy.jpg"  alt="" /><br /></div>
This week has seen news across the MMOGosphere -- <a href="http://www.massively.com/category/age-of-conan"><em>Age of Conan</em></a> information, lots of <em>City of Heroes</em> and <em>City of Villains</em> information on upcoming Issue 12,  the skinny on <em>APB</em>, and exclusives in <a href="http://www.massively.com/category/vanguard/"><em>Vanguard</em></a>. Of course, added to this was the not-so-small media blitz by <a href="http://www.massively.com/tag/blizzard">Blizzard</a> with both <em>Wrath of the Lich King</em> information as well as the news that there will indeed be a Blizzcon '08 in October. If you missed any of it, don't worry; <a href="http://www.massively.com/">Massively</a> has got you covered!<br />
<h2><strong>News</strong></h2>
<hr />
<ul>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Exclusive Vanguard Game Update 5 mounts video on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/exclusive-vanguard-game-update-5-preview/">Exclusive Vanguard Game Update 5 mounts video</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Blizzard unleashes a storm of Lich King information on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/09/blizzard-unleashes-a-storm-of-lich-king-information/">Blizzard unleashes a storm of Lich King information</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" massively="" on="" gullo="" tiraslee="" title="View Exclusive Vanguard Game Update 5 interview with Lenny " href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/vanguard-gu5-interview-with-lenny-tiraslee-gullo/">Exclusive Vanguard Game Update 5 interview with Lenny "Tiraslee" Gullo</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View CoX Issue 12: Journey to Cimerora on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/cox-issue-12-journey-to-cimerora/">CoX Issue 12: Journey to Cimerora</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View The top five subscription MMOs in the US on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/09/the-top-five-subscription-mmos-in-the-us/">The top five subscription MMOs in the US</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Massive PvP battle to end the Age of Conan Open Beta on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/massive-pvp-battle-to-end-the-age-of-conan-open-beta/">Massive PvP battle to end the Age of Conan Open Beta</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Funcom addresses Age of Conan beta concerns on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/07/funcom-addresses-age-of-conan-beta-concerns/">Funcom addresses Age of Conan beta concerns</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View BlizzCon 2008 announced on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/12/blizzcon-2008-announced/">BlizzCon 2008 announced</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Discussion</strong></h2>
<hr />
<ul>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Anti-Aliased: Don't worry, no one will read it anyway... on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/anti-aliased-dont-worry-no-one-will-read-it-anyway/">Anti-Aliased: Don't worry, no one will read it anyway...</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View EVE Evolved: EVE's skill system demystified, part 2 on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/06/eve-evolved-eves-skill-system-demystified-part-2/">EVE Evolved: EVE's skill system demystified</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Ask Massively: The Alpha and the...um... Beta? of MMORPGs on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/08/ask-massively-the-alpha-and-the-um-beta-of-mmorpgs/">Ask Massively: The Alpha and the...um... Beta? of MMORPGs</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Have Clone, Will Travel: Ambulation in the EVE tutorial on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/07/have-clone-will-travel-ambulation-in-the-eve-tutorial/">Have Clone, Will Travel: Ambulation in the EVE tutorial</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Player vs. Everything: Pointless mini-zones on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/08/player-vs-everything-pointless-mini-zones/">Player vs. Everything: Pointless mini-zones</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Behind the Curtain: Are you frightened? on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/08/behind-the-curtain-are-you-frightened/">Behind the Curtain: Are you frightened?</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View MMO MMOnkey:  MMOs as conditioned learning engines (Part 2) on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/09/mmo-mmonkey-mmos-as-conditioned-learning-engines-part-2/">MMO MMOnkey:  MMOs as conditioned learning engines</a></li>
    <li><a target="_blank" title="View Player vs. Everything: Putting raiding on your resume on Massively" href="http://www.massively.com/2008/05/12/player-vs-everything-putting-raiding-on-your-resume/">Player vs. Everything: Putting raiding on your resume</a></li>
</ul><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/massively-week-in-review-may-6-12-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1193687/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/massively-week-in-review-may-6-12-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>massively</category><category>massively-week-in-review</category><category>mmo</category><category>recap</category><category>roundup</category><category>week-in-review</category><category>yom</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Krystalle Voecks]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-13T00:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>A dwarven explosion of Wrath of the Lich King info</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/rpgs/" rel="tag">RPGs</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/wrath-of-the-lich-king/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/death-knight-pic-490.jpg" /></a></div>
Last night Blizzard waved its Arcane Staff of Embargo Lifting, unleashing an torrential downpour of <em>World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King</em> information from an event held recently. Our friends at <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/wrath-of-the-lich-king/">WoW Insider</a>, whose invitation must've gotten lost in the mail along with ours, are gathering all the news from around the internet. In case you missed anything:<br />
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/gamespys-hands-on-with-wrath-of-the-lich-king/">Gamespy's hands on with Wrath of the Lich King</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/dungeons-and-raids-in-wrath-of-the-lich-king/">Dungeons and Raids in Wrath of the Lich King</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/more-wrath-of-the-lich-king-impressions-and-information-coming-o/">More of the Wrath of the Lich King impressions and information coming out</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/death-knight-info/">The Death Knight class revealed</a></li>
    <li>   <a rel="bookmark" href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/gamespy-interviews-j-allen-brack/"><span id="pt1190890">Gamespy Interviews J. Allen Brack</span></a>   </li>
</ul>
A flood of videos are also coming in. We've embedded several from GameTrailers after the break.<br /><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/09/gamespys-hands-on-with-wrath-of-the-lich-king/"><br /></a><p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>A dwarven explosion of Wrath of the Lich King info</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wowinsider.com/category/wrath-of-the-lich-king/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1191192/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-dwarven-explosion-of-wrath-of-the-lich-king-info/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>blizzard</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wotlk</category><category>wow</category><category>wrath-of-the-lich-king</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-09T16:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Blizzard store relaunched with digital downloads</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/blizzard-store-relaunched-with-digital-downloads/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/blizzard-store-relaunched-with-digital-downloads/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/blizzard-store-relaunched-with-digital-downloads/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/rpgs/" rel="tag">RPGs</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/strategy/" rel="tag">Strategy</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blizzard.com/store/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/bliz-shop-banner-490.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
Blizzard has launched a <a href="http://www.blizzard.com/store/">new online store</a>, selling games (both digital and <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/off-the-grid">off the grid)</a>, books, collectibles, limited apparel and more. The store is now also offering titles for digital download -- right now only <em>Starcraft</em> and <em>Warcraft III </em>(as well as their respective expansion packs) are available, but according to this handy <a href="http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=22765">F.A.Q.</a>, more will be made available later. <br /><br />As noted by <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/03/blizzard-launches-new-online-store/">WoW Insider</a>, registering for the store enters you into a lottery to partake in an upcoming beta such as <em>Wrath of the Lich King, Starcraft II </em>or the as-of-yet unannounced (but we dream so very much) <em>Rock and Roll Racing </em>MMO.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/03/blizzard-launches-new-online-store/">WoW Insider</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.blizzard.com/store/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/blizzard-store-relaunched-with-digital-downloads/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1188367/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/blizzard-store-relaunched-with-digital-downloads/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>blizzard</category><category>shop</category><category>starcraft</category><category>store</category><category>warcraft</category><category>wow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-06T23:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The best of WoW Insider: April 29-May 6, 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-29-may-6-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-29-may-6-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-29-may-6-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/meta-about-joystiq/" rel="tag">Meta (about Joystiq)</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/druid1.jpg" /><br />
<div align="left">All the crows you see above are actually players.  A bunch of Druids in crow form (as part of the Penny Arcade Alliance on <em>WoW</em>'s Dark Iron server) decided to <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/29/shifting-perspectives-druids-just-wanna-have-fun/">recreate "The Birds" in the game</a>  You'd think this is pretty awesome (and it is), but really, this is just another story on Joystiq's sister site <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com">WoW Insider</a>.  If something cool happens in the game of <em>Warcraft</em> (like, oh I don't know, controlling the game <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/06/control-wow-with-your-eyes/"><em>with your eyeballs</em></a>), we're there every day to cover it.  Here's our best from the last wek.<br /></div>
</div>
<h2>News</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/01/season-4-items-unveiled/">Season 4 items unveiled</a></strong><br /><em>The next Arena season's items are slowly leaking out on the servers -- find out the gear you'll be wearing if you can pull off that Arena rating.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/01/level-70-elite-tauren-chieftain-now-featuring-an-orphan-on-air/">Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain featuring an orphan on air guitar</a></strong><br /><em>It's Children's Week in Azeroth (you can check out <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/03/gallery-walkthrough-of-childrens-week-shattrath-city-horde-si/">our Horde</a> and <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/03/dornaas-day-a-journey-for-the-shattrath-city-childrens-day-al/">Alliance walkthroughs</a> as well), and a little Blood Elf girl learns to shred with Blizzard's band.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/03/muru-world-first-by-sk-gaming/">M'uru world first kill by SK Gaming</a></strong><br /><em>The next boss in the Sunwell Plateau goes down for the count.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/01/can-wow-be-beaten/">Can WoW be beaten?</a></strong><br /><em>World of Warcraft is doing great lately, and a looming expansion only means bigger things are coming.  Or will two big competitors take a bite out of Azeroth's population?</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/01/diablo3-com-acquired-by-blizzard/">Diablo3.com acquired by Blizzard</a></strong><br /><em>Blizzard takes over what might be the new website for the Diablo sequel we've all been waiting for.</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>Features</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com//2008/04/29/guildwatch-the-aftermath/">Guildwatch: The aftermath</a></strong><br /><em>The best part of playing an online, massively multiplayer game: the backstabbing, lying, and drama.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/04/new-muru-items-datamined/">New M'uru items datamined</a></strong><br /><em>A gallery of new gear from the M'uru encounter.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/29/shifting-perspectives-druids-just-wanna-have-fun/">Shifting Perspectives: Druids just wanna have fun</a></strong><br /><em>A flock of Druids descends into havok in Nagrand, to hilarious results.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/05/05/officers-quarters-we-love-you-but-l2p/">Officers' Quarters: We love you, but L2P</a></strong><br /><em>If you're raiding, sooner or later, you'll have to make sure you (and everyone you raid with) knows what they're doing.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://wowinsider.com/2008/04/29/build-shop-shaman-18-43-0/">Build Shop: Shaman 18/43/0</a></strong><br /><em>Our talents column takes a look at a kickass Shaman Enhancement build.  You want to Shock and Awe with your totem dropper?  Here you go.</em></li>
</ul><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wowinsider.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-29-may-6-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1187853/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-29-may-6-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>arena</category><category>birds</category><category>blizzard</category><category>diablo-3</category><category>drama</category><category>druids</category><category>guildwatch</category><category>raiding</category><category>season-4</category><category>shaman</category><category>sunwell-plateau</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wow-insider</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Schramm]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-06T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Turbine secures $40 million investment</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/turbine-secures-40-million-investment/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/turbine-secures-40-million-investment/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/turbine-secures-40-million-investment/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.pehub.com/wordpress/?p=2376"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/05/lotromain.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
MMO developer <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/turbine">Turbine</a> found its purse a bit heavier this week after securing a $40 million round of financing from a group of investors led by Granite Global Ventures, filling the <em>Lord of the Rings Online</em> creator's total venture capital money bin to around $90 million mark. <br /><br />According to a report by Private Equity Hub, the investment also saw Granite Global's managing partner Hani Nada take a seat on Turbine's board, presumably in order to make sure the money was put to good use and not slipped into the underwear of Elvish hookers after a night on the town. While we remain in the dark as to what exactly the studio will do with its newfound wealth, Turbine is expected to make an announcement regarding its future plans in the next two weeks. <br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/turbine-secures-40-million-in-funding">GI.biz</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.pehub.com/wordpress/?p=2376>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/turbine-secures-40-million-investment/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1183154/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/turbine-secures-40-million-investment/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>asherons-call</category><category>dungeons-and-dragons...</category><category>lord-of-the-rings</category><category>lord-of-the-rings-on...</category><category>lordoftherings</category><category>lordoftheringsonline</category><category>lotr</category><category>lotro</category><category>turbine</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-05-01T10:15:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The best of WoW Insider: April 22-29, 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-22-29-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-22-29-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-22-29-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/meta-about-joystiq/" rel="tag">Meta (about Joystiq)</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/dancebrokendancestiq.jpg" /><br /></div>
Joystiq's sister site <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/">WoW Insider</a> is dedicated like a Night Elf Hunter's pet leveled up to the highest loyalty to bringing you news from all over Azeroth.  From the upcoming <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/tag/patch-2.4.2">patch 2.4.2</a> to everything you need to know about the next expansion, <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/category/wrath-of-the-lich-king"><em>Wrath of the Lich King</em></a>, we've got your your back just like that sneaky Shadowstepping Rogue.  Ok, well not quite in that way, but you know what we mean.  Here's our top posts from the last week in <em>Warcraft.</em><br />
<h2>News</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/23/patch-2-4-2-notes-released/">Patch 2.4.2 notes released</a></strong><br /><em>Blizzard announced what's coming down in the next (bugfix, not content) patch.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/23/undocumented-changes-in-2-4-2/">Undocumented changes in 2.4.2</a></strong><br /><em>And we cover what they didn't announce.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com//2008/04/21/blizzard-to-boll-thanks-but-no-thanks/">Blizzard to Boll: Thanks, but no thanks</a></strong><br /><em>Well at least we can say one good thing about the Warcraft movie: Uwe Boll won't be directing it.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/24/macro-for-a-prettier-wow/">Macro for a prettier WoW</a></strong><br /><em>Type this into your console, and spice up the look of Azeroth's environments.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/22/drysc-reveals-new-arena-season-4-rating-requirements-and-rules/">Drysc reveals Arena Season 4 ratings requirements and rules</a></strong><br /><em>News about the Brutal Gladiator gear coming in Season 4, and how Blizzard is fighting win trading.</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>Features</h2>
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/23/guildwatch-officers-dont-do-officers-like-u-did/"><strong>Guildwatch: "officers dont do officers like u did"</strong><br /></a><em>Drama, downed and recruiting news from around the realms -- oh my!</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/25/blood-sport-no-scrubs-allowed-in-season-4/">Blood Sport: No scrubs allowed in Season 4</a></strong><br /><em>Our Arena PvP column lays out the changes to requirements in Season 4, and if you're not good, you're not getting gear.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/27/spiritual-guidance-3-priest-specs-your-raid-should-not-leave-sh/">Spiritual Guidance: Three priest specs your raid shouldn't leave Shattrath without</a></strong><br /><em>Tips for holy priests, or raids who want their help.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/25/the-care-and-feeding-of-warriors-are-warriors-underpowered/">The Care and Feeding of Warriors: Are Warriors underpowered?</a></strong><br /><em>Matthew Rossi might be crazy -- but he also might be right.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/27/five-tips-to-minimize-raiding-downtime/">Five tips to minimize raiding downtime</a></strong><br /><em>Five ways to keep the mobs coming while raiding with a larger group of players.</em></li>
</ul><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wowinsider.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-22-29-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1180809/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-22-29-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>columns</category><category>drysc</category><category>features</category><category>patch-2.4.2</category><category>uwe-boll</category><category>warriors</category><category>weekly</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wow-insider</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Schramm]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-29T18:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Ion Storm, Wolfpack vets lift lid off KingsIsle Entertainment</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/ion-storm-wolfpack-vets-lift-lid-off-kingsisle-entertainment/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/ion-storm-wolfpack-vets-lift-lid-off-kingsisle-entertainment/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/ion-storm-wolfpack-vets-lift-lid-off-kingsisle-entertainment/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200804/N08.0425.1440.04461.htm"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="263" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/kingsisle.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
When the folks at KingsIsle Entertainment first approached us saying that they were working on something mysterious, we couldn't help but be intrigued. After all, this is a company co-founded by Tom Hall of id Software and Ion Storm fame, not to mention such nostalgic favorites as <em>Commander Keen</em> and <em>Rise of the Triad</em>. Of course, then we heard their project was an MMO, which was about the same time we began to feel uneasy and in need of nearby exit. <br /><br />Little is known about the new MMO project, save for the fact that it's been under the knife for three years and is one of two projects currently being banged out by the fledgling studio. Still, there's reason to believe that KingsIsle's MMO could turn out something worth looking out for, and not just another corpse on the massively multiplayer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hamburger_Hill">Hamburger Hill</a>. Besides Hall, the company is being helmed by former Midway Games vet David Nichols, while development efforts are being led by former Wolfpack Studios president Todd Coleman, who worked on the semi-popular MMO <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/shadowbane/">Shadowbane</a> </em>in a previous life. <br /><br />Even so, with everyone and their brother coming to the table, forks in hand, boasting the 'next great MMO,' it's difficult not to be jaded, so we'll be looking forward to seeing what more comes out of this company in the weeks ahead.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200804/N08.0425.1440.04461.htm>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/ion-storm-wolfpack-vets-lift-lid-off-kingsisle-entertainment/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1177958/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/ion-storm-wolfpack-vets-lift-lid-off-kingsisle-entertainment/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>commander-keen</category><category>commanderkeen</category><category>kingsisle</category><category>midway</category><category>rise-of-the-triad</category><category>riseofthetriad</category><category>tom-hall</category><category>tomhall</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-25T18:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Age of Conan's retail, monthly subscription prices revealed</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/age-of-conans-retail-monthly-subscription-prices-revealed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/age-of-conans-retail-monthly-subscription-prices-revealed/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/age-of-conans-retail-monthly-subscription-prices-revealed/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/30956"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/ageofconan_6_topper.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
Norwegian publisher and developer Funcom has announced the amount of money armchair barbarians can expect to shell out from beneath their loincloths to play <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/ageofconan/"><em>Age Of Conan: Hyborian Adventures</em></a>, with the MMO's retail box costing $59.99 and &euro;49.99 in North America and Europe respectively. Beyond that initial outlay of coins, swinging an axe in Hyborea will carry a monthly subscription price of $14.99 in North America and &euro;12.99 for players on the other side of the Atlantic. <br /><br />However, while <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/age-of-conan-mmo-delayed-for-the-final-time/">the</a> <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/age-of-conans-last-delay-wasnt-so-final/">oft</a>-<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/age-of-conan-pushed-back-until-may-20/">delayed</a> MMO has seen a <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/age-of-conan-beta-surpasses-10-000-testers-more-invites-to-come/">healthy influx of interest </a>during the game's beta test, this hasn't clouded Funcom's gift for the obvious, with the company stating in an <a href="http://www.funcom.com/funcom/frontend/files/CONTENT/Funcom_update220408.pdf">investor update</a> that "the success of the game will depend first and foremost on the response it receives from players after several hours of playtime of the finished product."<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.massively.com/2008/04/22/age-of-conan-box-subscription-pricing-announced/">Massively</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/30956>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/age-of-conans-retail-monthly-subscription-prices-revealed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1175153/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/age-of-conans-retail-monthly-subscription-prices-revealed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>age-of-conan</category><category>ageofconan</category><category>funcom</category><category>hyborian-adventures</category><category>HyborianAdventures</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-23T05:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Everquest designer joins 38 Studios for 'Copernicus' MMO</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18350"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/38-studios-logo.jpg" class="imagepadding" /></a>As the former lead designer of <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Everquest/">Everquest</a></em>, Travis McGeathy has likely acquired just as many ardent fans as vengeful detractors, wishing they could get those thousands of click-click-clicking hours back. With your social life still in ruins, your cautious digestion of this bit of news from <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18350">Gamasutra</a> is probably for the best. You see, Mr. McGeathy is now the systems design lead for "<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Copernicus/">Copernicus</a>," Studio 38's mysterious MMO project.<br /><br />He's not the only <em>Everquest</em> vet at the <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/curt-schilling-leaving-baseball-for-game-development/">Curt Schilling</a>-founded developer either, as former <em>Everquest II</em> lead designer, Jason Roberts, and <em>Everquest II</em> expansion pack designer, Steve Danuser, also occupy padded leather chairs at the Maynard, MA office. We've yet to see what lies behind the <em>Copernicus</em> veil, but we're starting to suspect there may be buxom, elfin ladies involved.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18350>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1174552/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>38-Studios</category><category>Copernicus</category><category>Everquest</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ludwig Kietzmann]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-22T22:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The best of WoW Insider: April 15-22, 2008</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-15-22-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-15-22-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-15-22-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/meta-about-joystiq/" rel="tag">Meta (about Joystiq)</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/casual/" rel="tag">Casual</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/18/around-azeroth-glitchstravaganza/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/glitch5425.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="left">When news (or your graphics card) breaks in the <em>World of Warcraft</em>, <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com">Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider</a> is right there to pick up the pieces.  The image above is actually a bad graphics card, but doesn't it look like a mix of Azeroth and <em>The Matrix</em>?  Check out more glitchy images in <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/18/around-azeroth-glitchstravaganza/">the Around Azeroth link</a> below, and hit any of the links to see the best posts in the past week of WoW Insider.<br /></div>
</div>
<h2>News</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/20/new-wotlk-screenshots-leaked/">New Wrath of the Lich King screenshots leaked</a></strong><br /><em>Eventually they were all found to be from the beta at Blizzcon, but here's the biggest look we have at the expansion so far.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/22/outland-reputation-battlegear/">Outland Reputation Battlegear</a></strong><br /><em>Loved by NPCs in Outland?  Go get your free gear!  This comprehensive gallery shows you what's what and where.</em><br /></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/17/bornakk-hints-that-tier-3-might-be-removed-from-the-game/">Bornakk hints that Tier 3 might be removed from the game</a></strong><br /><em>Naxxaramas, the last major raid pre-expansion, is moving to <a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/tag/northrend">Northrend</a> and getting retuned.  Does that mean the Tier 3 gear in there is disappearing?</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/14/brutal-ratings-requirement-for-brutal-gladiator-items/">Brutal ratings requirement for Brutal Gladiator items?</a></strong><br /><em>Rumor has it that season 4 gear will have an even steeper ratings requirement than previous Arena seasons.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/19/why-pve-has-been-and-always-will-be-the-only-real-game/">Why PvE has been, and always will be, the only real game</a></strong><br /><em>Or why, PvP, popular as it is, will always have to play second fiddle to the real World of Warcraft.</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>Features</h2>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/19/wow-casually-finding-groups-fast-reader-mail/">WoW, Casually: Finding groups fast</a></strong><br /><em>Quick ways to get yourself in a group, whatever you'd like to do.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/16/guildwatch-were-and-ing-good-at-this-game-too/">Guildwatch: We're $#*&amp;ing good at this game, too</a></strong><br /><em>Our guild drama and news column has some good stories in it this week, including a Vent recording that can't be missed.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/19/ready-check-brutallus/">Ready Check: Brutallus</a></strong><br /><em>Our raiding column takes on the big ugly monster in the Sunwell Plateau.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/20/spiritual-guidance-thirteen-dos-and-donts-of-a-raiding-holy-pr/">Spiritual Guidance: Thirteen dos and don'ts of a holy raiding priest</a></strong><br /><em>Spiritual Guidance, the priest column, makes its triumphant return, now hosted by blogger Matticus.  And he starts up with a good advice column for anyone raiding.</em></li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/18/around-azeroth-glitchstravaganza/">Around Azeroth: Glitchstravaganza</a></strong><br /><em>Glitches everywhere!  Players send in some of their weirdest screenshots of all time.</em></li>
</ul><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wowinsider.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-15-22-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1174459/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/the-best-of-wow-insider-april-15-22-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>azeroth</category><category>glitch</category><category>guilds</category><category>matrix</category><category>naxxaramas</category><category>raiding</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wow-insider</category><category>wrath-of-the-lich-king</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Schramm]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-22T17:15:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Speculation: Shadowbane devs making Wii MMO</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/speculation-shadowbane-devs-making-wii-mmo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/speculation-shadowbane-devs-making-wii-mmo/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/speculation-shadowbane-devs-making-wii-mmo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/wii/" rel="tag">Nintendo Wii</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.straybulletgames.com/employment/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/shadowbane-wii-mmo-huh.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/shadowbane-developers-announce-new-project/">Stray Bullet Games</a> - the Austin-based developer formed from the ashes of Wolfpack Studios, the crew behind MMO <em>Shadowbane</em> - is looking for a few good coders. Specifically, they've got two positions that need filling: one for <a href="http://jobs.gamasutra.com/jobseekerx/ViewJob.asp?JobID=R8W9gfe9S36AHK%2Fkhxp3k6IntKXL&amp;Keywords=Stray+AND+Bullet">Gameplay Programmer</a> on their as-yet-unnamed "MMO Project" and another for <a href="http://jobs.gamasutra.com/JobSeekerX/ViewJob.asp?JobID=TdQy1eMCxubtv%2BIl2F6D5Ru7alkq">Sr. Programmer</a> on a similarly as-yet-unnamed "Wii Project." <br /><br />Now, before you go crossing your eyes and reading that as an MMO for Wii, the two are clearly presented as separate projects; however, what's not so clear is the company's <a href="http://www.straybulletgames.com/products/indevelopment.shtml">"In Development" page</a> which reports that it's "in development of a new massively multiplayer online (MMO) game based on an original intellectual property conceived in-house." Not a new massively multiplayer game <em><strong>and</strong></em> a new Wii title or any other variations that would indicate more than one title under active development. We'll refrain from rampantly speculating on the potential existence of an MMO for Wii until we hear back from Stray Bullet (we've asked them to comment), so instead we'll share the above graphic from our enthusiastic comrades at Massively. <br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.massively.com/2008/04/22/shadowbane-dev-studio-to-create-mmo-for-the-wii/">Massively</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.straybulletgames.com/employment/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/speculation-shadowbane-devs-making-wii-mmo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1173966/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/speculation-shadowbane-devs-making-wii-mmo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>Shadowbane</category><category>Stray-Bullet-Games</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Grant]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-22T12:27:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Sony pushes Home open beta out until fall '08, closed beta extended</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/sony-pushes-home-open-beta-out-until-fall-08-closed-beta-exte/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/sony-pushes-home-open-beta-out-until-fall-08-closed-beta-exte/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/sony-pushes-home-open-beta-out-until-fall-08-closed-beta-exte/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/casual/" rel="tag">Casual</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.scee.presscentre.com/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=4536&amp;NewsAreaID=2&amp;HUserID=878,793,889,855,772,878,881,845,765,674,677,767,684,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/ps-home-lobby-old-490.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
Sony's promise of a true open-world experience with <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/home">Home</a> </em>has been a <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-home-not-coming-home-until-spring-2008/">continual dot</a> on the horizon for PlayStation 3 owners since it was first announced during <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/breaking-phil-harrison-resigns-from-sony-computer-entertainment/">former Sony-exec</a> Phil Harrison's GDC keynote last year. This continues to be the case this evening, as Sony just sent word that it plans to extend the service's closed beta phase through the summer season, pushing the eventual open beta launch until sometime in the fall.<br /><br />According to Sony, the move will allow the company to invite more PS3 users into the closed beta, perhaps to iron out some of the social MMO's failings we <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/a-progress-report-on-playstation-home-beta/">heard so much about</a> late last year. Says SCEI president and group CEO Kaz Hirai, the delay will let Sony "refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," which is business speak for telling us that we'll have to wait a few more months before we can know the joy of <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=I8ore7INF4Q&amp;feature=related">throwing</a> virtual televisions down equally virtual stairs.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=4536&amp;NewsAreaID=2&amp;HUserID=878,793,889,855,772,878,881,845,765,674,677,767,684,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/sony-pushes-home-open-beta-out-until-fall-08-closed-beta-exte/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1174043/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/sony-pushes-home-open-beta-out-until-fall-08-closed-beta-exte/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>breaking-news</category><category>breakingnews</category><category>home</category><category>kaz-hirai</category><category>kazhirai</category><category>scei</category><category>sony</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-22T01:56:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Realtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/action/" rel="tag">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.realtimeworlds.com/index.php?id=4&amp;pid=4&amp;nid=58"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/04/apbposter.jpg" /></a></div>
It always seemed to us that MMO-maker Webzen had a bit too much on its plate, what with working on <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/28/apb-out-on-xbox-360/"><em>APB</em></a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-huxley/"><em>Huxley</em></a> and <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-soul-of-the-ultimate-nation/"><em>Soul of the Ultimate Nation</em></a> year after year with no signs of any actual releases. Well, Webzen's plate got a little less full today, as developer Realtime Worlds <a href="http://www.realtimeworlds.com/index.php?id=4&amp;pid=4&amp;nid=58">announced</a> it has regained the global distribution rights to APB.<br /><br />Realtime Worlds' announcement follows a an <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-shows-off-all-points-bulletin/">intriguing</a> <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/apb-demonstration-shows-cops-and-robbers-gameplay/">demo</a> of <em>APB</em> at February's Game Developer's Conference and a <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/realtime-worlds-receives-50-million-in-real-world-investment/">$50 million cash infusion</a> for the <em>Crackdown</em> developer in March. As for Webzen, maybe this disquisition will finally give it the focus it needs to finish up the <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxleys-back-you-know-huxley-that-mmofps/">long-dormant <em>Huxley</em></a>.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.realtimeworlds.com/index.php?id=4&amp;pid=4&amp;nid=58>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1173329/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>all-points-bulletin</category><category>APB</category><category>crackdown</category><category>publishing</category><category>realtime-worlds</category><category>rights</category><category>webzen</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kyle Orland]]></dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-21T15:45:00+00:00</dc:date></item></channel></rss>