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[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm set for March 12, says Battle.net [update: confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/starcraft-heart-of-the-swarm-battle-net-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/starcraft-heart-of-the-swarm-battle-net-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/starcraft-heart-of-the-swarm-battle-net-date/#comments Starcraft 2 Heart of the Swarm set for March 12, says BattlenetStarCraft 2 expansion Heart of the Swarm deploys on March 12, 2013, according to a listing on Battle.net. There isn't an official announcement yet, but the digital purchase page for StarCraft 2 indicates Heart of the Swarm will be "available for play" on said date. The second expansion, combined with StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty, is currently priced $59.99.

During Activision's earnings call last week, Blizzard head Mike Morhaime said his studio was "working hard towards a first half 2013 launch" for Heart of the Swarm. This release date matches up, but it's surprising to see so soon after the reveal of a vague timeframe.

Update: Blizzard confirm Heart of the Swarm arrives in stores and online on March 12, 2013, released individually at an expected price of $39.99. The game will also be available in Digital Deluxe and Collector's Edition versions, priced at $59.99 and $79.99 respectively.

The Digital Deluxe version includes a Torrasque look for Ultralisks, new Battle.net decals and portraits, a Baneling pet for World of Warcraft, and a new sigil for Diablo 3 along with zerg wings for your character. The Collector's Edition includes all of what's in the Digital Deluxe version, and in addition a behind-the-scenes DVD/Blu-Ray, unique soundtrack, Heart of the Swarm hard-cover art book, and 'Zerg Rush' mousepad.

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm set for March 12, says Battle.net [update: confirmed]

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm set for March 12, says Battle.net [update: confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbattle.netblizzardmacpcrelease-datestarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmTue, 13 Nov 2012 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard faces class action suit over account authenticators]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/blizzard-faces-class-action-suit-over-account-authenticators/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/blizzard-faces-class-action-suit-over-account-authenticators/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/blizzard-faces-class-action-suit-over-account-authenticators/#comments Blizzard Entertainment is facing a class action lawsuit over the sale of its Battle.net authenticators, which are used to provide security for player account information for games such as World of Warcraft and Diablo 3. The suit, filed by the law firm Carney Williams Bates Pulliam & Bowman, PLLC in the Central District of California, alleged that the authenticators were needed by players "in order to have even minimal protection for their sensitive personal, private, and financial data." The lawsuit referred to an August security breach in which no financial user data was reported to be stolen.

The class action suit posited that Blizzard practiced "deceptive upselling," in that it allegedly failed "to disclose to consumers that additional products must be acquired after buying the games in order to ensure the security of information stored in online accounts that are requisites for playing."

A Blizzard representative told Forbes that "this suit is without merit and filled with patently false information, and we will vigorously defend ourselves through the appropriate legal channels." The representative said the use of the authenticator tool was optional for players, and offered players "an added level of security against account-theft attempts that stem from sources such as phishing attacks, viruses packaged with seemingly harmless file downloads, and websites embedded with malicious code."

Blizzard's statement continued, "the suit's claim that we didn't properly notify players regarding the August 2012 security breach is not true. Not only did Blizzard act quickly to provide information to the public about the situation, we explained the actions we were taking and let players know how the incident affected them, including the fact that no names, credit card numbers, or other sensitive financial information was disclosed."

Continue reading Blizzard faces class action suit over account authenticators

JoystiqBlizzard faces class action suit over account authenticators originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountauthenticatorbattle.netBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbreachclass-actionDiablo-3lawsuitpcsecuritySat, 10 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/#comments ImageThe Blizzard forums are bursting with stories of Diablo 3 players' gold and items magically disappearing from their accounts, and while we bemoan the losses they're not entirely surprising.

"Historically, the release of a new game -- such as a World of Warcraft expansion -- will result in an increase in reports of individual account compromises, and that's exactly what we're seeing now with Diablo 3," Blizzards told Joystiq this evening. "We know how frustrating it can be to become the victim of account theft, and as always, we're dedicated to doing everything we can to help our players keep their Battle.net accounts safe -- and we appreciate everyone who's doing their part to help protect their accounts as well."

Continue reading Blizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions

JoystiqBlizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountauthenticatorbattle.netBlizzardDiablo-3hackkeyloggerpcTue, 22 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: Use StarCraft 2 trainers 'at your own risk']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/blizzard-use-starcraft-2-trainers-at-your-own-risk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/blizzard-use-starcraft-2-trainers-at-your-own-risk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/blizzard-use-starcraft-2-trainers-at-your-own-risk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Big Blizzard is always watching! Earlier this week, Cheat Happens reported one of its users was banned in StarCraft 2 after utilizing trainers in single player. Blizzard apparently had suspended his account for 14 days over "exploitative activity." The idea is that even though these trainers are being used in single player and against AI opponents, the effects of earning achievements alters the "prestige" of a player's online persona, a supposed Blizzard rep responded via an alleged email.

We contacted Blizzard ourselves for a bit of clarification on the matter and were given a statement, which you can read past the break.

Continue reading Blizzard: Use StarCraft 2 trainers 'at your own risk'

JoystiqBlizzard: Use StarCraft 2 trainers 'at your own risk' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bansbattle-netbattle.netblizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentexploitspcReal-Time-StrategyStarcraft-2trainersWed, 13 Oct 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard bans over 5,000 StarCraft 2 cheaters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/blizzard-bans-over-5-000-starcraft-2-cheaters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/blizzard-bans-over-5-000-starcraft-2-cheaters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/blizzard-bans-over-5-000-starcraft-2-cheaters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You guys just couldn't listen, could you? You're way too cool to heed the warning issued by Blizzard a few weeks ago -- you know, the one that said that StarCraft 2 hackers and modders were about to feel the crushing blow of the permabanhammer? As you might have expected, that wasn't an idle threat. Blizzard recently announced on the game's official blog that it had banned "over 5,000 StarCraft 2 players who were in violation of the Battle.net Terms of Use for cheating and/or using hack programs while playing."

This group of unfortunate, unsportsmanlike souls won't be the only ones to suffer Blizzard's retribution, as the blog update explained, "maintaining a stable, safe, and secure online-gaming experience for legitimate players is a top priority for us, and we'll be continuing to keep watch on Battle.net and take action as needed." Keep it legit, friends -- we'd hate for you to join the ranks of the damned.

JoystiqBlizzard bans over 5,000 StarCraft 2 cheaters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbattle.netblizzardcheatinghackingpcStarcraft-2Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard chalks up Real ID kerfuffle as a learning experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/blizzard-chalks-up-real-id-kerfuffle-as-a-learning-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/blizzard-chalks-up-real-id-kerfuffle-as-a-learning-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/blizzard-chalks-up-real-id-kerfuffle-as-a-learning-experience/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though some might consider Blizzard's quickly retracted decision to adopt the "Real ID" system (which would require forum users to identify themselves using their real names) to be a failure, Blizzard exec Michael Ryder disagrees. "We were able to take that feedback, reconsider, consider all the factors, of which feedback was one," Ryder explained to Eurogamer. "Ultimately we decided we would not go in that direction for the time being, and see if there were other ways we could address the objective we had, which was to improve the forums generally."

Ryder later added, "So, all in all, the process worked. We put the word out. We got the feedback. We reconsidered. We made a change." We know exactly what he's talking about. Just the other day, we were planning on pressing our hand onto our sizzling-hot griddle, and then we told our friends about it, and then we put our hand really close to it, and then our friends were like "no, don't do it, you'll burn yourself terribly," so we didn't do it, and our hand didn't get burned. That's a victory in our books, as well.

JoystiqBlizzard chalks up Real ID kerfuffle as a learning experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzardforumspcreal-idStarcraft-2world-of-warcraftWed, 28 Jul 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Real ID nixed from Blizzard forums, Morhaime explains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/real-id-nixed-from-blizzard-forums-morhaime-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/real-id-nixed-from-blizzard-forums-morhaime-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/real-id-nixed-from-blizzard-forums-morhaime-explains/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, that was quick! Just as soon as Blizzard announced sweeping changes to its forum policy, company head Mike Morhaime took to those very forums to say, "real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums." In a letter addressed to the Blizzard community, Morhaime says the company "has been constantly monitoring the feedback you've given us, as well as internally discussing your concerns about the use of real names on our forums," and thusly has come to the decision to not require real names.

Outside of that change, Blizzard will still be implementing all other forum changes (detailed by our sister site WoW.com right here). That said, the opt-in Real ID system will still be implemented in forthcoming Blizzard titles. Morhaime explains: "We believe that the powerful communications functionality enabled by Real ID, such as cross-game and cross-realm chat, make Battle.net a great place for players to stay connected to real-life friends and family while playing Blizzard games." Further, he adds that "you'll still be able to keep your relationships at the anonymous, character level if you so choose when you communicate with other players in game." Additionally, the Real ID system is set to "evolve" as time goes on, with Battle.net getting "new and exciting functionality" for those of you "who decide to use the feature." Could that mean incentivized Real ID use from Blizzard? We're not sure just yet, but it certainly sounds like it.

Check out the full message from Morhaime to the Blizzard community after the break.

Continue reading Real ID nixed from Blizzard forums, Morhaime explains

JoystiqReal ID nixed from Blizzard forums, Morhaime explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzardmike-morhaimepcreal-idreal-id-forumsstarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 09 Jul 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard ponders merits of licensing Battle.net to third parties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/blizzard-ponders-merits-of-licensing-battle-net-to-third-parties/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/blizzard-ponders-merits-of-licensing-battle-net-to-third-parties/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/blizzard-ponders-merits-of-licensing-battle-net-to-third-parties/#comments We've spent quite a bit of time with the new and improved Battle.net, both in the StarCraft 2 beta and on its lonesome. It seems like it wouldn't be a bad platform for other, non-Blizzard games. The Escapist asked Blizzard VP Rob Pardo at GDC last week about just such a possibility.

"It's something that we've definitely always talked about," Pardo told The Escapist. "The problem for us is that it takes a lot of work from our other teams. Every time we have the discussion, we try to figure out what's going to happen if let's say a Blizzard game was coming out and a third party game was coming out at the same time. Could we be agnostic in that way? Could we offer the same level of support that we offer our games to third parties? We just never know. It just seems like a big job for us."

It's certainly an interesting question, one which we'd say begs comparison to other digital distribution platforms like Steam. The two aren't identical by any stretch, but in essence both deliver content. We'd say emulating Steam and its competitors certainly wouldn't be the worst first step in making Battle.net a viable service for third parties.

JoystiqBlizzard ponders merits of licensing Battle.net to third parties originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netbattle.netblizzarddigital-distributionTue, 16 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard 'hoping' to release StarCraft 2 Mac beta client in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/#comments This month, it's finally good to be a Mac-based gamer. In addition to the reveal that Valve will be moving Steam (and the Source Engine) over to Apple's OS, we discovered this morning that Blizzard is hard at work on a StarCraft 2 beta client for Mac. According to recent Twitter Q&A with the game's devs (catalogued here), the studio is "currently working on a Mac version of the beta and hope to release it sometime in April."

Unfortunately, it seems that if you didn't register many moons ago, you still might not be eligible for inclusion, as the developers also reveal that "We have no plans to make an open beta at this time." Considering the game is still planned for release in the first half of this year, though, it would seem that even without a beta invite you'll be playing the game fairly soon.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (6/29/09)

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqBlizzard 'hoping' to release StarCraft 2 Mac beta client in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebattle.netbetablizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betatwitterSun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offers updated look at the new Battle.Net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/blizzard-offers-updated-look-at-the-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/blizzard-offers-updated-look-at-the-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/blizzard-offers-updated-look-at-the-new-battle-net/#comments Let's be honest. Between Diablo III, Stacraft II and the new World of Warcraft expansion, we're all going to be pretty heavily embroiled in Blizzard's games over the next couple of years. That's why we were thrilled to see this recent update on the new Battle.Net, which has been renovated by Blizzard from the ground up to offer a Steam-esque cross-game platform for players of all Blizzard's titles.

A recent post on the StarCraft II blog reveals the three pillars of the service: Achievements for in-game deeds (which, in turn, unlock avatars and emblems for your profile); a beefy competitive ranking bracket and auto-matchmaking functionality; and social networking features available for everyone playing one of Blizzard's games online. It looks predictably slick -- check out some screenshots and a video of the interface on Blizzard's official blog.

JoystiqBlizzard offers updated look at the new Battle.Net originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzarddiablodiablo-3platformrpgstacraftstarcraft-2strategyworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmWed, 10 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW requires Battle.net login starting Nov. 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/wow-requires-battle-net-login-starting-nov-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/wow-requires-battle-net-login-starting-nov-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/wow-requires-battle-net-login-starting-nov-11/#comments A quick note for the World of Warcraft fans out there: Starting on November 11 (Nov. 12 in Europe, apparently), all WoW players will be required to log into the game using a Battle.net account -- presumably to pave the way for the upcoming new features. Our friends at WoW.com have put together some handy resources to make the change as painless as possible. They've also compiled a quick list of solutions for players that are still resistant to the idea. For those that have yet to merge their current WoW account with Battle.net, now's the time to get it done. After all, no one wants to be deprived of even a second of sweet, sweet Azeroth.

Besides, players that merge their accounts get a free penguin pet named Oswald. You can't beat that!

JoystiqWoW requires Battle.net login starting Nov. 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzardworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 14 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Blizzard's Greg Canessa on Battle.Net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/interview-blizzards-greg-canessa-on-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/interview-blizzards-greg-canessa-on-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/interview-blizzards-greg-canessa-on-battle-net/#comments
In recent years, Greg Canessa has bounced from Xbox Live to PopCap Games and now onto Blizzard, where he's heading up the Battle.Net team. Version 2.0 of the service is an ambitious undertaking, and we spoke with Greg during BlizzCon about its pending launch and many of the new features. Head past the break for the full interview!

Gallery: Battle.Net (BlizzCon 2009)

Continue reading Interview: Blizzard's Greg Canessa on Battle.Net

JoystiqInterview: Blizzard's Greg Canessa on Battle.Net originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-NetBattle.NEtBlizzardBlizzconBlizzcon-2009Greg-CanessainterviewStarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftFri, 04 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: The new Battle.Net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/blizzcon-2009-the-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/blizzcon-2009-the-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/blizzcon-2009-the-new-battle-net/#comments
Blizzard finally unveiled the much-hyped new version of Battle.Net at BlizzCon and, as expected, it's a huge leap forward from the service that was first introduced with Diablo in 1996. Although, in typical Blizzard fashion, this is still a work in progress and could change by the time it eventually comes out. In 2013. (We kid, we kid.)

Everything shown was modeled from inside of Starcraft 2, which Blizzard is calling the Battle.Net 2.0 launch title. The developer will be working to expand it to older titles, possibly including legacy games like the original Starcraft and Warcraft. It's also safe to say that Blizzard must be working on a client-only version of Battle.Net, so you don't have to be inside a game to see when your friends are on.

Check out the gallery below, and you can read about all the new details of what Blizzard wants to be the "premiere matchmaking service out there," after the break.

Gallery: Battle.Net (BlizzCon 2009)

Continue reading BlizzCon 2009: The new Battle.Net

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: The new Battle.Net originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-NetBattle.NetBlizzardBlizzconBlizzcon-2009Diablo-3Greg-CanessaonlineRob-PardoStarcraft-2Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Second round of BlizzCon tickets go on sale tomorrow morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/second-round-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-tomorrow-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/second-round-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-tomorrow-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/second-round-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-tomorrow-morning/#comments
If you missed out on the first batch of golden tickets to Blizzard's annual nerd mecca BlizzCon -- which we imagine you did, since they sold out in a nanosecond -- the second round of tickets will go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. PST. If you've got an extra $125 lying around, you can grab a ticket through the Blizzard store -- so make sure your Battle.net account is still up and running!

If you're horribly agoraphobic (or simply terrified of Murloc-clad cosplayers), you can also watch the two-day convention from the safety of your own home via DirecTV Pay-Per-View or via online streaming. These options will set you back $39.99, but ordering one of them gives you an in-game WoW item -- don't say your crippling social anxiety never garnered you any sweet bonuses!

JoystiqSecond round of BlizzCon tickets go on sale tomorrow morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009in-game-itempay-per-viewsaleticketswowFri, 29 May 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-PopCapper Canessa heading up new Battle.net ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ex-popcapper-canessa-heading-up-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ex-popcapper-canessa-heading-up-new-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ex-popcapper-canessa-heading-up-new-battle-net/#comments
Well folks, it took approximately 12 hours to squash the rampant rumors and speculation surrounding Greg Canessa. Bob Colayco of Blizzard Entertainment, Canessa's new employer, informed us today that the man will be taking the reins of Battle.net as project director.

The former VP of game development at PopCap jumped ship recently to work on an "unannounced project in the online space." Apparently that "unannounced project" is a revamping of the Battle.net structure, totally announced last February by Blizzard's own Paul Sams. Colayco clarified Mr. Canessa's role in the project, saying, "He will report to our vice president of online technologies and work closely with the executive team to help fine-tune the next version of Battle.net, currently in development." Speculation officially squashed.

JoystiqEx-PopCapper Canessa heading up new Battle.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbob-colaycobusinessgreg-canessapaul-samspopcappopcap-gamesTue, 12 May 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta coming in '09, on 'next-generation' Battle.net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/starcraft-2-beta-coming-in-09-on-next-generation-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/starcraft-2-beta-coming-in-09-on-next-generation-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/starcraft-2-beta-coming-in-09-on-next-generation-battle-net/#comments
It's been over a decade since the original release but if you were betting on an aught nine release for StarCraft 2 (or one of the StarCraft 2s, as the case may be), you may only be half-right. While he wouldn't confirm what its "one frontline" release for 2009 will be (it's a grudge match between Diablo 3 and StarCraft 2), Blizzard's Paul Sams did say that a StarCraft 2 beta test would be "coming up in the months ahead" running on top of a "basic version" of a "new Battle.net architecture."

Basic version? Maybe he just meant "free version." Regardless, Sams elaborated, "Over time, we'll be adding features to deliver a second-generation Battle.net experience." With everything Blizzard seemingly gathering under the Battle.net banner, we're eager to see what the guys in Irvine are cooking up.

Gallery: Starcraft 2

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta coming in '09, on 'next-generation' Battle.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBattle.netBattle.net-2.0BlizzardPCStarCraft-2Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2008: Rob Pardo talks Battle.Net monetizing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/blizzcon-2008-rob-pardo-talks-battle-net-monetizing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/blizzcon-2008-rob-pardo-talks-battle-net-monetizing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/blizzcon-2008-rob-pardo-talks-battle-net-monetizing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Not everyone was thrilled with the weekend news that Blizzard is looking to monetize Battle.Net in some way. So we made that one of the first questions we asked Blizzard VP Rob Pardo. The good news is, they're not going to make Diablo III subscription based. Find out everyone he told us after the break.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2008: Rob Pardo talks Battle.Net monetizing

JoystiqBlizzCon 2008: Rob Pardo talks Battle.Net monetizing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-NetBattle.NetBlizzardBlizzCondiablodiablo-3diablo-iiiMacPCRob-PardoMon, 13 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2008: Diablo III gameplay panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-diablo-iii-gameplay-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-diablo-iii-gameplay-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-diablo-iii-gameplay-panel/#comments
Blizzard's Jay Wilson and Wyatt Cheng took the stage at BlizzCon for a second time yesterday to helm the Diablo III Gameplay panel, which gave us a few more details about the eagerly awaited third part in Blizzard's mouse-button mashing trilogy. Check out the highlights after the break, which include updates on some of the creatures you'll encounter, and how they're taking steps to mix up the gameplay by inserting "random adventures."

Continue reading BlizzCon 2008: Diablo III gameplay panel

JoystiqBlizzCon 2008: Diablo III gameplay panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speaking at yesterday's Diablo III Gameplay panel, Blizzard's Jay Wilson was asked one of the questions that's been hiding in the back of all of our brains, "Is Battle.Net going to remain free?"

His response probably wasn't what you'd want to hear. "We are looking to monetize Battle.Net so that we get to keep making these games and updating features," said Wilson. "We kind of have to." He went on to say that they do recognize that everyone loves having it as a free service, and that they don't have a strong desire to make a subscription-based game.

What does that mean for our beloved free online gaming service? We're hoping to find out when we talk to Blizzard bigwig Rob Pardo later this afternoon.

JoystiqBlizzard's Wilson: Some Battle.net features to be 'monetized' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Paris, Blizzard designers took to the stage to talk about the design goals and fundamentals behind their upcoming title, Diablo III. Jay Wilson, lead designer on the title, presented a rundown of the design philosophy behind the game, covering its origins, the game's approchability, and the design team's "better gameplay, less carpal tunnel" approach.

Gallery: Diablo III

Continue reading WWI08: Diablo 3 design fundamentals

JoystiqWWI08: Diablo 3 design fundamentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click to embiggen
The buzz here at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is all about Diablo 3. When will we have a playable demo? When can we expect a release? Blizzard, of course, isn't willing to commit to a date other than their standard "when it's done" answer:
  • What classes are going to be available? Blizzard's answer: we're not ready to talk about that.
  • Will there be a cow level? Blizzard's answer... well, more on that later.
Joystiq had a chance to catch up with Diablo 3's lead designer Jay Wilson (whom you may know from his work on a little game called Dawn of War) and pick his brain about how he got on the Diablo 3 project, what's in store for Battle.net, and the secret cow level.

Gallery: Diablo III

Continue reading Joystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3

JoystiqJoystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click to enter gallery

Joystiq will make any sacrifice to bring you the latest news -- even if it means flying to Paris, France in order to attend Blizzard Entertainment's Worldwide Invitational. Only seconds ago we were shown a cinematic from Blizzard's newest game: Diablo 3. We're currently being shown a live demo of the game (which we're reminded is a work in progress) by lead designer Jay Wilson. The look and feel of the game -- though graphically updated from its aging sibling -- looks a lot like the dungeon crawls we all know and love from the original series. We're promised more loot, more quests (and some old friends like Deckard Cain), and new environments. Classes demo'd include the familiar Barbarian and the brand new Witch Doctor (a master of disease and fire who will control pets). Says Wilson, the game is "primarily cooperative" and it will be quick and easy to form groups over Battle.net. Sorry, folks who were expecting an MMO, but it sounds like Diablo 3 will continue in the tried-and-true Diablo format.

Update: Blizzard's European site is now live with the cinematic teaser and gameplay footage for your perusal!

Gallery: Worldwide Invitational 2008: Diablo 3

JoystiqBlizzard introduces Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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