Happy Holidays to everyone who celebrates the times. If you haven't browsed through Blizzplanet's WoW Easter Eggs section it is time to do so for a few laughs.
Update: Submited just now. There is a moth mob in Terokkar Forest called Napthal'ar. Naphthalene is the primary ingredient in moth balls. Thanks, Vylemacer - Steamwheedle Cartel server.
Recent Submissions not yet updated into the database and mostly non-edited below ...
Blizzard updated the Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals site with a humorous and informative map of Paris. The map has been Warcrafted. I mean ... the real Paris Map has been remade to look like a World of Warcraft map. It is an interactive flash map. By placing your cursor over each touristic location you may unlock a brief description and history of each location accompanied by a link for further details. The links take you to the website of each institution such as The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower, Arc of Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and so on. Check out here.
The bestiary page for World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King has been updated with a new creature from the upcoming expansion. Learn more about one of the new species you'll encounter in Northrend, the malevolent iron dwarves.
Blizzplanet will offer coverage of the 2008 Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals in Paris, France. Kazo, from Slovakia, will go representing Blizzplanet to bring video, photos and journals of the event. Personally, I wouldn't be able to go on my own. However, the Blizzplanet community has the last word.
Do you wish Medievaldragon to go to the WWI? I would be able to gather info of Starcraft 2, Wrath of the Lich King and any new Game Announcements(if any). I will have a press badge to update live from the event. And I will get to speak to the developers in a special fansites meeting. Below is a Chip-In Progress Bar. Click the button to donate via paypal or credit card. You do not need a credit card to create a paypal account. Register at paypal.com and fill your bank name, account number and bank route number. This info is not seen by the public and allows you to pay using a paypal account anonymously.
Any donation will be welcome to sponsor my trip and its associated side-expenses. Contact me here if you wish to hire me for gaming news of your site or for donations.
Things I know for sure these $ 200 will be used for: Food, Passport, Paris-Airport-to-hotel bus ($64 round-trip), Home-to-local-airport bus (undecided: depends which local airport).
DONATION STEPS
1. Before donating please check out the ChipIn Progress Bar below. Once the ChipIn reaches $200, this gift offer will expire automatically.
2. Email me to confirm that you donated. Please provide your Starcraft, Warcraft or Diablo screen name to credit you as a sponsor. Only one donation allowed per person. No more than $10 per donation.
Saturday, March 22th at 11:59pm EST (-5GMT) is the last day for question submissions. Got any questions about the upcoming World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal pocket book? This is your chance to find out from the authors. Christie and Aaron are co-writing this novel, which is coming to a bookstore near you on June 28th.
Read the campaign missions of Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal to learn the old-school lore and to help you think of questions for both authors.
You may now take a sneak peek of World of Warcraft# 5 by viewing these 5-pages preview from DC Comics and Wildstorm. This comic book will be out on stores on March 26th. Our Wow Comics section has been updated.
Lo'Gosh and Broll continue their quest and encounter harpies and furbolgs in Thistlefur. Will the duo succeed in freeing the furbolgs from the fel magic that curses them? Plus, Valeera continues tracking the mysterious figure who follows Lo'Gosh from the shadows.
Upper Deck today announced a new World of Warcraft TCG program: the March of the Legion Tour. Below is more information about the tour. At this point, dates and locations have not been finalized, so any stores that are interested in hosting should contact Upper Deck. Players are encouraged to check WoWTCG.com regularly for updated dates and locations.
Upper Deck Entertainment Announces The
WORLD OF WARCRAFT® TRADING CARD GAME MARCH OF THE LEGION™ TOUR
Battle Against Upper Deck “Legionnaires”!
Prove Your Skill! Win Great Prizes!
CARLSBAD, CA (March 18, 2008)—Upper Deck Entertainment (UDE) today announced the World of Warcraft® Trading Card Game (TCG) March of the Legion™ Tour, to be hosted at select local hobby stores across North America starting in April. Players can test their World of Warcraft TCG skills against UDE “Legionnaires” for exclusive prizes. Visit WoWTCG.com for the latest information on tour dates and locations.
Hobby stores throughout North America will host these Limited-format events, inviting players to challenge skilled Legionnaires. Any player who beats a Legionnaire will win a fan-favorite Varimathras Extended Art card and a Leeroy Jenkins t-shirt. All tour participants will receive a never-before-seen Extended Art version of the Weeble card from the March of the Legion expansion (while supplies last).
“We are very excited to be working closely with hobby store retailers on the March of the Legion Tour. As a former hobby store owner myself, I know that Organized Play events like these are great for attracting new players to the game and for bringing existing players into the hobby stores,” said Scott Gaeta, Upper Deck’s Director of Entertainment Marketing. “Upper Deck is committed to offering fun and exciting programs like the March of the Legion Tour to help retailers build stronger relationships with players.”
World of Warcraft TCG Research & Development and Organized Play teams will make up the UDE Legionnaires. After each event, the Legionnaires will blog about the excitement of the day on WoWTCG.com. This way, even players who cannot make it to specific locations can join in the fun of the tour. UDE will also launch a comprehensive marketing and outreach program to assist hobby store retailers in publicizing the March of the Legion Tour.
For additional information on the March of the Legion Tour and the World of Warcraft TCG, visit WoWTCG.com.
Based on Blizzard Entertainment®’s hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), the TCG allows players to experience the action and adventure of World of Warcraft in a new format. Released in October 2006, the TCG’s premiere set quickly became the hottest and most sought-after trading card game in the industry, prompting UDE to produce additional quantities to support the overwhelming demand.
World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG in the world, with more than 10 million subscribers playing the game in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Europe, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. In World of Warcraft, players assume the roles of legendary heroes and interact with thousands of other players online as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast realm. Whether journeying together or fighting against one another in epic battles, players form friendships, forge alliances, and compete against enemies for power and glory.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Vivendi Games, is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software, and is renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes ten #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.
About the Upper Deck Company
Founded in 1988, the Upper Deck Company is the leading sports and entertainment publishing company and delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative, and multi-dimensional product experiences to sports collectors and entertainment enthusiasts.
Upper Deck Entertainment (UDE) is a division of Upper Deck and specializes in award-winning entertainment collectible trading cards and games such as the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME and the World of Warcraft®, Marvel, and DC Comics TCGs.
Blizzard has released a Patch 2.4 Preview showing the lore behind this final chapter of the Burning Crusade expansion. The preview offers details of: Sunwell Plateau, Sunwell Isle, New Daily Quests, Arena Tournament and UI Improvements. Read the full preview.
Brace yourself for the Fury of the Sunwell, the next content patch for World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade. You have traveled through the Dark Portal and braved the perils of Outland; you faced off against the might of the Burning Legion itself, and you prevailed. Now the journey that began with the arrival of the draenei on Azeroth and the blood elves' inclusion into the Horde is about to come full circle as a mighty army gathers to purge evil from one of Azeroth's most important loci of power: the ancient, magical Sunwell.
Explore the mystical grounds of the new 5-person dungeon, Magisters' Terrace, where one of the Burning Crusade's most notorious villains is preparing to make his desperate last stand. Lead your raid group straight into the heart of the Sunwell Plateau to confront the most terrifying and deadly agents of the Burning Legion. But beware, for your enemies will not go down without a fight. Expect the demons to send in their most ferocious, brutal, and powerful officers. Your greatest challenge yet awaits.
The new dungeon and raid content is not the only new addition of this upcoming patch. More than a dozen new daily quests will provide fresh new challenges, and a brand-new faction stands ready to reward you for your bravery and commitment. The call goes out to the strongest, most cunning, and bravest heroes to join the Shattered Sun Offensive in the battle to reclaim the Sunwell.
DC Unlimited is DC Comics’ new brand of authentic collectibles based on the world’s greatest pop-culture characters and stories. DC Unlimited products, created by DC Direct, are sold through multiple distribution channels worldwide, including specialty stores, comics shops and mass market retailers.
WORLD OF WARCRAFT is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game with over 10 million devoted subscribers, and its characters are captured in 3-D by DC Unlimited!
THE THIRD WAVE BEGINS!!
DC Unlimited is proud to present Series 3 of the WORLD OF WARCRAFT action figures!
With the first series of DC Unlimited’s exclusive World of Warcraft action figures selling out in mere weeks, fans of the game have proven what must-have collectibles these are! Exquisitely sculpted and intricately painted, no WoW player should be without these life-like representations of their favorite characters!
If you haven't put your paws on the World of Warcraft Comic Book published by DC Comics and Wildstorm you have been missing a lot. No pun intended. Remember the Missing Diplomat questline? It revealed that the missing diplomat was really the King of Stormwind Varian Wrynn. After patch 1.9 the King was removed from Alcaz Island. And Patch 2.3 introduced new Missing Diplomat quests where a special cargo had been lost during a Defias Shipwreck at the coasts of Dustwallow Marsh. The special cargo was a human. The name of the human was never told, but ... ta-da! ... World of Warcraft the comic book issue# 1 was launched a week or two after the patch 2.3 introduced these new quests, and the comic book showed an amnesic human unconscious at the shores of Durotar, apparently surviving a shipwreck.
For months fans have speculated ... nay ... been certain this was the King of Stormwind Varian Wrynn. Today it is OFFICIAL! Issue# 8 starts the second story arc of this comic book series.
With this revelation, speculations may start abound on what Blizzard Entertainment's plans are for Varian Wrynn in the World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King expansion and the Warcraft Film by Legendary Pictures. Is the mysterious Human (Anti-Thrall) Hero of the Warcraft Film ... Varian Wrynn? Will the Varian Wrynn NPC be relocated to Stormwind? What will happen to Lady Prestor and all those quests? Will Fordragon be moved to Northrend as a leading hero of the Northrend incursion against the Lich King? Will there be new quests in Wrath of the Lich King as a follow up to the Missing Diplomat quests? Will the Comic Book finally reveal the fate and whereabouts of Varian's wife? You gotta have to hook up and keep track of the comic book's upcoming issues as Varian continues his journey through Wetlands toward Stormwind in search of the family he saw in his memory flashback.
If anything the story of World of Warcraft the comic book is going to become very interesting post issue# 8 as he makes his way slowly toward Stormwind.
DESCRIPTION
"The Return" begins a new story arc set in the WORLD OF WARCRAFT. Upon learning he is in fact the missing king of Stormwind, Lo'Gosh returns to reclaim his throne with his comrades-in-arms Valeera, and Broll. But all is not as it seems in the eastern kingdom, especially if one informed dwarf has anything to say about it. Enter Thargas Anvilmar!
Written by Walter Simonson; Art by Jon Landry and Jerome K. Moore; Covers by Samwise Didier and Ludo Lullabi
Wildstorm | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US
On Sale June 18, 2008
Check out our World of Warcraft Comic Book section here
If you have missed the first story arc's back issues, don't sweat. DC Comics is releasing the World of Warcraft Vol. 1 compiling all 7-issues of the first story arc. Pre-order it here.
Blizzplanet is working on two interviews that may be of interest to fans. The first one is a Q&A with Epic Weapons to find out a few backstage details concerning the Frostmourne Replica. The second interview will be with Christie Golden and Aaron Rosenberg to find out juicy details of the upcoming World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal (Pocket Books). You can submit your questions for the Aaron and Christie Q&A until Saturday. Or submit your questions at the ScrollsofLore Forum
Let's take a break to check out what some community sites have in store.
Ever since Felicia Day's new project "The Guild" has been released as a webisode on Youtube, the staffers at Stratics have quickly falled in love with the show.
Their first episode now has well over one million views and they're currently up to episode seven and are in the process of filming episode 10. They also have a couple bonus episodes like a NSFW gag reel and a Christmas Caroling episode.
The Guild has gotten a lot of attention as the MMO community and even the main stream media has started to take interest. With that said, The Guild is now currently up for a Youtube award - just follow this link and vote for best series: http://www.youtube.com/ytawards07
If you want to watch all 6 episodes you can visit watchtheguild.com. If you'd like to read more about Felicia Day and The Guild, then make sure to check out this exlusive Stratics interview.
And if that's not enough click the following video to see an interview with the actors on Veronica Belmont's web show Mahalo.
WOWINSIDER
WoWInsider has a very useful article concerning security of your WoW Account.
Nate Taylor from Full Stealth Films has released the first 10 minutes instalment of his HD quality film titled Indiana Pwns. The short film features three main characters: Indiana Pwn (Human), Bridget Pwn (Night Elf) and Halnold (Draenei Engineer).
This is one of the most advanced machinima videos I have seen with saturated bright and dark colors, and Holywood special effects. The plot is a bit hilarious with parody scenes from Holywood films, that end up not working as intended. The only part that might be tasteless to some people, is when the Bridget proposes something way to intimate to her brother -- which I found unnecessary. Specially when the producer asks for donations.
SPOILERS
Harnold quotes Arnold Schwarzenegger: I'll be back! or Hasta la vista, baby! When the gyrocopter crashes he comes out of the flames in reference to the film Terminator. There is another scene with a dinosaur that reminds you of a scene in Jurassic Park where he asks you not to move before the T-Rex. And another short scene from Titanic. -- News via Kotaku
We’re pleased to announce that tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will be available next week on the Worldwide Invitational website.
This year’s Worldwide Invitational will be held here in Europe, at the Porte de Versailles Exposition Centre in Paris, France, on the 28th and 29th of June. Both days of the event will feature a variety of activities including hands-on play with the latest versions of World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II! You’ll also have the chance to meet Blizzard executives and developers in discussion panels and signing sessions, participate in community tournaments, dance, costume and machinima contests, watch top eSports competitors from around the world play in exciting invitational tournaments and much more! Tickets are priced at 70 € / £55 for the two-day event and can be purchased by credit or debit card.
Please note that you must be 16 years or above to attend the Worldwide Invitational, unless accompanied by a consenting parent, guardian or responsible adult of 18 years or above.
To give you an insight into what will be taking place at the Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational 2008, we’ve compiled a list of some of the attractions awaiting you. Please note that this list is not complete – we will be unveiling more exciting news in the coming days and weeks! Over the weekend of June 28th and 29th, we will offer you more than 12 hours each day of activities and live on-stage entertainment, including:
Discussion panels with Blizzard developers: Members from the development teams of Blizzard games including World of Warcraft and StarCraft II will be sharing all their latest news in public presentations, as well as taking your questions.
Artist and developer signings: Various artists and developers from your favorite Blizzard games will be on-hand to sign your game boxes, books, or exclusive Blizzard merchandise available in the goodie bag that you receive when entering the event!
Hands-on play with the latest builds of World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II: Be among the first to try out all the newest features of our upcoming World of Warcraft expansion and the long-awaited sequel to StarCraft at the Worldwide Invitational!
A silent auction: Submit a hidden bid for the chance to win exclusive Blizzard-themed items for your personal collection.
Dance, Costume and Machinima contests: The Worldwide Invitational will offer you the chance to show your talent and enthusiasm by competing in a variety of contests. Dress up as your favorite character from any of the Blizzard game universes, bring that night elf dance to live perfection, or show your skills in creating machinima to the world. You’ll be able to find more details on the contests and instructions on how to sign up for them on this website in the future.
Loot! In addition to the goody bag that every attendee will receive, there will also be a variety of souvenirs, including exclusive commemorative 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational items, available in the Blizzard store and as contest prizes.
Tournaments: The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will feature exciting eSport invitational tournaments, drawing top Warcraft III, StarCraft and World of Warcraft Arena players from around the world. In addition to these professional gaming matches, community player tournaments will allow you show your skills for fun and glory – and some exclusive tournament prizes.
The legendary rune blade Frostmourne was immortalized in Warcraft III, in which it was taken up by Prince Arthas Menethil, corrupting him and leading to his transformation into the Lich King. We've partnered with EPIC Weapons to create a limited edition replica of the blade in all its horrific glory. This artifact of ancient evil is over 47" long and 12.5" wide, weighing a massive 16 lbs., and is now available for pre-order. For more information, please visit the Frostmourne replica site.
Frostmourne replica is second to none in detailed craftsmanship and technology.
47" Overall Length with 28" Stainless Steel Blade
Genuine Leather Wrapped Grip
Limited Edition Sword
Embedded with Patented G2G Authenticity Microchip
Click on images to the right to view detailed photography
Also Included in the box with Frostmourne
Collector's Display Mount
Limited Edition Poster
Certificate of Authenticity
Game 2 Gear Handheld Authentcity Reader
The most interesting part beside owning a replica, is the lore behind this Frostmourne sword. The text reads as follows:
Whosoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Just as the blade rends flesh, so must power scar the spirit.
Such was the warning given to all who would seek to wield Frostmourne, the most powerful runeblade in all of known existence.
Years ago the awesome and terrible Lich King sent a plague of undeath into the world of Azeroth from his seat of power, the Frozen Throne. The sickness spread across the land, corrupting and destroying all it touched. Worse, every human who died of the plague became a mindless soldier of the Lich King's growing undead army, the Scourge.
Driven to save his homeland from disaster, Prince Arthas Menethil joined Muradin Bronzebeard in seeking out the legendary runeblade, Frostmourne.
Arthas intended to use the blade's powers to defeat the Scourge, but instead the sword stole Arthas' soul, robbed him of his sanity, and ultimately compelled him to usurp the throne from his father, King Terenas Menethil II. Arthas plunged Frostmourne through his father's heart and in so doing forfeited the remaining vestiges of his humanity to his new master, the unseen agent of his downfall: the Lich King.
At the Lich King's urging, Arthas used Frostmourne to shatter the Frozen Throne. He then merged with the Lich King, creating one astonishingly powerful entity of devastating evil. To his day it remains a mystery whether Arthas chose this fate, or merely played once again into the hands of his diabloical master.
Today the new Lich King sits on his icy throne, silently plotting his next move, the cursed runeblade Frostmourne ready at his side.
PRESS RELEASE
EPIC Weapons Announces Launch of Legendary Frostmourne™
EPIC WeaponsTM Launches new auction website and offers preordering of the featured FrostmourneTM sword from Blizzard Entertainment?’s Warcraft® III
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EPIC WeaponsTM to auction first 99 Frostmourne Swords beginning with a pre-registration opportunity for participants starting on March 14, 2008 and the auction kicking off on March 18, 2008 and concluding on March 31, 2008.
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Licensed Distributor of Frostmourne™ will take pre-orders at www.weaponmasters.com starting on March 14, 2008
March 14, 2008 10:00:00 AM ET
EPIC Weapons, a subsidiary of Organa Technologies Group, Inc., (OGNT) announced today that it has launched its new auction website at http://www.weaponmasters.com/auction/. Its first featured product is a replica of Frostmourne™ as wielded by Prince Arthas Menethil in Blizzard Entertainment?’s epic game, Warcraft® III.
EPIC Weapons has selected Weaponmasters as the exclusive distributor of Frostmourne. EPIC Weapons will allow eager participants to pre-register for the auction beginning on March 14, 2008 and the live auction for the first 99 swords will commence March 18, 2008 and close on March 31, 2008 at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Each participant will be guaranteed a Frostmourne Sword with delivery in the order of sign-up after the auction winners.
For those devoted fans of Frostmourne who do not wish to participate in the auction, but want to take their place with the other mere mortals and await Frostmourne’s arrival in April 2008, EPIC Weapons, will begin taking pre-orders through the online store Weaponmasters at www.weaponmasters.com on March 14, 2008.
Each weapon will be encrypted by EPIC Weapons to authenticate ownership through its patent pending Game2Gear™Technology, eliminating the potential for knock-offs and unauthorized reproduction.
Gina L. Bennett, EPIC Weapons Chief Executive Officer commented, "Epic Weapons is proud to bring a piece of Blizzard Entertainment’s celebrated Warcraft games to life through the development and manufacturing of Frostmourne, an epic weapon desired by the heroes and villains of this online universe. Each sword will come with a Certificate of Authenticity, A History of the Frostmourne Sword, Plaque and a Poster.”
"The growth of the Warcraft universe continues to exceed all our expectations," said Paul Sams, Chief Operating Officer of Blizzard Entertainment. "Our commitment to continue expanding Warcraft is stronger than ever, and we feel that this replica will be a fitting addition to the collection of high-quality licensed products currently available to our audience."
Hop into the PTT to fight the WoW Developers and help test the upcoming Tournament.
We’re once again bringing the fight to the Tournament Test Realm (TTR) and challenging players in the 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5 arena brackets. Blizzard will be out in force taking on any challengers and making personal appearances near the various vendor locations.
The Tournament Arena Battle will take place on Wednesday between 5:00 PM PDT and 8:00 PM PDT, and members of the Community and Development teams will once again be present to dispense mayhem and destruction upon all who challenge them. You’ll be able to easily spot any Blizzard employees as we’ll be the only players who are in a guild, which will be “Blizzard Entertainment” for Horde, and “Blizzard” for Alliance.
As this is a stress test we do anticipate that the realms will be stressed to their maximum capacities and there is the possibility issues may occur. Have no fear, we’ll be watching and waiting to resolve any issues that may crop up as quickly as possible.
Visit to begin downloading the PTR client if you haven’t already. No character copies will be needed for this unique event as you will get access to the character and gear of your choice just by logging in. The 2.4 PTR client will provide access to the Tournament realm so download it soon and we’ll see you in the arenas!
Blizzard has updated the Wrath of the Lich King website with the lore, screenshots and video of the Dragonblight.
For millennia the Great Dragonblight has served as the enduring heart of Northrend.
Here dense forests surround a vast arctic wasteland littered with the massive, gleaming bones of perished dragons. In the center of this frozen expanse lies Wyrmrest Keep, a structure believed to be built by the world-shaping titans shortly after Azeroth's creation. Many legends hold that the five great Dragon Aspects were blessed within this fortress and given their charge to watch over the budding world. Perhaps it is for this reason that dragons nearing the end of their lives come to the Dragonblight to enrich the land with their passing.
Surrounding Wyrmrest Keep are five majestic dragon shrines: red, bronze, green, blue, and black, each blessed with the powers of its respective flight. In recent times the undead Scourge has laid siege to these shrines in an effort to further its attempts at raising terrifying new variations of undead dragons to serve the Lich King.
In an attempt to arrest these invasions, the red Dragon Aspect, Alexstrasza, has begun recruiting heroes to aid in the fight against the Scourge, even as the taunka and tuskarr wage their own desperate battles against the undead. The one-time Scarlet Crusade, now the Scarlet Onslaught, has arrived as well in the hopes of claiming victory in their ongoing campaign against the Lich King and his minions.
Both the Alliance and the Horde have begun establishing a presence in the Dragonblight, taking a particular interest in the barred entrance to Icecrown, Angrathar the Wrath Gate. There both factions have begun gearing up for the siege that will inevitably lead into the lair of the Lich King himself.
The immediate dangers of the Dragonblight are posed not only by the Lich King, however, but also by the blue dragonflight. Determined to manipulate all existing magic to serve his own purposes, the blue Dragon Aspect, Malygos, has ordered his flight to maneuver colossal machines into key positions over magical ley line clusters. Many believe that these dire constructs are intended to realign the paths of magical energy that course beneath the earth. If successful, Malygos's tampering could result in an ecological and magical catastrophe that would threaten not only the stability of Northrend, but ultimately the equilibrium of the entire world.
Blizzard released a portion of patch 2.4 to World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade subscribers yesterday. This doesn't mean the patch 2.4 is out. It simply means that a large portion of the patch is being distributed in preparation to an upcoming patch day. This allows to download in the background while you play the game so that on patch day you don't have to download a big file.
I have been playing on the PTR Server(Public Test Realm) for a while, and thus far the WoW Test Folder is 1.76GB size. The file distributed last night is roughly 251MB. If you wish to speed up the download, simply go to your World of Warcraft folder and double-click the BackgroundDownloader.exe file. Don't worry if nothing happens after you click the finish button. At the end it won't install anything. It just keeps the files there until the next batch.
The Sunwell Plateau dungeon is still closed on the PTR servers, but don't think this means the patch is coming out soon. Thus far, Blizzard is testing the Twin Eredar bosses. We haven't yet tested Kil'jaeden. The Public Tournament Test is also being tested. If you wish an opportunity to win thousands of dollars in prizes go test the PTT servers in advance and report any bugs.
Those Warcraft fans who are planning to visit 2008 LUNACON 51, make sure to check out this schedule. Meet Aaron Rosenberg and Keith R.A. DeCandido. Aaron is author of Starcraft: Queen of Blades, World of Warcraft: Tides of Darkness and co-writer of World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal. Keith R.A. DeCandido is author of Starcraft Ghost: Nova and World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred. You may find these books at the Blizzplanet Store.
LUNACON 51 starts on March 14-16. However, Aaron's schedule is only Saturday, March 15th. Keith R.A. DeCandido will be there all three days. Approache the book authors for book signing or just to say hi. Submit your screenshots or video to Blizzplanet.
This event will take place at The Rye Town Hilton is located at: 699 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, New York 10573
AARON ROSENBERG SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 15th
11 am-2 pm, Mianus River
David Honigsberg Life Jam
I am not listed as a participant and I have a panel right in the middle, but I will be there for the first hour and hopefully the last one.
noon-1 pm, Bartell Room
The World at Your Fingertips
Building your own world is a challenge for even the most experienced GM. Where do you start? What essential information do you need before you can start a game and how much can you invent off the cuff? What tools are available to assist you? Have internet wikis, name generators, and mapping software made it easier to create, or just easier to get bogged down in details?
Participants: Shaughn Bryant, Adam Nakama, Daniel Robichaud[M], Aaron Rosenberg
2-3 pm, Odelle Room
Playing in Someone Else's Sandbox
Learn about the differences in writing work-for-hire books (such as Star Trek or Star Wars) vs. writing creator-owned original novels. How do they differ creatively and financially? What are the pros and cons of each kind of project for a writer's career?
Participants: Ginjer Buchanan, Keith DeCandido, David Mack[M], Aaron Rosenberg, Susan Shwartz
6-7 pm, Poplar Room
Game Designers' Roundtable
Game designers of various RPGs talk about particular challenges of design and worldbuilding. What is the relative importance of setting versus game mechanics? How do you avoid coming across as derivative?
Participants: Leigh Grossman, Georgia Horesh, Aaron Rosenberg
KEITH R.A. DECANDIDO SCHEDULE
Friday
7-8pm: "The Year in TV," Grand South, w/Kathleen O. David puppetmaker40 and David Mack infinitydog
9-10pm: "Comics Media Tie-ins," Poplar, w/Hal Johnson and Alex Wittenberg sdelmonte
10-10.30pm: Reading, Port Chester
Saturday
11am-2pm: David Honigsberg Life Jam, Mianus River, w/lots and lots of people
2-3pm: "Playing in Someone Else's Sandbox," Birch, w/David Mack and Susan Shwartz greeneyedkzin
5-6pm: "Vampires: Sooooo Five Minutes Ago," Brundage B, w/Laura Anne Gilman suricattus, Michael Grapin, and KT Pinto ktpinto
6-7pm: Autographing, Westchester Assembly, w/David Mack and Joshua Palmatier jpsorrow
7-8pm: Steve Rosenhaus concert, Birch, w/Steve Rosenhaus rosenhaus (obviously)
Sunday
12-1pm: "Spinning off the Doctor," Grand Center, w/Kathleen O. David, Amy Goldschlager, Terri Osborne terri_osborne, and Lisa Sullivan paleologa
1-2pm: "Talk Nerdy to Me," Bolton, w/Robert Greenberger bob_greenberger, Glenn Hauman glenn_hauman, Terri Osborne, and Karen Sullivan mercystreet
2-3pm: "Making the Leap to Film," Brundage B, w/Jeanne Cavelos, jan howard finder, and David Weingart
$50 Adult Registration Fee at Door. (Children between the ages of 6 and 12 (as of March 14th, 2008) are half price but children under the age of 6 get in for free). Pre-registration online is closed.
When reserving a room at Hilton Rye Town mention discount code LUN.
Just got word from Pocket Books. Warcraft lore fans are welcome to submit questions for our upcoming interview with Christie Golden and Aaron Rosenberg concerning the upcoming novel:
WORLD OF WARCRAFT: BEYOND THE DARK PORTAL
The novel is on sale at bookstores on June 24th. You can pre-order this book here.
There is no certainty as to which World of Warcraft expansion or when will open up Uldum. All we have is speculation. Not that there is anything wrong with speculation. But when a Blizzard employee sparks the discussion with his own speculations, some lore fans go crazy craving for more.
Drysc: No, it's definitely a dungeon we're keen on opening at some point. Whether that can actually happen or not, or when, hasn't had any final decisions announced. It's a location rich in Titan lore so it's of course something everyone is excited to see come to fruition.
I find the door still interesting as something has obviously broken out. Was there something meant to be contained within Uldum, to be forgotten, that's escaped? Possibly something we don't even associate with the Titans or their creations. Maybe something we take for granted, I don't know, but I like that idea.
Richard A. Knaak has confirmed to be promoting the Tokyopop Warcraft Manga: The Sunwell Trilogy and its Ultimate Edition at the New York Comic Con 2008. You will find Richard at Tokyopop Booth 1321. A schedule will be provided at a later time. Keep checking back as the event's date gets near.
Another Blizzard novel writer, Keith R.A. DeCandido is also coming to the New York Comic Con at the Simon & Schuster booth 1402.
Those who are interested to visit the New York Comic Con may check out some valuable info below to start booking tickets. Marvel Comics will most likely promote the Secret Invasion big event (Who do you trust!) where any hero could be a Skrull. DC Comics will probably promote the final issues of the Countdown event.
New York Comic Con is held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. The Javits Center is located at 655 West 34th Street.
Open to the Public:
Friday, April 18 -- 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, April 19 -- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, April 20 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tyren: Are you ready to take on the world in the arenas? The World of Warcraft team will be testing the WoW Arena Tournament on the Tournament Test Realm, and you are invited to be a part of the action. Players in all regions will access the same realm, so the call is going out to all PvPers in North America, Europe, and Korea to log into the Arena Tournament Test Realm and participate in all-out PvP action!
The Worldwide Arena Battle will take place this Sunday between 12PM to 3PM PST, and members of the Community and Development teams will join in the fray, including a head to head match between community managers from around the world for world dominance. The results will also be posted on the Tournament forum!
No character copies will be needed for this unique event as you will get access to the character and gear of your choice just by logging in. The 2.4 PTR patch will provide access to the Tournament realm so download it soon and we’ll see you on the battlefield!
Apple has announced today the release of the downloadable iPhone SDK kit. How does this affect Blizzard players at all? With the release of the SDK, game developers such as Blizzard Entertainment have the opportunity to create a plethora of applications ... and games. So far game developers: EA, and Sega have officially jumped into this wagon.
Electronic Arts
“The animation technology in the iPhone OS enables us to build awesome games,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts. “I think iPhone consumers are going to be blown away by the games we create for this platform."
Sega
“The iPhone OS is a robust development platform that will allow Sega to deliver mobile gaming experiences that are truly compelling,” said Simon Jeffery, president and COO, Sega of America. “Using the iPhone’s accelerometer to power a tilt control feature adds a whole new dimension to Super Monkey Ball, and we can’t wait for gamers to try it."
iPhone 2.0 Software Beta
Includes SDK & Built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
CUPERTINO, California—March 6, 2008—Apple® today previewed its iPhone™ 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.
“We’re excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone’s enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device.”
The iPhone SDK provides developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod® touch. Starting today, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac®. Apple today also introduced its new iPhone Developer Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.
With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. The iPhone SDK will allow developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone’s groundbreaking Multi-Touch™ user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver truly innovative mobile applications.
Apple has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that iPhone will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists. Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. The iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.
The iPhone 2.0 software provides a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services.
The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications—including free—and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.
The iPhone SDK provides a reliable, fast and secure way to create innovative applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode® for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.
During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple’s new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year.
In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.
Pricing & Availability
Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications. The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded at developer.apple.com/iphone/program. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program (www.apple.com/iphone/enterprise).
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
A new daily quest in the Sunwell Isle (Quel'danas) offers a daily reward that I am sure many of you will find handy: The Bloodberry Elixir.
Daelo: The Sunwell Raid instance is now open again on all PTR realms.
Kalecgos is disabled, and Felmyst, Brutallus, and the Lady Sacrolash/Grand Warlock Alythess encounters will kill themselves upon engagement. We're looking for feedback and testing on the M'uru encounter today.
Pre-Order World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal
Christie Golden just finished book three: Twilight from the Starcraft: The Dark Templar Trilogy. Christie Golden and Aaron Rosenberg are co-writing World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal to be on bookstores by June 24, 2008. Make sure to pre-order it from Blizzplanet store. Christie told me she enjoyed getting the chance to develop the romance between Turalyon and Alleria, and it is pretty exciting to get to write for such well-known and well-loved characters.
A few months ago, I reported Christie Golden would be writing an all-new World of Warcraft novel trilogy (2009). Today, she confirmed she has been officially contracted to write it. No further details are available, as we will have to wait until a title for the novel is set in stone. As always, Christie will be open to discuss details of this new book a few months from now.
Those who haven't read her previous Blizzard Novels, look out for Warcraft: Lord of the Clans, World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde, and the Starcraft: The Dark Templar Trilogy. She is a well known Star Trek: Voyager novel writer and author of the Vampire of the Mists (Ravenloft Series) among other works.
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AARON ROSENBERG SCHEDULE
KEITH R.A. DECANDIDO SCHEDULE
