The Geek Media - 8.31.2007

I would like to announce that World of Blogcraft is now a founding member of The Geek Media which launched at midnight last night. Myself, as well as Blogcraft of course, has been a part of The Geek Media for quite a while now, I just couldn't tell you all yet. So, here it is!

We are not the mainstream media. We are not the underground media. We are The Geek Media. Welcome to another chapter in the world of new media.

The Geek Media is a network of all types of new media. Podcasts, animation, machinima, musical works, video, articles and so much more are right at your fingertips. All of us work together to not only create our own media but, also media for The Geek Media itself. As time goes on, we will be attending many events and bringing you video and audio coverage of these events.

On The Geek Media's website, you will find a variety of categories of different shows, visual stimulation and even intellectual stimulation. There's something for almost everyone at The Geek Media. Join us for a new look at the world of new media.

As Insomnia, another founding member of The Geek Media points out over at her blog, Playtime!, The Geek Media is a hub for everything geeky; blogs, podcasts, machinima, music, and just about everything you'd want to find that's geeky.

So, check it out. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

P.S. - You will always be able to find a link to The Geek Media directly above the archive directory.

-Matt Graham

Tigole Interview 2 - 8.25.2007

Today, Curse Gaming interviewed Tigole from the Games Convention at Leipzig. We got a little more information about WotLK, as well a some hints for further expansions. So, here is what we got out of the interview...

  • Utgarde Keep, in the Howling Fjord, will be a winged dungeon with two instances. One instance is for level 70 players (demoed at BlizzCon) and the other is for level 80 players - called Utgarde Pinnacle.
  • We found out that the main idea of Inscription (new profession) is not to "add 100 more spell damage", but instead to do things like increase the radius of Frost Nova or make the players trapped in the nova for a longer time.
  • Tigole also touched on the leveling curve that will be implemented before the release of WotLK as a pre-expansion patch. Players between level 20 and 60 will have the experience required to level reduced as well as having the experience reward from quests increased by 30%.
  • Curse asked Tigole if he had anything to say about the Hunter class, because of their current status in the game. He talked about the possibility of a woodworking profession for Hunters to allow the creation of arrows. He claims that it's an idea that's been tossed around quite a bit lately. However, don't expect this in WotLK, at least not in the retail box version. Also, because of the weakness of Hunters in the arena, Tigole claimed that they are toying around with the idea of a 'mortal strike'-type shot that would reduced the healing effectiveness of the target.

-Matt Graham

Tigole Interview - 8.22.2007

Today, buffed.de interviewed Tigole at Games Convention 2007. So, did we get any new information about WotLK? We sure did! Here are some scattered translated parts of the interview.


New Content? Stratholme as a level 80 5-man Caverns of Time instance.

Buffed
: Now, to the topic: We heard a lot of things about Wrath of the Lich King at BlizzCon. Have there been any news since?
Tigole: There are a few things that we did not talk about at BlizzCon. The most important thing is the new Caverns of Time instance Stratholme. We wanted to return to the Caverns of Time concept because it is one of the coolest things we released for World of Warcraft: and we wanted to persue what the Bronze Dragon is up to. We want to show you some of the coolest moments of Warcraft. And now we chose Stratholme. Players of World of Warcraft already know Stratholme and many hardcore players are great fans of the old Stratholme instance. Warcraft 3 players however know Stratholme from a singleplayer mission, in which Arthas travels to the city and sets all buildings on fire, kills the citizens and fights Mal'Ganis. In Wrath of the Lich King you fight at Prince Arthas' side, by travelling through the Caverns of Time. We are giving you the opportunity of meeting Arthas at a time at which he was not a great villain yet. You are "cleaning" Stratholme and igniting buildings!
Buffed: Awesome! For how many players is this instance designed?

Tigole: It will be a five player instance, but for level 80 characters. We think that players will not enter the Caverns of Time while they are levelling, but return to them at level 80.


New Content? Hero classes other than the Death Knight.

Buffed
: Last question: the Death Knight is only the first of many hero classes. Which hero class would you like to introduce next?

Tigole: My favority? That is hard to say. I think the Demon Hunter would be extremely cool. The Arch Mage would be cool too...
Buffed: (whispers) Blade Master!
Tigole: (laughs) There are many options, among them, of course, the fantastic Blase Master. We did a lot of brain storming and also thought about classes that were not present in Warcraft 3. But we wanted to advance slowly and introduce the Death Knight first in Wrath of the Lich King. And then we will see what is next.

P.S. - For those that are unaware, Tigole is the Warcraft handle or Jeff Kaplan - Lead Game Designer for World of Warcraft.

-Matt Graham

The WoW Forums - 8.21.2007

This just about sums it up.



-Matt Graham

Wolf Quest: The WoW Killer - 8.20.2007

Okay, so maybe it's not the next WoW killer... Actually, I think the only 'killing' that it will be doing is killing itself. Damn emo MMO...

But seriously... Please tell me that this is a joke. I mean c'mon! Wolf Quest?! This is ridiculous! Just look at the gameplay video! The kids are straight out of the '90s and they're howling at their damn computers! The kids get excited when they kill an elk and when the dog - excuse me, wolf - pisses a f**cking lake. Jack Thompson had better be all over this!

UPDATE: Looks like the system requirements are extremely high. /Sarcasm Off

And I thought that the 'Africa MMO' was bad.

-Matt Graham

George Fisher Plays WoW - 8.17.2007

George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher from Cannibal Corpse apparently plays WoW. It's not a lie either. He really knows his stuff.



P.S. - Tourettes imo. :p

-Matt Graham

Matrix? Us? Now? - 8.15.2007

I found a very interesting article today. It tells about Dr. Bostrom's (a philosopher at Oxford University) belief that there is a 20% chance that we are currently living in 'a matrix'. Plus, it uses World of Warcraft as an example of an alternate world a few times.

-Matt Graham

World of... Podcraft? - 8.13.2007

Podcasting is the new blogging, as Tobold says. He's right. However, while he won't be joining this movement, I will. Don't fear though, World of Blogcraft will still be going as usual.

I've been planning on doing a World of Warcraft podcast for a long time. So why haven't I yet? Well, I don't trust myself as a solo host, so I've been searching for a co-host.

So, if you, or you know anyone, that would like to be a co-host with me on a WoW podcast, e-mail me at worldofblogcraft@gmail.com telling me about yourself and why you should be a co-host.

P.S. - Adding a 5 minute demo of yourself talking about WoW in the e-mail would greater your chances. :)

-Matt Graham

VERY Extended Maintenance - 8.11.2007

Starting Monday at 2:55 PM EST, 34 realms will go offline for 48 hours (TWO DAYS) of maintenance. Of course, my two main realms are on that list. Lucky me. Time to roll an alt or go outside. >.>

-Matt Graham

Age of Conan Delayed - 8.11.2007

The highly anticipated MMORPG, Age of Conan, has been delayed. It was pushed back 5 months from the original release date of October 30th, 2007 to the new date of March 25th, 2008. While I've been looking forward to this game for a long time now, I can wait. Good luck, Funcom!

-Matt Graham

45-50 Sucks - 8.9.2007

Okay, so I've been playing my Orc Hunter alt lately. Currently, he's at the worst leveling period: 45-50. It seems as though all my 'yellow' quests in my quest log should really be colored 'red'. I mean, one of my quests isn't labeled as a group quest, but it's 'yellow' and requires me to take down elite mobs that are higher level than me! Looks like I'll just have to grind it out, but that's gunna take forever! Plus, Tanaris just flat out sucks on all levels.

I just want to get this character to level 70 so it'll be ready for Wrath of the Lich King and I can roll another alt. (Yes, I'm an altoholic. But, I swear that this Hunter is going to be my main! I swear!)

Hmmm... Maybe I just suck at WoW. I'm complaining about the leveling speed of a huntard. :p

-Matt Graham

WoW Jutsu - 8.8.2007

WoW Jutsu is a fairly new website (a few months old) that was created to monitor the PvE progression of all guilds. Just very recently, EU guilds were added to the site and now WoW Jutsu can be seen in all it's glory. I find it funny that only 2 US guild are in the top 10. EU guilds really know how to raid! :p Also, I was surprised to see that 40 guilds have already taken down Illidan. Let's just hope that The Lich King is a little more tough.

-Matt Graham

All Aboard! Last Zeppelin to Northrend! - 8.4.2007

So, we now know that Northrend will be our next stop, the only question is, "When does this Zeppelin leave?!".

If you didn't understand that genius metaphor, I'm asking the question of, "When will WoW: WotLK be release?!". During one of the WoW panel Q&A sessions yesterday, Tom Chilton used the infamous Blizzard line, "...When it's ready.". Obviously the players want more than that. So, I'm here to speculate.

Now, the first time we actually saw a gameplay footage trailer for the Burning Crusade, like the one we saw for Wrath of the Lich King yesterday, was at E3 2006 (May 10th-12th). Eight months later, January 2007, TBC was released.

I don't think anyone expected the trailer that we saw yesterday to have actually been so 'in-depth' for the announcement like it was. For the announcement of TBC at BlizzCon 2005, all we got was a trailer showing some concept art and text on a black background claiming the new things that we'd see. So, if my theory is at all somewhat plausible, I think we'll see WotLK somewhere around eight months from now (judging by the fact that the first gameplay trailer for TBC was shown eight months before its release).

My final verdict? I think we'll be seeing WoW: WotLK somewhere around April of 2008. Although this guess may seem fully based on when the first gameplay trailers were released and when the actual game came out, I also just think that April 2008 would be a good time for releasing it. However, this guess is subject to change. :p

-Matt Graham

Picture of the Day - 8.3.2007



This is DEFINITELY the picture of the day from BlizzCon.

Starcraft 3? - 8.3.2007

OHMAGAWDZ?!?! STARCRAFT 3?!?!

Looks like Blizzard's proofreading team didn't look trough this close enough. :p

P.S. - Click the above image for a better look.

-Matt Graham

Wrath of the Lich King Trailer - 8.3.2007

Here is the official Wrath of the Lich King trailer created by Blizzard for BlizzCon 2007 - brought to you by World of Blogcraft.



-Matt Graham

WoW: WotLK Site - 8.3.2007

WoW Europe beat WoW US to it, but both now have their sites up.

Wrath of the Lich King US
Wrath of the Lich King EU

-Matt Graham

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King - 8.3.2007

It's official.

- Level Cap Raised to 80
- Northrend
- Fight and Kill Arthas
- New Battlegrounds
- Siege Weapons and Destructible Buildings
- Inscription Profession
- Death Knight Hero Class

UPDATE - 1UP has a good article on the new expansion.

-Matt Graham

Alternate Stream - 8.3.2007

The GIGA stream is down, so here is an alternate stream.

-Matt Graham

BlizzCon Play-by-Play - 8.3.2007

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend BlizzCon this year. While I will be able to post about big announcements, I won't be posting 'play-by-play' screenshots or anything. Here are some sites that I recommend for 'play-by-play' news.

LIVE Stream by GIGA

MMO-Champion
WoW Insider
World of War
Xfire

-Matt Graham

Final Confirmation - 8.3.2007

This confirms the name, Death Knights (new class; says nothing about Hero class), Northrend, level 80 cap, and new battlegrounds.

You cannot deny it now.

-Matt Graham

BlizzCon Countdown: Wrap-Up - 8.3.2007

Three hours until BlizzCon.

Here is the final wrap-up of everything that's going on today at BlizzCon.

Announcements At BlizzCon
- World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade
- World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
- Starcraft II
- Warcraft Movie
- POSSIBLY Team 3 [Diablo 3, Warcraft IV, a new IP, etc.]

Playable at BlizzCon
- World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade [Zul'Aman]
- World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
- Starcraft II

Panels at BlizzCon
[Hall A Main Stage]
- Opening Ceremony
- World of Warcraft
- WoW Class Discussion
- WoW Dungeons and Raids
- Starcraft II Live Demo
- Contests [Sound alike, Dance, Costume, etc.]
[Room 204]
- Expanded Universe
- Blizzard Sound/Music
- Careers in Gaming
- WoW UI and Mods

Don't miss a thing! Stick close to this blog and have the Giga live stream up in another window/tab. Happy BlizzCon 2007! :)

-Matt Graham

WoW Insider/Xfire Chat - 8.2.2007

I'm so sorry that I forgot to remind you guys about this! Since I made a huge mistake, I'll post the entire transcript of the chat. Here ya go!

[Xfire] BlizzCon 2007: Hello from BlizzCon 2007!! Welcome to the first in a series of live chats brought to you by Xfire live on the scene! Our first chat is with special guests from WoW Insider! Who will now start taking your questions!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: woot hi everybody!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: hey all, I'm Mike Schramm, co-lead of WoW Insider, a blog about Blizzard and World of Warcraft
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: we are live from Anaheim, just seconds away from the convention center where BlizzCon will be tomorrow
amandarivera: Yo yo yo! It's Amanda here from WoW Insider, bloggette and all around Blizzard fangirl.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and elizabeth harper should be joining us shortly
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: first question
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ‡PL‡FaTDoG[Myspace]: Question: Will they make the Max level 80, in World of warcraft
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: amanda, what do you think, will they raise the level cap?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think the level cap will be raised
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but not in the traditional way-- I think the talents/hero points rumor is closest to the truth
amandarivera: I believe they will, the current game model is about progression, about increasing the prowess of the characters.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: if blizzard is interested in making money, they'll raise the level cap :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but if they're the game company we hope for, they'll also include some midlevel content!
amandarivera: The bosses will continue to increase in difficulty as more expansions are released, so it's natural that the level cap will also increase.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: next question
amandarivera: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: How likely do you think it is that Blizzard will announce Diablo 3 at Blizzcon this year or do you think D3 is a pipe dream...at least for the near future?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: hey elizabeth welcome :)
amandarivera: Hey Elizabeth! :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think Blizzard will announce Diablo 3, I
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: 'm just not sure it's tomorrow
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: amanda disagrees with me :)
amandarivera: I'm leaning towards a BlizzCon announcement tomorrow myself
amandarivera: If you look at the current logo art, there are images from all three franchises
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: well yeah it's blizzcon
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but starcraft II, and a new expansion, AND diablo 3?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: too much, I think
amandarivera: We do hear about there being a third dev team out there. But I see your point. I guess we'll just have to see
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ok next question
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: cthulhutron: Question: Is it possible that there could be more than one place in the upcoming expansion (such as Northrend AND the maelstrom, or Northrend AND the emerald dream?)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: YES
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: that's what I think-- I think we'll see northrend and another area
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: either undermine, or the maelstrom, or something else
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think we will see northrend, but I don't think that's the only thing we'll see
amandarivera: I agree, there is the possiblity of seeing multiple locations, although I think it also would make sense to separate the Maelstrom from a Northrend expansion
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: there we go
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: hi elizabeth
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: There have been rumours that they are adding a class called Death Knights, among others but I want to know if you think they are adding prestige classes...bolt ons if you wish...or brand spanking new classes?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: here's the death knight thing ::)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: what do you think about that one?
amandarivera: Honestly I'm torn
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I would love to see hero classes this expansion, but if they announce a death knight, and that's it, it's crazy
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think they're going to announce the death knight, and more hero classes in the expansion, TBA-- remember that we waited for the Draenei reveal for a long time
amandarivera: I know they said last BlizzCon there would be no Hero Classes. But I am not so sure I would want to leave my beloved main behind and start with another character
harpere: I think it would be very odd for Blizzard to add a single hero class -- at least in the way I currently think of as a "hero" class. (i.e. an improved form of existing classes.)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: right, and that goes back to the level cap-- Blizzard's game is about improving one character, not your alts
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: alts is something that's extra, not on the created game
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Infernuz: Question: Seeing the history of blizzard do you think they might come up with something totally new?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: this is what I think we'll see instead of Diablo 3
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: i think Blizzard will take all their WoW money and break new ground
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: how long has it been since they had new IP?
amandarivera: Certainly breathing new life into their creative process is always a good idea
amandarivera: I don't know if fans would be able to break with tradition though and accept something new
amandarivera: I am still behind on the other titles myself
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: here's a good one just for each of us then
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Porozny: Question: In your personal opinions, what game do you prefer out of blizzard's games? The Warcraft Universe, the StarCraft Universe, or the Diablo Universe? Or any other Blizzard released games.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: what do you think, warcraft, starcraft, or diablo?
harpere: I've always been a Diablo fan at heart!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: or other blizzard release games haha yeah i really like rock n roll racing
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: although lost vikings = teh awesome
amandarivera: I honestly love Warcraft, because it's the world I know best
amandarivera: I actually started my Blizz experience in WoW
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: i'm going to have to go with elizabeth I think, diablo is good mindless fun
amandarivera: and then moved onto other titles sorta backwards :P
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: wow is a good time, but diablo is clicky clicky looty looty
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: it seems like we all agree northrend, so here's a good question
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Grimord: Question: Don't you think it's still too soon for the next expansion to bring us Northrend? I mean, Northrend is the lair to the Lich King Arthas... Imho I think that Northrend should be one of the ultimate goals of the game (lore-wise), don't you agree?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I don't think northrend should be an "ultimate goal"-- the seeds of northrend were laid ten years ago in Warcraft III
harpere: And even if it's an "ultimate goal" in current lore -- they're constantly adding to the lore, etc.
amandarivera: For most players that I know they have covered most of TBC backwards and forwards and are eager for new places to explore. Even though I haven't seen all the raid content, I myself am actually looking forward to new places to explore.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: err not 10 years ago that' ss starcraft
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but still
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: northrend is old news-- it's time to go after arthas, imo
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Boojangels: Question: Do you think Starcraft Ghost will FINNALY be coming, or is that game left in the digital graveyard?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: STARCRAFT GHOST IS DEAD
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and WoW carried the coffin at the funeral :)
amandarivera: *points to shrine*
harpere: Well... I'm not convinced the idea is entirely dead. But I doubt it's going to be brought back this soon.
amandarivera: I have actually heard rumors that they will revisit the project, but that doesn't seem likely
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think it's gone forever, and I think it'll be along time before Blizzard goes on consoles
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: their development cycle is too long-- new consoles come out by the time they're done
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but watch them disprove me and announce a console title tomorrow :)
harpere: the console thing always seemed like an odd move, I agree... but that doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't still interested in the Ghost concept.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: TTHS]Prophet: Question: Starcraft is recognised for its balance and playability on a professional level like no other RTS. Do you think Blizzard are risking their identity in this respect by braving Starcraft 2 or do you beleive they will get it right and "save face" in the pro esport area?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: good question
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: if you saw me on G4, you know what I think-- I think blizzard will get it exactly right, and that's exactly what they're trying to do
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think they're trying to update the the game, and put a new RTS into esports
amandarivera: I think a good, even a perfect game can always use an update, especially considering the improvements in design that Blizzard now has under their belt.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: the big question is really if Starcraft II will have heroes
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: we haven't seen anything on that yet-- if they're not in there, it might be blizzard saying that the heroes in RTS mechanic doesn't work
harpere: They already have a history for not releasing games "until they're done," so I have full confidence that Blizzard will have SC2 as good as it gets by release time -- and they'll be building on their experience from all of their Battle.net games as well as balancing the WoW Arena system for competitive play.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: very interested to see what shows up at BlizzCon for starcraft II
amandarivera: It's a shame Metzen isn't in the chat with us :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: right, battle.net will get a nice update
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Edge: Question: blizz usually take a whole lot of time to announce let alone release new addiotns to their games... do you think blizzard will manage to release another wow expansion just after 1 year? (or could they be finally be honouring their expansion pack per year promise?)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Rob Pardo has said that they are committed to churning out one per year
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I don't think it'll happen in February, but I think they will release it in the first half of next year
harpere: ...but the CMs have sort of backtracked on that language since Pardo initially said it.
amandarivera: Actually yes, I think they are rocking with enough people on their team, and they are refining their release process as they go along. It'll happen
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: the last BlizzCon was fall 2005, and the expansion didn't come out this year, so who knows
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: *until this year
harpere: I'm really concerned over the fact that the CMs have basically denied any promise for a specific expansion release date... it makes me wonder if we're back to the same old "when it's done" game -- though Amanda makes a good point, they do have enough of a team to get the work done, I think.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: here's an arena question
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Oracle} Anime: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: Again on the pro esport area, WoW Arena 2v2 has gone pro but the mechanics mean that certain combinations being far better than others. Do you think Blizzard will aim to balance this (seeing as it has gone pro) or do you think people can accuse them of passively doctoring the outcome of the arena ladders in favour of certain class combinations?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: first of all, 2v2 isn't pro arena, according to Blizzard (who like 5v5) or the WSVG (who like 3v3)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: 2v2 isn't balanced enough to be pro, from what I've heard
harpere: I believe Blizzard is actively working to balance these things.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: meh but two classes at a time is so hard to balance
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: espcially if they start throwing in hero classes
amandarivera: In order to balance things out, there would have to be a limit on abilities and gear, and I don't see that limitation being forced upon the 2v2
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: yeah I think 2v2 will keep being a fun thing, and 3v3 and 5v5 will remain the "pro" arena ladders
harpere: Of course, even if we look at 5v5 Arenas (the finals happening at BlizzCon), 25% of the players are Warriors. I think there are some balance issues going on -- but I also think Blizzard is working on addressing them. Just look at the 2.2 patch notes, which
harpere: aim to address a large number of PvP-specific inconsistencies.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: here's a good one for us :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Boojangels: Question: What game do you think the Beta key in the goodie bag will be?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Starcraft 2 all the way
harpere: I'm holding out hope for Diablo 3 still!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I doubt they're going to announce a new game AND give out beta keys
harpere: But SC2 is far more likely, with a smaller possibility of the next WoW expansion.
amandarivera: hmmm....well honestly, I'm still waiting for my beta key to be used from the last BlizzCon :(
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: here's a good one from the unofficial room: Kumbol wants to know if there will be a new BG in the expansion
amandarivera: I am hoping that it will be for SC2, if not for the next expansion
amandarivera: ooh how about water based pvp! that would be an awesome battleground
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: yes, I agree with SaintAvalon-- I want new maps for old BGs
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I want to see a new CTF map at 10-19
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I want to see a new Alterac where Horde has a better lay of the land :)
harpere: I think a new BG is likely, and I also think new maps for existing BGs is likely.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I don't want to see any new BGs until we get updates of the old ones :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ĹĮĽ_ŜĂŦǺП™: question: since wow will be releasing 1 expansion every year... what will they do with all the old content? people will forget about it and not play it just like naxx and mc and ony lair now.... what to they plan to do about these lost dungeons?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: well first of all, we still need to see heroic mode on the old dungeons
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but I would LOVE LOVE Blizzard if they announce new midlevel content tomorrow
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: not only would that make alt leveling more fun again, but it would bring a whole new crowd of players back into the game, and bring people back to the old instances
amandarivera: I have heard lovely things about revisiting midlevel content. I am hoping that with the addition of Northrend we will also see the opening of Uldum, which is connected to the city on Northrend, Uldamar.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: right
harpere: I think whenever Blizzard releases the next expansion, they're going to be looking carefully at how TBC rolled out. I.e.: TBC arrived, and everyone left Azeroth and never bothered running any of the raids or dungeons there again.
harpere: What they might actuallly do about that... revamp old content, add to existing content as they add new content... that's the real question, in my mind.
harpere: I'm all for heroic Deadmines. >:)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: oh man that would be so fun
amandarivera: VC at 70 would RULE
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: heroic SM needs to happen soon too
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: SaintAvalon: ~~Question: Have you ehard anything on the new VOIP system that is built in game? What options might there be, like muting specific people, or disabling it during a pug run? Any special things that come with VOIP for raiders, or guilds?~~
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: VOIP is coming in 2.2, so pretty soon, compared to all the other stuff we're talking about
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: you will be able to mute people, and I haven't seen the guild interface yet, but I'm guessing it will be pretty involved
amandarivera: I personally don't have much more info than what I've read off the WoW site
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: the better question might be: will you use teamspeak or the ingame voip?
amandarivera: It really depends on the functionality of what Blizz offers. If I can get the same options, or even better options, and not lag to death, I will be a happy girl.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: lag will be interesting-- the game is often laggy, but TS never is
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: actually that's not true, it is laggy
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but it's not as important with voice chat as it is with pressing the right buttons at the right times
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: With World of Warcraft being left behind graphically very quickly and the fast progression we are seeing in technology at this moment in time, do you think Blizzard will look at upgrading the graphics engine with the third expansion or even this coming exapnsion?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I think Blizzard might have more complicated models, as they did with BC
harpere: well, i'd like to point out that one of WoW's driving forces its its lack of high system requirements. it makes the game accessible to a wider audience
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but in terms of revamping the whole graphics engine, no-- Blizzard is known for polish, not cutting edge graphics
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: right
amandarivera: I don't know that its feasible to expect them to restructure the bones of the game. They have kept with the low poly models even with TBC, and I expect them to continue with this.
harpere: (as opposed to Lord of the Rings Online or Vanguard, which just look terrible or won't even run on low end systems)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: newbasaur: NewbasaurQuestion: Will/has WoW hindered blizzard from making a Warcraft 4? Or if they decide to make it will the plot suffer because of WoW?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I don't think Blizzard wants to become the Warcraft company-- they like all of their properties

[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: but I think Starcraft II hindered them from making Warcraft IV more than WoW did
amandarivera: I don't think there has been any hinderance if they decide to revisit Warcraft RTS. Also keep in mind that the writers at Blizzard are extremely inventive, and have a great tradition of weaving new lore into older storylines.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: what's after blizzcon, asks this guy
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: It's all well and good discussing what Blizzard might announce at BlizzCon, but what do you want to see from BlizzCon 2007 and also from Blizzard over the next year to two years until the next BlizzCon?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I don't think Blizzard is thinking about anything after the next expansion-- Metzen has lots of ideas I'm sure but they'll be working on just this for now
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: guild banks are coming soon, and housing may be on the menu at some point
amandarivera: Hmm...well I do think we will see Diablo 3 in our future, and if Mike is right about a new franchise, we'll have all sorts of possiblities open up.
harpere: looking far out into the future, there's still Diablo 3 and their "next gen" MMO
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and if we don't see Emerald Dream or Maelstrom tomorrow, we'll see it eventually
amandarivera: I also expect we will see revisting of the midlevel zones, connecting them to new content
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: yeah the other idea i had was like a "shadow world" where you could visit old zones ina new light
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: like "shadow elywnn" and "shadow darkshire"
amandarivera: Also keep in mind we have all those portals in Outland we have to go through :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and oh yes the portals
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ok we've got about 10 minutes left, so let's do a lightning round
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: I'll post questions, and you guys just quick punch in a yes or no answer
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and you questioners, you ask lots of yes or no questions
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: everybody ready?
amandarivera: No :P
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: YES
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ok here we go LIGHTNING ROUNNDDDDDD
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: cthulhutron: Question: Do you see anything in the blizzcon area which would hint to a WotLK expansion, such as banners or something?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: NO
harpere: nope
amandarivera: Nope
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: curruptmind: Question : will there be a collectors edition to new expansion if so what kind of pets do you think they will give us in it?
amandarivera: yes
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: YES, pandaren :)
harpere: yes
harpere: and who knows with blizz what sort of crazy pets they'll add
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: {Dark}Canna: Question: Can I have a Murloc Suit?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: NO!!!!
amandarivera: I'm hoping for a baby worgen
harpere: sorry, i'm keeping mine!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: Boojangels: Question: Wow breaking 10 million player mark?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: YES
amandarivera: nope
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: O RLY
harpere: yes :)
harpere: (the real question is when)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: weaksauce: question: wil there be a wow 2?????????
amandarivera: and yes :)
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: there already is :)
harpere: if you aren't providing that question with any timeframe... then yes.
amandarivera: no
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: SaintAvalon: YES OR NO Will hunters pets get some pathing where they don't get lost, stuck, or otherwise incompasitated?!?!?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: no, nerf hunters :)
amandarivera: down with BRK :P
harpere: (but i think they're just as likely to attempt Starcraft or Diablo as new MMO franchises in the future)
amandarivera: :D
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: Emy?!?!: Question: Will there be any neutral races like lets say goblins so that both Alliance and Horde be able to chat easier with friends?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: NO
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: Oblivion: CAN I HAVE A COOKIE
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: NO
amandarivera: Neutral races I see as a third faciton, but not facilitating communication
harpere: Obl: only if you're at BlizzCon
amandarivera: NO
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: [TTHS]Prophet: Question: Plate for Shadowpriests?
amandarivera: Hell no
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: HELL NO facemelters
harpere: wouldn't that be a deathknight?
amandarivera: good point
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: {Oracle} Anime: can i have sex with mike?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: eerrr maybe
amandarivera: Depends on if you're coming to the meet up
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: {Dark}Canna: Question: Do you think Warlocks will get nerfed or buffed?
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: nerf warlocks
amandarivera: neither
harpere: neither
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: [Xfire] MasterRen: Infernuz: Question: Do a barrelroll?
harpere: i don't think they need buffing or nerfing -- though some other classes need work in comparison.
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: YES, it's over ninethousasssaaannnnddd
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: ok everybody, I think the lightning round's over :)
amandarivera: Huzzah
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: and I think the chat's done too-- THANKS everyone for asking questions, see you at BlizzCon, or at wowinsider.com
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: AND THANKS XFIRE!!
amandarivera: Thanks y'all!
[WoWInsider]mikeschramm: see you at the wowinsider party tonight right? :)
[Xfire] mbg: Thank you :-)

-Matt Graham

Frostmourne Trademarked - 8.2.2007


The name "Frostmourne" has officially been trademarked by Blizzard. Actually, it was trademarked back on June 5th (2007). Although I don't think we need anymore proof that WotLK (Wrath of the Lich King) WILL be the next expansion, I thought I'd post this.

P.S. - Click the above image for a better quality version.

-Matt Graham

WotLK: #2 on GameSpot - 8.2.2007

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King is now numbered as the second most popular game overall on GameSpot (right behind Halo 3). However, it is rated the #1 most popular PC game.

I find this funny, and I'm sure you do too, as WotLK has not even been announced yet.

-Matt Graham

BlizzCon Countdown: BlizzCon '07 LIVE - 8.2.2007

One day until BlizzCon.

So, you can't make it to BlizzCon? Well, it might not be so bad.

Giga will be providing LIVE coverage from the floor of BlizzCon 2007. 'Nuff said really...

P.S. - You will be prompted to download a small plug-in to view the streaming video.

-Matt Graham

BlizzCon IRC - 8.2.2007

Not going to BlizzCon, but you want to discuss announcements and watch live streams? Well, a guy by the name of Valock made something just for you! The BlizzCon IRC.

You can find it on QuakeNet under the channel #Blizzcon.07.

P.S. - I'll be MattGraham on the channel.

-Matt Graham

WoW @ BlizzCon - 8.2.2007

This news from MMO-Champion is HOT off the press.

According to Boubouille, a very reliable source (80% correct) contacted them and provided the final batch of 'leaks'. The following is taken straight from the latest report on MMO-Champion.

Wrath of the Lich King @ BlizzCon
- The level cap at BlizzCon will be 72. (At release it'll obviously be 80.)
- The first wing of the first dungeon in Northrend will be playable at BlizzCon.
- The Horde will access Northrend by taking a Zeppelin from Tirisfal Glades to Vengeance Landing in Howling Fjord (Northrend). (The source didn't mention it, but it's assumed that the Alliance will arrive at Valgarde in Northrend.)

Zul'Aman @ BlizzCon
- The reset timer will likely be 3 days.
- The loot will be around the same quality as Tier 5.

-Matt Graham

Trademarked. - 8.2.2007


World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

It's now totally official. Well, technically it was official on July 28th because on that day, Blizzard was granted the trademark, "Wrath of the Lich King". This was granted for three things. The actual expansion itself, the TCG, and guides of all kinds. So, now that we know the official name, can we assume 100% that we are going to Northrend in this expansion?

P.S. - Click the above picture for much better quality.

-Matt Graham

WoW: WotLK Cinematic - 8.1.2007

I wish I could tell you that you'll see a leaked cinematic for Wrath of the Lich King in this post, but I can't. However, I have the next best thing. Bullshoot from the Azjol-Nerub server (very fitting) posted his idea for the opening cinematic for WoW: WotLK. To my surprise, this idea is actually, well... Amazing...

"Screen is dark. A voice begins to speak."

"For five years I have watched the meaningless fighting between the Alliance..."

Quickly cuts to a scene of Alliance marching up a snowy mountain; cuts back to black

"...and the Horde."

Quickly cuts to a scene of Horde marching through and icy forest; cuts back to black

"I have waited far to long for my reign to commence...my wrath shall be unleashed..."

Slowly, the golden words "Blizzard Entertainment Presents" flows into the screen; slowly disappears and fades to a scene of Sylvannas Windrunner sleeping on her throne. Epic music begins to play.

All of a sudden, her eyes open; she arcs off her chair and runs down the halls of the Undercity; finally she reaches the Trade Quarter. There she sees her Forsaken fighting off Scourge forces. She readies her bow.

Scene fades to a close up of a Night Elf's crystal blue eye. Camera zooms out and reveals Tyrande Whisperwind riding her white tiger, slashing Scourge forces as she rides through Darnassus. Staghelm is seen shooting druidic magic at the undead below while riding a Hippogryph. Scene zooms out at a bird's eye view and a scene of Darnassus surrounded by Scourge.

Quick shots show the Alliance races fighting off Scourge at their respective cities (even gnomes)

Quick shots show the Horde races fighting off Scourge at their respective cities (even trolls)

Shots showing Horde members in Death Knight armor shooting dark magic at foes is quickly shown

Shots showing Alliance members in Monk robes shooting a flurry of punches at foes is quickly shown. A gnomes punch to the camera ends the action. Screen is black again. Music has stopped. The voice is heard again.

"Why do these fools fight another..."

Fade to the scene of Alliance and Horde marching through the snow, side by side. Camera zooms upward and the spire of the Icecrown Citadel is in view.

"...when they know something far more terrifying is about to come to pass..."

Camera zooms in to the top of the Citadel

"Nothing but anger and wrath are to follow..."

A visible shot of Arthas sitting on the frozen thrown

(His voice rises)"People of Azeroth...YOUR PAIN SHALL BE LEGENDARY!"

A Frostwyrm flies in. Arthas mounts it. The Frostwyrm flies into the camera. Sounds of Arthas's maniacal laughter can be heard. Screen becomes black. The WoW logo flies into the screen. A few seconds after, the blue back round becomes black. The words "Wrath of the Lich King" surfaces below. End Trailer


When I first saw, "YOUR PAIN SHALL BE LEGENDARY", my first thought was that this would be the new "You are not prepared!". =D

-Matt Graham

BlizzCon Countdown: Very. Huge. Leak. - 8.1.2007

Two days until BlizzCon.

Apparently, last night a thread went up on the official EU WoW forums and was deleted in seconds. Luckily, a German fansite caught the text before the deletion and posted it on their site. (Scroll down on the site for English.) The contents are as follows:

- The expansion takes place at Northrend (with content designed for players level 68+).
- The opening zone in Northrend will be the Howling Fjord.
- We WILL fight Arthas. Will we kill him? Hmmm...
- The level cap will be 80.
- The Death Knight class is being introduced as a hero class. This will work in a way that you will need to meet a certain criteria before being able to 'roll' a Death Knight. The Death Knight will be a DPS/Tank class.
- More hero classes will be added in time.
- A new battleground with siege weapons and destructible buildings will be introduced.
- Inscription, the new profession, will allow players to upgrade their spells and abilities. (Think of it as enchanting for your skills.)

For more information and specifics, scroll down a bit on the site and read the FAQ.

P.S. - Please note that not one piece of this information has been confirmed by Blizzard. So, while it may be very true, the highest probability it can be is 99%. :p

-Matt Graham

L70ETC In WoW - 8.1.2007

The Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain is now preforming at the top of every hour until BlizzCon right outside Shattrath.



Video from MMO-Champion.

-Matt Graham