Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World of Warcraft unleashes the summer sale]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/world-of-warcraft-unleashes-the-summer-sale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/world-of-warcraft-unleashes-the-summer-sale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/world-of-warcraft-unleashes-the-summer-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

World of Warcraft unleashes the summer sale
For this week only, Blizzard is lowering the price of World of Warcraft and all expansions for the popular MMO's annual summer sale.

From now until June 24, you can get the WoW Battle Chest (including the original game, The Burning Crusade, and Wrath of the Lich King) for only $5 US. 2010's Cataclysm is also $5, and the recently launched Mists of Pandaria is half price at $19.99. That means you can get the complete game and everything launched since 2004 for only $29.99.

Head over to the official summer sale page for more info.

[Thanks to Sharvis for the tip!]

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft unleashes the summer sale originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasypromotionsummer-salewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 19 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Superman saves the world... of warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/superman-saves-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/superman-saves-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/superman-saves-the-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Superman saves the world of warcraft
What does Superman -- sorry, Kal-El -- do when he's not punching General Zod out of the sky or making googly eyes at Lois Lane? Could be that he's playing World of Warcraft, possibly even in your PUG.

Man of Steel star Henry Cavill recently told GQ that he quite enjoys both Skyrim and World of Warcraft. Cavill's such a big fan of the latter, in fact, that he missed Man of Steel director Zack Snyder's telephone call offering him the role of Superman. "I saw it was him [calling]," Cavill told British GQ, "but the thing is, you can't save World of Warcraft, you can't pause it. It's live."

MassivelySuperman saves the world... of warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasyhenry-cavillman-of-steelsaving-the-world-of-warcraftsupermanwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 18 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Caveman edition, June 17 - 23, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/the-stream-team-caveman-edition-june-17-23-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/the-stream-team-caveman-edition-june-17-23-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/the-stream-team-caveman-edition-june-17-23-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Caveman edition, June 17 23, 2013
With all the talk about bashing stuff lately, I can't help but envision a certain prehistoric child going around whacking everything with a club, "Bam! Bam! Bam!" Of course, who can blame the little tyke? There are definitely times in game that we've all wanted to swing a cudgel or two, be it a nerf design or a just-quitcher-whining bat.

Destructive tendencies can even be harbored in the gentle hearts of your favorite Stream Team hosts. A number of you can surely attest to that. Need proof? Just watch Massively TV and see for yourself. Warning: You may start to feel sympathy for those poor mobs...

Continue reading The Stream Team: Caveman edition, June 17 - 23, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Caveman edition, June 17 - 23, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team Wedding singer edition, June 10 16, 2013
Have you ever been someplace, perhaps at an event, and spontaneously broken into song? And just maybe that wasn't quite an appropriate venue for a favorite heavy tune? Boy, the looks some people give you; I mean, what's really so wrong with injecting a little more groove into a wedding march anyways?

Well, luckily there are no such social taboos for spouting random song snippets on Massively TV! I know you understand that urge to just let loose a tune or two, right? It could be that you've belted out a concert-worthy rendition yourself when playing or watching your favorite games. We here at The Stream Team fully support that. We even contribute to the official organization: BOSS (Belting Out Spontaneous Songs). So why not join us where you know you won't be judged. Who knows, you might find a song to sing along with in this weeks streams.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Wedding singer edition, June 10 - 16, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Wedding singer edition, June 10 - 16, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WildStar will pull in the exWoW crowd, says dev
Finding the sweet spot in an MMO that applies to both casual and hardcore players might be the holy grail of the industry, but Carbine is convinced that it can deliver with WildStar -- and do so in a way that World of Warcraft no longer can.

Game Design Producer Stephan Frost was bold in his statements to MCV, saying that WildStar will be a true success story. "We're making something that's different," he said. "We're coming out at a time when WoW is losing subscribers, and we can fill the void for people who want an MMO that's deep, hardcore but also accessible to people. We've found through betas and trade shows that MMO players understand our game. They can see the improvements we've made and notice that this game is something pretty cool."

MassivelyWildStar will pull in the ex-WoW crowd, says dev originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Warcraft
In the olden days of World of Warcraft, it took 40 dedicated people to down some of the game's toughest content. It wasn't easy to keep a guild stocked with the necessary number of people to make these raids possible, and Blizzard reduced raid sizes to 10- and 25-man encounters starting with the Burning Crusade expansion in the hopes of making raiding more accessible for smaller guilds and raid leaders working with busy real-life humans.

It is with this same accessibility in mind that Blizzard has just announced Flexible Raids, a new form of raid content that will debut with the game's upcoming 5.4 patch. In the simplest terms, these raids automatically adjust their difficulty based on how many players are present, supporting any number between 10 and 25. The difficulty resets week-to-week; if 22 people come one week and 13 the next, the new raiders won't be locked into last week's numbers.

A new tier of item that falls between the Raid Finder and Normal difficulties is being introduced for Flexible Raiders, and Flexible Raid lockouts will be separate from those of Normal and Heroic attempts. Blizzard has also promised additional rewards for those who participate in Flexible, Normal, and Heroic raids -- rewards that will be unavailable to Raid Finder groups.

Flexible Raiding will be made available piece by piece as Blizzard tweaks the formula. It should be launching on the test realm Soon[TM].

MassivelyFlexible Raids come to World of Warcraft with patch 5.4 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasyflexible-raidingraid-finderraid-lockwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwow-patchwow-patch-newsFri, 07 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT tops Raptr's May most-played list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/rift-tops-raptrs-may-most-played-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/rift-tops-raptrs-may-most-played-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/rift-tops-raptrs-may-most-played-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RIFT tops Raptr's May mostplayed list
Is RIFT taking the charts by storm? At first glance when it comes to Raptr's most-played PC and Xbox 360 titles in May, it would appear so. However, just as with everything else associated with statistics, it's important to know the full story before jumping to conclusions.

RIFT jumped up 13 spots to garner a 7.76% share of player hours in May, topping even League of Legends and World of Warcraft. This was largely thanks to a reward campaign that quadrupled the number of players from March.

The company notes that Neverwinter was also a "big mover" in the month among Raptr players, netting 11th place.

MassivelyRIFT tops Raptr's May most-played list originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's still worth more than Darnassus.
Have you ever sat down with a realtor and tried to haggle down the price of a house based on the fact that it previously housed a scheming black dragon? Hopefully not, as black dragons do not actually exist. But if you have, you'll be happy to know that World of Warcraft's Stormwind Keep has now been priced out by what we are assured are reputable realtors with an eye toward setting this in-game structure's retail price in US dollars. About $10 million, as it happens.

So why? Well, based on how much space it seems to cover and the value of a comparable real-world castle in Wales, the Keep winds up with a fairly modest price tag for a castle. Then again, there's only one accessible floor, and as we mentioned it does have a bit of a problem with dragons. (Exterminators can never really get all the eggs out.) So if you find yourself transported to Azeroth with $10 million that becomes the equivalent in gold, you can walk up and... well... not buy it, because it's not for sale. But you'd know how much it was worth.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft's Stormwind Keep gets a price tag originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentculturefantasyhumorpricevirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 05 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW character services and transfers half off this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/wow-character-services-and-transfers-half-off-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/wow-character-services-and-transfers-half-off-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/wow-character-services-and-transfers-half-off-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WoW character services and transfers half off this week
If you're looking to do any World of Warcraft race changes, name changes, appearance changes, or server transfers, there's no time like the present. More specifically, Blizzard is running a 50% off sale this week for all of those services.

WoW Insider notes that realm transfers involve a bit of logistics and planning. You'll need to empty your mailbox and make sure you're not heading up any arena teams. Also be aware that some of your add-ons may require some rejiggering after the transfer is complete.

MassivelyWoW character services and transfers half off this week originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-servicesactivisionappearance-changesblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcharacter-renamesfantasyserver-transferswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwow-account-servicesTue, 04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft film set to shoot in 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/world-of-warcraft-film-set-to-shoot-in-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/world-of-warcraft-film-set-to-shoot-in-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/world-of-warcraft-film-set-to-shoot-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

World of Warcraft: The Movie
Rumors have swirled around the oft-delayed and reportedly troubled World of Warcraft movie for years, but Legendary Pictures finally appears to be ready to move forward with production. Producer Charles Roven confirmed to SlashFilm that World of Warcraft: The Movie 3D IMAX Experience (suggested title) begins shooting in early 2014.

Says Roven, "First quarter 2014 we're going to shoot that movie."

Duncan Jones, director of Moon and Source Code, is taking the helm. Legendary still hasn't announced a release date or any plot details, but we can assume that the release date is Soon[TM] and the plot will revolve around humans, orcs, and a whole lot of sparkleponies.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft film set to shoot in 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentduncan-jonesfantasylegendary-picturessparkle-ponywarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwow-filmwow-live-action-filmWoW-movieMon, 03 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why MMOs stopped getting bigger]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/why-mmos-stopped-getting-bigger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/why-mmos-stopped-getting-bigger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/why-mmos-stopped-getting-bigger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Why MMOs stopped getting bigger
If after looking over the state of MMOs lately you've been left singing, "Where have all the big games gone?" to yourself, Ramin Shokrizade has an answer just for you. A virtual world economist, Shokrizade states that up until EVE Online and World of Warcraft, games grew in size and scope and then stopped. Why? Because it was never about getting big; it was about protecting and ensuring the equity of the gamers.

Shokrizade delves into why equity -- the sum of gamers' in-game efforts, such as levels and possessions -- is so important in a game and why those games that ignore protecting this equity don't measure up when it comes to success. He discusses how microtransactions that deal in in-game content destroy equity as well as how expansions that make previous content (such as crafting tiers) obsolete do the same thing. He then goes on to discuss the games that get it right, like League of Legends and World of Tanks.

MassivelyWhy MMOs stopped getting bigger originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentccpccp-gamesdotae-sportesporteveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playhistoricalinternet-spaceshipsleagueleague-of-legendslolmobapvpRamin-Shokrizaderiotriot-gamessandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinetanktankswarwarcraftwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowMon, 03 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Calorie-free edition, June 3 - 9, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/the-stream-team-calorie-free-edition-june-3-9-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/the-stream-team-calorie-free-edition-june-3-9-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/the-stream-team-calorie-free-edition-june-3-9-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Caloriefree edition, June 3 9, 2013
With summer right around the corner, a number of folks are thinking of ways to shape up a little more before hitting the beaches. Of course, as gamers we may not understand this strange desire to actually go out in the sunlight, but we, too, can be swept up in the fervor. So The Stream Team is here to offer you some calorie-free treats to help you through your week. Each and every tasty morsel on Massively TV is guaranteed to be 100% calorie-free.

Got cravings in between your livestream meals? Just click on a rerun and snack away anytime you like! Then just sit back and watch the hours just melt away.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Calorie-free edition, June 3 - 9, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Calorie-free edition, June 3 - 9, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard
When I took over Massively last fall, I made myself a little digital post-it note in Gmail Notes that read, "Remember: You work for Joystiq, not studios." Today, I've amended that to also read, "And not commenters."

I love commenters, even the trolls sometimes when you make me laugh. You guys provide instant feedback and adoration but also entertainment and skepticism of our ideas. You're the much-maligned vocal minority of readers, and interacting with you guys and being enlightened by your mad and witty and insane posts is a highlight of my work day.

But it has to be said that the most bizarre feature of working at Massively is that legions of commenters have deemed themselves better-equipped than we are to decide what we can cover.

Continue reading Ask Massively: You can't cover WoW because of reasons

MassivelyAsk Massively: You can't cover WoW because of reasons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team Day off edition, May 27 June 2, 2013
Oh, glorious day! With the exception of those chaps (and chapettes) working in emergency services and the like, many folks all over the U.S. get the chance this week to experience that all-too-rare phenomenon: the Extra Day Off. And all I can say is Hallelujah!

Extra days off are free time to sit back and do nothing without a care in the world... oh, whom are we kidding? They are often filled with all those chores and tasks you just don't have time to get to during the work week and are too exhausted to deal with during the weekend. And in the case of holidays with special meaning, perhaps your thoughts and activities are turned toward some type of special observance.

Whether your day is filled with frolicking and festivities, food and family, some combination thereof, or even none of the above, Massively TV will be right here when you have a spare moment. With plenty of live shows and lively reruns, The Stream Team will help you make the most of your day off, not to mention help you get through the rest of the week as well!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Day off edition, May 27 - June 2, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Day off edition, May 27 - June 2, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots Home sweet home
It's easy to forget that in all of these game worlds that we're adventuring through, some people allegedly live and work in these lands! Even in the very, very scary places! Reader Xexanos found this run-down house in a dark corner of The Secret World and found himself entranced by the mystery of it.

"I stumbled upon this place during my exploration of the Shadowy Forest (the name really tells you everything)," he said. "I wonder what the history behind this is."

I had just found that last week myself and was wondering that too. If any lore experts want to fill us in, please do so, otherwise head past the jump and check out all of the other great reader screenshots we have in store for you this week!

Continue reading One Shots: Home sweet home

MassivelyOne Shots: Home sweet home originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Warcraft patch 53 is up and running
Another World of Warcraft patch day has come upon us. Patch 5.3, Escalation, is hitting the game today, bringing with it a whole host of changes from loot specialization to increased pet battle accuracy. The patch introduces a new Battleground, Deepwind Gorge, as well as a new Arena called The Tiger's Peak. Four new scenarios are being added, plus six new Heroic difficulties. The Escalation quest campaign adds new tasks for Alliance and Horde members as they prepare to remove Garrosh Hellscream from Orgrimmar.

You can read the exhaustive patch notes on the official site, and you can catch up on all the nitty gritty details on patch 5.3 on our sister site, WoW Insider.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft patch 5.3 goes live today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.3activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentescalationfantasypatchpatch-5.3patcheswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-stream-team-monocle-day-edition-may-20-26-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stream Team Monocle day edition, May 20 26, 2013
Two weeks ago, y'all had the chance to select a new holiday to help add some cheer to the otherwise bland weeks in the middle of May. The choices teased and tantalized you, but you're a discriminating crowd. In a race fraught with nail-biting suspense, only one ultimately prevailed. And so it is with further ado we bring to you: Monocle Day!

This Tuesday, May 21st, has been selected to be the auspicious day of this most storied celebration. Why? Because 5/21 splits into 5 + 2 + 1, which of course = 8, and we all know that 8 is just two monocles stacked on top of each other! And as always, Massively TV is here to help you ring in the new holiday, with special shows throughout the entire week. Check out the full schedule of celebratory events hosted by The Stream Team after the break. Then let us know if you'll be wearing your own monocle in honor of the festivities.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Monocle Day edition, May 20 - 26, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots Looming death
Hey Gwen, how's it hanging? Find that flute yet? Yeah, don't worry, I'm sure it'll turn up around here somewhere. Don't get too near the river there, girl; those skale have a nasty bite! Say, what's that sulfurous smell in the air? And those distant screams that are drawing nearer at an incredible rate? And a sudden looming premonition that the property values around here are about to take a nosedive?

Reader Sharvis sent in this Guild Wars picture with a modicum of pity: "Here is Gwen moments before the Searing. Poor girl."

Don't feel too sorry for her, Sharvis! She gets an entire expansion, after all!

Continue reading One Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray

MassivelyOne Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sad pandas More sub losses expected in WoW
If you thought World of Warcraft losing 14% of its users -- over one million -- during the first quarter of the year was bad, just wait; according to Activision-Blizzard, subscription numbers are expected to dip even further. Of course, even with the loss, WoW is still the most popular sub-based game in the world, but shares in the studio still dropped after the announcement was made to investors, down by nearly 5% on Wednesday .

The loss of players is coming primarily from the East, and Activision-Blizzard points to the rise of free-to-play games as the culprit. Chief Executive Bobby Kotick stated to investors, "It's important to note that the nature of online games has changed, and with the environment becoming far more competitive." So what's to be done? "To address this," he continued, "we're working to release new content more frequently to keep our players engaged longer and make it easier for lapsed players to come back into the game."

MassivelySad pandas: More sub losses expected in WoW originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team May 13 19, 2013
Nothing beats an MLT, especially when the tomato is nice and ripe! Except maybe Massively TV. MMmm mmmm. Now there's something you can really sink your teeth into -- the wild and crazy antics of your favorite Stream Team hosts! And they've got a menu for all tastes this week, from space adventures to dragons to WWII planes. Of course, it all comes with a side of reruns and a dessert highlight to complete your meal.

So pull up a chair and grab yourself a helping or two... or 10. Hey, there's no limit here; enjoy as much as you like! While you're enjoying the spread, be sure to join in the after-dinner chat in Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: MLT edition, May 13 - 19, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Warcraft
There's only one Western subscription MMO that can stand to lose 1.3 million subs in three months and shrug it off: World of Warcraft. But shrug it off doesn't appear to what Activision-Blizzard is doing. During the investor call that revealed the heavy sub losses, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick acknowledged the changing market and his plans to adapt with speedier content. "It's important to note that the nature of online games has changed," he said, "and [that] the environment [is] becoming far more competitive, especially with free-to-play games." And Blizzard president Mike Morhaime suggested the company is "studying" the comings and goings of players and how to entice former players to return.

Well, we don't have to look much further than Star Wars: The Old Republic's recent rejuvenation to figure out that free-to-play is one of the better ways to entice gamers to return (and open their wallets). Surely, Blizzard has to be wondering whether F2P might be a huge boost to the game as it's approaching its ninth birthday later this year. What do you think -- will World of Warcraft eventually go free-to-play, and more importantly, should it?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should World of Warcraft go free-to-play? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Warcraft's Algalon
The world's most popular MMO has gotten a bit less popular in the last few months, it would seem. During today's quarterly investor call, Activision-Blizzard announced that World of Warcraft's subscriber numbers are down to 8.3 million. While that's still nothing to thumb your nose at, it does represent a significant decline from the 9.6 million subscribers the game was reported to have last February.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft loses over a million subs since February, now down to 8.3 million originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prepping for patch day in WoW
Are you anticipating World of Warcraft's 5.3 patch that's on the horizon? If so, Blizzard offers a handy preparation guide to help you get ready for it. Among the proffered hints is one to keep ahold of some of the currencies earned throughout patch 5.2 as the gear-upgrading Void Binders are returning. The guide offers a breakdown of associated costs for various gear and the different currencies. Also revealed is an 33% reduction in the XP needed to level from 85 to 90.

The guide continues with suggestions for item level requirements for various scenarios and dungeons, information on changes to lesser charms of good fortune, and an update on PvP Season 13. And if you haven't played in a while but intend to after the patch, save some time by making sure your game is up-to-date as well as any UI add-ons.

MassivelyPrepping for patch day in WoW originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasygear-upgradespatch-day-preparation-guidePvP-Season-13upgrading-gearVoid-Binderswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowXP-requirement-reductionWed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack
After my so-so review of The Burning Crusade's score a few months ago, I'm sure a few of you thought I was barking mad. World of Warcraft is well-known for great orchestra pieces, but I stick by saying that most of the brilliant stuff stayed the heck away from Outland. Fortunately, the sound quality got a lot better when we went up north for Wrath of the Lich King in 2008.

The score was composed and arranged by Russell Brower, Derek Duke, Matt Uelmen, Neal Acree, and Glenn Stafford. As to be expected by that name sandwich, the score features a lot of variety. While there are epic chants and the like that are to be expected from WoW, there's also a lonely, savage feel to the music that represents these far-off lands. There's also a lot of blowing wind that segues between tracks if you listen to the album straight through, and if that doesn't make you envision a snow-blasted landscape, I don't know what would.

The liner notes say that "this is the music of ice and despair, a dirge and a call to arms." I couldn't put it better myself. Let's dive into my picks for the best tracks from this score, shall we?

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 12, 2013
You have to agree, May is one month that's full of holidays. The first week alone contains May Day, (unofficial) Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo. But the party doesn't stop there! Following quickly on the heels of these is perhaps one you are less familiar with: Seis de Mayo.

Not unlike its cousin the day before, Seis de Mayo is a day of celebration; however, this celebration centers on freedom from boredom via visual entertainment. No, really! And to commemorate the day, we're releasing an all-new Massively TV schedule, giving you the means to celebrate the whole week through with The Stream Team. If you can't celebrate live, just tune into a rerun and party whenever.

Well, even if you don't believe us, you can still commemorate the occasion with us. Just check out the past the cut for a heaping helping of daily festivities.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Seis de Mayo edition, May 6 - 12, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW
World of Warcraft players, rejoice! Blizzard has released a sneak peek at patch 5.3 and some of the goodies it contains. The incoming patch will include four new scenarios, all with Heroic mode, and add Heroic mode to two scenarios that have already been released.

The first of the new scenarios, a story-driven fight to protect the Dwarven capital, will bring players in to teach some warring clans about the magic of friendship and cooperation. Over in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, players will come to the aid of some Goblin engineers who have delved too greedily and too deep. Players will also get to fight alongside the Bilgewater Cartel's elite Gob Squad as it tracks down a mysterious threat in Ragefire. Lastly, players will take to the high seas to prove the naval superiority of their faction.

These four new scenarios will come with a Heroic difficult mode; two existing scenarios (Crypt of Forgotten Kings and A Brewing Storm) will also benefit from some Heroicness. You'll need an item level of 480 and some friends to queue for these modes.

Gallery: World of Warcraft patch 5.3 preview

MassivelyPatch 5.3 is bringing new scenarios and Heroic modes to World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasygallerypatchpatch-5-3patch-5.3patcheswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 02 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/the-stream-team-fuzzy-slippers-edition-april-29-may-5-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Stream Team Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 May 5, 2013
Comfort food is a pretty universally understood concept. And most folks can also easily envision the security of a blanket a la Linus in the Peanuts cartoons. But what do gamers turn to for stability and comfort during stressful times? I mean, we all know that sometimes games get pretty intense. If you don't believe me, just watch Massively TV! Death and glory, victory and defeat: The Stream Team experiences it all.

Some folks have specific food or drinks on hand for their gaming sessions. I know one gamer with a bobble-head. Me? I've got my fuzzy slippers! Yes, really. When I wear them, glorious victories are all the sweeter and harrowing defeats lose their sting. And I swear they bring me luck. Gaming is just better in fuzzy slippers. If you haven't tried it, I totally encourage you to. Uncertain? Try it, you might like it! Grab a pair and give them a test run while watching this week's shows. Or if you have your own can't-do-without gaming accessory, let us know what it is in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Fuzzy slippers edition, April 29 - May 5, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots Thar be dragons
It would be a rare fantasy MMO that didn't have a posse of dragons roaming the land (or flying through the skies), and Guild Wars 2 certainly does not break that trend. It doesn't mean that going head-to-head with one is any less intimidating, however.

Reader Paul sent in this little meet-and-greet with Puff, saying it was when his Asuran Mesmer first encountered a dragon. Let's just hope he remained alive to have a second encounter. Asurans often look like popcorn chicken to dragonkind.

It's not just flying lizards in this week's One Shots! What wonders await you, I wonder?

Continue reading One Shots: Thar be dragons

MassivelyOne Shots: Thar be dragons originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind Are subscriptions worth it any more
It's amazing to me how quickly the MMO industry (at least in the west) went from being dominated by a subscription model to adopting free-to-play nearly across the board. In just a couple of short years, the hold that subs had over us was broken and players were free to sample way more MMOs for no money down than they ever could.

It's also amazing to me how this movement has turned my general acceptance of subscriptions into somewhat of a dealbreaker. When I went back to World of Warcraft for a 10-day free trial a few weeks ago, the looming thought that this game would require a subscription to continue deeply influenced my enjoyment of it or interest in pursuing it past those 10 days. I had to ask myself the question, "Does this MMO offer something above and beyond what I can get elsewhere for free or a one-time purchase?" And I felt like the answer was "no."

Subs aren't dead, of course, and they certainly have their attractive aspects (cutting through F2P red tape and getting exclusive benefits, for example). I like having the option to sub, but I no longer like being tied down by one. So what say you? Are subscriptions worth it any more?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are subscriptions worth it any more? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Blizzard's online World of Warcraft CCG, Hearthstone, is supposed to be heading into beta sometime soon[TM]. But to hold fans over until then, the studio has released a new video featuring a duel between the Warrior and Paladin classes, complete with play-by-play commentary.

Whether you're looking to wrap your head around the basic rules of the game or trying to pick up on some more advanced strategies to get a leg-up on the competition, this video has something for you. So what are you waiting for? Click on past the cut for the full video; it's time to d-d-d-d-duel! Or something like that, anyway.

Continue reading Paladin and Warrior go mano-a-mano in new Hearthstone video

MassivelyPaladin and Warrior go mano-a-mano in new Hearthstone video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentccgcollectible-card-gamef2pfree-to-playhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmactcgtrading-card-gamewarcraftworld-of-warcraftThu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Stream Team Spring has sprung edition, April 22 28, 2013
If you live in the Northeast, chances are you ignore both the calendar and the furry little four-footed weatherman when it comes to anticipating the arrival of spring. In fact, you just don't believe it until you see it! Plenty of kids in that region are pros at gathering Easter eggs in a snowsuit. Although some might argue that the four seasons are actually Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction, I contend that they can experience an actual spring. And after a week of sunshine and non-frosty temperatures, I say it's finally made an appearance!

Doh! I spoke to soon: It's back to the 20s. Tricksy weather, you almost fooled me. Oh well, I guess I can dive back under some blankets and watch more Massively TV instead of venturing into that thing called "outdoors." You, too, can take refuge from the never-ending winter by watching The Stream Team visit virtual lands of sun, warmth, even lava. Whom am I kidding? They will probably taunt us in another world of snow!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You, too, can experience being a blood elf death knight like every other death knight.
Are you one of the five people on the planet who does not own World of Warcraft in some form? It's kind of been a big deal for the past several years. Having established that you do not already own the game, would you like to pick up the base game plus the first two expansions on the cheap? Even cheaper than their normal prices, that is? Because you have a chance to pick up the whole shebang for just $10 this week.

Normally the World of Warcraft Battle Chest bundle costs $20, but until April 23rd you can pick the whole thing up for half of that. The game also has a free trial you can play if you don't want to take the risk of buying the game without knowing if you'll like it, although at $10 it's almost cheaper to just bite the bullet.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft Battle Chest on sale for $10 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattle-chestblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdiscountfantasynewspromotionsalewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 16 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/the-stream-team-stepping-on-tax-edition-april-15-21-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team Stepping on tax edition, April 15 21, 2013
'Tis the season! Just... not that season. This isn't one we really want; it's not a season of joyousness and brotherly kindness. No, this one's more akin to scattering LEGOs and thumbtacks all across the floor then dashing barefoot from wall to wall just to hit your head against them over and over. We understand the pain. Truly, we do. And The Stream Team is here for you.

They say nothing's certain in life except death and taxes, but we disagree! We'd totally add Massively TV to that list. Have we ever left you in your times of need? No! And we know you need us now more than ever. We're here to help you, with a full line-up of shows to help ease the pain and take your mind off the traumas that cannot be avoided. So take a load off and check out this week's schedule, catch a few reruns, see the highlight of the week, and take part in our two polls. Then remember, at least this only happens once a year!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Stepping on tax edition, April 15 - 21, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hearthstone video pits mage against shaman
If you're interested in Blizzard's upcoming Hearthstone CCG and have about 10 minutes to spare, your time could be put to worse use than by watching the following video. Said video features a match-up between a Mage player and a Shaman player as they duel with all manner of nasty cards, totems, and surprises.

A narrator attempts to give a play-by-play as the action flows thick and furious, giving us a deeper insight into how Hearthstone plays and what strategies players might use in the future. Give it a watch after the break, and don't forget to read our own hands-on with the title!

Continue reading Hearthstone video pits mage against shaman

MassivelyHearthstone video pits mage against shaman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dota 2 surpasses League of Legends in the west
Look out League of Legends: You've just been knocked down to second place. DFC Intelligence has determined that Valve's Dota 2 is now the most-played online game in the North America and Europe, with LoL in the number two spot and World of Warcraft in a distant third.

DFC made this claim based on its PC Game Meter service, which draws data from multiple sources. The service does not include browser and casual games in its report.

Update: Riot Games contacted us to say that DFC has retracted the report press release. GamesIndustry also posted the following update: "According to a Riot Games spokesperson, League of Legends sees 'over 500,000 peak concurrent players every day on just the EU West shard,' which doesn't even touch on players in the United States. This is contrasted with the 325,879 players that Valve's Steamgraph shows as the all-time high for Dota 2 beta."

MassivelyResearch firm says Dota 2 tops League of Legends [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Soapbox You can't go back again
Returning to an old MMO love is a tradition for us vets, isn't it? I see people doing it a lot, and I'm certainly not immune to giving in to these whims. It usually starts out mild: hearing a friend talk about the game, remembering a good time you had in it, or seeing a big chunk of shiny new content come down the pike. Suddenly you've signed up again and logging in like you never left. It feels so familiar.

It feels so alien.

And that's when you realize: You really can't go back again.

It's a dreadful realization, one that makes you lunge for the clock and attempt to turn back time with a sheer force of will. Stages of grief set in: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Sometimes you work in "snack food binge" in there as well. Why, you wonder, can't this be just like last time? It's a game, so why can't you recapture the same magic?

Continue reading The Soapbox: You can't go back again

MassivelyThe Soapbox: You can't go back again originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 14, 2013

It's definitely not a new thing. Throughout the ages, when intense frustration strikes, a colorful epithet can slip past the lips of even the most soft-spoken. Heck, at particularly annoying times, a full string of them has been known fly forth from the most unexpected sources. And we all know that there are plenty of frustration-inducing situations in gaming. So it's not hard to equate swearing with gaming, right?

Of course, we at Massively TV advocate a responsible use of language during our adventures. While there could be a time or a place for the universally known curses, we prefer bursts of creative language skills. And if there's one thing The Stream Team has, it's an abundance of creativity! We've learned it is possible to express frustration while avoiding the censors because censors are mean and carry big, painful sticks! Ouch.

Need proof? Pop into any of the shows scheduled this week or the reruns from last; watch how deftly (or not) our intrepid streamers react to curse-creating incidents. Hope as they might, nothing can go smoothly all the time... or for the very unlucky, at all! A perfect demonstration of this is highlighted in our newest section, a place devoted to showcasing a stream of the week. Catch MJ's colorful repurposing of the English language first-hand in Highlight Reels, then offer your most creative expression in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The fact that someone actually programmed this is enough cause to have hope for the future.
World of Warcraft usually puts together some pretty ornate pranks for the first of April. It's hard to forget about the console version of Molten Core, the Bard class, or the Tinfoil Hat. This year, fans were treated to... well, nothing. That's a pretty dramatic departure, and it prompted community manager Zarhym to take to the field and answer the obvious question about why no one got to have a laugh this year.

Zarhym explains that there were two main causes, the first being that the team simply hadn't come up with a joke that really stuck despite several ideas being bandied about. Add to that the fact that the team members usually responsible for assembling these jokes were otherwise occupied, and they were left without a joke and without people to implement the gag. So this year will go down as being sadly bereft of foolery from Blizzard.

MassivelyWhy World of Warcraft passed on April Fools' Day this year originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionapril-foolsapril-fools-dayblizzardblizzard-entertainmentculturefantasyhumorjokejokesmetawarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowzarhymThu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon's golden tickets going on sale in two batches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcons-golden-tickets-going-on-sale-in-two-batches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcons-golden-tickets-going-on-sale-in-two-batches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcons-golden-tickets-going-on-sale-in-two-batches/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BlizzCon's golden tickets going on sale in two batches
Grabbing one of the year's hottest tickets will be a tricky prospect, especially considering how fast BlizzCon typically sells out. However, Blizzard is giving everyone a fair chance at grabbing one of these tickets by announcing the dates and times that they'll be going on sale.

Dates plural? Yes indeed! BlizzCon tickets will be sold in two batches, first on Wednesday, April 24th, at 10:00 p.m. EDT and second on Saturday, April 27th, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The tickets for the two-day convention are $175, although if you want to package in the Children's Hospital benefit dinner with the show, you'll be looking at parting with $500.

The studio also assured fans that it will once again be selling virtual tickets to BlizzCon, although specifics regarding these have yet to come. BlizzCon is taking place on November 8th and 9th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

MassivelyBlizzCon's golden tickets going on sale in two batches originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgactivisionbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013cash-shopconventiond3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymike-morhaimemultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgsaleticketsvirtual-ticketswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 04 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumor Titan a timetraveling, earthbound MMO
The folks over at Project Titan claim to have a huge leak on Blizzard's upcoming Titan project from a reliable (and unnamed) source. While we are certainly wary of rumors, particularly on this scale, the author says he is "extremely confident" about the leak in particular.

So what is Titan, according to this post? Several bullet points sketch a picture of an MMO that is based on Earth, is big into historical mythology (including Greek, Roman, and Viking myths), and involves "a lot" of time travel. The leaks says that Titan will play from a third-person view, has a new game engine, could also be headed to consoles, and has a strong e-sports emphasis. The leak purports that over 150 developers are working on Titan, including Jay Wilson. Apparently we'll be seeing a teaser of Titan at BlizzCon before it goes into friends and family testing in early 2014.

So what do you think? Is this too elaborate to be a hoax, too vague to be the real thing, or a possible advance insight into what Titan is? Sound off in the comments!

[Thanks to Mynsc for the tip!]

MassivelyRumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013esportsfantasygreekjay-wilsonmythologyproject-titanromanrumortime-traveltitantitan-rumorvikingwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST