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[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[Fresh demonic Diablo 3 media from Blizzcon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/fresh-demonic-diablo-3-media-from-blizzcon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/fresh-demonic-diablo-3-media-from-blizzcon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/fresh-demonic-diablo-3-media-from-blizzcon/#comments
Your parents may have told you that reading was good for you, a valuable skill that enriches life. That might be true, unless you happen to be Leah, niece of Diablo's quintessential soothsayer, Deckard Cain. In her case, too much reading leads to some sort of demonic family reunion and a hellish invasion of the mortal realm.

Nice going, books.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (10/21/11)

JoystiqFresh demonic Diablo 3 media from Blizzcon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bilzzardblizzconDiablo-3macpcFri, 21 Oct 2011 18:30:00 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[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[BlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/#comments Blizzard has shared the plan for two big e-sports events at BlizzCon in Anaheim, CA, and it looks like there's going to be a full plate of noobs, ownage and ggs yet again this year. Not only will the Global Battle.net Invitational showcase some of the best StarCraft 2 players from Blizzard's online multiplayer service, but the 2011 Global StarCraft League Final matches will be held at the same event, pitting the best of the best at the game against each other.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2011competitione-sportsesportsfinalsglobal-starcraft-leaguepcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmtournamentWed, 13 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Final round of BlizzCon 2011 tickets on sale tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/reminder-final-round-of-blizzcon-2011-tickets-on-sale-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/reminder-final-round-of-blizzcon-2011-tickets-on-sale-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/reminder-final-round-of-blizzcon-2011-tickets-on-sale-tonight/#comments The second round of BlizzCon 2011 tickets are going on sale this evening in just a few hours at 10pm EDT / 7pm PDT. The first round went down last Saturday morning as planned, and tickets sold out in just a matter of minutes (technically, the queue for ticket sales was filled in less than a second). This demand is extra surprising, especially considering that ticket prices to the annual Irvine, CA-based fan convention went up this year to $175 a piece.

Still, if you want to try your hand at Blizzard Entertainment's least fun game ever and attempt to buy some tickets of your own, you can join the party on the Blizzard store website later on this evening. Good luck to everyone; may your F5 skills be strong.

JoystiqReminder: Final round of BlizzCon 2011 tickets on sale tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2011pcticket-salesticketsWed, 25 May 2011 20:40:00 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[BlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/#comments Yesterday afternoon at BlizzCon, Blizzard's own Starcraft 2 masters Dustin Browder, Greg Canessa, David Kim and Matt Cooper gathered to host the Secrets of the Masters panel. Seasoned Starcraft veterans won't glean much from the information they had to offer, but that's okay -- Dustin Browder himself made it clear that this panel was just for the noobs.

That being said, the panel kicked off with Greg Canessa explaining how the Battle.net leagues and ladders system really worked behind the scenes, which is information even veterans wanted laid out nice and clear. He also went on to explain a few new features coming to Battle.net aimed specifically at the most hardcore of the hardcore Starcraft 2 players.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010david-kimdustin-browdergreg-canessamatt-cooperpcstarcraftstarcraft-2Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2010: Diablo 3 panel covers Artisans, armor models and atmosphere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-diablo-3-panel-covers-artisans-armor-models-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-diablo-3-panel-covers-artisans-armor-models-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-diablo-3-panel-covers-artisans-armor-models-and/#comments The Diablo 3 crafting sanctuary panel, much as the name suggests, did introduce a look at the new Diablo 3 item crafting system. However, it also covered quite a few interesting inside looks at the philosophy and process of the upcoming Blizzard game.

As game director Jay Wilson puts it, Sanctuary is a world at war. It's been 20 years since the events of Diablo 2, in which the 3 prime evils were vanquished, and hell has been preparing for revenge ever since. The development team has been working on building that world under siege, and this panel was meant to reveal a little bit about how they've been going about doing that.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2010: Diablo 3 panel covers Artisans, armor models and atmosphere

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010: Diablo 3 panel covers Artisans, armor models and atmosphere originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010developer-paneldiablodiablo-3jay-wilsonmacpanelpcSun, 24 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New StarCraft 2 scenarios reference L4D, DoTA, Bejeweled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/starcraft-2-dota-left-4-dead-bejeweled-scenarios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/starcraft-2-dota-left-4-dead-bejeweled-scenarios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/starcraft-2-dota-left-4-dead-bejeweled-scenarios/#comments We thought StarCraft 2 was a little confusing before, but imagine how perplexed we were to look inside the BlizzCon program and see descriptions of upcoming maps for the game that include references to Bejeweled, Defense of the Ancients and ... Iron Chef? Here's the text from Shacknews:
Aiur Chef takes you to a remote area of the planet Aiur, where aspiring zealot chefs skilled in the arts of cooking and killing compete for the title of Executor Chef. Test your wits in the puzzler StarJeweled, which challenges you to match jewels according to color to gain energy, train troops and crush your enemy's base. You'll also be able to team up with a friend to fend off a new strain of zerg infestation in Left 2 Die (a new co-op take on the StarCraft II campaign mission "Outbreak"), as well as wage war with the most powerful heroes in the universe in Blizzard All-Stars, an explosive new multiplayer scenario.
First Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright team up, and now this? Apologies to Powerman 5000, but this is what it is indeed like when worlds collide.

JoystiqNew StarCraft 2 scenarios reference L4D, DoTA, Bejeweled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010defense-of-the-ancientsleft-4-deadStarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyFri, 22 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Last batch of BlizzCon 2010 tickets on sale today at 1 PM EDT]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/reminder-last-batch-of-blizzcon-2010-tickets-on-sale-today-at-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/reminder-last-batch-of-blizzcon-2010-tickets-on-sale-today-at-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/reminder-last-batch-of-blizzcon-2010-tickets-on-sale-today-at-1/#comments If you're hoping to join your fellow World of Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo fans in a two-day love-fest for all things Blizzard later this year, you're gonna want to keep your fingers on your F5 button here in just a few minutes. The second and final group of tickets for BlizzCon 2010 will go on sale at 1PM EDT (10 AM PDT) on the event's official website and the Blizzard store for $150 a pop.

Seeing as how the ticket queue for the last round of sales jumped from zero to 20,000 in two minutes, you'll want to be as prepared as humanly possible if you want to acquire an entry pass. Check out WoW.com for a few helpful tips on how to grab your ticket hastily and definitively.

JoystiqReminder: Last batch of BlizzCon 2010 tickets on sale today at 1 PM EDT originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010eventsticketsSat, 05 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon tickets are gone (for now) -- try again Saturday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/blizzcon-tickets-are-gone-for-now-try-again-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/blizzcon-tickets-are-gone-for-now-try-again-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/blizzcon-tickets-are-gone-for-now-try-again-saturday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In less time than it takes to complete the Halls of Lightning, the first round of BlizzCon tickets sold out last night. WoW.com has the timeline (pictured) of how quickly the $150 tickets sold out -- only to appear on eBay at $500 shortly thereafter.

The next opportunity to gain entrance to Blizzard's celebration of all things itself occurs this Saturday, June 5 at 1PM EDT (10AM PDT) sharp, with a limit of five tickets per household. WoW.com has some tips on how to make sure the process goes smoothly.

JoystiqBlizzCon tickets are gone (for now) -- try again Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconblizzcon-2010blizzcon-ticket-salesblizzcon-ticketsdiablo-3pcstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftThu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon tickets on sale for a few seconds on June 2 and June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-for-a-few-seconds-on-june-2-and-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-for-a-few-seconds-on-june-2-and-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/blizzcon-tickets-on-sale-for-a-few-seconds-on-june-2-and-june-5/#comments Blizzard has just announced when it will open up the rattling floodgates for BlizzCon 2010 ticket sales. Passes to the event will be sold in two separate chunks on Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. PST and Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. PST. Folks interested in attending the Anaheim-based event will have to pony up a $150 entry fee. Given their proclivity for purchasing imaginary horses, we don't think diehard Blizzard fans have any qualms about parting with their hard-earned cash.

Remember, these things have a tendency to sell out moments after they go on sale, so we suggest you start tightening up your F5 finger's reflexes.

JoystiqBlizzCon tickets on sale for a few seconds on June 2 and June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010diablo-3mmorpgrpgstarcraft-2ticket-salesticketsworld-of-warcraftTue, 18 May 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: BlizzCon already sold out ... before tickets go on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-blizzcon-already-sold-out-before-tickets-go-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-blizzcon-already-sold-out-before-tickets-go-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-blizzcon-already-sold-out-before-tickets-go-on/#comments In a surprise announcement this morning via IncGamers, Blizzard has revealed that tickets to the just-announced BlizzCon 2010 sold out earlier than ever before -- before the tickets even went on sale, in fact. Apparently, due to a high rate of calls on Blizzard's tech support line suffering from "3 - 4 hour wait times," the company released early tickets to some customers. "We didn't intend to sell all of them already, but I guess the vast, password-losing World of Warcraft community spread the word, and one thing led to another," CEO Mike Morhaime said.

He added that he's "looking forward to another great show, with some of our most passionate, patient, credit card-possessing fans," speaking from a recently purchased yacht, allegedly. You can check out the full press release right here, which you might have realized by this point is not legit.

JoystiqApril Fools: BlizzCon already sold out ... before tickets go on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionapril-foolsapril-fools-2010blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010mike-morhaimeworld-of-warcraftThu, 01 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2010 announced for October 22-23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/blizzcon-2010-announced-for-october-22-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/blizzcon-2010-announced-for-october-22-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/blizzcon-2010-announced-for-october-22-23/#comments Anaheim will once again become a second home to the citizens of Azeroth when BlizzCon 2010 takes place from October 22 to 23. As in previous years, this is the show where Blizzard brings out its big guns and usually delivers at least one major announcement. Although it's not expressly stated, it's very likely StarCraft II, Diablo III and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will be at the event -- hopefully, with some release dates in tow.

Detailed sales information isn't live yet, but anyone interested in attending better start queuing up the nanosecond those golden tickets go out.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009 Costumes

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010 announced for October 22-23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconblizzcon-2010cataclysmdiablo-3starcraft-2world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowThu, 25 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Blizzard's canceled squad-based sci-fi RPG: Nomad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/a-look-at-blizzards-canceled-squad-based-sci-fi-rpg-nomad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/a-look-at-blizzards-canceled-squad-based-sci-fi-rpg-nomad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/a-look-at-blizzards-canceled-squad-based-sci-fi-rpg-nomad/#comments
At this morning's Austin Game Developer's Conference keynote, J. Allen Brack and Frank Pearce of Blizzard took the stage to talk about the inner workings of Blizzard. Most of what they covered was stats and trvia. Did you know the Blizzard bug team is currently tracking over 179,484 bugs? Now you do. There are 7,650 quests in WoW since Wrath of the Lich King! Consider yourself informed.

Some of the trivia was actually pretty interesting, like the fact that when Blizzard releases a patch, almost half of that data is audio. Pearce also mentioned that BlizzCon is operated "at a substantial loss for Blizzard," but the value is that it's a huge marketing/PR opportunity for them. Considering how many tickets they sell (in only eight minutes), that's around $3.5 million that's written off. Plus whatever Blizzard spends above and beyond that. No wonder Blizzard employees have to buy their own tickets.

However, the most interesting part of the keynote was when they briefly spoke about Nomad, the canceled squad-based sci-fi game. Ten years ago, Blizzard put a lot of work in on the game, but eventually looked at it and said "Is this really the game we want to be working on right now? The answer ended up being "no," and the team went on to start work on World of Warcraft. Here we are ten years later with WoW going strong, and no Nomad in sight.

They'd mentioned this canceled game, along with a slew of others, at last year's DICE summit, but without any other information. Sadly, the only thing they had to show were pieces of concept art, including some by "The Bourbon Cowboy," Chris Metzen. The art itself isn't that exciting (the best one is above and there's a couple more in the gallery below), but the words "squad-based sci-fi RPG" are exciting. Could this be Blizzard's next game? Possibly mutated into MMO form? Who knows when we'll find out, since one of the stats they flashed onscreen this morning was "Number of Unannounced MMOs: 1."

Gallery: Nomad

JoystiqA look at Blizzard's canceled squad-based sci-fi RPG: Nomad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AGDCAustin-GDCaustin-gdc-2009BlizzardBlizzConFrank-PearceJ-Allen-BrackNomadWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard interview: J. Allen Brack on World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blizzard-interview-j-allen-brack-on-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blizzard-interview-j-allen-brack-on-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blizzard-interview-j-allen-brack-on-world-of-warcraft/#comments
J. Allen Brack is the lead producer on World of Warcraft, and he's not just a guy working at a job -- he's a hardcore fanboy as well. If you need proof, check out his open letter to the Star Wars Galaxies community, back when he was a producer on that game. In it he mentions that he's getting married in a Star Wars-themed wedding. That's hardcore.

He joined Blizzard in 2005 to work on WoW and its expansions. We sat down with him at BlizzCon to talk about the new World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm, and to find out how much life the title has in it. Read on after the break for the full interview, and to find out some of what's going on in WoW's biggest expansion to date.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (BlizzCon 2009)

Continue reading Blizzard interview: J. Allen Brack on World of Warcraft

JoystiqBlizzard interview: J. Allen Brack on World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzconBlizzcon-2009CataclysminterviewJ-Allen-BrackWorld-Of-WarcraftFri, 04 Sep 2009 20:45:00 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[Blizzard interview: Leo Boyarsky and Kevin Martens on Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-leo-boyarsky-and-kevin-martens-on-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-leo-boyarsky-and-kevin-martens-on-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-leo-boyarsky-and-kevin-martens-on-diablo-3/#comments
We know that we've been fire-hosing Diablo 3 information on you, but keep those raincoats zipped because there's more incoming. In fact, we sat down with Leon Boyasrsky, lead world designer, and Kevin Martens, lead content artist, at BlizzCon. While they didn't drop any deafening secrets on us like ZOMG what the final class will be, they did go into further detail about the game.

Read on through for the full interview, and imagine what it'll be like if Martens gets his dream wish and they stick a Sideshow Collectibles Barbarian statue inside the Collector's Edition of the game. The chances of that actually happening are pretty much zero, but still ... we can dream.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009: Diablo 3

Continue reading Blizzard interview: Leo Boyarsky and Kevin Martens on Diablo 3

JoystiqBlizzard interview: Leo Boyarsky and Kevin Martens on Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009diablodiablo-3diablo-iiiinterviewkevin-martensleo-boyarskyMon, 31 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard interview: Samwise Didier talks Starcraft 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-samwise-didier-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-samwise-didier-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/blizzard-interview-samwise-didier-talks-starcraft-2/#comments
These days Samwise Didier is better known as the lead singer for Level 80 Elite Tauren Chieftain, but he's been a Blizzard employee since 1991, and has been churning out artwork (like the above Starcraft logos) for years. He also has the dubious title of the creator of the Pandaren race.

You can check out a huge chunk of his artwork in the gallery on the Sons of the Storm website. He has a massive head of metal hair, apparently never wears pants, and is overseeing the artwork on Starcraft 2. We sat down with him at BlizzCon not long before L80ETC opened for Ozzy Osbourne, and chatted him up about his job. Read on for the full interview.

Continue reading Blizzard interview: Samwise Didier talks Starcraft 2

JoystiqBlizzard interview: Samwise Didier talks Starcraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtBlizzardBlizzconBlizzcon-2009interviewL80ETCPandarenSamwise-DidierStarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: A hoard of Diablo 3 info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-a-hoard-of-diablo-3-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-a-hoard-of-diablo-3-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-a-hoard-of-diablo-3-info/#comments
Blizzard's playable Diablo 3 demo at this year's BlizzCon felt like a step backwards from last year's, mostly because the Rune system was removed completely. It'll be in the final game, but since Blizzard is still working on the Skills that the Runes enhance / rely on, the company said it didn't make sense to have the Runes in this time around. Bummer. It makes sense, but we still missed the bouncing, flaming skulls the Witch Doctor once issued.

Also, last year's area included a lot more dialogue, and had moodier lighting. This time we were smack dab in the middle of a giant desert, which didn't offer many chances to encounter spooky, candlelit chambers. There were a couple of dungeons you could drop down into this year, via swirling sands, but for the most part you were hoofing it around under the bright sun.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009: Diablo 3

Continue reading BlizzCon 2009: A hoard of Diablo 3 info

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: A hoard of Diablo 3 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarbarianBlizzconBlizzCon-2009D3Diablo-3MonkWitch-DoctorWizardThu, 27 Aug 2009 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: Martial arts secrets of Diablo 3's Monk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-martial-arts-secrets-of-diablo-3s-monk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-martial-arts-secrets-of-diablo-3s-monk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/blizzcon-2009-martial-arts-secrets-of-diablo-3s-monk/#comments
When you think hardcore-fantasy, swords-and-sorcery killing machine, you think "monk," right? At BlizzCon, Diablo 3's new character class, the Monk, was unlocked, supposedly having been inspired by pen-and-paper RPGs. According to Jay Wilson, almost all of Blizzard's characters are meant to hearken back to the "golden age of RPG gaming." The Monk is designed to be a fragile, melee-based character that performs some amazingly agile moves. With skills like the "Seven-Sided Strike" and "Way of the Hundred Fists," we'd say he's stripped from a different golden age -- from the reels of 1960s and '70s Kung Fu serials. The only detail that's missing are the Bruce Lee yips.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009: Diablo 3

Continue reading BlizzCon 2009: Martial arts secrets of Diablo 3's Monk

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: Martial arts secrets of Diablo 3's Monk originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzConBlizzCon-2009DiabloDiablo-3Diablo-IIIMonkThu, 27 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: August 18-26, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-best-of-wow-com-august-18-26-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-best-of-wow-com-august-18-26-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/the-best-of-wow-com-august-18-26-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


What a week it has been in the World of Warcraft. Last weekend in Anaheim, Blizzard held BlizzCon, a convention of over 20,000 people, and announced the third expansion of the world's biggest MMO: Cataclysm. New races, new levels, new systems and instances, and oh yeah: the entire world will explode thanks to the return of a very evil and very angry dragon.

Here's our most popular posts from the past seven days to catch you up.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: August 18-26, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementarchaeologyblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009conventionexpansionfeaturesguild-levelingnewspatch-3.2.0apath-of-the-titansworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-comThu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 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[BlizzCon 2009: StarCraft Ghost lives on (in spirit)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-starcraft-ghost-lives-on-in-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-starcraft-ghost-lives-on-in-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-starcraft-ghost-lives-on-in-spirit/#comments
During the StarCraft 2 gameplay panel at BlizzCon, Dustin Browder spent much of the time talking abut the upcoming map editor that ships with SC2. If he's to be believed, it's the most powerful piece of software on the planet. Which might be a slight exaggeration. Those developers all have bias running in their veins.

However, we were fairly impressed when they showed us that the editor allows first-person game creation. What?! Yes, that even includes details as far down as UI manipulation and an inventory system. That's a lot more than you'd expect from a simple "map editor." One employee-created game was an FPS featuring a very familiar, bouncing-ponytailed Ghost that was created in just a few days.

Blizzard officially put StarCraft: Ghost on indefinite hold back in 2006, and they've been telling us here that it's still the case. Although some enterprising modder/mapper out there might just want create their own version.

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: StarCraft Ghost lives on (in spirit) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzconBlizzcon-2009SC2StarcraftStarcraft-2Starcraft-GhostSat, 22 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: BSG's Tricia Helfer to voice StarCraft 2's Kerrigan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-bsgs-tricia-helfer-to-voice-starcraft-2s-kerri-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-bsgs-tricia-helfer-to-voice-starcraft-2s-kerri-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-bsgs-tricia-helfer-to-voice-starcraft-2s-kerri-1/#comments
During a StarCraft 2 lore panel taking place at BlizzCon this weekend, Blizzard vice president of creative development Chris Metzen revealed the voice replacement for Sarah Kerrigan. Battlestar Galactica star Tricia Helfer will replace Glynnis Talken as voice over actress in the upcoming sequel(s).

It seems as though the BSG star is getting her fair share of video game voice over work these days, as she'll also be voicing a character named Dare in Halo 3: ODST. We're thinking if she gets to talking with gaming's every man Nolan North and they work out a monopoly, we'll have a serious issue on our hands.

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: BSG's Tricia Helfer to voice StarCraft 2's Kerrigan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-bizzardbattlestar-galacticablizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009nolan-northpcstarcraftstarcraft-2tricia-helferSat, 22 Aug 2009 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: The Costumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-the-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-the-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-the-costumes/#comments
With the jam-packed costume contest taking place at BlizzCon in the evening, people spent all of yesterday parading around in their ginormous costumes in preparation. That's some dedication right there! Check out our massive gallery just below, and be sure to watch a video of the contest winners right after the break. The rogue above was one of the finalists, but she was ultimately robbed (robbed, we say!) of the top prize.

Stay tuned for more images -- BlizzCon ain't over yet!

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009 Costumes

Continue reading BlizzCon 2009: The Costumes

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: The Costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzconBlizzcon-2009CostumesDiablo-3FansStarcraft-2videoWorld-of-WarcraftSat, 22 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: Day one round-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-day-one-round-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-day-one-round-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-day-one-round-up/#comments
The news coming from BlizzCon has been fast and furious -- and we can hardly blame you if you haven't been able to keep up with the announcements coming from Anaheim so far.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: Day one round-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2009cataclysmdiablodiablo-3world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowwow-cataclysmSat, 22 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Diablo III 'Monk' class dropped on Korean Blizzard site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/new-diablo-iii-monk-class-dropped-on-korean-blizzard-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/new-diablo-iii-monk-class-dropped-on-korean-blizzard-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/new-diablo-iii-monk-class-dropped-on-korean-blizzard-site/#comments [Update 2:59PM - Blizzard VP Chris Metzen just confirmed the Monk during BlizzCon's opening ceremony. They've got a cinematic - surprise! - that we'll nab for you as soon as it's available. This looks like in-game footage though; it's not the normal Blizzard-quality cinematic.]

While the opening BlizzCon ceremony is just minutes away, one potential secret has already been spoiled ... by Blizzard itself. The mega-developer's own Korean site revealed the above image, showing off all the way to the right ... a new Diablo 3 class. Judging by that nifty saffron-colored robe, we're guessing this is the long-rumored Monk class. More info as we gather it.

(To find the screen for yourself, go to this Diablo 3 site and change the language to Korean. Voila!)

[Via WoW.com]

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009: Diablo 3


JoystiqNew Diablo III 'Monk' class dropped on Korean Blizzard site originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzConBlizzCon-2009DiabloDiablo-3MonkFri, 21 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq at BlizzCon 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/joystiq-at-blizzcon-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/joystiq-at-blizzcon-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/joystiq-at-blizzcon-2009/#comments
We're here inside BlizzCon 2009 in Anaheim, California, having survived the massive onslaught of people desperate to sprint and knock people over in the Quest for the Perfect Seats. The opening ceremonies start soon, and promise to reveal ... something. Will it be World of Warcraft's newest rumored expansion, Cataclysm?

We're also holding out for news on Blizzard's mystery MMO, more Diablo 3 information (go Wizard! go Monk!), and, finally, something concrete about Battle.Net. Oh, and we guess there's that Starcraft 2 game everyone's been yapping about ...

If you're hungry for WoW info, head over to our sister site WoW.com. Like, the entire website is about that game.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2009

JoystiqJoystiq at BlizzCon 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconBlizzcon-2009Diablo-3Starcraft-2World-of-WarcraftWoWFri, 21 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: August 11-18, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/the-best-of-wow-com-august-11-18-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/the-best-of-wow-com-august-11-18-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/the-best-of-wow-com-august-11-18-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's BlizzCon fever over on Joystiq sister site WoW.com. Blizzard's annual convention takes place this weekend in Anaheim, and boy are we ready to go there. While we're all packing and flying cross-country to see what Blizzard has in store for us (a new expansion announcement? More Diablo III and Starcraft II info?), you can read up on our most popular stories of the last seven days below.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: August 11-18, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-ofbest-of-wow-comblizzcondiablo-3felicia-dayonyxiapatch-3.2.2ptr-patch-3.2.2race-classraid-bossesroundupstarcraft-2wow-comWed, 19 Aug 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: August 4-11, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/the-best-of-wow-com-august-4-11-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/the-best-of-wow-com-august-4-11-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/the-best-of-wow-com-august-4-11-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Exciting times in the World of Warcraft lately -- patch 3.2 is out, and with it comes brand new instances, new items to find, and a multitude of changes to make the game more fun. Oh, and don't forget about BlizzCon -- speculation is at a fever pitch with the event just 10 days away, and as you can see from the first post below, the leaks are starting to come already. Here's a sampling of the news you'll find on Joystiq's WoW.com.

News
Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: August 4-11, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcane-brillianceblizzconcataclysmdailiesissuesleakedmagemoney-makingnewspatch-3.2PCprofessionsracesrounduptrial-of-the-championworld-of-warcraftwow-comTue, 11 Aug 2009 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ozzy Osbourne performing at BlizzCon 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/ozzy-osbourne-performing-at-blizzcon-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/ozzy-osbourne-performing-at-blizzcon-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/ozzy-osbourne-performing-at-blizzcon-2009/#comments
Though it was meant to be a super-secret surprise, DirecTV recently let the cat out of Blizzard's bag, revealing that Ozzy Osbourne will be performing at BlizzCon via the event's Pay-Per-View description. Rumors of the Prince of Darkness' appearance have been rumored for quite some time now -- which may help explain why tickets for the event sold out in 4.1 seconds flat.

Ozzy's performing at BlizzCon seems like a natural fit -- after all, if this old Wrath of the Lich King commercial is to be believed, Ozzy's fond of rolling through Azeroth as an Undead Warlock. However, if the same advertisement is any indication, he's really bad at it.

JoystiqOzzy Osbourne performing at BlizzCon 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009concertmmommorpgmusicozzy-osbournepcworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 09 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009 sold out in just eight minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/blizzcon-2009-sold-out-in-just-eight-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/blizzcon-2009-sold-out-in-just-eight-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/blizzcon-2009-sold-out-in-just-eight-minutes/#comments Not only was BlizzCon sold out in under a half hour over the two days tickets were on sale, turns out it was all done in eight measly minutes -- like an Onyxia run at lvl 80. Big Download took note of the reveal during Activision Blizzard's conference call with investors, where the publisher with more gold than the old Titan vault in Uldaman revealed the 20,000 tickets were auctioned off at $125 a pop in less time than it takes to be escorted out of a job interview for admitting a World of Warcraft habit.

We spoke with someone deep in the Azerothian trenches, WoW.com Senior Editor Mike Schramm, who tells us, "The official line might be eight minutes, but I was there: the queue filled up in about 20 seconds. It may have taken eight minutes for the queue to go through and sell the place out, but if you were past about 1800 in the queue, you were out of luck. And they hit that number about 20 seconds in." Sad Pandaren.

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009 sold out in just eight minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009diablo-3falsestarcraft-2world-of-warcraftwowThu, 06 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Second batch of BlizzCon tickets go on sale at 10AM Pacific today, May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/reminder-second-batch-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-at-10am-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/reminder-second-batch-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-at-10am-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/reminder-second-batch-of-blizzcon-tickets-go-on-sale-at-10am-pa/#comments
Don't have a ticket to BlizzCon 2009 and still want to go? Best lock and load, because the second batch of entry passes go on sale today at 10AM Pacific on the Blizzard site. The first set sold out in less than 30 minutes, so if you're not there at precisely the appointed hour when the golden passes go on sale ... seriously, just don't bother.

The tickets cost $125 apiece and there's always the option to "attend" though DirectTV's $40 pay-per-view. But just imagine all the sights, sounds and smells you'd be missing. Best of luck to the faithful (and forsaken) warriors attempting to grab a ticket.

[Via Big Download, WoW]

JoystiqReminder: Second batch of BlizzCon tickets go on sale at 10AM Pacific today, May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheim-convention-centerblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009blizzcon-ticketsdiablo-3starcraftstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftSat, 30 May 2009 11:00:00 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[First round of BlizzCon 2009 tickets sold out in under 30 minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/first-round-of-blizzcon-2009-tickets-sold-out-in-under-30-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/first-round-of-blizzcon-2009-tickets-sold-out-in-under-30-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/17/first-round-of-blizzcon-2009-tickets-sold-out-in-under-30-minute/#comments
Convinced that the creators of their favorite PC gaming titles just weren't making enough money with its MMO/Class 3 Narcotic, World of Warcraft, Blizzard fans came out of the woodwork yesterday to throw buckets of cash at the aforementioned developer. No, they weren't generously donating -- they were purchasing one of the rarest scraps of paper in existence: A golden ticket to BlizzCon 2009.

Said buckets of moolah were flying fast and furious -- the first round of tickets, priced at $125 a pop (a $25 increase over last year), sold out within 30 minutes. Don't fret if you don't get your hands on any of the remaining entry passes (the next round drops May 30) -- you can always pay-per-view the entire event on DirecTV (or online) for $39.99. A hefty fee, but given the huge games they'll likely be showcasing this year, it might just be worth it.

JoystiqFirst round of BlizzCon 2009 tickets sold out in under 30 minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2009diablo-3starcraft-2ticketsworld-of-warcraftSun, 17 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: May 5-12, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-5-12-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-5-12-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/the-best-of-wow-insider-may-5-12-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Welcome back to the Wacky World of Warcraft, where the men are men, the women are usually dragons of some kind, and the average faction leader is probably being mad with some kind of ill-gotten power. Confused? Wondering why that ugly-looking orc is approaching you with sword drawn? Worry not, WoW Insider is your all-encompassing guide to Azeroth. Just please keep your arms and legs inside the tram at all times -- you don't want to hear what happened to our friend Wirt.

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: May 5-12, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azerothblizzconcurseglory-of-the-herohumansinterviewmagesorcsoverachieverpatch-3.1star-trektom-chiltonwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwow-interfacewowmatrixThu, 14 May 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard confirms Grunty, the Marine Murloc, as BlizzCon giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/blizzard-confirms-grunty-the-marine-murloc-as-blizzcon-giveawa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/blizzard-confirms-grunty-the-marine-murloc-as-blizzcon-giveawa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/blizzard-confirms-grunty-the-marine-murloc-as-blizzcon-giveawa/#comments
Blizzard recently mrguggugguggled that Grunty, the Space Marine Murloc, will be one of the giveaways in the BlizzCon 2009 goody bag. Those who purchase the DirecTV pay-per-view will also receive a redemption code for the little gurgler with a gun. So, if you aren't looking to go down the DirecTV route, you'd best be prepared to get your golden ticket when the rapid fire purchasing begins May 16.

Four days, Charlie. Only four days till Willy "Morhaime" Wonka gives you a chance to enter the factory.

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqBlizzard confirms Grunty, the Marine Murloc, as BlizzCon giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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