Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World of MapCraft: explore Azeroth using a Google Maps-style interface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/world-of-mapcraft-explore-azeroth-using-a-google-maps-style-int/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/world-of-mapcraft-explore-azeroth-using-a-google-maps-style-int/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/world-of-mapcraft-explore-azeroth-using-a-google-maps-style-int/#comments World of MapCraft explore Azeroth using a Google Mapsstyle interfaceWorld of MapCraft is an interactive map detailing all of the areas that make up World of Warcraft's Azeroth - think of it as Google Maps for World of Warcraft and its expansions thus far. It's all online right now, the work of Tiny Speck founder Cal Henderson, who extracted textures from the MMO's source files to piece together the interactive map you see above. You may recall Tiny Speck's own MMO, Glitch.

Just don't click on the map above and expect to be able to zoom in on the Isle of Conquest. You have to click the source link below for that. And if you're looking for more background on World of MapCraft's creation, Henderson has a pretty thorough blog post explaining it all.

JoystiqWorld of MapCraft: explore Azeroth using a Google Maps-style interface originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cal-hendersonCataclysmmacpctiny-speckworld-of-mapcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmMon, 18 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Patch 4.3 'Hour of Twilight' launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/wow-patch-4-3-hour-of-twilight-launches-today/#comments
If you've built up a thick layer of hatred for Deathwing every time his grim visage appears on the login screen for World of Warcraft, your hour of retribution has come. Or rather, your "Hour of Twilight" has come -- that's the name of WoW Patch 4.3, which launches today.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmhour-of-twilightmmommorpgpatchpcupdateworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard auctions off old server hardware for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/#comments You can't actually own a piece of Azeroth, because the virtual World of Warcraft doesn't exist -- sorry, ThrallFan6969, it's true. But this is probably your closest chance to the fake thing: Blizzard is auctioning off a group of hardware server blades that were used to run the popular MMO in the past, so for a price you can own the circuits and silicon that served up all of those boars, dwarves, and elves.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmcharitypcworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowFri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft experiences a small drop in subscribers post-Cataclysm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/world-of-warcraft-experiences-a-small-drop-in-subscribers-post-c/#comments Around the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Activision Blizzard repeatedly touted its 12 million subscribers. During yesterday's investor conference call, however, Blizzard president Mike Morhaime revealed that as of the end of March, the subscriber base had fallen from a stratospheric 12 million all the way to a humiliating 11.4 million, a decline of 5%.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmmmopcriftsalessubscriptionworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowTue, 10 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This World of Warcraft bathroom is strictly for the Horde]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/this-world-of-warcraft-bathroom-is-strictly-for-the-horde/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/this-world-of-warcraft-bathroom-is-strictly-for-the-horde/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/this-world-of-warcraft-bathroom-is-strictly-for-the-horde/#comments What kind of feelings do you want to inspire in people who are lucky enough to spend time in your commode? A sense of wonder? Or maybe you just want some badass World of Warcraft stuff hanging in there, proudly declaring your Horde affiliation. If you're in the latter camp, we may have found your next potential BFFs.

Pictured above is the bathroom of couple Paul and Gloria, who did all of the work themselves, documented from beginning to end in this Photobucket gallery. They've got dragon heads for the light fixtures, a full potion cabinet and, of course, an assortment of themed weaponry.

JoystiqThis World of Warcraft bathroom is strictly for the Horde originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bathroomCataclysmpcworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowWed, 19 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Cataclysm sells over 4.7 million copies in first month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wow-cataclysm-sells-over-4-7-million-copies-in-first-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wow-cataclysm-sells-over-4-7-million-copies-in-first-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wow-cataclysm-sells-over-4-7-million-copies-in-first-month/#commentsHaving sold 3.3 million copies of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm on the first day, it was easy to guess that the MMO expansion would have little trouble going on to record-breaking sales in its first month on the market. And that's exactly what it's done, according to Blizzard Entertainment, who reports that the title sold through over 4.7 million copies since its December 7 release. And unlike the usual retail sales numbers, that includes both packaged copies and digital distribution.

According to Blizzard, that sets a new record for monthly PC sales -- again, it's not a huge surprise to believe WoW has the power to break sales records. Here's what is surprising, though: Activision said that the WoW community is currently over 12 million players strong. Who are the 7-plus million people who play WoW, but didn't buy Cataclysm yet?

JoystiqWoW Cataclysm sells over 4.7 million copies in first month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardCataclysmmmopcsalesWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmMon, 10 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops holds off Cataclysm on UK sales chart, Epic Mickey enters Top 40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/call-of-duty-black-ops-holds-off-cataclysm-on-uk-sales-chart-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/call-of-duty-black-ops-holds-off-cataclysm-on-uk-sales-chart-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/call-of-duty-black-ops-holds-off-cataclysm-on-uk-sales-chart-e/#comments For the week ending December 11, Chart-Track's UK All Formats chart had Call of Duty: Black Ops at the top, FIFA 11 in second and the highly anticipated expansion, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, in third. Yes, that math feels all kinds of wrong. Here's a perfect example of how the lack of online sales tracking can create an issue when looking at Chart-Track and NPD results. Cataclysm was the first WoW expansion, a game that reportedly has 12 million subscribers, to be available both at retail and online. It seems that unless players were interested in baubles, they were more than happy to just pay Activision-Blizzard for the authorization key directly online.

In other news, it looks like the UK caught on that Disney Epic Mickey launched. The Wii exclusive, created by Warren Spector's Junction Point Studio, finally broke into the Top 40 at 37, "misunderstood" design and all.

And because it's our obsessive fascination, we'll tell you that Just Dance 2 slipped a mere single spot into sixth. That means we are only a few weeks away from a member of the Just Dance franchise holding a place in the top ten for nearly all of 2010. Check out the UK's top performing titles after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops holds off Cataclysm on UK sales chart, Epic Mickey enters Top 40

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops holds off Cataclysm on UK sales chart, Epic Mickey enters Top 40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainCataclysmchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwiiWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmxboxMon, 13 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm sells 3.3 million units in one day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-sells-3-3-million-units-in-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-sells-3-3-million-units-in-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-sells-3-3-million-units-in-one-day/#comments Half of everyone on the planet plays World of Warcraft -- that's just scientific fact -- so, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the game's recently released expansion made quite a splash on its launch day. According to Blizzard's calculations, the Cataclysm add-on sold 3.3 million units within 24 hours of its release, becoming the "fastest-selling PC game of all time." The previous record holder? World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, which sold 2.8 million copies in one day back in 2008.

Frankly, we're a little appalled at Blizzard. Like, they've obviously found a golden goose here. Why not let other developers create World of Warcraft expansions as well, giving them a chance to capitalize on this lucrative market? Why are they being so darn greedy?

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm sells 3.3 million units in one day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmexpansionmmopcsalessoftwareWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmMon, 13 Dec 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - This is how the world ends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-this-is-how-the-world-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-this-is-how-the-world-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-this-is-how-the-world-ends/#comments With today's launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm looming over us like, well, "a giant dragon" is probably a bit redundant ... Nevertheless, we turned to Massively's Ryan Greene to explain why you might be interested, either if you're new to the game or simply looking for an excuse to return to Azeroth.
Have you noticed a new excitement in the air? Have you felt the rumblings from the deep places of the world and tasted dread on the wind? Have you wondered why all your nerdiest friends planned months in advance to contract fake illnesses on the same day?

Cataclysm has arrived, and World of Warcraft will never be the same ... which is the same cheesy line you've been hearing for weeks, if not months. WoW's third expansion is huge news for dedicated players, but what does it mean for everyone else? For anyone who has never tried WoW or who gave it up many moons ago, the changes Deathwing hath wrought (with Blizzard's help) mean there has never been a better time to jump into the game. Seriously.

Continue reading World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - This is how the world ends

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm - This is how the world ends originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardCataclysmfeaturedmacmmopcWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowTue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/joyswag-world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/joyswag-world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/joyswag-world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition/#comments We've got a big fancy box stuffed full of Cataclysm treats and we want to give it away to one of you. But then you'll have to wait for the package to be delivered, and that's simply not acceptable, right? So after we select one lucky winner tomorrow, we'll contact them (make sure to check your Joystiq-linked email account!) and share the CD key before mailing out the rest of this stuff.

To enter this giveaway:
  1. Leave a comment telling us how many hours you've spent in World of Warcraft (be honest!).
  2. You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  3. Limit 1 entry per person.
  4. This entry period ends at 1:00PM ET on Wednesday, December 8.
  5. At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition (ARV $80).
  6. For a list of complete rules, click here.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (Collector's Edition unboxing)

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition.

For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqJoyswag: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardCataclysmJoyswagmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWoWTue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition, unboxed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition-unboxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition-unboxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-collectors-edition-unboxed/#commentsWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm We're still some hours away from the midnight launch of the latest World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm. It won't be long before Deathwing wrecks shop, so we thought we'd take some of this downtime to share pics of the Collector's Edition which recently made its way to our doorstep. Peruse the gallery below, and stick around for a giveaway later today.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (Collector's Edition unboxing)

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition, unboxed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentCataclysmmacpcunboxingWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWoWMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[We Didn't Start the Fire (in World of Warcraft)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/we-didnt-start-the-fire-in-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/we-didnt-start-the-fire-in-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/we-didnt-start-the-fire-in-world-of-warcraft/#comments In a lot of ways, this WoW video taken in Stormwind by MrZoddiak defies classification -- it's not a music video, nor is it a re-enactment. Regardless of what we all finally agree to call it, one thing is certain: it's damn impressive.

Continue reading We Didn't Start the Fire (in World of Warcraft)

JoystiqWe Didn't Start the Fire (in World of Warcraft) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billy-joelblizzardCataclysmmacmachinimapcwe-didnt-start-the-fireWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmFri, 03 Dec 2010 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop hosting WoW: Cataclysm midnight launch events]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/gamestop-hosting-wow-cataclysm-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/gamestop-hosting-wow-cataclysm-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/gamestop-hosting-wow-cataclysm-midnight-launch-events/#commentsEven though you'll have to temporarily step away from the World of WarCraft, and abandon your guild, in order to pick up Cataclysm (unless you buy it digitally), you'll still have the opportunity to commune with fellow WoW players while buying the new expansion.

GameStop will be hosting midnight release events, including "trivia and dance" contests, starting at 10PM on December 6, at its 3,500 stores across the U.S. Buying the expansion at one of these locations won't just increase your risk of vampire attack (what, you don't worry about that at night?), it'll also qualify you for savings on routers, headsets and other PC gaming accoutrements. Additionally, people who buy Cataclysm from GameStop within the first 48 hours of release get a 50-percent bonus in PowerUp Rewards points.

JoystiqGameStop hosting WoW: Cataclysm midnight launch events originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardCataclysmgamestopmidnight-launchmmopcWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmFri, 03 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW: Cataclysm pre-orders now available through Battle.net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/wow-cataclysm-pre-orders-now-available-through-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/wow-cataclysm-pre-orders-now-available-through-battle-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/wow-cataclysm-pre-orders-now-available-through-battle-net/#comments If you're eager to hasten the world's demise -- and you've seen the internet, so why wouldn't you be? -- you can now log in to your Battle.net account and pre-order World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. The expansion, which promises to wreck and rearrange the realm of Azeroth, will become available for download at 12:01 a.m. PST on December 7 (and 12:01 a.m. CST in Europe and Russia). Online pre-orders will be granted automatic access to the expansion's content as soon as Blizzard's servers go live.

As with director Roland Emmerich's take on armageddon, there are few caveats you should be aware of before going in. You'll be charged as soon as you place your pre-order, and you will have to log in to World of Warcraft at least once before launch date in order to begin a background download. Cataclysm's Collector's Edition bonuses, like the in-game pet, will only be available with retail copies. Maybe Blizzard is trying to tell you something.

JoystiqWoW: Cataclysm pre-orders now available through Battle.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netblizzardCataclysmexpansionmacpcpre-orderWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmThu, 28 Oct 2010 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Pardo: Blizzard moving towards day-and-date digital releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/pardo-blizzard-moving-towards-day-and-date-digital-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/pardo-blizzard-moving-towards-day-and-date-digital-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/pardo-blizzard-moving-towards-day-and-date-digital-releases/#comments We heard a while back that Blizzard and its parent company have been considering digital distribution for World of Warcraft expansions ever since the first one, but it wasn't until this past weekend at BlizzCon that it was finally announced that the latest expansion, Cataclysm, will be available to buy on Blizzard's website, and playable right as the servers are turned on. Blizzard's Rob Pardo says the company's been moving in that direction for a while, and that "the day's coming" when Blizzard will release all of its PC games day-and-date with their retail versions. "Once we get a little closer to Diablo 3 we'll make a determination," he promised.

Meanwhile, the WoW community, as a group of people who already play MMOs online, is ready for the transition, says Pardo. "They are already able to handle very large pieces of data," he says, "so we felt that this is the best thing for the community, the opportunity to download and pre-order the game before we launch." It will be nice to have the game installed and ready to play as the servers go up -- even if they do drop right back down from all the players trying to use them.

JoystiqPardo: Blizzard moving towards day-and-date digital releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmdiablo-3digital-distributionpcrob-pardoWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWed, 27 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm available for download at midnight, Dec. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-available-for-download-at-midnight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-available-for-download-at-midnight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-available-for-download-at-midnight/#comments When the world is being torn asunder, isn't it best to remain inside? During a presentation at the ongoing BlizzCon 2010 in Anaheim, California, Blizzard president Mike Morhaime confirmed that the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm, would be offered in downloadable format right on time and on launch day. When the game's December 7 release date was first announced, it wasn't clear if the digitally distributed version would lag behind retail copies.

It doesn't get clearer than this: You'll be able to purchase and download World of Warcraft: Cataclysm from Blizzard's site (which will accomodate pre-orders soon) at midnight, Pacific Standard Time, on December 7th. That means you can safely start questing, never having left the comforting confines of your home and risked contact with those crude human beings.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm available for download at midnight, Dec. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzcon-2010Cataclysmdigital-distributionmacmike-morhaimemmopcrelease-dateWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmFri, 22 Oct 2010 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2010 Opening Ceremony liveblog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-opening-ceremony-liveblog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-opening-ceremony-liveblog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-opening-ceremony-liveblog/#commentsBlizzCon 2010 BlizzCon 2010 is upon us and, as is customary, Blizzard will use its Opening Ceremony keynote to kick off the event - of course, WoW Insider already kicked things off last night at its annual meetup, but let's not stray too far from the purpose of this post.

Things get underway, right here, at 11AM PT (we've posted handy alternative time zones for you below). Check back then for all the latest from Blizzard: from the impending WoW expansion, Cataclysm, to future StarCraft 2 installments, to the much-anticipated Diablo 3. Maybe something about that long-in-development unnamed MMO? Well, that would be nice, wouldn't it?

08:00AM - Hawaii
11:00AM - Pacific
12:00PM - Mountain
01:00PM - Central
02:00PM - Eastern
07:00PM - London
08:00PM - Paris
10:00PM - Moscow
03:00AM - Tokyo (October 23)

Continue reading BlizzCon 2010 Opening Ceremony liveblog

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010 Opening Ceremony liveblog originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzCon-2010CataclysmDiablo-3macpcStarCraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmStarcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmFri, 22 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2010 goody bag packs miniature world-splitter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-goody-bag-packs-miniature-world-splitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-goody-bag-packs-miniature-world-splitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-goody-bag-packs-miniature-world-splitter/#comments
Click to see more goodies
Sure, Deathwing might pose a huge threat to the World of Warcraft, but we don't see much harm in all the little Dethlings BlizzCon 2010 attendees will receive and evetually take home. What's the worst that could happen -- they crack the plumbing? As part of this year's goody bag, con questers will receive a miniature Deathwing (pictured), an in-game Murloc pet with Deathwing mask, an account-hack preventing Blizzard authenticator and other various trinkets.

The in-game murloc pet for WoW appears to have become a goody bag standard for BlizzCon, with last year's attendees receiving the little gurgler wearing a StarCraft 2 marine uniform.

For all this weekend's BlizzCon 2010 coverage, keep it locked on WoW Insider.

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010 goody bag packs miniature world-splitter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzCon-2010Cataclysmgoody-bagmacpcswagWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmFri, 22 Oct 2010 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm intro unleashes Deathwing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-intro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-intro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-intro/#comments If you've been keeping up on your World of Warcraft lore, you may know this infuriated beast as Neltharion The Earth-Warder. But once you've seen Blizzard's introductory cinematic to the WoW: Cataclysm expansion, you'll see why his second name -- Deathwing the Destroyer -- is the only one on his business card.

Continue reading World of Warcraft: Cataclysm intro unleashes Deathwing

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm intro unleashes Deathwing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmintromacpcWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmSun, 17 Oct 2010 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft gets patch 4.0.1 tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/world-of-warcraft-gets-patch-4-0-1-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/world-of-warcraft-gets-patch-4-0-1-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/world-of-warcraft-gets-patch-4-0-1-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard has made the official announcement that it's releasing patch 4.0.1 for World of Warcraft during the game's maintenance tomorrow morning. This is basically the expansion patch for the biggest MMO in the world -- even though World of Warcraft: Cataclysm doesn't arrive in stores until December 7, this patch will bring many of the mechanics and system changes to the game that players have been awaiting, including a huge amount of class changes and updates, a revamp to the glyph system and a new system of reforging items to change their stats. This patch will also include the recently announced guild changes and lots of other updates and tweaks to ready the world for the game's third expansion.

You may not actually be one of World of Warcraft's 12 million players any more, but even if you're not, we thought we'd give you a heads up. Patch 4.0.1 is the reason all your friends will be back playing the game later on this week.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft gets patch 4.0.1 tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardCataclysmglyphsguildspatchpatch-4.0.1pcreforgingworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmMon, 11 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm blows up Dec. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Treasure these last few months of tranquility, Azerothians. Blizzard just announced it'll all come crashing down on December 7, when World of Warcraft: Cataclysm destroys the world you've loved, leaving only destruction and a bevy of brand new adventures to be had.

You'll be able to get the new content digitally or in stores, if you like, for $40. But because you're you and Blizzard is Blizzard, there will also be a "Collector's Edition" of the expansion pack at retail for $80. The extra cash nets you [deep breath] a big art book, a commentary DVD, a soundtrack CD, a mouse pad, World of Warcraft trading cards and the "Lil' Deathwing" in-game pet. [pass out]

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm blows up Dec. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardCataclysmmacmmopcrelease-dateworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmMon, 04 Oct 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/#comments Though past team-ups between PopCap Games and World of Warcraft have resulted in full-on in-game ... games, it seems Bilzzard's taking a different approach with the inclusion of Plants vs. Zombies in upcoming WoW expansion Cataclysm: it pared down and recreated PvZ as an in-game quest! Madness!

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmmacpcplants-vs-zombiespopcappopcap-gamesWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWed, 22 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm special edition detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-special-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-special-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-special-edition-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey, you're already paying $14.99 a month to have access to the expansive, quest-strewn lands of World of Warcraft -- why not shell out a few extra bucks to claim the collector's edition of the MMO's upcoming expansion, Cataclysm? The premium, $79.99 version of the add-on, which will only be available in retail stores, just had its contents revealed by Blizzard.

The bundle includes a 176-page art book, a DVD featuring developer commentary and a quick background of the Warcraft universe, a CD of the expansion's soundtrack, a mouse pad, a starter deck and a few bonus cards for the World of Warcraft TCG, and -- the item which will force die-hard WoW players to spring for the special edition -- a "Lil' Deathwing" in-game pet. The expansion is still sans-release date, but the presser announcing this collector's edition promises that information will be divulged "in the months ahead."

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm special edition detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cataclysmexpansionlimited-editionmmorpgpcworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmTue, 17 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: World of Warcraft movie has slowed, but still happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-movie-has-slowed-but-still-happenin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard Entertainment took the stage here at Comic-Con in San Diego to talk about World of Warcraft-inspired merchandise, and when the topic of the WoW movie came up during the Q&A, Vice President of Creative Development Chris Metzen confirmed that though the process has slowed recently, the movie is still happening. Director Sam Raimi is still "very, very passionate" about getting the movie made, but Metzen said that a treatment is still being hammered out. If that gets approved, he said, then "hopefully it'll start moving very quickly, very soon."

Metzen and the rest of the panelists also talked about the next lore-based novel to be released -- it's called The Shattering, and will set up a lot of the events leading up to the Cataclysm expansion. Metzen cautioned the game's fans that there are "dark times ahead" for Azeroth with the return of Deathwing and quakes destroying large parts of the game world. "It's going to get rough out there for a while," he admitted. "But there's a plan. The great heroes always rise to the top."

JoystiqBlizzard: World of Warcraft movie has slowed, but still happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmchris-metzencomic-con-2010moviepcsam-raimitreatmentworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowThu, 22 Jul 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Your real name to appear on Blizzard's official forums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/your-real-name-to-appear-on-blizzards-official-forums/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/your-real-name-to-appear-on-blizzards-official-forums/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/your-real-name-to-appear-on-blizzards-official-forums/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Long a source of rampant trolling and epic flamewars, Blizzard's official World of Warcraft forums will soon be a lot less anonymous. The company announced today that it will be using the Real ID system, which was recently implemented into Battle.net, on its forums. Once Real ID is in place, each catty remark and witty comeback on Blizzard's forums will have the poster's real first and last name attached to it. (Previously, posters could hide behind their in-game character names.)

Real ID will be rolled into WoW's forums by the release of the Cataclysm expansion later this year. Additionally, the system will be added to the StarCraft 2 forums before the game's July 27 launch.

Blizzard's eating its own dog food, too -- its community representatives, previously known only by aliases, will also be posting under their real names. Additionally, forum posts will be subject to a new ranking system, replies to forum threads will be grouped, and Blizzard posters will be able to "broadcast" messages out to everyone on the game's forums. Blizzard says its goal with these changes is to form "a new and different kind of online gaming environment -- one that's highly social, and which provides an ideal place for gamers to form long-lasting, meaningful relationships."

JoystiqYour real name to appear on Blizzard's official forums originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbattle-netblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmforumsofficialpcreal-idWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmTue, 06 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm closed beta has begun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Blizzard has just announced that the closed beta test for the next World of Warcraft expansion has begun. Invites are going out now to players around the world who've signed up on Blizzard's Battle.net service, although there's no indication yet of just how many invites are out or how big the beta will be. If past tests are any indication, Blizzard will likely start it small and expand over time -- that's how the StarCraft 2 beta played out.

This also means that information about the new expansion will start appearing online -- rumor has it that there is no NDA for the closed beta experience, so players who see the new content will be able to tell us all about it. Cataclysm will completely revamp the old World of Warcraft world, in addition to adding five more levels of content at endgame. The Wrath of the Lich King beta also began in early July, and showed up in stores in November a few years ago, so it's reasonable to assume the same timeline for Cataclysm.

In the meantime, if you want to play, make sure your Battle.net account is set to opt-in and keep an eye out for a beta notice in your inbox. Good luck!

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (BlizzCon 2009)

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm closed beta has begun originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbattle-netbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmclosed-betapcWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWed, 30 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: More growth ahead for WoW]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/blizzard-more-growth-ahead-for-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/blizzard-more-growth-ahead-for-wow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/blizzard-more-growth-ahead-for-wow/#comments VG247 met up with Blizzard Executive Vice President Frank Pearce in London to talk about StarCraft 2 and World of Warcraft. While it appears that WoW reached its peak with 11.5 million players, Pearce disagrees. "I don't think 11.5 million is a peak, necessarily," he says, "but there are certain things that we need to do and need to do well in order to see it go further." Those things include finally launching the Wrath of the Lich King expansion in China and bringing players back with the upcoming Cataclysm expansion in the US.

And while some have guessed that the release of StarCraft 2 might make a dent in WoW's player base, Pearce says he expects the opposite: StarCraft's Real ID social network system works across both games, and it may "potentially have a strong enough connection so that [someone playing StarCraft] may get a message from someone in WoW saying, 'Hey, come on over, we need a last person to fill our raid.'"

JoystiqBlizzard: More growth ahead for WoW originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcataclysmfrank-pearcereal-idsocial-networkingstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 26 May 2010 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Friends and Family Alpha client leaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-friends-and-family-alpha-client-lea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-friends-and-family-alpha-client-lea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-friends-and-family-alpha-client-lea/#comments Despite what we presume are Blizzard's best efforts (they lasted pretty long this time!), the Friends and Family Alpha client of the upcoming World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion has leaked out into the world, and the forum denizens over at MMO Champion are busy digging through it for all kinds of spoilers. They've uncovered maps and screenshots for both revamped Old Azeroth zones and the new high-level dungeons, as well as pictures of the new Goblin and Worgen starting areas. Additionally, they've got information on new achievements and abilities, and the completely revamped class talent calculator now active in the alpha.

Keep in mind that, as closed alpha information, none of this is official, and most of the stats are likely to change before the expansion actually releases later this year. All of this information would have come out soon anyway, as Blizzard is planning an open beta on this expansion soon (things are a little busy right now with some other testing), and is slowly releasing information officially as well. But if you want to gorge yourself on spoilers before dinner starts, head on over and feast, my children, feast!

[via WoW.com]

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm Friends and Family Alpha client leaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardcataclysmclientfriends-and-family-alphagoblinleakmmo-championtalent-calculatorworgenworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-cataclysmwow-comFri, 07 May 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard announces a handful of WoW: Cataclysm class changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/blizzard-announces-a-handful-of-wow-cataclysm-class-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/blizzard-announces-a-handful-of-wow-cataclysm-class-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/blizzard-announces-a-handful-of-wow-cataclysm-class-changes/#comments Blizzard recently announced a cadre of class-specific additions coming to its upcoming ruinous expansion pack, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. If you're currently rolling through Azeroth, owning fools while playing as a Death Knight, Hunter, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock or Warrior, you can get an early glimpse at some of the new powers and revamped mechanics the expansion will bring your way.

If you're having a hard time understanding what all these changes really mean, we suggest checking out our loot-obsessed sister site, WoW.com, for a detailed analysis of these changes. For instance, we just learned that the Rogue's new "Smoke Bomb" ability will change them from merchants of death into invisible merchants of death. How fun!

JoystiqBlizzard announces a handful of WoW: Cataclysm class changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardcataclysmclassexpansionmmommorpgworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowSat, 10 Apr 2010 20:30:00 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[Activision report lists World of Warcraft as a 'risk factor']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/activision-report-lists-world-of-warcraft-as-a-risk-factor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/activision-report-lists-world-of-warcraft-as-a-risk-factor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/activision-report-lists-world-of-warcraft-as-a-risk-factor/#comments If there's anything that all the chaos between Activision and Infinity Ward in the past 24 hours has taught us, it's that no one is safe and dry under Bobby Kotick's umbrella. And while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was one of Activision's biggest earners, that hasn't stopped the company from revamping the brand however it sees fit. So what about Activision's other big game, Blizzard's World of Warcraft? The same annual report released to the SEC yesterday that kicked off the Infinity Ward shakeup also mentions that Activision is worried about WoW becoming "obsolete," and that the regulatory issues in China could affect the entire company's bottom line.

So will we hear about Mike Morhaime being frogmarched off of the Blizzard campus? Not likely -- the fears about WoW are all in a section of the report labeled "Risk Factors," in which a company must disclose anything that could possibly go wrong with its financials in the future, just in case. In there, Activision worries about everything from credit card fraud to its ESRB ratings -- WoW is mentioned a lot because it makes up most of the revenue (in fact, one of the worries is that Activision depends on WoW too much), but these are all worst case scenario guesses. The report admits that Blizzard did decrease its net revenues last year, but then credits that to no new releases in 2009 and interrupted licensing fees from China. Assuming Blizzard releases both Starcraft II and Cataclysm as planned in 2010, the odds are low that Activision will raise the axe in that direction.

JoystiqActivision report lists World of Warcraft as a 'risk factor' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardcataclysmearnersinfinity-wardmike-morhaimereportrevenuesecstarcraft-iisubscriptionsworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/#comments Today Activision Blizzard reported the financial results of its December quarter and the entire 2009 calendar year. For the year, Activision recorded a net income of $113 million, a modest turnaround from the $107 million in net losses for the company in 2008. Led by sales of Modern Warfare 2, all signs -- at least, this one -- pointed to an outstanding Q4 for the publisher. However, figures released today indicate that Activision actually posted a $286 million net loss during the period.

"Despite these challenging times, in 2010 we remain focused on expanding operating margins by growing our high-margin digital/online revenues, directing our resources to the largest and most profitable opportunities and realizing operational efficiencies globally," CEO Bobby Kotick said. "In calendar year 2010, we expect our net earnings and operating margin growth will be driven by our product slate that includes Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II and the World of Warcraft expansion pack, Cataclysm, as well as a diversified lineup based on Activision Publishing's best-selling franchises including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk, together with other well-known titles such as True Crime, Spider-Man and Bakugan."

While few details were give about Activision's pending slate of sequels, spinoffs and possible reboots, Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, did share a few words about the next True Crime game. "We'll be releasing a game in the $4 billion action genre, based on our True Crime franchise," Griffith said. "The game blends intense Hollywood-style driving with martial arts combat and shootouts to deliver an Asian cinema-inspired action thriller. This is a big open-world action game that looks especially strong." Griffith also confirmed that a new 007 game is still in the works for 2010.

Additionally, Activision noted that two new IPs are in development for its 2010 lineup and assured that additional DLC will continue to be released for Guitar Hero 5 (and presumably Band Hero), as well as for DJ Hero. The next installments in both music game franchises, Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, are due in "the back half of the year," according Griffith. Activision also announced that it has ceased developing new Guitar Hero games for the PlayStation 2 platform. Aw, shucks.

JoystiqActivision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbakuganblizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutycataclysmdj-herodj-hero-2DSfinancialfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2009guitar-heroincomeMicrosoftNintendoprofitsq4salesspider-manstarcraft-2tony-hawktrue-crimeWiiwowXbox-360Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: January 6-13, 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-best-of-wow-com-january-6-13-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-best-of-wow-com-january-6-13-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-best-of-wow-com-january-6-13-2010/#comments
It's been a busy week over at WoW.com and in the WoW world. We've heard from our sources late last week that the internal friends and family alpha will be beginning for the next World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm. And while this has lots of people excited, chances are you probably will never get in -- unless you know someone.

There were also lots of other interesting stories this past week, from the WoW movie being pushed up thanks to Spider-Man's demise, to security holes and care packages, to papercrafts that prove none of us have any real artistic talent.

The best of WoW.com for the week is after the break.

Continue reading The best of WoW.com: January 6-13, 2010

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: January 6-13, 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaauthenticatorbest-of-wow-combest-of-wow.comcataclysmdeath-knightpapercraftsam-raimiwarcraft-movieworld-of-warcraft-and-philosophywowwow-dot-comwow.comThu, 14 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: November 3-10, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/the-best-of-wow-com-november-3-10-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/the-best-of-wow-com-november-3-10-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/the-best-of-wow-com-november-3-10-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a big week in the World of Warcraft -- aside from both the impending patch 3.3 release and the onset of the game's fifth anniversary (yes, it's been almost five years since Blizzard brought their MMO online), Blizzard has finally done something that many thought they would never directly do: start selling in-game items for real money. There was lots of argument about that one this last week, and you'll find that, along with the usual news and insights, over on Joystiq's sister site WoW.com. Check out our most popular posts of the last week in the second half of this post.

Continue reading The best of WoW.com: November 3-10, 2009

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: November 3-10, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcataclysmicecrown-citadelin-game-itemsmoneypatch-3.3real-moneyrmtroundupworld-of-warcraftwowwow-cataclysmwow-comwow-patch-3.3Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:31:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: October 20-27, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/the-best-of-wow-com-october-20-27-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/the-best-of-wow-com-october-20-27-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/the-best-of-wow-com-october-20-27-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a great time to be a WoW player -- Hallow's End is in the air, patch 3.3 is being tested, and the Cataclysm expansion is slowly revealing its secrets to us. Heck, Eliza Dushku is playing World of Warcraft, why aren't you? After the break, ten of the most popular stories from Joystiq's Azeroth-obsessed sister site, WoW.com. If you haven't ever visited the biggest MMO around yet, now might be the time to finally take the leap.

Continue reading The best of WoW.com: October 20-27, 2009

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: October 20-27, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cataclysmdeveloperdowneddramadruideliza-dushkuexpansionfrostguildwatchkaluak-fishing-derbylfglfg-interfacemagepatch-3.3recruitingreleaseshamantankingtwitterwolvesworgenworld-of-warcraftwow-comwow-patch-3.3Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: September 29 - October 6, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/the-best-of-wow-com-september-29-october-6-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/the-best-of-wow-com-september-29-october-6-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/the-best-of-wow-com-september-29-october-6-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Things are hopping as usual over in Azeroth, and Joystiq sister site WoW.com is jumping in time with the tune. Patch 3.3 is being tested, and from what we know so far, it'll bring a new raid, new 5-mans, and possibly the end of the story of Arthas Menethil (a.k.a. The Lich King himself). Want to learn more? Read on!

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JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: September 29 - October 6, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasblizzardcataclysmclass-changesdruidicecrownicecrown-citadelinstanceslevelingmagemenethilpatch-3.3patch-3.3-ptrptrquestsraidingraidsweekly-questsworld-of-warcraftwow-comwow-patch-3.3Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: September 22-29, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/the-best-of-wow-com-september-22-29-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/the-best-of-wow-com-september-22-29-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/the-best-of-wow-com-september-22-29-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The World of Warcraft is a strange and savage place: not only is there continually some Orc or Murloc or crazed cult attacking whatever various settlement you choose to spend your time in, but you've also got to deal with patch releases, forum trolls and the occasional crazed developer too! That's why you should be reading WoW.com -- we're your own personal sherpa for the biggest MMO around.

Peep our roundup of ten popular posts from the past week after the break.

Continue reading The best of WoW.com: September 22-29, 2009

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: September 22-29, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcataclysmdevsdramaexpansionforumsghostcrawlerhuntersmagesmmoonyxiaquestionsraidingready-checksherpaworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 30 Sep 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard COO one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' new owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/blizzard-coo-one-of-the-pittsburgh-steelers-new-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/blizzard-coo-one-of-the-pittsburgh-steelers-new-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/blizzard-coo-one-of-the-pittsburgh-steelers-new-owners/#comments
Sure, he could buy his own private island or snag a ticket for the first Virgin Galactic flight to space, but Blizzard COO Paul Sams would much rather just buy a chunk of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' official website names Sams and his family as one of 10 new joint owners of Pittsburgh's football team.

We've already seen some of the fruits of Blizzard's labor in the company's fawncy new campus, but buying a share of a major football team wasn't exactly what we expected. Though with upcoming World of Warcraft expansion Cataclysm not too far in the distance and a subscriber base of over 11 million strong, we suggest owners of other football teams watch their backs. You could be next!

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JoystiqBlizzard COO one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' new owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbusinesscataclysmpaul-samspittsburgh-steelersworld-of-warcraftSat, 26 Sep 2009 23:00:00 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[The best of WoW.com: August 25 - September 1, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/the-best-of-wow-com-august-25-september-1-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/the-best-of-wow-com-august-25-september-1-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/the-best-of-wow-com-august-25-september-1-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're still reeling from everything we saw at BlizzCon a few weeks ago over at WoW.com, from all the news we heard about the next expansion, Cataclysm, to everything else about Icecrown and the anniversary celebration in the upcoming patch 3.2.2. There's a ton of big news lately over on the site, but here's our most popular posts for you to browse through. Don't forget to hit the costume galleries -- we've got tons more pictures like the gem above.

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JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: August 25 - September 1, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-ofbingoblizzardcataclysmcostumesguildwatchlaunch-eventonyxiapatch-3.2.2professionsthe-guildworld-of-warcraftwow-comwrapupWed, 02 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST