Tag Archives: blizzcon 2009

We just got back from a press-only BlizzCon panel, wherein all questions were answered. Blizzard spilled its guts, and we recorded every excruciating detail. See all the carnage below:

• Guild housing probably isn’t coming to WoW. It was talked about for both Wrath of the Lich King and Cataclysm, but Blizzard has relegated it to the backburner for now.
• Blizzard is “very interested” in the iPhone, but currently has “no plans” to develop games for Apple’s tiny marvel.
• Why only bump the level cap up to 85? Duh, because the game ends once people hit level 100, right? Wrong. WoW’s not ending any time soon, and certainly not when the level cap reaches 100.
• Blizzard mentioned that, conceptually, a WoW expansion that didn’t raise the level cap would certainly be possible. Instead, it could, for example, focus on unlocking hero class versions of current classes — or something like that.
• Blizzard does not plan to allow players to charge for WoW mods. “Why mess with a good thing?” was the basis of their reasoning.
• Though Worgen and Goblin starter areas were demoed at BlizzCon, players began at level 6. So, what lies behind the veil of secrecy that is levels 1-5? For the Worgen, it’s the process of becoming a Worgen. That’s right — you start as a human. The early goings for Goblins, meanwhile, simply were too early in development to be shown.
• The WoW movie’s script isn’t finished yet. However, WoW production director J. Allen Brack said that the movie will be “like Lord of the Rings” in that it’ll be a treat for fans, but accessible to people who can’t tell a Worgen from a Murloc.
• WoW: Cataclysm will alter Azeroth’s landscape “instantly” when the expansion comes out. The roll out of content will not be gradual, because Deathwing’s going to cut through the place like a knife through butter.

So there you go. We flipped BlizzCon over, shook it, and spilt the crumbs in your open hands. Hope you enjoyed our coverage.

If you thought Blizzard’s decision to let players to charge for created maps was the straw that broke the zergling’s back, you might want to reconsider.

During BlizzCon’s StarCraft II gameplay panel, Blizzard showed off three custom maps that a few developers had whipped up in their free time. One was  a third-person action-RPG, another was an old-school, top-down Galaga-style space shooter, and the third featured a custom-made mega-Zerg. Custom user interfaces and things of the like were used.

Why is this important? Because, using what is allegedly the vanilla map-making toolset, it’s fairly easy to leap into other genres and design enemies and levels that fit your particular game.

Also, because the mega-Zerg used a shockwave attack to kill, like, three hundred zerglings at once. It was wicked.

In theory, then, this toolset could certainly be used to design maps — or even full games — packed with at least four or five dollars-worth of fun. Or that’s the hope, anyway. And, of course, there will still be free maps. What’s not to like?

Straight out of Blizzard’s voice actor panel at BlizzCon, we’ve just found out that Battlestar Galactica’s Tricia Helfer will be playing Sarah Kerrigan in StarCraft II.

Helfer, who played the seductive Number Six on Battlestar, will be voicing Kerrigan in her creepy, twisted Queen of Blades form, and in flashbacks as good ol’ non-genocide-bent Sarah.

Also of note, Helfer described herself as a “videogame virgin.” However, talking about the game, she really seemed to know her stuff, and her enthusiasm was obvious.

BlizzCon rolls on. Stick with us for more.

Is your WoW character starting to look uncomfortable in its own skin? Has your orc warrior’s odd penchant for mooing and grazing about relegated him to the loony bin? Well, Blizzard’s got a solution for you.

During its WoW Q&A panel earlier today, Blizzard announced that race changes will be coming to WoW. The feature was always planned to go live after faction changes had been taken care of.

So then, consider that Q thoroughly A-ed.

When asked about the possibility of a new hero class during today’s WoW Q&A panel at BlizzCon, the developer was fairly blunt. Odds are, the panelists said, Cataclysm won’t add another member to what’s currently a Death Knight-only club.

Blizzard’s reasoning was thus: WoW isn’t racing to include “40 or 50 classes,” and would rather focus on fine-tuning a small number of unique, versatile classes. So for now, Death Knight remains the newest kid on the block.

Granted, the panelists’ statement wasn’t quite definitive, but with how often the word “probably” was tossed about, we’re certainly not getting our hopes up for a new hero class any time soon.

During its Battle.net BlizzCon panel, Blizzard announced that StarCraft II will allow players to put price tags on their created maps. Creators will, of course, see some cash for their hard work, but Blizzard didn’t give an exact percentage.

The hope is that this will encourage players to form small dev teams and craft complex maps — or even new gametypes. So whereas before, the cost outweighed any potential rewards these intrepid souls might reap, now they’ve got a real cash-money incentive.

If you’re afraid Blizzard just tossed a “You must have this much disposable income to play” sign in front of StarCraft II’s multiplayer, don’t panic. Blizzard compared its new storefront to the iPhone App Store in terms of how it’s hoping the distribution of free and premium content will emerge.

More as it comes.

Your StarCraft II save games will always be with you, Blizzard’s just announced, so long as you have a reliable Internet connection.

As part of its Battle.net panel at BlizzCon, the developer noted that StarCraft II will take advantage of cloud computing for game saves. At work, at home, on a train, on a plane, in a box, with a fox — it doesn’t matter where you are; you can access your campaign saves.

Sounds pretty neat to us.

We’ll keep you updated as the panel continues.

We just finished up at the BlizzCon WoW: Cataclysm panel and our news nets are full to bursting with wriggling tidbits. And you know what that means: info-dump, go!

• The expansion’s adding multiple new advancement systems. First up, the Guild Advancement System allows guilds to level all the way to 20 by doing normal activities like daily quests and raids. Corresponding guild talent trees lead to cheaper repairs, mass raid resurrections, and things of the like.
• There are seven new zones in Cataclysm. They are Mount Hyjal, The Lost Isles, Gilneas, Uldum, the Sunken City of Vashj’ir, Twighlight Highlands, and Deepholm.
• Both classes have racial abilities that are sure to send seasoned WoW-players into nerdrage-fueled tizzies. The Worgen have darkflight, a sprinting ability, while Goblins get a rocket belt that can propel them forward or fire rockets at their foes.
• New race/class combos are coming. We saw a Tauren Paladin (“Holy cow!”), a gnome priest, and a dwarf shaman.
• Unlike previous expansions, Cataclysm won’t feature new talent trees. However, you will be able to advance along the Path of the Titans, which splits into many separate branches — all of which can be accessed by any class. So, in theory, a priest and, say, a rogue could end up with some of the same skills. The Path of the Titans is heavily tied to the game’s new secondary profession: archaeology.
• Ragnaros is back, and he’s pissed. This time, the colossal flame elemental is attempting to exact his vengeance through deforestation, which — unless you’re Captain Planet or an RP-ing Tauren — probably won’t get you too hot under the collar. However, ol’ Raggy’s aiming for the World Tree, which is kind of a big deal in WoW lore. You’ll be able to douse the fiery ne’er do well for the (1000 and) second time in a Cataclysm dungeon called Firelands.

Check out more of our Cataclysm coverage here.

This is just a friendly reminder, to those planning on attending BlizzCon this year, that tickets go on sale today at 10:00am PST (1:00pm EST).

The event takes place at Anaheim Convention Center in Los Angeles on August 21, and of you haven’t set up a Battle.net account, you need to do so now.

Should you miss out, a second batch will be up for grabs on May 30.

Hit the link for more details.

BlizzCon 09 tickets will be available starting May 16, Blizzard said today.

The event runs August 21-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets will run you $125 a piece.

If you miss out on getting tickets the day of the sale, Blizzard will put another stack up for sale on May 30. Improvements have been made to the Blizzard store interface so there shouldn’t be another ticket fiasco this year.

Those unable to attend the event can watch it live on DirectTV and Pay-per-View for the price of $40. Anyone who orders the event will get a BlizzCon-exclusive World of Warcraft in-game item.

Press release is below.

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BlizzCon 2009 will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, on August 21 and 22, Blizzard’s just confirmed

“We’ve been amazed by the incredible response to each of our previous BlizzCon events,” said company boss Mike Morhaime.

“We’re pleased to be bringing the convention back to Anaheim this year, and we look forward to this new opportunity to meet Blizzard gamers from around the world.”

In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard fans in general, attendees will be able to enjoy:

• Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard games
• Discussion panels with Blizzard developers
• Competitive and casual tournaments
• Community contests
• Commemorative merchandise
• A silent auction
• Other stuff, yet to be announced

Further details, including ticket availability and pricing, will be announced on the official BlizzCon website soon.

Press release after the jump.

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