Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Diablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/#comments ImageUpdate: It appears the issues are coming to an end, at least for the moment. Diablo 3 servers are coming back online and some of auction house features have returned. The real-money auction house is still targeted for a June 12 release, according to an in-game message.

Original Story: The toughest boss in Diablo 3 continues to be the game's dreaded 'Error' codes, as Blizzard's Battle.net service has gone down for the count again this afternoon after being down all morning for scheduled maintenance due to the release of Patch 1.0.2. Blizzard says that it is aware of the issue, and is "currently investigating the cause."

"We're aware of an issue that is affecting our authentication servers, which result in failed or slow login attempts," a message in Diablo 3's 'Breaking News' module currently reads. Attempts to log into the game yield the message that servers are down for maintenance.

Blizzard is also working on the Auction House as well - commodities sales have been down since last week, and the Auction House itself was down for a few extra hours today, past the planned maintenance. The real-money auction house has been delayed indefinitely, but the in-game notification for the feature noted a new target date of June 12, since last night.

In the meantime, until the servers come back up, feel free to do exactly what a few select Joystiq editors are doing: Rocking back and forth in a corner, mumbling something about Belial being behind this treachery.

JoystiqDiablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahauction-housebattle-netblizzardDiablo-3downtimepcTue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/#comments Despite Diablo 3 taking hold of multiple Joystiq staff members, Blizzard's latest game has had a shaky launch. Server issues, auction house difficulties, and more have thrown a wrench into what our review feels is a must-play adventure.

In a blog post yesterday, Blizzard outlined its intentions with some of the game's upcoming fixes, and revealed a number of interesting statistics about the commercially explosive title.

Blizzard notes that players have an average of three created characters, with 80% of those characters falling between levels 1 and 30. Only 1.9 percent of players have unlocked Diablo 3's Inferno difficulty mode. Blizzard also revealed that 35 percent of "Hardcore" deaths have occurred in Act I on Normal difficulty.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (10/21/11)

Continue reading Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats

JoystiqBlizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardDiablo-3HotfixesPatchpcTue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 patch incoming, real-money auction house still without launch date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/#comments ImageBlizzard has made a quick update on its forums for Diablo 3 today, saying a post-launch patch could be ready as soon as next week. The patch, along with a number of server updates and other incoming fixes, will "further address client issues and apply additional bug fixes." One of the biggest issues is that, while the servers were bobbing up and down like buoys in the ocean last week, lots of players weren't able to earn achievements. Blizzard says it's still working on a solution.

Meanwhile, the real-money auction house has yet to be given a release date. It was supposed to be online earlier this week, but was pushed back after launch last week, and is now delayed indefinitely. "More information soon," says Blizzard.

Finally, Blizzard claims it's following the security concerns of players closely. According to the company, there is no "server spoofing" going on, official Blizzard servers themselves haven't been compromised, and Blizzard Authenticators are still the best way to keep an account secure. There's no word on the PvP update or any post-launch content yet - Blizzard's main goal at this point is to make sure the game is running steadily and securely.

JoystiqDiablo 3 patch incoming, real-money auction house still without launch date originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3fixespatchpcreal-money-auction-houseserverserversupdatesThu, 24 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/#comments ImageAfter thirty hours of incessantly clicking my mouse, I completed my first run of Diablo 3. Of course, the game could have been finished in far less time - I was constantly going back to explore every area to the fullest. Any dark space on my map, signaling an area I didn't explore, gnawed at my obsessive completionist attitude.

But it had me wondering: I know how long it took to get to my final destination and I'm well aware of the spoils obtained along the way, but what had I actually done in those hours? Strip away everything about a game and you may see a simple series of patterns. So when you take the game systems, graphics, and progress out of the equation, what does the pattern of playing Diablo 3 look like and is it ever different?

Gallery: Exploring Patterns in Diablo 3

Continue reading Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3

JoystiqExploring the patterns of Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDiablo-3macpatternspcstatisticsThu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/#comments It's true - the world is big into Diablo 3. So much so that the game was purchased more than 3.5 million times in its first 24 hours available, making it the "fastest-selling PC game" of all time, according to Blizzard. On top of that 3.5 million, another 1.2 million copies were scooped via the WoW Annual Pass (which included a free copy of D3).

Blizzard's wording on this claim is especially interesting, pointing out that "more than 4.7 million gamers around the world were poised to storm Sanctuary on day 1 of Diablo 3's release." Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime addresses the Diablo-sized elephant in the room soon after, saying, "We also regret that our preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so. I want to reaffirm our commitment to make sure the millions of Diablo III players out there have a great experience with the game moving forward, and I also want to thank them for their ongoing support."

Beyond the day-one sales, Blizzard revealed that by the end of its first week on sale, more than 6.3 million copies were in the hands of gamers worldwide. That guy Diablo is getting beat up by, like, a lot of people.

Joystiq3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3mike-morhaimesalesWed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take the sounds of Sanctuary with you with the Diablo 3 soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/#comments Here's the perfect way to keep your excitement going while you wait to get into the Diablo 3 server. The 23-track Diablo 3 soundtrack is now available for download on iTunes for $11.99 - a soundtrack that was acclaimed by iTunes reviewer BigJeff71 as "Surprisingly good and not too scary."

If you're still waiting to play after those 23 tracks elapse, you can also buy "The Music of Diablo 1996-2011," a $12 anthology of classic tracks, and the Diablo 2 soundtrack.

JoystiqTake the sounds of Sanctuary with you with the Diablo 3 soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiabloDiablo-3itunesmusicpcsoundtrackTue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 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[Diablo 3 review: Hitting the jackpot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/diablo-3-review-hitting-the-jackpot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/diablo-3-review-hitting-the-jackpot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/diablo-3-review-hitting-the-jackpot/#comments ImageHack-and-slash action RPGs, pioneered by Blizzard's Diablo, are essentially slot machines. You click the mouse, and every time you do there's a chance you'll get the loot you want . Yes, the trappings of role-playing and combat mechanics are there, weaker in some cases and stronger in others, but in terms of brain chemistry you're playing for the jackpot.

As anyone who's been to Vegas will tell you, there are different kinds of slot machines. There's the rickety old unit sitting in the gas station near the airport. And there's the junky Jokers Wild machines blinking and chirping in that one casino downtown, where the air smells too much like your grandmother's bathroom.

And then there are the machines in that one room in the Bellagio, where velvet seats wait underneath crystal chandeliers. That's where the shahs from Dubai come to play with thousand dollar tokens, where pretty ladies serve you drinks as you play, and where a private concierge will happily help you order up a steak, buy a Brooks Brothers suit, or get you anything else you might want. Blizzard's Diablo 3 is that Bellagio room, high stakes and luxurious and ready to cater to your every dungeon crawler need.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (10/21/11)

Continue reading Diablo 3 review: Hitting the jackpot

JoystiqDiablo 3 review: Hitting the jackpot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgblizzarddiabloDiablo-3error-37onlinepcreal-money-auction-houserpgsocialMon, 21 May 2012 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 app for Android checks server status]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/#comments Those dying to play Diablo 3 online don't need to sit by their PCs to see if the servers are up and running anymore. A Diablo 3 server-checking app, aptly named "Diablo 3 Server Checker," is now available for free (ad-supported) on Google Play for Android devices.

Developed by Eluamous, creator of other server-checking apps for games like World of Warcraft, the app pulls status messages from US.Battle.net to view updates from Diablo 3 servers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The app also includes a widget for use on the home screen of Android devices.

The app is in obvious response to the recent server issues Blizzard has been dealing with.

JoystiqDiablo 3 app for Android checks server status originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBlizzardDiablo-3diablo-3-server-checkermobileServer-MaintenanceSat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3's secret world discovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/diablo-3s-secret-world-discovered/#comments We don't want to spoil the discovery of Diablo 3's secret world for you - unless you willingly volunteer to be spoiled, in which case follow us after the break. The rest of you: move along.

Continue reading Diablo 3's secret world discovered

JoystiqDiablo 3's secret world discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcsecretFri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 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 auction house delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/#comments ImageThe auction house in Diablo 3 won't debut on May 22 as planned. Blizzard's community manager Micah "Bashiok" Whipple posted on the Blizzard forums saying the recent server woes have forced the studio's hand. We'll hear later when the new auction house launch date is.

If you were trying to log into Diablo 3 yesterday, you may have been unable to - the same errors experienced on launch day seemed to have resurfaced in North America and Europe. Whipple called out the achievement-earning bug - which either didn't unlock achievements for players or didn't carry earned achievements over multiple logins - as the culprit, and said Blizzard is working on a fix, though servers are all go right now. "We greatly appreciate everyone's support, and we want to sincerely apologize for the difficulties many of you encountered on day one," he concluded.

JoystiqDiablo 3 auction house delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionauction-housebashiokblizzarddelaysDiablo-3error-37macmicah-whipplepcThu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#commentsThis is an editorial based on Dave Hinkle's personal experiences with 2000's Diablo 2. Joystiq's review of Diablo 3 is still forthcoming.

It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqEditorial: I can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzarddiablo-2diablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 servers are now back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/#comments According to the latest update on the Blizzard forums, the Diablo 3 servers for North America are up and running. The servers went down for maintenance earlier today - the launch has suffered some hiccups - but now you should be able to log in and take a hit of that sweet, sweet Diablo 3, no problem. Happy looting!

JoystiqDiablo 3 servers are now back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcTue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/#comments Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

JoystiqDiablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalways-on-drmbattle-netblizzardDiablo-3drmmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Somebody finished Diablo 3 in 12 hours [Update: Others did it in 7]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/somebody-finished-diablo-3-in-12-hours/#comments ImageWe wonder - when someone finishes an epic, sprawling title such as Diablo 3 in a matter of hours, does he experience the years of excitement, adrenaline and joy had by unrushed players as a super-compressed ball of electric hype? And if so, how does his heart not explode?

Diablo 3 player Yoshichan would know the answers to these questions, as he posted final stats from Diablo 3 showing that he finished the entire game in 12 hours and 29 minutes. Yoshichan played as a Barbarian on Normal difficulty, reached level 32, had 8,368 Lifetime Kills, 412 Elite Kills and collected 168,481 gold during his run. He obviously didn't run into many Templar followers.

We suggest Yoshichan pop an aspirin and give Diablo 3 another, heartier go, but only if he promises to stop and smell the brimstone along the way.

Update: It appears a few more players have gotten past this dreaded "Error 37" monster we keep hearing so much about to finish Diablo 3 in just seven hours. A group of four Korean players ran through the entire title in seven hours on Normal difficulty, and a group of Chinese players did the same, Tom's Hardware reports. [Thanks, AlexLiebensfeld.]

JoystiqSomebody finished Diablo 3 in 12 hours [Update: Others did it in 7] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-hoursBlizzardDiablo-3finishedpcTue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/#comments Having fun with Diablo 3? If you hope to keep having fun, you might want to avoid the game-breaking bug discovered by fellow players. According to many posts on the Blizzard forums, equipping a Templar follower with a different shield may result in the game desynchronizing from Blizzard's servers. Users are also reporting that they are unable to log back into Diablo 3 - specifically encountering timeout error 3006 - even after restarting the game.

As noted by Eurogamer, the issue may be restricted to the Demon Hunter class. Blizzard is currently looking into the problem. In the meantime, regardless of your class, you should probably avoid swapping equipment with the Templar follower.

Update: Apparently the issue arises specifically if you swap items that you currently have equipped with the Templar. Still, probably safer to not mess with a Templar's equipment at all for now..

JoystiqDiablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbugDiablo-3glitchmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 'Starter Edition' is a quickfire demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/diablo-3-starter-edition-is-a-quickfire-demo/#comments ImageDiablo 3's Starter Edition gives hesitant players a free trial of the game, available for a limited audience for 30 days following its launch tomorrow. The Starter Edition will first be accessible with a Guest Pass key, which can be found in all boxed versions of Diablo 3, and without a Guest Pass after one month. It includes the same contents as the beta: Play up to the Skeleton King in Act 1, and to character level 13. Starter Edition players won't be able to access the real-money auction house and will be able to use Matchmaking only with other Starter Edition players.

The Starter Edition was leaked during the beta in April, but the hole was patched before we discovered if it was a demo, trial or nuclear launch code.

Blizzard has also detailed the Character Profiles feature, which will populate the official Diablo 3 website and allow players to read character stats and track their progress.

JoystiqDiablo 3 'Starter Edition' is a quickfire demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardDemoDiablo-3diablo-3-starter-editionpcstarter-editiontrialMon, 14 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/blizzard-explains-why-its-hiring-for-console-diablo-but-not-ma/#comments The situation around the potential console release of Diablo 3 has been strangely half-secret. Blizzard has openly hired for console development, and company representatives have said that they are "investigating" and "exploring" console Diablo projects. They've talked about console controllers and their advantages. But it never got to the point of actually announcing anything.

"Yeah. We haven't officially announced it, because we're not 'experimenting,'" Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson told Gamasutra. "We tell people that basically we're experimenting, because it helps us hire people. The better people we hire, the better chance we have to actually make it."

In other words, there's no concrete plan, but Blizzard is bringing in people to try things to see if they will work - which, yes, sounds a lot like experimenting. "That's why we haven't kept it super secret, but we also haven't confirmed it, because we're not sure yet whether we think it will work, and whether we think we have the resources to do it," Wilson said.

This bit comes at the end of a lengthy interview, during which Wilson also provides a lot of background on the development process - like how a PowerPoint presentation substituted for a design document.

JoystiqBlizzard explains why it's hiring for console Diablo, but not making console Diablo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardconsoleDiablo-3jay-wilsonmacpcMon, 14 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/#comments Blizzard has dropped a short-and-sweet press release (reprinted below) informing us that it has landed on a "mutual agreement" with Valve regarding the contested "DOTA" trademark. DOTA, of course, stands for "Defense of the Ancients," which is a fanmade map and mode for Blizzard's Warcraft 3, originally based on a Starcraft map. Developer "IceFrog," who's overseen the DOTA map since 2005, has gone to work for Valve on DOTA 2, while Blizzard has been working on its official variation of the game, previously called Blizzard DOTA.

The mutual agreement means that Valve will get the rights to use the "DOTA" trademark commercially, so DOTA 2's name won't change. Blizzard reserves the right for fans to use the trademark noncommercially, but will give up the DOTA name for its official variant. That game will instead be called Blizzard All-Stars, "which ultimately better reflects the design of our game," said Blizzard executive VP Rob Pardo. "We look forward to going into more detail on that at a later date."

Valve's Gabe Newell also gave comment, saying that Valve is "pleased that we could come to an agreement with Blizzard without drawing things out in a way that would benefit no one." Blizzard All-Stars doesn't have a release date yet, and DOTA 2 is due out next year.

Continue reading Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars

JoystiqBlizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotadotadota-2gabe-newellnoncommercialpcrob-pardotrademarkvalveFri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/#comments Anticipation for Diablo 3 is at its peak right now, with fans feverishly wringing their hands as they wait until launch on May 15. Just look at this one guy's computer - no joke! That anticipation translates into a lot of pre-orders; however, not all of those pre-orders are through Blizzard's Battle.net service. Amazon is apparently another popular pre-purchase destination.

A representative for Amazon told Joystiq that Diablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever. "Today, it became the most pre-ordered PC game of all-time on Amazon.com - even exceeding pre-orders for Blizzard's own StarCraft II and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm," the rep said.

It's been a pretty good month for pre-orders on Amazon. Earlier this month, day-one pre-orders for Black Ops 2 managed to top pre-orders for the first Black Ops and even last year's Modern Warfare 3.

JoystiqDiablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonblizzardDiablo-3macpcpre-orderFri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/#comments We can't imagine how many clicks it takes to get to the center of a Diablo 3 open beta, but Activision has told us how many men and women have braved the potential carpal tunnel syndrome. Blizzard president Michael Morhaime revealed in Activision's annual earnings call today that a total of two million players took Diablo 3 for a spin.

"We recently conducted an open beta stress test for Diablo 3, where anyone could download and try out the game. The response we got was huge, with more than two million people worldwide participating in the open beta." A lot of the testing, Morhaime said on the call, was beneficial to Diablo 3's development - particularly to the Auction House feature.

Of course, the beta suffered its fair share of hiccups, and 300,000 concurrent users marked the high point of the weekend open beta event. We just hope Blizzard is prepared for more than that, because we feel a touch of the flu coming on.

JoystiqDiablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardDiablo-3michael-morhaimepcWed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/#comments Image
Thought this would be a post about the Diablo 3 cartoon short by Titmouse, and not the video itself, didn't you? Fooled again! The full, very impressive cartoon is just above. Enjoy.

JoystiqDiablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcartoonDiablo-3macpctitmouseTue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 getting Global Play, auction house explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-3-getting-global-play-auction-house-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-3-getting-global-play-auction-house-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-3-getting-global-play-auction-house-explained/#comments Diablo 3 players will be able to fight the legions of Hell worldwide, Blizzard has announced. When the game launches later this month, it will include Global Play, which will allow players from all regions to play with one another. Servers are divided into three regions, the Americas, Europe and Asia. Each player will be assigned a home region based on location, but will also have the option of playing on another server if desired.

All characters, items and friends lists will be exclusive to a single region. In other words, players will have a different set of each depending on which region they choose to join. The same rule applies to the in-game auction houses.

The Diablo 3 website has also been updated with a new guide to the auction house feature. Said guide explains the process of buying or selling items step-by-step. It also answers some questions regarding the transaction fees associated with auctions. All in-game gold auctions include a 15 percent transaction fee, while real-money auctions vary somewhat.

In North America, a $1.00 fee applies to all equipment auctions (weapons, armor, etc.), while a 15 percent fee applies to commodities auctions (gems, etc.). According to the auction house FAQ, the reasoning behind the percentage-based fee on commodities is that, unlike equipment, such items can be listed in bulk quantities.

The proceeds of real-money auctions can be transferred to a player's Battle.net Balance or to an approved third-party service such as PayPal. For everyone out there with dreams of Scrooge McDuck-level riches, be warned that transfers to third-party services are also subject to a 15 percent transfer fee. If you're still confused, check out the FAQ for yourself.

Continue reading Diablo 3 getting Global Play, auction house explained

JoystiqDiablo 3 getting Global Play, auction house explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardDiablo-3macpcTue, 01 May 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 TV spot damns your wallet to Hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/diablo-3-tv-spot-damns-your-wallet-to-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/diablo-3-tv-spot-damns-your-wallet-to-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/diablo-3-tv-spot-damns-your-wallet-to-hell/#comments
The first Diablo 3 TV commercial has come. It brought with it Tyrael, Leah Cain and the Lord of Terror himself. Like the spot says, Evil is back. It comes for your money.

JoystiqDiablo 3 TV spot damns your wallet to Hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcSun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We require you to Google 'zerg rush']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/#comments ImageStop reading. Start Googling. Just try to take out a few of the little buggers before you're overrun, okay?

JoystiqWe require you to Google 'zerg rush' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeaster-egggooglemacpcstarcraftstarcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmzerg-rushFri, 27 Apr 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Truth, honor, and fireballs: Meet Diablo 3's Witch Doctor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/#comments Image
When he's not busy rebelling against corrupt religious leaders, he's slaying the demons that threaten Sanctuary. He's your friend, he's mine - he's Diablo 3's Witch Doctor class. And here he is, throwing fireballs and stuff.

JoystiqTruth, honor, and fireballs: Meet Diablo 3's Witch Doctor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpcwitch-doctorTue, 24 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta open to all this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/#comments Not only will the Diablo 3 beta be back online this weekend, it'll be open to everyone with a Battle.net account - intentionally, this time. Starting today at 12:01pm PDT (3:01pm EDT), Blizzard is hosting an open beta weekend to stress test the servers.

If you have a job that keeps you away from your computer on early Friday afternoons, don't despair: the event runs through Monday at 10am PDT (1pm EDT). Download the client now so you can start clicking as soon as possible.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta open to all this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3macopen-betapcFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers have been temporarily taken offline, after users discovered a glitch allowing free access to anyone with a Battle.net account. Community manager "Nethaera" said an update on the outages will be issued at approximately 11am PDT (2pm EDT). The beta is currently "unavailable until further notice."

Ars Technica reports that starting around 6am EDT, a glitch inadvertently allowed free access to something called the "Starter Edition" of Diablo 3 to anyone with a Battle.net account, whether or not they had access to the Diablo 3 beta.

Here's where it gets really interesting, as if free Diablo 3 weren't already interesting. The previously unannounced "Starter Edition" that was distributed in this manner had all the features of the beta, Ars reports, but occasionally asked players to buy the complete game. In other words, it was a free-to-play version of Diablo 3, or a feature-rich demo. Those are kind of the same thing.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3leakpcstarter-editionWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 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[Diablo 3's monk isn't above flipping out and killing everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/#comments Image
You may hear the word "monk" and think "pacifist," but Blizzard Entertainment apparently thinks "brutal destroyer of all things." The latest class video for Diablo 3 delves into the company's twisted conflation of monks and David Carradine's character on Kung Fu.

JoystiqDiablo 3's monk isn't above flipping out and killing everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacmonkpcTue, 17 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The fears and hopes of Blizzard devs as Diablo 3 enters alpha]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/#comments Image
Oh, you wanted new Diablo 3 gameplay? Sorry to tell you, but we've got three Blizzard project leads discussing their hopes and dreams for the game in the latest dev diary instead. Perhaps knowing that these folks are killing themselves to create Diablo 3 will help soothe your searing rage.

JoystiqThe fears and hopes of Blizzard devs as Diablo 3 enters alpha originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdev-diaryDiablo-3macpcMon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 trailer tells the tale of the Barbarian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/diablo-3-trailer-tells-the-tale-of-the-barbarian/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/diablo-3-trailer-tells-the-tale-of-the-barbarian/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/diablo-3-trailer-tells-the-tale-of-the-barbarian/#comments Image
The thing about barbarians is they like to kill stuff. After the events of Diablo 2, the group has scattered and lost its will to fight. But with Diablo's return, one barbarian has found it's never been a better time to have a dry blade. Good hunting!

JoystiqDiablo 3 trailer tells the tale of the Barbarian originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbarbarianblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerWed, 11 Apr 2012 08:35:00 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[Diablo 3 console details still trapped in the dungeon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-console-details-still-trapped-in-the-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-console-details-still-trapped-in-the-dungeon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-console-details-still-trapped-in-the-dungeon/#comments With the official release date for the PC and Mac versions of Diablo 3 finally revealed, we still have an unanswered question: What about the console release? Blizzard has made no secret that it's tinkering with a console version of Diablo 3, doing everything short of officially announcing it.

Rumors about a console port began flying almost immediately after Blizzard officially announced Diablo 3 in the summer of 2008. In an interview with Joystiq following the announcement, Diablo 3 lead designer Jay Wilson stated that Blizzard didn't have "any plans" to bring the anticipated dungeon crawler to consoles. Only days later, Blizzard VP of Game Design Rob Pardo gave console players hope, saying that a port was "theoretically possible." A year later, COO Paul Sams fanned the flames yet again, stating that console manufacturers (likely Microsoft and Sony) had made "some pretty compelling arguments" in favor of a port.

Continue reading Diablo 3 console details still trapped in the dungeon

JoystiqDiablo 3 console details still trapped in the dungeon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardDiablo-3macmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 emerges from hell May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-emerges-from-hell-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-emerges-from-hell-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/diablo-3-emerges-from-hell-may-15/#comments This is it, folks. It's officially official: Everyone can finally return to Tristram on May 15 when Diablo 3 finally, finally launches. Interested dungeon crawlers can pre-purchase the game from Battle.net right now in order to "be ready to play the minute the servers go live."

Blizzard also took a moment to remind everyone that you can still snag a free copy of Diablo 3 by signing up for a World of Warcraft annual pass. The deal expires on May 1. If you're looking for something a touch more physical, you'll be able to nab the retail collector's edition, which includes lots of extra goodies, for $99.99.

JoystiqDiablo 3 emerges from hell May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardDiablo-3macpcThu, 15 Mar 2012 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta bug opens three secret gates of Hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/#comments
The Diablo 3 beta is well underway with hundreds of thousands of players delving into the dungeons of Sanctuary, and with so many deviants roaming the deadlands, there was bound to be some mischief. A bug in the beta granted access to three areas not yet intended for public play: the Festering Woods, Drowned Temple and Fields of Misery.

The three bugged levels are mostly playable, featuring larger, more diverse beasts than in the released beta levels, including goatmen, violent trees, ghouls, spirits and more, incgamers reports. Blizzard pulled the servers to lock the areas out again, according to ubergizmo, but not before a few players recorded their adventures -- watch one romp through the Fields of Misery above.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta bug opens three secret gates of Hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-bugsBlizzardbugDiablo-3Drowned-TempleFestering-WoodsFields-of-MiserypcsecretunlockTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST