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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/#comments World of Warcraft's subscriber base is down to 8.3 million as of March 31, representing a 14 percent drop in the past three months. In the previous-quarter financials, Activision-Blizzard said the MMO had 9.6 million subscribers, but 1.3 million have since said so long to Azeroth.

"Though the majority of our subscriber decline occurred mainly in the East, where we have more subscribers and lower revenue per subscriber, we saw declines in the West as well," Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in a financials call.

"While we do believe further declines are likely and we expect to have fewer subscribers at year-end than we do today, World of Warcraft remains one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment," he added.

To put the plummet into perspective, it would be like the Governor of New Hampshire decreeing that every citizen must cease playing World of Warcraft - that is, if every citizen of New Hampshire plays World of Warcraft. Which they do.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardfinancialsmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/#comments Blizzcon won't be returning to the Anaheim Convention Center until this November, but tickets will go on sale (and inevitably sell out) this month. Specifically, tickets will be available in two batches, with the first going on sale April 24 at 7pm Pacific. The second batch is set for April 27 at 10am Pacific. Tickets will cost $175 and will be available directly from Blizzcon.com.

Additionally, approximately 200 tickets for the Blizzcon Benefit Dinner, an event benefiting the Children's Hospital of Orange County, will go on sale on May 1 at 7pm Pacific. These tickets will run for $500 and include full Blizzcon admission. Proceeds will go the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

The convention itself will take place on November 8 and 9, and will doubtless feature all the latest news regarding World of Warcraft, StarCraft 2, Diablo 3 and possibly Blizzard's mysterious new "Titan" MMO.

Continue reading Blizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27

JoystiqBlizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/#comments Blizzcon 2013Blizzcon is back with a vengeance this year, scheduled for Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The convention took a vacation last year, making Blizzcon 2013 a super-special occasion.

This year's show will feature all the trappings of previous installments, including panels, tournaments, contests, rare merchandise, demos of the newest Blizzard games and the Global finals of Blizzard esports, all focused on the World of Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo franchises.

There's no word yet on when tickets to Blizzcon 2013 will go on sale, though hotel reservations are live through the Blizzcon portal. Keep in mind that in 2011, tickets to Blizzcon sold out within seconds.

Continue reading Blizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim

JoystiqBlizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013DiablopcstarcraftwarcraftWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/#comments Plants vs Zombies collector's edition board game is a thingUSAopoly has a lineup of new board games for the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 10, including the following ones based on video game franchsies: Monopoly: Skylanders, Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War Edition, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies, Yahtzee: Pac-Man Collector's Edition, Jenga: Space Invaders Collector's Edition, Trivial Pursuit: World of Warcraft and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons.

Risk: Mass Effect tops the price points at $50, with Trivial Pursuit: WoW and Yahtzee: Pac-Man the cheapest at $25 each. Monopoly: Skylanders, Yahtzee: Pac-Man and Jenga: Space Invaders hit this summer; Trivial Pursuit: WoW, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies and Risk: Mass Effect launch in the fall, and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons comes in the spring.

When you get bored of gaming on a screen, maybe give board gaming a try (it's totally different; we promise).

Continue reading Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more

JoystiqVideo to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameDungeons-and-Dragonsmass-effectpac-manplants-vs-zombiesSkylandersspace-invadersusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft subscribers dip to 9.6 million, up from Cataclysm low]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/#comments World of Warcraft subscribers dip to 96 million, up from Cataclysm lowWhen the Mists of Pandaria expansion launched for World of Warcraft, Activision Blizzard reported more than 10 million players, up from 9.1 million after Cataclysm. In today's financial call, Activision reported World of Warcraft had 9.6 million subscribers. It's like a roller coaster, kind of.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft subscribers dip to 9.6 million, up from Cataclysm low originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardpcsubscriptionWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 07 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Warcraft movie to be helmed by Source Code director Duncan Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/#comments The film adaptation of Blizzard's Warcraft universe, simply titled Warcraft, is moving ahead with director Duncan Jones, The Hollywood Reporter says. Jones, whose previous work includes Moon and Source Code, is an award-winning English director and the son of music icon David Bowie. Joystiq has also obtained separate confirmation that Jones is indeed signed to direct Warcraft.

Legendary Pictures tapped scriptwriter Charles Leavitt back in August and has chosen to stick with his adaptation. Previously, Sam Raimi was up to direct but chose to opt out instead for another film, Oz: The Great and Powerful. The plan is to start filming Warcraft this fall, with a theatrical release in 2015.

JoystiqWarcraft movie to be helmed by Source Code director Duncan Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duncan-joneslegendary-picturesmacmoonmoviepcsource-codeworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaWed, 30 Jan 2013 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter-based MMORPG accused of stealing artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/twitter-based-mmorpg-accused-of-stealing-artwork/#comments Twitterbased MMORPG accused of stealing artworkTweeria is a web-based role-playing game that advertises itself as the "laziest MMORPG ever." It uses Twitter to passively power and level up a virtual character set in a fantasy-based world, and has now been accused of stealing art from the World of Warcraft collectible card game.

Mike Sacco, a columnist for WoW Insider who also happens to work at WoW CCG owner Cryptozoic Entertainment, points out that artwork uploaded by the Tweeria staff for the title is ripped right off from the cards.

Tweeria's creator, a Russian company called Twee Game, claims it's a "mostly experimental" project, and the game has since added a "copyright notice" at the bottom of its pages to try and attribute the artwork to its creators. For now, the game is still up and running, despite user feedback saying that it's unclear just how it all works anyway.

JoystiqTwitter-based MMORPG accused of stealing artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworkccgcollectible-card-gamemmorpgpcrpgstolentwee-gametweeriatwitterworld-of-warcraftwow-ccgFri, 28 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft cities become insta-deathtraps, hacker suspected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/world-of-warcraft-cities-become-insta-deathtraps-hacker-suspect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/world-of-warcraft-cities-become-insta-deathtraps-hacker-suspect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/world-of-warcraft-cities-become-insta-deathtraps-hacker-suspect/#comments

Entire cities of players and NPCs in World of Warcraft are being wiped out in a solitary blow, WoW Insider reports. The death traps began on European servers, in the cities of Ogrimmar and Stormwind, and have since spread to Tarren Mill, Ragnaros, Draenor, Twisting Nether and other realms, and include US servers, according to player reports.

A few videos document the phenomenon, showing level one characters insta-killing everyone in the area and the subsequent graveyards. The above video shows a level one Priest as he takes out everyone around him in Stormwind (the YouTube description reads, "The guy laughing is not the hacker!").

Blizzard has yet to comment officially.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft cities become insta-deathtraps, hacker suspected originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzarddeathhackinsta-deathmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWSun, 07 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard cites US trade restrictions for disconnecting Iranian players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/blizzard-cites-us-trade-restrictions-for-disconnecting-iranian-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/blizzard-cites-us-trade-restrictions-for-disconnecting-iranian-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/blizzard-cites-us-trade-restrictions-for-disconnecting-iranian-p/#comments Blizzard Entertainment has disconnected Iranian players from Battle.net, preventing access to online-required games World of Warcraft and Diablo 3. The company states it has tightened its procedures to comply with current US law.

"Blizzard Entertainment cannot speak to any reports surrounding the Iranian government restricting games from its citizens," the company posted on the WoW forums. "What we can tell you is that United States trade restrictions and economic sanction laws prohibit Blizzard from doing business with residents of certain nations, including Iran."

The issue isn't a one-way street. Iran has also made moves to block online games for cultural reasons.

Blizzard is unable to provide "refunds, credits, transfers, or other service options to accounts" in Iran and will "happily lift these restrictions as soon as US law allows."

JoystiqBlizzard cites US trade restrictions for disconnecting Iranian players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>governmentiranmacpcsanctionsWorld-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 29 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Activision stock may rise 50 percent with Pandaria, CoD Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/report-activision-stock-may-rise-50-percent-with-pandaria-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/report-activision-stock-may-rise-50-percent-with-pandaria-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/report-activision-stock-may-rise-50-percent-with-pandaria-cod/#comments Report Activision stock could rise 50 percent with Pandaria, CoD OnlineActivision Blizzard may see its share price increase as much as 50 percent as it prepares to launch the Mists of Pandaria expansion for World of Warcraft and Call of Duty Online in China, financial newsweekly Barron's reports. Activision Blizzard is currently trading at $11.25, after reporting Q2 earnings above expectations but below the previous year, bringing in $1.08 billion.

Investors expect shares could reach a high of $17 due to Mists of Pandaria's launch in September and Activision's partnership with Chinese Internet provider Tencent Holdings to launch the free-to-play game Call of Duty Online, potentially in "mid-2013," Barron's says. The Chinese gaming market generated $7 billion and included 160 million gamers in 2011, and is expected to grow by 20 percent this year to cash in more than $9 million in 2014.

Activision Blizzard's shares have fallen 10 percent this year, while the broad market has gained 11 percent. Parent company Vivendi was looking to sell its 61 percent stake in Activision Blizzard earlier this year, but it appears those efforts have shifted focus.

JoystiqReport: Activision stock may rise 50 percent with Pandaria, CoD Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-onlinechinamicrosoftmists-of-pandariapcplaystationps3sharesstockstencenttencent-holdingsvivendiWorld-of-WarcraftxboxSun, 05 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam Raimi off World of Warcraft film in light of Oz: The Great and Powerful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/sam-raimi-off-world-of-warcraft-film-in-light-of-oz-the-great-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/sam-raimi-off-world-of-warcraft-film-in-light-of-oz-the-great-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/sam-raimi-off-world-of-warcraft-film-in-light-of-oz-the-great-a/#comments Sam Raimi off World of Warcraft film in light of Oz The Great and PowerfulCamp director extraordinaire Sam Raimi is no longer in charge of the World of Warcraft film, he tells Crave Online. "They don't have me directing World of Warcraft anymore," he told the site. "Because when I took the Oz job, they had to move on to another director. They had to start making it."

Given that Oz: The Great and Powerful is due out next March, it stands to reason that Raimi's been off the WoW film for some time - and that the film may actually be in production. Blizzard has yet to comment publicly on the news, or to say who is replacing Raimi, but we've reached out for more info.

News arose that Raimi was out as early as October 2010, when Deadline reported that Raimi was out (due to his Oz gig) and the WoW film was on hold. It appears that the information was accurate, though it's still unclear whether or not the WoW film has begun production.

JoystiqSam Raimi off World of Warcraft film in light of Oz: The Great and Powerful originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legendary-picturesoz-the-great-and-powerfulsam-raimisan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2012sdcc-2012world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-filmWed, 18 Jul 2012 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Activision Blizzard spinoff 'far more likely' than Vivendi sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/pachter-activision-blizzard-spinoff-far-more-likely-than-vive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/pachter-activision-blizzard-spinoff-far-more-likely-than-vive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/pachter-activision-blizzard-spinoff-far-more-likely-than-vive/#comments Report Vivendi eying sale of majority stake in ActivisionWedbush analyst Michael Pachter has weighed in on recent speculation suggesting Vivendi would get rid of its stake in Activision Blizzard, following mounting reports that the French conglomerate is trying to sell the game publisher.

Although a sale is "likely the preferred route" for Vivendi, Pachter wrote in a investor note, there aren't any "readily apparent buyers." Running through the list of suitors, it's noted that companies like Tencent Holdings have reportedly payed out $400 million and $600 million to acquire Riot Games and a minority stake in Epic Games, respectively, but those numbers still pale in comparison to Activision's worth at over $10 billion.

Acquisitions by Electronic Arts, Time Warner and Disney usually stay below a billion. Viacom did a $500 million write-off on its Harmonix debacle. It's also unlikely that any of the console manufacturers would purchase Activision Blizzard, since they would have to cannibalize sales. Activision's franchises du jour, like current champ Call of Duty, make so much money because they are available on every major platform.

Pachter believes the more likely outcome is a spinoff of Activision Blizzard. It would require some fancy financing on the back end, but it would give Vivendi an estimated $5 billion in cash, easing its personal burden. After the spinoff, Pachter feels Activision's shares would rise according to how much cash the company generates every year, paying off its debts. Wedbush maintains an "outperform" rating for Activision Blizzard.

JoystiqPachter: Activision Blizzard spinoff 'far more likely' than Vivendi sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3vivendiwiiWorld-of-WarcraftWoWxboxTue, 03 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, WoW: Mists of Pandaria playable at Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-wow-mists-of-pandaria-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-wow-mists-of-pandaria-playable/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-wow-mists-of-pandaria-playable/#comments Blizzard will attend Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, and bring its latest wares to the show. From August 15 to 19, Blizzard will showcase new content for Starcraft 2 and World of Warcraft.

Attendees will be able to sample the new Terran, Zerg and Protoss units coming to multiplayer in StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, which is slated to launch sometime this year. Blizzard will also give patrons a chance to check out the starting zone in Mists of Pandaria, the fourth expansion for World of Warcraft.

Finally, Blizzard will have Diablo 3 available to play, but you're probably doing that now anyway.

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, WoW: Mists of Pandaria playable at Gamescom

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, WoW: Mists of Pandaria playable at Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiablo-3gamescomgamescom-2012mists-of-pandariapcstarcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaSat, 30 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/#comments ImageUSAopoly and Blizzard have teamed up to develop a special, World of Warcraft-themed "Collector's Edition" Monopoly set, which lands at retailers tomorrow. Not only did we get a first look at the final product, the team at Joystiq is reluctantly giving it away to one lucky reader.

Get a detailed look at the WoW-themed Monopoly set in the Joystiq gallery below.

Entering the contest is easy! Just tell us where in Azeroth you'd buy the most real estate. Need some inspiration? Check out our latest coverage of WoW's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Rules and conditions for this giveaway are listed after the break.

Gallery: Monopoly 'World of Warcraft Collector's Edition' Set

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardboard-gameJoyswagMonopolyusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST<![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[Mists of Pandaria part to reveal ... so many trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-part-to-reveal-so-many-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-part-to-reveal-so-many-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-part-to-reveal-so-many-trailers/#comments
The pandas are coming, the pandas are coming! More precisely, it's the Pandaren, and whether or not you feel this is Blizzard nuking the fridge on its stalwart cash-Tauren, there's no denying it's the cutest expansion to be bestowed upon the warriors of Azeroth.

Blizzard took us to the land of kung fu pandas to check out more details about the game, but here are several trailers of the terrain we'll explore when the expansion arrives.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (3/18/12)

Continue reading Mists of Pandaria part to reveal ... so many trailers

JoystiqMists of Pandaria part to reveal ... so many trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentmacpcWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaMon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mists-of-pandaria-tries-to-breath-new-life-into-an-old-world-of/#comments Video games these days have a shorter shelf life than ever before. Titles fall out of the top ten within days or weeks (if they ever get there at all), there are awesome new releases arriving every month or so, and even the biggest games are on a yearly (if that) sequel schedule at this point. And yet World of Warcraft has remained a constant. Blizzard's MMO has held millions of players in sway for over half a decade, and those players have killed countless boars, cleared out endless quests, dungeons, and raids, and have vanquished not one but three world-threatening expansion bosses, in the forms of Illidan Stormrage, Arthas the Lich King, and Deathwing and his Cataclysm.

So Blizzard is perhaps taking on its hardest task ever with the upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion. There's no question in the halls of the (recently quieter) Blizzard campus in Irvine, California that the game is at a crossroads of sorts. Blizzard's formula for WoW expansions (define a baddie, and lead a player to gear and level up to the final fight) has worked so far, but it's almost as if the company realizes that the old tricks are getting old.

Blizzard needs, then, to take World of Warcraft, one of history's most-played, most-traversed, and most-conquered games, and make it feel new. "This is definitely different fare from any expansion we've tried so far," VP of Creative Development Chris Metzen said in a presentation to assembled press. He then talked about the game on a much longer scale than a few weeks, a few months, or even a Call of Duty-length year. "The big global threat that's coming, to define the next couple years of WoW's gameplay, is really war itself."

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (3/18/12)

Continue reading Mists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft

JoystiqMists of Pandaria tries to breathe new life into an old World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-metzenexpansionghostcrawlergreg-streetinterviewj-allen-brackpandapandarenpcscott-mercertalentsupdatewarwarcraftworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaMon, 19 Mar 2012 03:00:00 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[Monopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/#comments For years, WoW had a monopoly on the MMO market, so why not celebrate that with a board game? Blizzard Entertainment and USAopoly will launch Monopoly: World of Warcraft and Risk: StarCraft before year's end. A Facebook vote will determine what tokens make it into the final version of the Azeroth real estate simulator, which will retail for $39.95 "in specialty stores across North America."

Risk: Starcraft will include 290 custom playing pieces, featuring the Terran, Protoss and Zerg factions, along with six unique heroes. It rushes into specialty stores in North America this summer for $49.45.

For those looking to diversify their Risk portfolio, there are also Metal Gear Solid and Halo adaptations of the game about global conquest. Sadly, the best Monopoly jobs we've seen over the years are custom one-off crafts honoring Mass Effect and Fallout.

Continue reading Monopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year

JoystiqMonopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentMonopoly-World-of-WarcraftpcRiskRisk-StarCraftStarCraftusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWTue, 14 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The entire World of Warcraft being recreated with Minecraft blocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-entire-world-of-warcraft-being-recreated-with-minecraft-bloc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-entire-world-of-warcraft-being-recreated-with-minecraft-bloc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-entire-world-of-warcraft-being-recreated-with-minecraft-bloc/#comments 0We all have goals in life -- some of us work for our families, some seek money and fame, and some work for a greater good. Minecraft forum user Rumsey's chosen path is to recreate the entire World of Warcraft inside the indie sandbox hit, Minecraft. And as you can see above, he's doing pretty well -- the entire continent of Kalimdor (including the new zones from the Cataclysm expansion) is almost done, and he's well on his way to doing the rest, including all of the instances and dungeons.

Rumsey came up with some custom software to put it all together, which basically translates the current maps of WoW over to the measurements of Minecraft blocks. Rumsey is trying to keep Minecraft's "1 yard to 1 block" ratio, though that means he has to balance WoW's detail with Minecraft's inherent blockiness (and Minecraft's height limit of 128 blocks has required mods to make some of WoW's tallest features work). Still, what's been created so far is certainly recognizable as Azeroth.

Now if we can only get StarCraft, Crafting Mama, CrimeCraft, GemCraft, and macaroni and cheese in this project somehow.

JoystiqThe entire World of Warcraft being recreated with Minecraft blocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azerothbuildingcomputercraftfansmapsMinecraftpcresolutionworld-of-warcraftWed, 08 Feb 2012 20:08:00 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[WoW Patch 4.3 'Hour of Twilight' launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/#comments
If you've built up a thick layer of hatred for Deathwing every time his grim visage appears on the login screen for World of Warcraft, your hour of retribution has come. Or rather, your "Hour of Twilight" has come -- that's the name of WoW Patch 4.3, which launches today.

The update, and last major addition for WoW: Cataclysm, adds three new dungeons and a new raid to the title which see your hero traveling through time in an attempt to gather the tools required to take Deathwing down. There are also new, oft-requested features like Armor Transmogrification and Void Storage. Check out the trailer above for a taste of the action, and turn an eye towards WoW Insider for all the juicy patch notes therein.

JoystiqWoW Patch 4.3 'Hour of Twilight' launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmhour-of-twilightmmommorpgpatchpcupdateworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft offers new in-game item, new TV spot for seventh anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/world-of-warcraft-offers-new-in-game-item-new-tv-spot-for-seven/#comments World of Warcraft is about to celebrate its seventh anniversary on November 23 next week (which means that some of its players have been alive for less time than the game's servers have been up), and to celebrate, Blizzard is giving everyone who logs in between this Sunday and December 3 a Feat of Strength achievement (which means it's only available during this time) and a "celebration package" item. The item will fire off a virtual fireworks display, and gives players a spiffy new tabard, as well as a 7% experience point and reputation bonus when used.

The company will also introduce a brand new "What's your game?" celebrity TV commercial this weekend during the Bears/Chargers game on CBS. The star of the new commercial is set to be a surprise, so you can start guessing right now in the comments below. We have no idea who it might be, but considering all of the stars so far (William Shatner, Mr. T, Ozzy Osbourne, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Verne Troyer), a girl might be nice?

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft offers new in-game item, new TV spot for seventh anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcommercialin-gamepcseventh-anniversarytvtv-commercialwhats-your-gameworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowSat, 19 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/#comments Blizzard has made the next expansion in the World of Warcraft official as Mists of Pandaria, and after conquering other planets, the Lich King, and a big bad dragon, the Horde and Alliance are headed to ... China. Well, not China per se, but Pandaria, a long-rumored, Eastern mysticism-influenced realm, where panda-based humanoids roam, brew and drink beer, and offer players the next five levels in their continuing progression.

As is often the case with this game, many players have revolted. The Pandaren have long been used as a joke in the world of Warcraft, either referred to on April Fool's Day, or showing up in the company's parodic Christmas cards. But lead quest designer Dave Kosak says players who scoff at Pandaria should think twice. "Maybe people, because they've only been portrayed as cameos or only April Fool's jokes, people think that there's nothing to this race, and that's not it at all," Kozak says to us during BlizzCon last week. "I think the Pandaren are kind of fascinating -- they work hard, they play hard, they eat hard, they drink hard, and they don't do anything half way."

The Pandaren, in addition to some of the other announced features of the new expansion, point to the next long arc of the World of Warcraft game. In the first few expansions of the title, Blizzard has cashed in on the earlier origins of the series. But with Mists of Pandaria, Blizzard seems to be setting up the world's most popular MMO for years of content to come.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (10/21/11)

Continue reading World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardallianceblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzcon-2011dave-kozakhordelead-quest-designerpandarenpandariapcworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowTue, 25 Oct 2011 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy the Diablo 3 collector's edition, add four months to the WoW annual pass free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/buy-the-diablo-3-collectors-edition-add-four-months-to-the-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/buy-the-diablo-3-collectors-edition-add-four-months-to-the-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/buy-the-diablo-3-collectors-edition-add-four-months-to-the-wow/#comments Blizzard announced so many deals, expansions and Pokemon things yesterday that there was bound to be some confusion. Today at a Q&A panel, Diablo 3 developers clarified the meta-deal it has with World of Warcraft's annual pass -- purchasing the Diablo 3 collector's edition adds four free months to the World of Warcraft annual pass timeframe. We knew buying the annual pass gets existing WoW players Diablo 3 for free, but it turns out the feeling is mutual.

To be completely clear, to get Diablo 3 for free, you must:
  • Have a WoW account existing on or before Oct. 18, 2011
  • Purchase the WoW annual pass
  • Enjoy your free standard version of Diablo 3, available at launch on your Battle.net account
To get four months of WoW for free, you must:
  • Purchase the Diablo 3 collector's edition
  • Have a WoW account existing on or before Oct. 18, 2011
  • Purchase the WoW annual pass
  • Enter the Diablo 3 collector's edition license key into your associated Battle.net account
  • Enjoy a grapefruit
Maybe not that last one, but you should check the annual pass FAQs just to be sure. Besides, you look as if you could use some Vitamin A.

JoystiqBuy the Diablo 3 collector's edition, add four months to the WoW annual pass free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconblizzcon-2011Diablo-3diablo-3-collectors-editionpcWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-annual-passSat, 22 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft's Samwise Didier talks about finally bringing his Pandaren to life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcrafts-samwise-didier-talks-about-finally-bringing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcrafts-samwise-didier-talks-about-finally-bringing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcrafts-samwise-didier-talks-about-finally-bringing/#comments The newly announced Mists of Pandaria expansion for Blizzard's World of Warcraft finally brings the long-awaited Pandaren race to the fantasy world of Azeroth, and while many players have been waiting to see pandas officially implemented into the game, no one, perhaps, has been waiting longer than Samwise Didier. Blizzard's longtime art director originally created the race in his own art, and up until this release, they existed only in bits and pieces of legends inside the games, as little in-jokes or secrets.

"It's very personal to me," Didier tells us at BlizzCon this week. "It all started with a picture done for Christmas after the birth of my daughter." Since that first piece of concept art, the Pandaren have always been a fan favorite race (combining a heady mix of panda humanoids, Eastern-style religions and mythology, and even beer brewing monks), and while Didier is quick to point out that lots of people are working on Mists of Pandaria, he's thrilled to see his personal creation come to virtual life. "I'm not trying to take away" credit for the expansion, he says, quickly acknowledging all of the creative folks at Blizzard, "however many it takes to make a game. But it's nice to know that some goofy thought in my head, done for that reason, for my kid, turned into this."

Does the portrayal live up to what Didier envisioned? "Yeah, and then some," he says. "There was only a few Pandaren pictures, and most of them were of Chen [Stormstout], a big fat sweaty heavy, beer-drinking Pandaren. Well that's not the entire society. He's sort of the anomaly. He likes to go to the outside world. So what do the normal Pandarens do, what is their normal culture like? A lot of sweat went into designing that."

But Didier does say that whenever the expansion finally arrives, and the race long hidden in Warcraft's shadows finally gets their time in the spotlight, he'll be proud they're there. "It was one of the last things that I really wanted to see in World of Warcraft, which is Warcraft in general," he says, after having worked on some of the most iconic designs in Blizzard's legendary game franchises. "Now I can almost say, well, I think I've done good with Warcraft -- they're finally in."

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft's Samwise Didier talks about finally bringing his Pandaren to life originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artblizzcon-2011legendmists-of-pandariapandarenpcsamwise-didierworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaFri, 21 Oct 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW: Mists of Pandaria will introduce Pokemon-like Pet Battle System]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/wow-mists-of-pandaria-will-introduce-pokemon-like-pet-battle-sy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/wow-mists-of-pandaria-will-introduce-pokemon-like-pet-battle-sy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/wow-mists-of-pandaria-will-introduce-pokemon-like-pet-battle-sy/#comments The Blizzard Entertainment developers are walking through the biggest features of the newly announced Mists of Pandaria expansion, and while you can head on over to our sister site at WoW Insider for all of the details, there was one big new feature that we couldn't ignore. Players have been able to collect pets in the World of Warcraft for quite a while now, but a new Pet Battle System will come with the next expansion that allows players to both customize their pets with new names and other items, and even battle each other.

And if you think that sounds a little bit like Pokemon, you're not wrong at all. The battle system, which Blizzard's lead designer Cory Stockton walked through, will have players choosing three pets to fight with at a time, turn-based battles using three abilities per battle (out of six), and even "Master Trainers" which can be beaten around the world of Azeroth to unlock new abilities.

Pets can be obtained in all kinds of different ways, and there will be new "wild pets" that can only be found out in the world (in Goldshire, the devs suggested, while it's raining, during the Spring, only at night). Blizzard has given away special pets during holidays, at events like BlizzCon, and even sold pets for real money on the store. As if World of Warcraft needed to be any more addictive, Blizzard has somehow figured out a way to include their own version of Pokemon inside of it.

JoystiqWoW: Mists of Pandaria will introduce Pokemon-like Pet Battle System originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleblizzardblizzconcory-stocktonmists-of-pandariamists-of-pandriapcpet-battle-systempetsworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowFri, 21 Oct 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria announced [Update: Now with trailer!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-announced/#comments
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria will be the fourth expansion to the game. It was announced today at the opening ceremonies at BlizzCon 2011 in front 26,000 cheering fans. The expansion promises to deliver the next phase in WoW's development, ushering in a new era of quests, raids, PvP, professions, and instances.

The major details:
  • New talent system
  • Pandaren race
  • Pannaria region
  • Monk class
  • 90 level cap raised to 90
  • Dungeon challenge mode
  • PVE Scenarios
  • Pet Battle System
Follow us all day for the next few days as we cover BlizzCon from top to bottom!

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (10/21/11)

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria announced [Update: Now with trailer!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzcon-2011macmmopcWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowFri, 21 Oct 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard announces World of Warcraft Annual Pass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/blizzard-announces-world-of-warcraft-annual-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/blizzard-announces-world-of-warcraft-annual-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/blizzard-announces-world-of-warcraft-annual-pass/#comments At BlizzCon's Opening Ceremony today, Blizzard's President and CEO Mike Morhaime unveiled Blizzard's newest grand idea: free Diablo 3 access to current World of Warcraft players. All we, the players, have to do is sign up for the new World of Warcraft annual pass, a 12-month subscription that can be billed monthly.

In addition to getting full access Diablo 3 to download and play for free the same day it's released, Blizzard is throwing in a few goodies for anyone who signs up for the annual pass. For one, you'll get the in-game World of Warcraft mount, Tyrael's Charger. You will also gain access to the beta of the next World of Warcraft expansion as soon as it goes live. For more information, check out the official Annual Pass Promotion Page.

Stay tuned throughout the day for more information coming from the BlizzCon floor!

JoystiqBlizzard announces World of Warcraft Annual Pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconblizzcon-2011macpcworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 21 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 limited edition includes Diablo 2, Diablo skull USB drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/diablo-3-free-with-wow-annual-subscription-limited-edition-also/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/diablo-3-free-with-wow-annual-subscription-limited-edition-also/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/diablo-3-free-with-wow-annual-subscription-limited-edition-also/#comments
Hey, remember that amazing StarCraft 2 special edition? You know, the huge one, with the full sized art book, and the USB drive with Starcraft and Starcraft: Brood War? And the WoW pet? Man, that was sweet.

Well we hope you like Diablo 3, because, like, that's pretty much exactly what they're doing for the Diablo 3 Limited Edition. Announced at today's Blizzcon press conference, the Limited edition will also come with a behind-the-scenes DVD. Diablo 2 will be included in the box on a special USB drive (in a holder shaped like freaking Diablo's skull), and, for users who register their LE, an in-game mount for WoW, Tyrael's Charger. And don't forget that giant art book.

So. Awesome.

JoystiqDiablo 3 limited edition includes Diablo 2, Diablo skull USB drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2011Diablo-3limited-editionpcworld-of-warcraftFri, 21 Oct 2011 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard auctions off old server hardware for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/#comments You can't actually own a piece of Azeroth, because the virtual World of Warcraft doesn't exist -- sorry, ThrallFan6969, it's true. But this is probably your closest chance to the fake thing: Blizzard is auctioning off a group of hardware server blades that were used to run the popular MMO in the past, so for a price you can own the circuits and silicon that served up all of those boars, dwarves, and elves.

All of the money raised in the auctions is going to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All in all, about 2,000 server blades will be auctioned off, and you can even aim to buy one from a specific realm -- the hardware where your very own characters once resided! Each blade will be mounted in a windowed case adorned with the WoW logo, and the hardware displayed prominently.

The auctions start on October 17 (just a few days before BlizzCon), with sales occurring in four different rounds. Good luck!

JoystiqBlizzard auctions off old server hardware for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmcharitypcworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowFri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Magazine calling it quits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/wow-magazine-calling-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/wow-magazine-calling-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/wow-magazine-calling-it-quits/#comments WoW Magazine calls it quits after five issues After just five issues, the official World of Warcraft Magazine is calling it quits. Future US has posted a notice on the website, and subscribers can either get a refund for the issues they didn't receive, or a voucher for six in-game World of Warcraft pets. Future recommends subscribers who want to keep up with the game in a dead tree format can subscribe to its PC Gamer publication, and it's possible Blizzard may try to publish something itself, though there are apparently no plans for that yet.

It's kind of a shame -- the WoW Magazine did offer a lot of solid coverage about the game (and some good looks inside the workings of Blizzard's Irvine, CA campus), but the publication was also torn between its status as an official outlet and a separate press entity. Dan Amrich, the magazine's first editor-in-chief (who left even before the first issue was published, and is now working as an official Activision blogger) recently wrote about some of the troubles he had dealing with Blizzard's licensing department and their control over the magazine.

When you combine that with the fact that MMO fans tend to prefer digital over analog, then apparently the whole venture just wasn't worth it. Like we said, shame.

JoystiqWoW Magazine calling it quits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzard-entertainmentdan-amrichfuturefuture-uspcpublicationWorld-of-WarcraftWoWwow-magazinewow-the-magazinewow-the-official-magazineSat, 17 Sep 2011 20:30:00 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[World of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/#comments

Continue reading World of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardmacpcSteelSeriesWorld-of-WarcraftWoWMon, 08 Aug 2011 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/#comments We respect the tenacity of every human being left on the planet who hasn't played Blizzard's mind-bogglingly gripping MMORPG World of Warcraft -- but unfortunately, your teetotaling has come to an end. In the game's latest update, titled "Rage of the Firelands," WoW's free 14-day trial has been extended, allowing Azerothian adventurers to grind to their heart's content -- but their levels will remain capped at 20 until they upgrade to the full version.

It's a clever ploy that Blizzard's calling the World of Warcraft Starter Edition, which even includes some of the content from the game's first expansion, The Burning Crusade -- for instance, free players can create Draenei and Blood Elf characters, two races added in said expansion. Should you decide to upgrade, you can get the core game and Burning Crusade for a cool $19.99 as part of the digital World of Warcraft Battle Chest -- though you'll first have to wait for the site to stop getting Zerg rushed by newcomers. (Apologies for mixing our Blizzard metaphors.)

Already a hardened WoW veteran? There's plenty more in the update to slake your thirst -- check out WoW Insider's handy FAQ for a rundown.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardblizzardfree-to-playmmorpgpcWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-The-Burning-CrusadeWoWTue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft experiences a small drop in subscribers post-Cataclysm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/#comments Around the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Activision Blizzard repeatedly touted its 12 million subscribers. During yesterday's investor conference call, however, Blizzard president Mike Morhaime revealed that as of the end of March, the subscriber base had fallen from a stratospheric 12 million all the way to a humiliating 11.4 million, a decline of 5%.

Morhaime explained the tiny mass exodus by saying that players were completing the new content in Cataclysm more quickly than previous expansions, and then leaving the game. However, Rift also launched in March, which may have lured away part of those 600,000 ex-WoWers.

Still, if we're talking about part of 5% of your userbase maybe leaving for another game, things are still going well for you.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft experiences a small drop in subscribers post-Cataclysm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmmmopcriftsalessubscriptionworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowTue, 10 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Make-A-Wish receives $800K from WoW DLC proceeds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/make-a-wish-receives-800k-from-wow-dlc-proceeds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/make-a-wish-receives-800k-from-wow-dlc-proceeds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/make-a-wish-receives-800k-from-wow-dlc-proceeds/#comments The Make-A-Wish Foundation has received an $800,000 donation from Blizzard Entertainment. Well, technically, it's from Blizzard's customers, who dropped $10 on the World of Warcraft "Moonkin Hatchling" in-game pet. According to the foundation, the donation was based on "50 percent of the total sales during November and December 2010" of the little bear-bird.

Blizzard also welcomed two Make-A-Wish kids to the studio on April 29, "World Wish Day," to tour the digs and meet the development team. A similar promotion a year ago, featuring a Pandaren Monk, raised $1.1 million for the organization.

JoystiqMake-A-Wish receives $800K from WoW DLC proceeds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMake-A-WishMake-A-Wish FoundationMake-A-Wish-Foundationmoonkin-hatchlingpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 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[World Bank: Gold farming aids poor nations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/world-bank-gold-farming-aids-poor-nations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/world-bank-gold-farming-aids-poor-nations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/world-bank-gold-farming-aids-poor-nations/#comments Sure, it may get old being hassled by semi-English speakers in World of Warcraft selling their virtual gold for real-world cash, but were you aware they were doing their part to bring economic parity to the globe?

It's true! A new report from the World Bank says that gold farmers in China and Vietnam bring money into their economy at an even better rate than farmers of cash crops. The study estimates that 98 cents of every dollar made from gold farming stays in the nation where the work was done, an impressive number compared to the 7 cents made from the coffee industry.

By cutting out middle men, poorer countries are using the $3 billion virtual goods market to funnel cash from the West into their own impoverished nations. Plus, you don't have to spend time combing Winterspring for Thorium Ore. Everybody wins!

JoystiqWorld Bank: Gold farming aids poor nations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagold-farmingmacmmopcvietnamWorld-of-warcraftwowFri, 08 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST