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[WoW: Wrath of the Lich King launching in China this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launching-in-china-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launching-in-china-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launching-in-china-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been a long time coming, but World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King will finally launch in mainland China on August 31. The release date comes nearly two years after the second expansion pack invaded the free world. China is a tad behind the times in Azeroth, as the next expansion, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, is planned for release later this year elsewhere.

China's latest World of Warcraft operator NetEase has faced a series of unfortunate events trying to keep the game running (and cash flowing) from the region. Obviously Activision-Blizzard is seeing enough money from China to make all the political hassles worth it.

JoystiqWoW: Wrath of the Lich King launching in China this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardblizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentchinamacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingWrath-of-the-Lich-KingWed, 25 Aug 2010 02:00:00 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 retail sales reach 8.6 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/#comments
Yes, yes -- we're all impressed with how fast the audience for relative newcomer Free Realms is expanding. However, one cannot forget that Free Realms is, in fact, free. The original rapidly expanding MMO, World of Warcraft, costs actual money, and now we have a rough idea of how much moolah Blizzard's cash cow has raked in. According to the NPD Group's calculations, the core game, the two expansions and the WoW Battle Chest have sold a total of 8.6 million copies at retail in America.

Gamasutra estimates that this figure equals about $258 million for Blizzard from WoW's U.S. retail sales. Of course, the company is really making bank off the $15 that its 11.5 million subscribers dish out every month -- but $258 million is nothing to scoff at. Unless you're like, the Jonas Brothers or something.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft retail sales reach 8.6 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardburning-crusadeexpansionmmonpd-grouppcretailworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision declares third-party software dominance, thanks Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/activision-declares-third-party-software-dominance-thanks-guita/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/activision-declares-third-party-software-dominance-thanks-guita/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/activision-declares-third-party-software-dominance-thanks-guita/#comments In Activsion Blizzard's Q1 2009 results announced today, the company made no small deal out of the contributions Guitar Hero: World Tour has made to its bottom line for the quarter. Citing figures from the NPD group, Charttrack and Gfk, Activision claimed software sales dominance with GHWT drawing in more money across all platforms than any other title's cumulative earnings for January 1 through March 31 in North America.

Also trumpeted was GHWT's performance on Wii as the console's highest-grossing third-party title in the US and Europe, noting in particular that it was the only third-party release among Wii's top five games in those territories. Sales of the Guitar Hero franchise in general were up 84% year over year in Europe, it said.

Activision CEO Robert Kotick commented during its investors call that the Guitar Hero franchise has reached $2 billion in sales -- only the third to achieve this status -- while bad-mouthing rival Rock Band as experiencing a "rather precipitous drop-off" in sales.

The "We're No. 1!" trend continued as Activision claimed the top PC spot -- a market where it holds three of the top 10 best-selling titles -- with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King. Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart, according to figures provided by Apple, remains the top paid app for iPhone / iPod Touch, though the company didn't clarify whether that is in dollars or copies downloaded. What about Call of Duty? It did well enough to earn a brief mention in the publisher's earning statement, with publishing CEO Mike Griffith announcing that Call of Duty 4 has officially sold 13 million copies worldwide during the investor call. The franchise will likely have a much larger presence in the quarter following Modern Warfare 2's release.

JoystiqActivision declares third-party software dominance, thanks Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbusinesscrash-bandicoot-nitro-kartearningsguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 07 May 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NetEase snags the reigns of World of Warcraft in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/netease-snags-the-reigns-of-world-of-warcraft-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/netease-snags-the-reigns-of-world-of-warcraft-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/netease-snags-the-reigns-of-world-of-warcraft-in-china/#comments
As rumor has it, Chinese internet company NetEase has a totally huge crush on Blizzard. It made its first clear attempt at courtship last August by snatching up the rights to operate Battle.net in China, but a recent press release from Blizzard revealed the company's biggest, Say Anything-esque display of affection to date -- NetEase will be taking over operating duties for World of Warcraft when current operator The9's contract expires June 8.

Of course, if NetEase wanted to win over the hearts of the Chinese MMO-playing population, they'd push for the release of Wrath of the Lich King, which still hasn't dropped in the region. Chinese news site DoNews reports that NetEase has licensed Wrath, though they haven't made any formal announcements regarding its release.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqNetEase snags the reigns of World of Warcraft in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardchinammoneteaseoperatorthe9world-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 18 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD lists top selling PC games in February ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/npd-lists-top-selling-pc-games-in-february/#comments
The debut of Dawn of War II and F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin did little to hold back the mighty power of the Lich King. NPD has released a list of February's top 20 selling PC games at US retail and, per usual, the World of Warcraft and The Sims 2 are a significant presence.

Just to give an idea of how significant WoW and Sims 2 are in the PC space, nine out of the 20 titles on the list are held by some SKU of those franchises. Check out the full list after the break.

Continue reading NPD lists top selling PC games in February

JoystiqNPD lists top selling PC games in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-war-2fear-2npdthe-sims-2wrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 13 Mar 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese government says no to Wrath of the Lich King]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/chinese-government-says-no-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/chinese-government-says-no-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/chinese-government-says-no-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/#comments
Seriously, who doesn't like skeletons? Well, the Chinese government, as it's citing "skeleton characters" and a "city raid" as two primary reasons for the million World of Warcraft players in China still not receiving Blizzard's latest expansion.

JLM Pacific Epoch reports the Chinese government "has rejected two applications by the second expansion for World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King since China's Spring Festival (January 25 - February 1)." Considering Blizzard has removed "skeleton characters" from WoW in the past and the supposedly gold farmer-free million plus player count for WoW in China, we're willing to bet Blizzard (and its licensing partner in China, The9) will find a way to release Wrath of the Lich King yet.

But seriously China, what's your deal with skeletons?

[Via Massively]

JoystiqChinese government says no to Wrath of the Lich King originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardchinachinese-governmentcity-raidsmassivelypcthe9world-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 11 Mar 2009 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard loses $72m in Q4 '08; outlook misses '09 expectations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/activision-blizzard-loses-72m-in-q4-08-outlook-misses-09-expe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/activision-blizzard-loses-72m-in-q4-08-outlook-misses-09-expe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/activision-blizzard-loses-72m-in-q4-08-outlook-misses-09-expe/#comments
Bobby Kotick and co. got together for the Activision Blizzard earnings report this afternoon and dropped a few numbers on their investors, aside from confirming a mess of games that still haven't officially been announced yet. After reconfirming what we told you a few weeks ago regarding the $1 billion in sales of Guitar Hero III, Kotick went on to note, "In North America, Activision Blizzard was the #1 third-party console and handheld software publisher in dollars for the calendar year, according to The NPD Group."

And how did the company fare during the holiday season? As you might expect, due to releases like Call of Duty: World at War, Guitar Hero: World Tour (which outsold Rock Band 2 at 2:1 in 2008) and a little expansion you may have heard of called Wrath of the Lich King, "Activision Blizzard was the #1 console, handheld and PC publisher in the U.S. and Europe, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk." Unfortunately, during a recession like this, even being "the #1 console, handheld and PC publisher in the U.S. and Europe" wasn't enough, with the company losing $72 million in Q4, or 5 cents a share, and announcing a 2009 outlook that falls shy of Wall Street's expectations. Sometimes it's tough being the king.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard loses $72m in Q4 '08; outlook misses '09 expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-world-at-warearningsguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-world-tourJames-Bondpcworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 11 Feb 2009 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard releases WoW patch 3.0.8, first since Lich King's launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Don't panic, click to view the guide

Blizzard has released its first post-Wrath of the Lich King update for World of Warcraft. There are a plethora of changes, including the much-requested ability to create a Death Knight in any realm, provided you've got a level 55 character tied to your account (prior to this, you needed a level 55 on the same server).

We're not even going to try to delve any further into the patch notes. Instead, we'll kindly point you in the direction of WoW Insider for a full in-depth analysis. If for whatever reason, your auto-updater isn't working, you can download the patch via BigDownload.

JoystiqBlizzard releases WoW patch 3.0.8, first since Lich King's launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentMacPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWwow-patch-3.0.8Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingTue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft reaches 11.5 million subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/world-of-warcraft-reaches-11-5-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/world-of-warcraft-reaches-11-5-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/world-of-warcraft-reaches-11-5-million-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blizzard Entertainment announced today that World of Warcraft has reached 11.5 million subscribers, meaning Azeroth has surpassed the great state of Ohio's population. Clearly people were clamoring to see the Lich King's wrath, as the game's second expansion sold 2.8 million copies in 24 hours, and went on to sell over 4 million copies in its first month.

Blizzard also stated it's currently hiring more staff to keep pace with the game. With all the layoffs going around the industry, hopefully some folks can find a relatively stable job over at Blizzard's compound -- we hear it's made of gold and diamonds.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft reaches 11.5 million subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardMacPCsubscribersworld-of-warcraftWoWwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: November 25 - December 2, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-25-december-2-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


December is here, and where are WoW players? In Northrend, of course -- a sizable amount of the population has hit 80 already, and the rest of us are scrambling through the new content to join them. In the meantime, WoW Insider continues to have everything you need to know about the world's most popular MMO, from new spec and gear guides to the coolest quests and items on the way up. Here's our most popular posts from the past week.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: November 25 - December 2, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdeath-knightitemslevel-80levelingnorthrendsoloworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingzul-gurubWed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You wanna see wrath?! Lich King sells 2.8 million copies in 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/you-wanna-see-wrath-lich-king-sells-2-8-million-copies-in-24-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/you-wanna-see-wrath-lich-king-sells-2-8-million-copies-in-24-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/you-wanna-see-wrath-lich-king-sells-2-8-million-copies-in-24-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Blizzard announced today that World of Warcraft's second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, sold a paltry 2.8 million units in its first 24 hours. That's only 400,000 more units than Burning Crusade did on its launch day. We're guessing Activision is completely regretting that whole merger now, huh?

With 11 million players currently in Azeroth, that means about 25% of the base couldn't live without their precious expansion for more than 24 hours, saying nothing of the millions who bought it later. In other news, there are rumors that the Drug Enforcement Administration is looking to bring electronic software under its purview. Not really, but we really are waiting for WoW to be classified as a controlled substance.

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqYou wanna see wrath?! Lich King sells 2.8 million copies in 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardMacPCworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 20 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: November 11-18, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-11-18-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-11-18-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-best-of-wow-insider-november-11-18-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wrath of the Lich King is open for business. The game's second expansion showed up on store shelves last week, and Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider has been covering (and playing) it ever since. Whether you're a Northrend newbie or have been playing since beta started, odds are there's news you need on our site. Check our most popular links below, and keep up on the blog itself as you level up to 80. The Lich King awaits -- we're here to make sure you're ready.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: November 11-18, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-questionsblizzardbugcontentexpansionlevel-80midnight-launchpvepvpthe-queueworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: World at War outsells CoD4's debut in UK 2:1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/call-of-duty-world-at-war-outsells-cod4s-debut-in-uk-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/call-of-duty-world-at-war-outsells-cod4s-debut-in-uk-2-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/call-of-duty-world-at-war-outsells-cod4s-debut-in-uk-2-1/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like the Call of Duty franchise still has plenty of World War II to exploit as World at War outsold Call of Duty 4's debut week in the UK two to one. GI.biz reports that CoD:WaW stands atop the "All Formats" charts, but no actual sales numbers are given, merely chart position. The top ten can be found after the break.

Interesting to note is that Activision Blizzard accounted for 25% of all game sales for the week ending Nov. 15, with the one-two punch of CoD:WaW and World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, followed by several other top performers like the Guitar Hero franchise. Not surprisingly, Lich King is apparently the fastest-selling PC title in UK. People needs their fix!

Continue reading Call of Duty: World at War outsells CoD4's debut in UK 2:1

JoystiqCall of Duty: World at War outsells CoD4's debut in UK 2:1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-world-at-warchart-trackcod-4cod-world-at-warukworld-at-warworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 18 Nov 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Totally Blizzard's fault: Boy collapses after WotLK marathon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/totally-blizzards-fault-boy-collapses-after-wotlk-marathon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/totally-blizzards-fault-boy-collapses-after-wotlk-marathon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/totally-blizzards-fault-boy-collapses-after-wotlk-marathon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Although most bets on real-world Wrath of the Lich King drama had good odds on it involving a dead gamer in Asia, we're sure the media will be more than happy to take its pound of flesh from an exhausted Swedish boy as the latest victim of "game addiction." The 15-year-old went into convulsions following a marathon World of Warcraft session in which he hardly ate or slept.

Doctors say the boy will make a full recovery and the child's father expressed he'll limit the amount of time his son plays from now on. That must be awful for the dad; now he has to make sure his son is eating properly and pay attention to how the boy is spending his time. Parental responsibility is, like, totally not fun.

[Thanks, Henry; Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqTotally Blizzard's fault: Boy collapses after WotLK marathon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardjs-twitterMacmmoPCworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 17 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Player already reaches new WoW level cap, we hug our families]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/player-already-reaches-new-wow-level-cap-we-hug-our-families/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/player-already-reaches-new-wow-level-cap-we-hug-our-families/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/player-already-reaches-new-wow-level-cap-we-hug-our-families/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Family. Family is a beautiful and precious thing in all its many forms. It gives a sense of love and belonging in an otherwise hostile world. The smile of your child, the eyes of your lover, the loving embrace of a parent. Family. Go and enjoy yours while you can because time takes away all things.

Oh yeah, a World of Warcraft player named Nymh, on EU server Drek'thar, has hit the new level 80 cap in the expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, within a day. For those who don't know what that means, it basically involves tapping a keyboard, staring at a monitor and rubbing your mouse around for way too long.

Now, go get some hugz.

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqPlayer already reaches new WoW level cap, we hug our families originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardMacPCworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 14 Nov 2008 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq at the Wrath of the Lich King launch: Southern California]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-southern-californi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-southern-californi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-southern-californi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


While it might be Launch of the Glitch King (how many writers are hoping and praying they get to use that pun in the next few days?) over on the East Coast, the West Coast launch in Southern California is pretty much going off without a Lich. Er, hitch. While we couldn't get an official head count on the event at Fry's in Anaheim, we did overhear one Blizzard employee telling another that "there are a crap ton of people outside." While that not be a unit of measurement recognized by the U.S. Government, we'll take it.

Check out the highlights from the World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King launch in Anaheim, a mere stone's throw away from the company headquarters in Irvine. More than 100 members of the development team were on hand to sign boxes, people were wearing costumes, schwag was given away ... and they were serving Hot Dog on a Stick. Check out the photos below and the highlights inside.

Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King Launch: Los Angeles

Continue reading Joystiq at the Wrath of the Lich King launch: Southern California

JoystiqJoystiq at the Wrath of the Lich King launch: Southern California originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBurning-CrusadeExpansionLaunchMacMMORPGPCRPGworld-of-warcraftWoWwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq at the Wrath of the Lich King launch: San Francisco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/joystiq-at-the-wrath-of-the-lich-king-launch-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Late last night (and well into this morning), Activision, Blizzard, and GameStop turned a slice of San Francisco's Powell Street into a "Lunar Festival" for the launch of World of WarCraft: Wrath of the Lich King. There were cosplayers; there were dancers; there were face painters; there were ... lots of people eager to get their mitts on the expansion.

Several hundred fans turned out, including yours truly. We went, we saw, we ... Liched some King? Okay, so we didn't do that - and no, it doesn't even make any sense - but we did take a whole bunch of photos ensuring that, if you weren't there, it would be sort of like you were. Only without the crazy lady from upstairs threatening to have everyone charged with misdemeanors if the event didn't get quieter. Seriously.

Have a look at our photo gallery and tell us that WoW isn't absolutely, preposterously huge.

Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King Launch: San Francisco

JoystiqJoystiq at the Wrath of the Lich King launch: San Francisco originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcosplaygamestopjoystiqfeatureslaunchMacPCphotosworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 13 Nov 2008 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King hits GameStop's credit card system for 500 damage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wrath-of-the-lich-king-hits-gamestops-credit-card-system-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wrath-of-the-lich-king-hits-gamestops-credit-card-system-for-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wrath-of-the-lich-king-hits-gamestops-credit-card-system-for-50/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

And now a scene from tonight's epic, midnight raid:

Wrath of the Lich King casts Credit Card Overload.
Wrath of the Lich King hits GameStop for 309.
GameStop parries.
Wrath of the Lich King hits GameStop for 403.
GameStop's credit card servers suffers a 10% durability loss.
Wrath of the Lich King crits GameStop for 1,300,296.
Wrath of the Lich King crits GameStop for 296,129,423,127.
Wrath of the Lich King has slain GameStop's credit card servers!

Our friends at WoW Insider have the scoop. We'll have more from the Wrath launch later today. After the break, see the same battle with an interface add-on!

Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King Midnight Launches

Continue reading Wrath of the Lich King hits GameStop's credit card system for 500 damage

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King hits GameStop's credit card system for 500 damage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcredit-cardgamestopMacPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 13 Nov 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe is now addicted to Wrath of the Lich King]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/europe-is-now-addicted-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/europe-is-now-addicted-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/europe-is-now-addicted-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our World of Warcraft friends (some of whom may or may not work as professional WoW bloggers) have been prodding us incessantly to remind us that (a) Wrath of the Lich King is coming out worldwide on November 13 and (b) Europe is hours ahead of North America. Applying applicable logic, we can use (a) and (b) to deduce (c) Europeans are now exploring Northrend via the latest WoW expansion on European servers.

Why should you care? If you're a Western Hemisphere MMO addict, you might have a new reason to hate your friends across the pond -- at least for a few hours. If you don't care about MMOs at all, well, here's a post about Far Cry 2. Check out WoW Insider for more in-depth coverage than you can shake a Death Knight at. Remember, folks, Wrath of the Lich King officially comes out midnight tonight, so make an effort to see your WoW-playing buddies this one last time.

JoystiqEurope is now addicted to Wrath of the Lich King originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's almost here! A whole continent of new content in Northrend, a brand new class in the Death Knight, and ten more levels of the greatest MMO ever created. Wrath of the Lich King, WoW's second expansion, releases on Wednesday night, and Joystiq's sister site, WoW Insider, is buzzing with anticipation. Here's ten of our most popular posts from the last week (all dressed up in our brand new redesign), but stay glued to the site over the next few days, because the frozen north is about to heat up.

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: November 4-11, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasdeath-knightexpansionmmonorthrendpreparing-for-wrathreleaseworld-eventwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7-11 sells Wrath of the Lich King early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/7-11-sells-wrath-of-the-lich-king-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/7-11-sells-wrath-of-the-lich-king-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/7-11-sells-wrath-of-the-lich-king-early/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apparently unhappy with "Operation 72 Oz. Frozen Soda" and "Project Huge Bag of Funyons," 7-11 has launched yet another salvo in the Obesity War: Starting sales of World of Warcraft expansion Wrath of the Lich King early. Our friends over at WoW Insider have received a picture from a fan able to procure a copy of his very own.

We'd take this opportunity to mock them, but we're sure WoW fans are already running to their local 7-11 for the chance to sit motionless for hours at a time, days earlier than their friends. Well, OK, they're probably not running.

Joystiq7-11 sells Wrath of the Lich King early originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingTue, 11 Nov 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Free Realms site relaunches with beta registration, videos, and more!
Free Realms throws together a AAA-quality teen-aimed fantasy MMO experience together with free-to-play and microtransactional economics. An ambitious and unique undertaking, to be sure, from a fairly traditional company.
Ask Massively: Wrath vs All Comers
Dear Massively, I am SO SICK of all of the coverage of Wrath of the Lich King! I demand that someone at Massively write about something that isn't World of Warcraft related this week. Non-WoW players aren't interested in an expansion for a game that they don't even play. Someone throw me a freakin' bone here!
Three Rings officially launches Whirled project
Whirled, an ambitious web/virtual world hybrid from Three Rings, launched into Beta early this year. We were incredibly impressed with the project even back then, bouncing pieces of tofu or not.
Lich King begins assault on Azeroth, starting with Orgrimmar
World of Warcraft players are experiencing a world event leading up to the launch of Wrath of the Lich King. No, it's not another invasion of flesh-craving zombies -- but it's just as cool.
Warhammer Online 1.0.5 patch notes live, Public Test server opened
Over on the official site for Warhammer Online, patch notes are now available for the latest big update. Patch 1.0.5 is not only be a nice big refresh for the game, but will also be the first which players can extensively test on a Beta realm with copied characters beforehand.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfree-realmsmassivelymassively-week-in-reviewPCthree-ringswarhammer-onlinewhirledworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Lich King invades World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-invades-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-invades-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/lich-king-invades-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On the eve of Wrath of the Lich King's launch, the World of Warcraft realms are facing an assault by Arthas, the Lich King himself. Our friends at WoW Insider are live at the Orc capital city of Orgrimmar, risking virtual life and virtual limb to keep you updated. WotLK will officially launch November 13.

Gallery: Orgrimmar is under attack!

JoystiqThe Lich King invades World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentbreakingnewsMacPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 10 Nov 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: October 28-November 4, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's almost here. While Election Day is surely going to be exciting, and yes, we're also waiting for Gears of War 2, the biggest game release for WoW fans comes next week: the Wrath of the Lich King is finally upon us. And Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider is on top of things as usual -- stay tuned to the site all this week for pre-expansion news, and next week, at T minus zero to launch, we'll have more updates than Arthas has zombies. It'll be great!

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: October 28-November 4, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasbeta-testerfox-newsnerfpaladinquestionsworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombiesWed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just for giggles: Lich King vs Witch-King box art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/just-for-giggles-lich-king-v-witch-king-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/just-for-giggles-lich-king-v-witch-king-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/just-for-giggles-lich-king-v-witch-king-box-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Far removed from the totally serious THQ v. Activision Baja box art lawsuit, a WoW Insider reader tipped the site off to the box art and subtitle similarities between Blizzard's incoming mega-hit, Wrath of the Lich King, and EA's 2006 title, The Rise of the Witch-King. As for the inevitable "who copied whom," it's debatable until the ghouls come home.

Box art posing aside, the Overlord also wears a similar outfit as the Lich and Witch monarchs, with matching spiky sword guard. Of course, if the first Overlord had a subtitle, it would have been Attack of Glitch King ... or, if you liked the game, Niche King. As for the witchy-lichy trade dress (box art) creating a lawsuit between EA and Activision Blizzard, we're fairly certain the scourge of time has taken its toll on Witch-King's presence on retail shelves and any lawsuit relevance, but lawyers do get bored sometimes.

JoystiqJust for giggles: Lich King vs Witch-King box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardeaElectronic-ArtsPCrise-of-the-witch-kingworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 03 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King special midnight launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wrath-of-the-lich-king-special-midnight-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wrath-of-the-lich-king-special-midnight-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/wrath-of-the-lich-king-special-midnight-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Blizzard plans to have a few special midnight signing events for the Wrath of the Lich King's launch on Nov. 13. Blizzard developers and executives are expected to attend, but no details have been given on who will be where. There are four events scheduled in the United States, but similar signings are planned for major metropolitan areas around the globe.

With World of Warcraft currently claiming 11 million souls subscribers, it comes as no surprise that there are hundreds (more likely thousands) of midnight openings expected for the box that will grant access to Northrend. We've asked a couple retailers (and Blizzard itself) for a list of known midnight opening locations and we'll be sure to post those when we get them. The four US locations holding signing events can be found after the break.

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading Wrath of the Lich King special midnight launches

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King special midnight launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Macmidnight-launchmidnight-openingPCworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: October 21-28, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-21-28-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-21-28-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-21-28-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The World of Warcraft was hit this week with something no one expected: zombies! In the lead-up event to the Wrath of the Lich King expansion release next month, someone (probably the Lich King himself, what a jerk) injected a plague into the populace of Azeroth, pitting Alliance and Horde against each other and themselves, as player-controlled zombies ravaged all the old familiar places. It was a sight to see, but not everyone had fun, so yesterday, things stopped abruptly. What next?

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: October 21-28, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancearthasazerothexpansionezra-chattertonhordelich-kingworld-eventworld-of-warcraftwotlkwow-insiderwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombiesWed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King weapon turns you into a Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-weapon-turns-you-into-a-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-weapon-turns-you-into-a-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/wrath-of-the-lich-king-weapon-turns-you-into-a-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blizzard has created a new weapon for World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King that temporarily transforms you into into Bergrisst, the rhythm guitarist of cross-medium metal group Level 80 Elite Chief Tauren, complete with a shred-tacular guitar solo. The axe, dubbed the Arcanite Ripper (based on the Arcanite Reaper), is dropped by Tenris Mirkblood in Karazhan.

We've embedded video of the Ripper, courtesy of WoW Insider, after the break. Here's hoping the rest of the band makes an enchanted item cameo. Wrath of the Lich King will ruin your holiday plans November 13.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

Continue reading Wrath of the Lich King weapon turns you into a Guitar Hero

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King weapon turns you into a Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcanite-ripperBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentguitar-heroguitar-hero-azerothMacPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 27 Oct 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King zombie plague covering Azeroth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/wrath-of-the-lich-king-zombie-plague-covering-azeroth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/wrath-of-the-lich-king-zombie-plague-covering-azeroth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/wrath-of-the-lich-king-zombie-plague-covering-azeroth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though the gaming industry fat cats have yet to seriously address our demands for a zombie-themed MMO (do we need to throw another demand-wrapped brick through the front window?) tonight's event in World of Warcraft has given us something close. You see, Arthas - the titular Lich King - is sort of a jerk and, as such, he's planted a bunch of "Conspicuous Crates" around the land of Azeroth. Open one: You're a zombie! Touch another zombie? Bam! You're a zombie.

If this plague sounds familiar, we'd direct you towards this post from 2005 (lo those many years ago) detailing an unintentional plague that spread through Azeroth (and the servers that power it). Blizzard has, in short, taken that "Blood Plague" and harnessed it as a world event, similar to the Scourge invasion that preceded the release of The Burning Crusade. Unsurprisingly, WoW Insider has all the details, reporting, "The threat is growing -- we're getting word of huge zombie raids forming outside the capital cities ..."

Shhh. You had us at "huge zombie raids."

Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King Zombie Event

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King zombie plague covering Azeroth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warcraft fans are pretty much all just as happy as that kid above (ok, well maybe not that happy). But there's lots of reasons to cheer -- BlizzCon took place in Anaheim, California this past weekend, patch 3.0.2 hit the live realms today, and next month, Wrath of the Lich King, the second WoW expansion, sees release. And throughout everything that's happening, WoW Insider has you covered -- here's our biggest stories from this weekend's convention and today's patch release.

BlizzCon 2008

Patch 3.0.2: Echoes of Doom

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: October 7-14, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconblizzcon-2008patch-3.0.2world-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 15 Oct 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2008: WoW Wrath of the Lich King new gameplay and images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-new-gameplay-and-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-new-gameplay-and-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/blizzcon-2008-wow-wrath-of-the-lich-king-new-gameplay-and-image/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


If you've been playing the Wrath of the Lich King beta, then this stuff isn't new to you. However, it sure is pretty. All those lush environments, just waiting to be riddled with the corpses of the vanquished. Straight to you from BlizzCon comes the video above, and the gallery below.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2008: World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

JoystiqBlizzCon 2008: WoW Wrath of the Lich King new gameplay and images originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzConblizzcon-2008MacPCworld-of-warcraftWrath-Of-The-Lich-Kingwrath-of-the-lich-king-betaSat, 11 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King's gentle PC requirements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wrath-of-the-lich-kings-gentle-pc-requirements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wrath-of-the-lich-kings-gentle-pc-requirements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wrath-of-the-lich-kings-gentle-pc-requirements/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's no denying that World of Warcraft's latest expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, is likely to have a purple (epic) orange (legendary) launch. The only thing standing in the way of the WoW faithful from getting their Northrend on is the new tech specs a meeting with Arthas will require.

PC:
  • Windows XP SP3 or Vista SP1 (Windows 2000 no longer supported)
  • Pentium 4 1.3 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 1.5 GHz (up from 800 MHz Intel/AMD). Dual-core recommended.
  • RAM: 512 MB/1 GB for Vista, same as before. 1 GB/2 GB recommended.
  • Video: GPU with hardware transform and lighting and 32 MB VRAM, same as before. Recommended 128 MB VRAM.
Mac:
  • Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.3 no longer supported)
  • PowerPC G5 1.6 GHz or Intel Core Duo. G4s are no longer supported. Intel 1.8 GHz recommended.
  • RAM: 1 GB, up from 512 MB. 2 GB recommended.
  • Video: Hardware transform and lighting, 64 MB VRAM. 128 MB VRAM recommended.

Although it's a boost up from The Burning Crusade expansion, Wrath won't require most to get a new PC. Blizzard has already stated that it loves its money more than pushing the graphics envelope and will evolve WoW slowly over time not to lose customers.

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King's gentle PC requirements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardMacPCrequirementsworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: September 23-30, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-23-30-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-23-30-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-23-30-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,


As you can see, Warcraft's heroes look a little different lately -- both Varian Wrynn (the missing king of Stormwind, who hasn't been seen since the game started) is looking heroic and back on the throne, and Sylvanas Windrunner, queen of the Forsaken players, has a new hot look as well. Varimathas ("You think you can match the might of a Dreadlord?") is the victim of a bug, though -- he's just a placeholder graphic for now. For more beta changes and strangness, hit up WoW Insider -- we're on the home stretch to the WoW expansion, and we've got everything you need to know.

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: September 23-30, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-wow-insiderblizzardjoystiqfeaturesmmonovemberonlinesylvanas-windrunnerworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 01 Oct 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King only on DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/wrath-of-the-lich-king-only-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/wrath-of-the-lich-king-only-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/wrath-of-the-lich-king-only-on-dvd/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of the secrets to World of Warcraft's popularity is that even older rigs are able to run it pretty capably. But it seems that a portion of that market may be left out in the cold when expansion Wrath of the Lich King launches this fall -- it will be arriving solely on DVD, with not a CD-ROM to be had. (Get it? Left out in the cold? Frozen throne? Arthus? Nothing for that?)

That doesn't mean they'll never get in -- Burning Crusade was a digital download two weeks after its retail release -- but it seems a little unfair to slight our underpowered friends. On the bright side, maybe they'll have a few more free hours for all those WoW-addict pastimes like kayaking and hooking up with attractive people.

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King only on DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardPCworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: September 16-23, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-16-23-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-16-23-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-16-23-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Yes, motorbikes have made it into Azeroth -- in the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion, engineers will be able to make Harleys, and anyone who can get their hands on one will be able to drive it (though getting your hands on one might not be so easy). But that's not the only big news floating around sister site WoW Insider this week -- check the links below for news about Brewfest, Azeroth's favorite drinking (and ram riding) holiday.

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JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: September 16-23, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azerothbest-of-wow-insiderbrewfestexpansionharleysholidayram-ridingworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: September 9-16, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-9-16-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-9-16-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/the-best-of-wow-insider-september-9-16-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Huge news this past week from the World of Warcraft -- not only did PvErs get a break from Blizzard, but we heard about the Wrath of the Lich King release date and Collector's Edition, and the Public Test Realm gave players their first open preview of what the new talents and abilities will be like. News is coming fast in the world of WoW, and if you want to stay on top of it, check Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider.

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Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King

Draenei Warrior and Tauren ShamanBeef versus beastDeath Knight and Shaman face-offPlague Spitter vs. Death KnightAn orc warrior in the Nexxus

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: September 9-16, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>patch-3.0.2pve-to-pvptransfersworld-of-warcraftwotlk-collectors-editionwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-collectors-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-collectors-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-collectors-edition-detailed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here's the thing: selling a Collector's Edition for a game made for collectors isn't fan service ... it's stealing. But if you're comfortable with that, and want to slip a crisp $70 bill into Joe Blizzard's overstuffed g-string, here's what he's offering in exchange:
  • The Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack, helpfully jammed onto a DVD-ROM (take that, floppies!)
  • A 208-page WotLK art book ... full of art
  • Frosty, the baby frost wyrm - an exclusive in-game pet (what, no plushie?)
  • A DVD jam-packed with dev interviews, intro cinematic (plus director's commentary)
  • Soundtrack CD, featuring the #1 hit single: "Waltz of the Lich King"
  • Mouse pad (adorned with a handy map of Northrend)
  • Two starter decks for the collectible card game (see: collectors!) and two exclusive cards
You can try to resist, collectophiles, but alas ... you can't. Blizzard will once again triumph over frugality, and your epic quest for debt-free living will end on November 13th.

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentBreakingNewsCollectors-EditionPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingWotLKWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 15 Sep 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the Lich King release date: November 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-release-date-november-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-release-date-november-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/wrath-of-the-lich-king-release-date-november-13/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is it! It's happening, just as the ancients had foretold. Blizzard has officially revealed the release date for its latest get-rich-quick scheme. Wrath of the Lich King - the second expansion to the sorta-popular World of Warcraft - will cast an icy blue glow over retail shelves everywhere on November 13th for the doesn't-include-your-subscription asking price of $39.99.

That means you have exactly two weeks before Thanksgiving to storm the shores of Northrend with your fancy new Death Knight, mess up some undead frost wyrm dragons, earn as many Achievements as possible, and put Arthas on ice for good. In the meantime, if you're curious what any of that means, crawl through Massively's "What's new in Wrath of the Lich King" primer, embedded below.

Gallery: What's new in Wrath of the Lich King

The New Face of AzerothAdvancing the LoreMaking Contact with NorthrendBorean Tundra Howling Fjord

JoystiqWrath of the Lich King release date: November 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentBreakingNewsPCrelease-dateWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingWotLKWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 15 Sep 2008 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Wrath of the Lich King coming November 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/blizzard-ad-dates-wrath-of-the-lich-king-for-november-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/blizzard-ad-dates-wrath-of-the-lich-king-for-november-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/blizzard-ad-dates-wrath-of-the-lich-king-for-november-13/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Popular World of Warcraft database site Wowhead has unveiled what it's claiming to be an official (and rather gigantic) Blizzard ad that reveals the official Wrath of the Lich King release date: Thursday, November 13. To celebrate, Wowhead is raffling off 10 beta keys. Though we know the expansion is due in Q4 2008, Blizzard has yet to confirm the date, either via press release or its website -- in other words, don't take this as gospel until we get an official statement. Update: The ad is now also appearing prominently on Thottbot, though it should be noted both it and Wowhead are owned by the same company. Update 2: Blizzard finally made it official (more official than a generous ad buy, at least). In other news, the Thanksgiving Day traditions of millions of families just got kicked in the sweetmeats.

Check out WoW Insider for more WotLK coverage than you can shake a Cross-eyed Stick of Information Overload at.

Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King

Draenei Warrior and Tauren ShamanBeef versus beastDeath Knight and Shaman face-offPlague Spitter vs. Death KnightAn orc warrior in the Nexxus

[Via WoW Insider]

JoystiqIt's official: Wrath of the Lich King coming November 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentbreakingnewsMacPCrelease-dateWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 15 Sep 2008 03:02:00 EST