Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers, running on and off for testing since last September, are coming down for good on May 1. At that point, all of the characters currently in the game will disappear forever. You'll be able to being the full quest anew when when Diablo 3 launches on May 15.

The forums for the game are also being locked down. To post there after May 1, you'll need to either have pre-purchased Diablo 3, or have an active StarCraft 2 or World of Warcraft account. So, if you have complaints about Diablo 3 but don't meet that criteria, you'll have to go, oh, you know, anywhere else on the internet.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-serversblizzardDiablo-3forumsofflinepcstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard cuts 600 employees, most not in game development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/#comments Blizzard has laid off 600 employees, 90 percent of whom are not involved in game development, a statement from Activision Blizzard reads. The cuts do not impact the World of Warcraft development team, the publisher was quick to assure, and its development and publishing schedules will not be affected.

"As Blizzard and the industry have evolved we've also had to make some difficult decisions in order to address the changing needs of our company," Mike Morhaime, CEO of Blizzard Entertainment, said. "Knowing that, it still does not make letting go of some of our team members any easier."

In the same statement, Blizzard announced that it is "recruiting and looking to hire qualified developers for a number of open positions."

JoystiqBlizzard cuts 600 employees, most not in game development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzarddiablo-3firedlayoffsMike-Morhaimepcstarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard brings Balance and Battletags to Battle.net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/blizzard-brings-balance-and-battletags-to-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/blizzard-brings-balance-and-battletags-to-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/blizzard-brings-balance-and-battletags-to-battle-net/#comments Blizzard Entertainment has been steadily updating the Battle.net online multiplayer service recently, presumably in anticipation of Diablo 3's release next year. Last week, the company introduced what it's calling the Battle.net Balance, a currency total stored on its servers that players can use to pay for Blizzard items -- from a World of Warcraft subscription to in-game items and plushies in the company store. This is where funds not translated directly into cash will go from the real money auction house in Diablo 3, whenever it arrives.

Today, Blizzard introduced the BattleTag system, which is a specific public username that will identify players publicly on Battle.net services (similar to Xbox Live's Gamertag name). This is likely the compromise Blizzard came up with over its controversial Real ID service, which was originally meant to utilize real player names.

BattleTags are not unique, but players will have a number in their public profiles that will let you identify just which "touchFuzzygetDizzy" you're talking to. BattleTags will appear first in the Diablo 3 beta, and get used in all of Blizzard's games and services sometime after that.

JoystiqBlizzard brings Balance and Battletags to Battle.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netbattle-net-battletagbattletagblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3pcreal-idreal-moneystarcraft-2world-of-warcraftFri, 16 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 for $30 this weekend from Blizzard Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/starcraft-2-for-30-this-weekend-from-blizzard-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/starcraft-2-for-30-this-weekend-from-blizzard-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/starcraft-2-for-30-this-weekend-from-blizzard-store/#comments PoultryCraft Imagine, if you will: Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, more gravy and a mountain of dead Zerg. This could be your Thanksgiving weekend if you pick up StarCraft 2, which is on sale for $30 until Monday at the Blizzard Store. Don't forget the gravy (or the Goliaths).

Continue reading StarCraft 2 for $30 this weekend from Blizzard Store

JoystiqStarCraft 2 for $30 this weekend from Blizzard Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcStarcraft-2starcraft-ii-wings-of-libertyWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 Mega Block Battlecruiser assembled in time-lapse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/starcraft-2-mega-block-battlecruiser-assembled-in-time-lapse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/starcraft-2-mega-block-battlecruiser-assembled-in-time-lapse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/starcraft-2-mega-block-battlecruiser-assembled-in-time-lapse/#comments
Check out this one minute and forty second time-lapse of a Mega Blocks StarCraft 2 Battlecruiser picked up at Blizzcon 2011, being put together over six and half hours. In the end, we're treated to the sound that lets us know it's ready for action.

JoystiqStarCraft 2 Mega Block Battlecruiser assembled in time-lapse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecruiserblizzcon-2011mega-blocksStarcraft-2time-lapseTue, 22 Nov 2011 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/#comments A roaring crowd, concession-stand popcorn and panicked cries for additional pylons can only mean one thing: It's pro-gaming season. The sound of furiously clicking mice can be heard for miles around in Providence, Rhode Island, where Major League Gaming's Pro Circuit National Championships are happening right now.

The greatest Starcraft 2 players from around the world have assembled and are putting on one hell of a show, which you can enjoy irrespective of your proximity to The Ocean State thanks to the embedded stream above. Jump past the break for the day's complete schedule, and peep the tournament bracket here.

Continue reading Watch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq!

JoystiqWatch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MLGMLG-2011mlg-pro-circuitmlg-providenceprovidencestarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-Libertystarcraft-iiSun, 20 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Blizzard makes the StarCraft 2 races so iconic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/how-blizzard-makes-the-starcraft-2-races-so-iconic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/how-blizzard-makes-the-starcraft-2-races-so-iconic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/how-blizzard-makes-the-starcraft-2-races-so-iconic/#comments The StarCraft 2 preview for Heart of the Swarm on display at BlizzCon 2011 last week was pretty much the same thing we saw a few months ago on the Blizzard campus. Fun as it was, we instead used our short time talking with with Blizzard's lead art director Samwise Dider to have him let us in on just how Blizzard is able to make StarCraft's three races so darn iconic.

His answer was pretty simple. "Protoss," he says, "they're basically elliptical and circular. Terran are basically angular and square, and Zerg are very erratic and organic and spiky." Sounds plain enough. But when one of the game's new units (specifically the Protoss' Tempest, a strong capital ship with some heavy anti-zerg ability) showed up on the screen during the Opening Ceremony, players immediately knew the 'toss were getting a new toy. Is it as easy as shapes?

"With Protoss," says Didier, "as long as you have a few of the basic things; big golden arcs and sweeping sort of angelic-looking wings and surfaces, you can make almost anything into Protoss. With Terran, they're all about the clunkiness, boxes, utilitarian. You take em out of the box, they're ready to go."

And the Zerg? They're "just a gumbo of teeth and snot and bile," according to Didier. "We wrap them in the movement of a snake or a spider or a roach, there's your Zerg stuff." Boiling these races down into their elements like that is just another reason why this company, and its games, are so incredibly popular. "It's very easy to tell these races apart, because they are so diametrically opposed," Didier concludes, before deconstructing the series completely: "Gold, gray, brown."

Gallery: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm (10/21/11)

JoystiqHow Blizzard makes the StarCraft 2 races so iconic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artboxesdesignpcprotosssamwise-didierstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmterranzergTue, 25 Oct 2011 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard to release six 'proven' properties over next three years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/#comments Blizzard will release six "proven property" titles over the coming three years, Activision Blizzard COO Thomas Tippl said at the Citi 2011 Technology Conference. Tippl named five of these six expected releases: Two World of Warcraft expansion packs, two StarCraft 2 titles and Diablo 3. Tippl also pinned a Diablo 3 expansion as the possible sixth title. Blizzard said it is immediately focused on updates for Cataclysm, releasing Diablo 3 and finishing StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm.

It would satisfy our OCD if these six games would release two-a-year at six-month intervals for three years, and it would satisfy our ADHD if all six titles dropped on the same day, but Tippl didn't provide any more specific dates. Titan, the mysterious next-gen MMO from Blizzard, wasn't mentioned, but it's not a "proven" property and could still launch in its rumored timeframe of late 2013.

JoystiqBlizzard to release six 'proven' properties over next three years originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzarddiablo-3pcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmtitanWorld-of-WarcraftSat, 10 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/#comments
Smell that? That gentle, wafting scent in the breeze? That unique blend of concession-stand popcorn, USB and pwn? It's a specific, enticing fragrance that can only mean one thing: It's time for Major League Gaming finals, and you can watch it all live on Joystiq!

All day today, teams from around the globe will be competing for thousands of dollars in prizes across 4 games: Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, Black Ops, and making its MLG debut, League of Legends. It's an exciting day for pro-gaming, so strap on your beer hat and big foam finger and head on through for the day's full schedule.

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionblack-opsBlizzardBungiecall-of-duty-black-opshalo-reachleague-of-legendslivemajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationps3riot-gamesstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/#comments Pirates may be dirty, pillaging fiends, but they have high standards, according to a study from Copenhagen Business School and University of Waterloo. The study tracked 173 new games on BitTorrent over a three-month release period, finding 127 of these were downloaded by 12.7 million unique peers, and that a torrent's popularity was directly correlated to its review scores. The 10 most-downloaded games comprised over 5.3 million downloads, or 42 percent of the 127 pirated games.

Fallout: New Vegas had the most downloads (962,793) and an average review score of 83.7, followed by Darksiders (656,296) with a review score of 82.7. Tron: Evolution had the lowest score of the top 10 at 59.5, yet came in fifth place (496,349). StarCraft 2 had the highest review score at 89.5 and landed in seventh place (420,138). Review scores can't trump a title's notoriety, reputation or core fanbase, but researchers found "Metacritic Scores explain 10% of the variance in the unique peers per game on BitTorrent." In other words, the only vessel that these pirates are sailing on is a statistically positive relationship.

JoystiqStudy: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarFallout-New-Vegaspcpiracy-researchPiratesStarcraft-2Tron-EvolutionSat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA['StarCraft 2: Starter Edition' replaces Wings of Liberty demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/starcraft-2-starter-edition-replaces-wings-of-liberty-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/starcraft-2-starter-edition-replaces-wings-of-liberty-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/starcraft-2-starter-edition-replaces-wings-of-liberty-demo/#comments The StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty demo has been replaced by StarCraft 2: Starter Edition. The new version allows players to play four levels of the campaign, the first two challenges, access the terran race in custom games and single-player vs. AI, and play four of the custom maps.

All campaign progress and achievements are saved to the player's Battle.net account, so they can pick up from right where they left off, if they decide to buy the full game. Already have a Battle.net account? You'll find the StarCraft 2: Starter Edition in Account Management under "Your Game Accounts." Who says drug dealers don't do house calls and make it easy to get hooked up anymore?

Joystiq'StarCraft 2: Starter Edition' replaces Wings of Liberty demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardmacpcStarcraft-2StarCraft-2-Starter-EditionStarcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyStarcraft-ii-Wings-of-LibertyWed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/#comments
Strap on your beer-hats and huge foam fingers, e-sports fans, because Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday is under way, and you can catch all the fragging, pylon-constructing action right here on Joystiq. Championship matches for Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, and Call of Duty: Black Ops will take place all day long on 4 different streams, so make sure you've got enough overpriced concession-stand munchies to last you a while.

Head on through for the day's full schedule, and be sure to let us know how you feel about competitive gaming coverage on Joystiq, either in the comments or in the poll. This sort of post is a new jam for us, and if you like it, we'll do more!

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheimcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-opschampionship-sundaycompetitive-gaminghalohalo-reachlive-streamlive-streamingmajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationpro-gamingps3starcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/#comments Blizzard has shared the plan for two big e-sports events at BlizzCon in Anaheim, CA, and it looks like there's going to be a full plate of noobs, ownage and ggs yet again this year. Not only will the Global Battle.net Invitational showcase some of the best StarCraft 2 players from Blizzard's online multiplayer service, but the 2011 Global StarCraft League Final matches will be held at the same event, pitting the best of the best at the game against each other.

Those are just the two StarCraft 2 events -- Blizzard traditionally also holds contests and tournaments for World of Warcraft arena matches and the World of Warcraft TCG at BlizzCon, and though we haven't seen an official announcement yet, it's possible we'll see some Warcraft 3 or even Diablo 3 e-sports play as well. Outside of competitive play, Blizzard usually also offers new content for attendees to play through, so Diablo 3 specifically, plus any other unannounced games, may be playable too.

Tickets for the October 21-22 event are sold out, but the tournament play will likely be streamed online through "virtual tickets" later on this year.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more

JoystiqBlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2011competitione-sportsesportsfinalsglobal-starcraft-leaguepcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmtournamentWed, 13 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard Dota still on the way, has undergone 'some massive overhauls']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/blizzard-dota-still-on-the-way-has-undergone-some-massive-over/#comments Blizzard Dota, the Defense of the Ancients-style official mod that was shown off at last year's BlizzCon, is still a work in progress, according to lead producer Chris Sigaty. The other three mods shown last year were released a little while ago to the community, but the Dota mod, which pits all kinds of Blizzard franchise characters up against each other in a real-time battle, needed a little extra work, apparently.

"We basically put it back up in the shop and did some massive overhauls to some things, which I'm not going to go into specific detail about," Sigaty told Joystiq at a press event last week. "But yeah, we are working on Blizzard Dota, and we do intend to launch it at or around the time of Heart of the Swarm, but the official details will be online later."

Will the mod eventually require the upcoming Heart of the Swarm expansion to play? Sigaty's got nothing yet: "We're not even talking about the business level decision of it at this point." But rest assured that, somewhere on Blizzard's Irvine, CA campus, there are still developers fighting over who'd win in a fight, Thrall, Diablo, or Tychus Findlay.

JoystiqBlizzard Dota still on the way, has undergone 'some massive overhauls' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-dotachris-sigatydotamodsofficialpcStarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmstarcraft-2-wings-of-libertyTue, 31 May 2011 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm preview: Kerrigan, again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-preview-kerrigan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-preview-kerrigan-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-preview-kerrigan-again/#comments When Blizzard announced that StarCraft 2 would be split into three different games years ago, there was quite a bit of weeping and gnashing of teeth -- lots of complaining that the new corporate entity of Activision Blizzard was triple-dipping our wallets. But time heals all wounds and in this case, the great reviews of the full-featured first title didn't hurt either.

So it may come as something of a surprise to be reminded that as much fun as StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty was, you've got two more campaigns coming your way. At a recent press event inside Blizzard HQ in Irvine, California, we got to take a look at two single-player missions from Heart of the Swarm, the first expansion pack-priced followup, focused on the popular Zerg race.

One note of warning before we begin: There are story elements revealed in these missions that will sorta, kinda spoil the plot of Wings of Liberty if you haven't finished it yet. If you aren't done with Jim Raynor's Terran campaign, play that and then come back. Otherwise, feel free to read on.

Gallery: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm (5/31/2011)

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm preview: Kerrigan, again

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm preview: Kerrigan, again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrian-kindreganchris-sigatyexpansionkaldirpcprotossstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmstarcraft-2-wings-of-libertyzergTue, 31 May 2011 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/#comments We're not sure what the original distribution plan for the 45-second teaser for Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm was, but we're pretty sure it wasn't "Let it leak onto every video site on the Internet." Regardless, we're glad it's here -- and after watching it below, we wager you will be, too.

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardpcstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmSat, 28 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/#comments It's time once again to save on a seemingly random selection of nine games -- the Amazon Gold Box is loaded with game deals today. The Deal of the Day is Starcraft 2 for $39.99, but if that's not the craft you're after, you can also pick up the World of Warcraft Battle Chest right now (until 11AM EST, at least) for $18.

Hints for upcoming deals suggest that savings for Dragon Age and Kingdom Hearts games are on the way, along with Bulletstorm. Find the full schedule, with hints, after the break.

Continue reading StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon

JoystiqStarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbulletstormdeal-of-the-daydragon-agegold-boxkingdom-heartspcplaystationps3Starcraft-2world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-battle-chestTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzcon 2011 tickets on sale (briefly) in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/blizzcon-2011-tickets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/blizzcon-2011-tickets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/blizzcon-2011-tickets/#comments Start working out your index finger now, you've only got until May 21 to get into top clicking shape and secure your tickets to the Nerd-vana that is Blizzcon 2011. But there are two bits of good news for slow-pokes: (1) A second swath of passes will go on sale on May 25 and (2) Blizzard has upped prices by $25 to $175. That should knock out some your penny-pinching competitors, right?

If you want a start with either the May 21 or 25 batches, start refreshing Blizzcon.com feverishly at around 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. PST, respectively. You'll also want to make sure you can make it to Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Oct. 21 and October 22, otherwise, what was the point?

If all else fails, you could wait till May 28 and pay $500 to gain entry to an exclusive Blizzard charity dinner and the convention. What would the dinner conversation be like with people who have that kind of cash to drop on Blizzcon? We've got no guesses, but suffice to say we'd love to be a Darkmist Silkspinner on that wall.

JoystiqBlizzcon 2011 tickets on sale (briefly) in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2011conventionsstarcraft-2the-lost-vikingsworld-of-warcraftWed, 13 Apr 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard releases three official StarCraft 2 mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/blizzard-releases-three-official-starcraft-2-mods/#comments Blizzard has finally released three of the four official StarCraft 2 mods it announced at BlizzCon last year -- though, the one that didn't make the cut might surprise you. Players can now download Aiur Chef, which might possibly be the world's first cooking/RTS title; Starjeweled, a gem-swapping puzzler with a few light strategy elements thrown in for good measure; and Left 2 Die, in which players build up their base and train units to defend it when hordes of infected Terran come to play at night.

That leaves poor little Blizzard Dota standing alone out in the cold, with no indication of when it might get an official release. Don't worry, little guy -- we don't think the multiplayer online battle arena genre's gonna get stale anytime soon.

JoystiqBlizzard releases three official StarCraft 2 mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiur-chefblizzardblizzard-dotaleft-2-diemodpcrtsStarcraft-2starjeweledThu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Blizzard nails it, as always]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-blizzard-nails-it-as-always/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-blizzard-nails-it-as-always/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-blizzard-nails-it-as-always/#comments For like, the hundredth year running, Blizzard has kicked off this most dishonest of days with an overwhelming salvo of fake additions to its current and pending titles. Take, for instance, the Diablo 3 "Horadic Cube" app, which possesses the power to combine your phone's applications into super applications. Or how about the new Kinect functionality for StarCraft 2? Not since Dance Central: The Krump Imperative have we seen such feverish flailing.

The best of the bunch is clearly the World of Warcraft update, which not only adds a new, pitch-black dungeon, but also a "Dungeon Helper" named Crabby, who assists you in navigating the game's instances. Go get acquainted with your new crustacean cohort -- but we wouldn't suggest letting Clippy find out. That dude's jealous as all get-out.

JoystiqApril Fools: Blizzard nails it, as always originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011blizzarddiablo-3pcstarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 01 Apr 2011 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 open beta begins in China on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/starcraft-2-open-beta-begins-in-china-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/starcraft-2-open-beta-begins-in-china-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/starcraft-2-open-beta-begins-in-china-on-march-29/#comments Just as we experienced here in the United States, mainland China is about to undergo a beta testing period for StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty. Ever since striking a deal back in 2008, Blizzard and NetEase have been working to bring the game to the country -- on March 29, that deal will come to fruition.

Anxious gamers in the region can pre-load the beta client -- provided they have a Battle.net account or at least a willingness to register -- which will grant access to all of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty's multiplayer modes. Upon the conclusion of the unspecified beta period, Blizzard and NetEase will launch the game commercially, allowing players to buy 30-day access passes to the game for a suggested price of RMB 20 ($3.04). It's in line with a pricing structure that Blizzard outlined a year ago.

To pre-load the Chinese beta client, head on over to Blizzard's site.

JoystiqStarCraft 2 open beta begins in China on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardchinaneteaseopen-betapcStarcraft-2Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: StarCraft 2 'marketplace' still coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/blizzard-starcraft-2-marketplace-still-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/blizzard-starcraft-2-marketplace-still-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/blizzard-starcraft-2-marketplace-still-coming/#comments During BlizzCon 2009, Blizzard revealed plans to put a shopping interface inside StarCraft 2, which would allow players to purchase user-created maps, with revenue shared between Blizzard and the creator. The game came out in July 2010, sans marketplace, and that feature is still missing.

During an interview with MTV Multiplayer, Blizzard's Frank Pearce asserted that the feature is still on the way. "But it's not necessarily something we have a specific timeline for," he said, "which is unfortunate because one of the things that we've found is, especially from our learnings from World of WarCraft, is that these audiences that play these games are very, very passionate and want to experience lots and lots of content. With the StarCraft 2 client and the StarCraft 2 map editor and the Battle.net platform, it creates an opportunity for the community to serve itself with content, if the mechanisms are there."

To be fair, if it did have a timeline, it would be a Blizzard timeline, and therefore could only be specific to the year. Approximately.

JoystiqBlizzard: StarCraft 2 'marketplace' still coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardfrank-pearcemarketplacepcstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyUGCuser-created-contentThu, 17 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA['World of StarCraft' mod reborn as 'StarCraft Universe']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/world-of-starcraft-mod-reborn-as-starcraft-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/world-of-starcraft-mod-reborn-as-starcraft-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/world-of-starcraft-mod-reborn-as-starcraft-universe/#comments Ryan Winzen's dream of using the StarCraft 2 mod tools to create his own full-fledged MMORPG wasn't crushed by Blizzard -- rather, it was only renamed. Winzen's "World of StarCraft" mod, which saw its video demos pulled from YouTube by Blizzard (citing copyright violations), is now known by a much less infringing title: "StarCraft Universe." (We just hope the Lego Universe folks don't take umbrage with the new moniker. Yeesh.)

It seems the modders that are working on StarCraft Universe with Winzen have also adopted a much more realistic set of goals to go along with the new name. For instance, they're adhering to the 12-player cap that's applied to all other player-made StarCraft 2 mods. We guess that makes it just a "MORPG," now -- though that also sounds like the name of some kind of exotic alien species. But hey, that's kind of appropriate too!

Joystiq'World of StarCraft' mod reborn as 'StarCraft Universe' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardmodpcStarcraft-2starcraft-universeworld-of-starcraftThu, 10 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: At least two Blizzard titles coming in 2012, if none released this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-at-least-two-blizzard-titles-coming-by-2012-diablo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-at-least-two-blizzard-titles-coming-by-2012-diablo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-at-least-two-blizzard-titles-coming-by-2012-diablo/#comments Speaking during a financial earnings call today, Activision COO Thomas Tippl said that if we don't see any games from Blizzard this year, the publisher expects to see them next year. "Because Blizzard Entertainment has not yet confirmed the launch date for its next global release," Tippl told investors and press, "our outlook at this time does not include a new game from Blizzard in 2011." But don't worry, Blizzard fans, Activision's got a whip it's not afraid to crack: "Should we not release a major title from Blizzard this year, we would expect for planning purposes to launch a minimum of two Blizzard titles in 2012."

Presumably, those two titles would be Heart of the Swarm (the Zerg-based expansion for Starcraft 2) and the long-awaited Diablo 3. Blizzard president Mike Morhaime joined the call after Tippl spoke and promised that more information was coming about both. Blizzard's developers, he said, are hard at work on Heart of the Swarm, and we'll hear more "in the coming months."

Additionally, Morhaime said that he would talk about Diablo 3 "and the upcoming beta on the next call," in about three months. "Until we get to beta and have the community help us test the game," he later said, "we're not going to lock in a release date."

Blizzard is also working to get both World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and Starcraft 2 out in China, but had "no specific updates to share at this time" about those releases -- or the "Titan" MMO, for that matter. Morhaime did plug both the upcoming BlizzCon and Blizzard's twentieth anniversary this year, and closed by saying that "the games we have in the pipeline represent the best and widest slate of games we have ever produced."

JoystiqActivision: At least two Blizzard titles coming in 2012, if none released this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardDiablo-3heart-of-the-swarmmike-morhaimepcrelease-datestarcraft-2thomas-tippltitanWed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your BlizzCon on Oct. 21-22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/get-your-blizzcon-on-oct-21-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/get-your-blizzcon-on-oct-21-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/get-your-blizzcon-on-oct-21-22/#commentsBlizzard has announced the dates for this year's BlizzCon, the annual gathering of fans who want to celebrate the fact that they got tickets to BlizzCon (and also celebrate Blizzard games). The event will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center on October 21 and 22.

Blizzard hasn't announced any specific content yet, so we don't know who will fulfill the Ozzy or Tenacious D role. However, chances are you know enough about your relationship with Diablo, Starcraft, and World of Warcraft to know right now whether or not you want to go.

JoystiqGet your BlizzCon on Oct. 21-22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzcon-2011Diablo-3pcstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftMon, 07 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 now testing new ladder maps, Blizzard mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/starcraft-2-now-testing-new-ladder-maps-blizzard-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/starcraft-2-now-testing-new-ladder-maps-blizzard-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/starcraft-2-now-testing-new-ladder-maps-blizzard-mods/#comments Blizzard has updated the Public Test Region for StarCraft 2 and, along with a few bug fixes (they should call them Zerg fixes, get it?), there are some new ladder maps to play around with. Test server players also have access to the mods announced at BlizzCon last year, which include the StarJeweled minigame, Aiur Chef and the Blizzard DotA mod that players are looking forward to. Anyone can download and install the test server, and of course when testing is done, the new maps will all make their way out to the live servers as well.

JoystiqStarCraft 2 now testing new ladder maps, Blizzard mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardblizzard-dotablizzard-entertainmentladdermapspcStarcraft-2Sat, 05 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard comments on World of StarCraft, invites creator to HQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/blizzard-comments-on-world-of-starcraft-invites-creator-to-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/blizzard-comments-on-world-of-starcraft-invites-creator-to-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/blizzard-comments-on-world-of-starcraft-invites-creator-to-hq/#comments Blizzard has released a statement regarding the pulled YouTube videos of a StarCraft 2 mod by Ryan Winzen that turned the RTS title into a game more closely resembling World of Warcraft. While the developer admits that YouTube was asked to kill the videos because of the trademarked name "as part of our routine procedure," the mod itself will live on. "As always, we actively encourage development of custom maps and mods," Blizzard says in the statement, and it is "looking forward to seeing the continued development of this mod."

In fact, the company sought out the mod's creator and has "extended an offer to the developer to visit the Blizzard campus and meet with the StarCraft 2 development team." If it wants to hire him, though, they'll have to hurry -- Blizzard isn't the only dev that wants to meet the guy. You can read the full statement, send out by Blizzard's Bob Colayco, after the break.

Continue reading Blizzard comments on World of StarCraft, invites creator to HQ

JoystiqBlizzard comments on World of StarCraft, invites creator to HQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardmacmodofficialpcstarcraft-2world-of-starcraftWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 20 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[World of StarCraft modder offered interview by Riot Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/world-of-starcraft-modder-offered-interview-by-riot-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/world-of-starcraft-modder-offered-interview-by-riot-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/world-of-starcraft-modder-offered-interview-by-riot-games/#comments Despite World of StarCraft mod creator Ryan Winzen having videos of his work removed from YouTube after Blizzard requested as much, the ingenious gentleman was offered a job by League of Legends developer Riot Games this past week. Pixelated Geek picked up on the back and forth in its own comment section between Winzen and a Riot Games employee identified as "epak", in which the Riot Games employee said, "Ryan, I'd like to speak with you about potentially working for Riotgames (League of Legends). You can contact me directly at [redacted] since I think you're awesome."

The interview offer was confirmed by Riot Games design director "Zileas" on the developer's forums, where he notes, "I shot him [Ryan] an email recently asking if he was interested in exploring an opportunity here. As to what comes of that, who knows -- that depends on the mutual fit and his own goals." Mr. Winzen, for his part, is ecstatic. " I've waited my whole life for something like this. I feel like I'm in a dream man ... been up for 36 hours straight with all this craziness going on ... How did this even happen?" If you'll excuse us ... we've just ... there's something in our eye.

JoystiqWorld of StarCraft modder offered interview by Riot Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentleague-of-legendsmacmodpcriot-gamesryan-winzenStarcraft-2world-of-starcraftThu, 20 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA['World of Starcraft' mod Zerg rushed by Blizzard lawyers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-mod-zerg-rushed-by-blizzard-lawyers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-mod-zerg-rushed-by-blizzard-lawyers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-mod-zerg-rushed-by-blizzard-lawyers/#comments Apparently, that crack we made about Blizzard's mighty cease-and-desist hammer in yesterday's post about the World of StarCraft mod project (which uses StarCraft 2 tools to attempt to create a standalone MMO) was a tad prophetic. Though the developer hasn't actually slapped the team with the dreaded C&D (yet), it did petition YouTube to have the mod's demo videos removed, citing a copyright violation.

It's unclear what further action Blizzard will take, but it would be irresponsible to assume that its actions are indicative of the existence of a real World of StarCraft game. It's entirely possible that the company simply wants to protect its "StarCraft" name, or reserve the title for possible future use -- though it would be a shame if their squatting ended up shutting down these modders' impressive efforts. Especially after they asked so nicely for permission.

Joystiq'World of Starcraft' mod Zerg rushed by Blizzard lawyers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardcopyright-infringementmmomodpcStarcraft-2world-of-starcraftWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 19 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA['World of StarCraft' finally a reality, created by modders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/world-of-starcraft-finally-a-reality-created-by-modders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/world-of-starcraft-finally-a-reality-created-by-modders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/world-of-starcraft-finally-a-reality-created-by-modders/#comments Though it's slightly lacking in originality, a StarCraft-themed version of Blizzard's World of Warcraft always seems to come up while fans are discussing the company's possible upcoming projects. One group of modders got sick of the speculation, and made this dream a reality: Using StarCraft 2's powerful user-generated content tools, the team created a surprisingly beefy World of StarCraft game mode, a video demonstration for which is posted after the jump.

Sure, it's unlikely that the mod will ever obtain the player networking features required to merit the "Massively Multiplayer" moniker ... but it still looks really neat! We just hope that it's not "really neat" enough to garner a cease and desist from Blizzard. Hopefully, it's just the right amount of "really neat."

Continue reading 'World of StarCraft' finally a reality, created by modders

Joystiq'World of StarCraft' finally a reality, created by modders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardmodpcStarcraft-2world-of-starcraftWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 18 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/#comments Have you found competition in StarCraft 2's online multiplayer "Diamond League" to be unrewarding? Do you hang, effortlessly, from the very highest rungs of the tallest competition ladder? It's time for you to shed your burdensome chrysalis and ascend to your next challenge: the recently launched "Master League," which pits the top two percent of players from each region against one another for true StarCraft supremacy. If you're eligible for the new league, you won't have to do anything special to join; Blizzard automatically elevates top-two-percenters to the Master bracket.

Of course, the raw exclusivity of this new ladder will lose a bit of its luster when Blizzard launches the "Grandmaster League," which will only invite the top 200 players from each region to battle. There's no timetable for the release of this ladder, though we imagine it'll come well before the arrival of the Great-Grandmaster League, which forces the very best player on the planet to play against an evil clone of him or herself all day, every day, for twenty years. You get a T-shirt if you win that one, though, so it's totally worth it.

JoystiqBlizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgrandmaster-leagueladdermaster-leaguemultiplayerpcrtsStarcraft-2strategytournamentThu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/starcraft-2-user-created-map-takes-the-fight-into-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/starcraft-2-user-created-map-takes-the-fight-into-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/starcraft-2-user-created-map-takes-the-fight-into-space/#comments While most of us would consider StarCraft 2 to be a space-themed strategy title, very little of the game actually takes place in the outer parts of space -- you know, the parts where no one can hear you scream. A custom map by the name of Star Battle fixes that oversight, pitting two teams of six players against one another in a massive, DotA-esque encounter. Only, instead of controlling fantasy archetypes, you control gigantic spaceships, which we think we can all agree is way cooler.

The map has proven to be the most popular custom gametype on the European Battle.net servers, and is now available on the U.S. servers as well. Check out the tutorial video posted after the jump to learn the rules the game before jumping into it -- a smart move, considering player death in Star Battle is permanent. (BUH BUH BUUHHHHH)

Continue reading StarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space

JoystiqStarCraft 2 user-created map takes the fight into space originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcustommodpcstar-battleStarcraft-2strategyuser-generated-contentWed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 demo deployed by Blizzard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/#comments The Starcraft 2 demo is now -- finally -- available for PC and Mac. The sample includes the first three campaign missions and doesn't require a Battle.net account (so no online, sorry). It's perfect if you're still debating relinquishing all of your free time to the game. Link after the break!

JoystiqStarCraft 2 demo deployed by Blizzard originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzarddemomacpcstarcraftStarcraft-2Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition, t-shirt, Razer Abyssus mouse and Vespula mousepad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-starcraft-2-collectors-edition-t-shirt-ra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-starcraft-2-collectors-edition-t-shirt-ra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-starcraft-2-collectors-edition-t-shirt-ra/#comments
To celebrate the holidays, we're having twelve straight days of giveaways up through Christmas day. And while we say it's to celebrate, really ... we're simply getting rid of some of the larger packages around the ol' office.

Day six means we're halfway through (and you've got that much less time to prepare for the big day!) and we've got a PC gaming bundle including the massive Collector's Edition of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty, a StarCraft 2 t-shirt (in L, XL, or 2XL), a Razer Abyssus mouse, and a Razer Vespula mousepad. It's pretty much everything you need - you provide the computer and enough liquor to wash away the pain of getting demolished in match after match online.

Gallery: StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition (hands-on)

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition, t-shirt, Razer Abyssus mouse and Vespula mousepad

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition, t-shirt, Razer Abyssus mouse and Vespula mousepad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2010joyswagpcStarcraft-2Mon, 20 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard games and expansions on sale at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/blizzard-games-and-expansions-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/blizzard-games-and-expansions-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/blizzard-games-and-expansions-on-sale-at-amazon/#comments Whether you're looking to rebuild your Diablo or Starcraft software collections, or if you just want to get down on the complete World of Warcraft anthology before it gets extended tomorrow, you should probably go hit up Amazon. For today only, they've got big sales on Blizzard's big games.

Continue reading Blizzard games and expansions on sale at Amazon

JoystiqBlizzard games and expansions on sale at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblizzardDiablopcStarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftMon, 06 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 makes North America a 'public test region,' live now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/starcraft-2-makes-north-america-a-public-test-region-live-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/starcraft-2-makes-north-america-a-public-test-region-live-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/starcraft-2-makes-north-america-a-public-test-region-live-now/#comments Like World of Warcraft before it, Blizzard revealed its "public test region" program for StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty, giving Zerg-rushers and Zealot-sneakers an early preview of patches yet to come. First up, patch 1.20 is available for PTR participants, giving players hands-on with Battle.net chat channels, editor improvements, and forthcoming balance tweaks (among many, many other things). There doesn't seem to be a limit to the number of SC2 players able to participate, though the FAQ stipulates "players must have an active StarCraft 2 North America game account created before November 11, 2010 -- the player's account must not be a guest pass account, suspended, or banned."

According to ShackNews, Blizzard's SC2 public test region program will "conduct public tests for most if not all future game patches." As for how long patch 1.20 will be available in preview? Like most things Blizzard, it won't be available publicly "until we feel the patch has been appropriately tested."

JoystiqStarCraft 2 makes North America a 'public test region,' live now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentmacpatchpatch-1.2pcpublic-test-realmpublic-test-regionStarcraft-2Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard launches dial-in Battle.net authenticator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/blizzard-launches-dial-in-battle-net-authenticator/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/blizzard-launches-dial-in-battle-net-authenticator/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/blizzard-launches-dial-in-battle-net-authenticator/#commentsAre you troubled by strange activity in your Battle.net account? Do you experience feelings of dread in your WarCraft or StarCraft games? Have you or your family ever seen a fraud, hacker, or scam?

If the answer is "yes," then don't wait another minute. Pick up the phone and call the professionals: Blizzard's Dial-In Authenticator. Their courteous and efficient automated system is on call 24 hours a day to verify your identity in case of suspicious account activity.

It's ready to authenticate you.

JoystiqBlizzard launches dial-in Battle.net authenticator originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authenticatorblizzarddial-in-authenticatormmopcStarcraft-2world-of-warcraftWed, 10 Nov 2010 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: Blizzard, Cheating and Copyright Infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/lgj-blizzard-cheating-and-copyright-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/lgj-blizzard-cheating-and-copyright-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/lgj-blizzard-cheating-and-copyright-infringement/#commentsMark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:

Everyone else is talking about the Supreme Court, but I'm going to hold off on any further commentary until we have an actual decision to analyze. Instead, I want to bring your attention back to a suit filed by Blizzard in California, Blizzard v. VanKuipers, Simpson, and John Does 1-10 (aka the GameThreat.net case). This case seems to be the sequel of sorts to the "Glider" case from the not too distant past (Blizzard v. MDY Industries). In short, that case was about a World of WarCraft "autopilot" program called Glider. Glider circumvented Warden (the WoW cheat protection software). The short version of the result from that case is that MDY Industries, the maker of Glider, was held liable for contributory and vicarious copyright infringement for putting out Glider, which violated WoW's End User License Agreement and Terms of Service. The opinion also upheld Blizzard's right to sue over issues that diminished the player experience.

That brings us to the GameThreat.net case. Some of this should sound pretty familiar. GameThreat.net put out a series of StarCraft 2 hacks and cheats, which worked in multiplayer. These programs were available very shortly after the launch of StarCraft 2, and that, of course, irritated Blizzard, which sent a cease and desist of some sort. While it may have initially appeared the two were in compliance, Blizzard discovered they have re-distributed their source code to others, who have continued to make it available. As a result, Blizzard is suing on basically the same premise as Glider. As is often the case, the ideas here present a bit of a double-edged sword.

Continue reading LGJ: Blizzard, Cheating and Copyright Infringement

JoystiqLGJ: Blizzard, Cheating and Copyright Infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnslaw-of-the-gamelegallgjmacmark-methenitispcStarcraft-2Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard posts better-than-expected Q3 results: $51m in profits on $745m in revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/activision-blizzard-posts-better-than-expected-q3-results-51m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/activision-blizzard-posts-better-than-expected-q3-results-51m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/activision-blizzard-posts-better-than-expected-q3-results-51m/#comments Thanks to "strong performance" from industry staples like Activision Publishing's Call of Duty franchise and Blizzard Entertainment's perennial MMO World of Warcraft and a stellar launch for Blizz's long-anticipated sequel StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty, Activision Blizzard exceeded its prior third-quarter outlook of $600 million with net revenues of $745 million in the period ending September 30, 2010. Compare that to net revenues of $703 million for the same period last year. It also reported profits of $51 million for the quarter versus $15 million for the same period last year.

"For the third quarter, we exceeded our net revenues and earnings per share outlook and delivered strong year-over-year growth," Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick explained. "Activision Publishing is about to introduce what is likely to be the biggest entertainment launch of the year with Call of Duty: Black Ops, followed by Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, which we believe will deliver an incredible breadth of new content to the world's largest massively multiplayer online role playing game community." That's another way of saying, "If you think these Q3 numbers are great, wait until you see next quarter!"

And with Q4 capping off Activision Blizzard's fiscal (and calendar) year, Kotick notes that things are looking better than ever for ol' Actiblizzard. "As a result of our over-performance, we are raising our calendar year 2010 net revenue and earnings outlook. We expect to deliver the most profitable year in our history with record operating margins." Specifically the publishing giant is raising its outlook for net revenues from $4.18 billion to $4.28 billion - shareholders should like the sound of that. Gamers will just enjoy Black Ops and Cataclysm. And gamers who are also shareholders can use some of that money to pay for the games you just bought. Investing!

JoystiqActivision Blizzard posts better-than-expected Q3 results: $51m in profits on $745m in revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardearningsFY-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3Q3Starcraft-2xboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard 'hard pressed' to make 2011 for next StarCraft 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzard-hard-pressed-to-make-2011-for-next-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzard-hard-pressed-to-make-2011-for-next-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/blizzard-hard-pressed-to-make-2011-for-next-starcraft-2/#comments Blizzard may not have an "official" release window for Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, but don't expect it to occur in 2011.SC2 Lead Producer Chris Sigaty told IGN the company would be "very hard pressed to bring [Heart of the Swarm] out next year." He noted that there is no release date, but because the sequel-spansion is more ambitious than Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne was to its core game, he doesn't "anticipate it being done in that one year time frame."

Sigaty's words are in the same vein as those of Battle.net project director, Greg Canessa, who implied the game would have an early 2012 launch. So, for those still holding out hope for a 2011 release for Heart of the Swarm, just keep on weaning that dream.

JoystiqBlizzard 'hard pressed' to make 2011 for next StarCraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardchris-sigatymacpcStarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmMon, 25 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST