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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World of Warcraft's expansion lore needs addendums to understand?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/world-of-warcrafts-expansion-lore-needs-addendums-to-understand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/world-of-warcrafts-expansion-lore-needs-addendums-to-understand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/world-of-warcrafts-expansion-lore-needs-addendums-to-understand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The blogger who's titled himself "Lume the Mad" (ahem) has an interesting take on the lore surrounding World of Warcraft's lore for the Burning Crusade as a whole, and the patch 2.4 content drop in specific. According to Lume, Blizzard needs to make a better effort in the future towards keeping everything in-game. As it stands, the final encounter in the Sunwell dungeon is nigh-incomprehensible if you're only using in-game references. The final interplay between Kalecgos, Aveena, and Kil'jaeden is perfectly understandable if you follow WoW Insider's excellent "Know Your Lore" series, but otherwise you'd have to read a few graphic novels to get the full effect of the dungeon's climax.

Lume compares this storytelling to the way that the television show Lost approaches lore. There are pieces of story spread around various types of media - videogames, books, websites, podcasts - all of which expand on the Lost world. The key is that none of these 'extra' components are integral to the television show's story. They enhance, rather than prop up, elements of the show's plot. In WoW, that's not the case - you need to read these manga, effectively, to really get what's going on. As we look forward to seeing a lot of Arthas in Wrath of the Lich King, let's hope the company keeps in mind what players have and haven't seen to date in-game.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft's expansion lore needs addendums to understand? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardburning-crusadeloresunwellworld-of-warcraftwowwow-patch-2.4Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes to World of Warcraft arena ratings mean no more 'welfare epics']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/changes-to-world-of-warcraft-arena-ratings-mean-no-more-welfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/changes-to-world-of-warcraft-arena-ratings-mean-no-more-welfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/changes-to-world-of-warcraft-arena-ratings-mean-no-more-welfare/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While no more major patches are expected to hit World of Warcraft before Wrath of the Lich King is released, we'll probably see quite a bit of tweaking between now and then. The next patch due for the service, numbered 2.4.2, makes some major changes to the way that Arena battles rewards PvP players. Previously, members of an Arena team were rewarded with Arena points based on the overall rating of their team. IE: if the average of the team members was 1900, and each team member participated in enough fights, everyone on the team was rewarded Arena points as if their rating was 1900. As of the upcoming patch, that's no longer the case.

Individual Arena ratings will now be taken into account. According to Blizzard Community Manager Drysc, "if a character's personal rating is more than 150 points below the team rating, they will earn points based on their personal rating instead of the team rating." Individuals will no longer be able to 'float' their way to large amounts of Arena points. Arena gear previously required just a certain team rating, but with change that rating will also apply to a character's personal Arena rating. If a team's average Arena rating is more than 150 points below the team rating, they'll be queued against appropriate opponents. This will prevent individuals from quickly improving their personal ratings through individual matches. And finally, "If a team does not enter an arena match that is starting they will lose points equal to the amount that would have been deducted if they had played and lost." This will work to prevent teams from abandoning matches until they compete against a group they are specifically looking to fight.

Continue reading Changes to World of Warcraft arena ratings mean no more 'welfare epics'

MassivelyChanges to World of Warcraft arena ratings mean no more 'welfare epics' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenablizzardpvpwelfare-epicsworld-of-warcraftwowwow-patch-2.4wow-patch-2.4.2Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft patch 2.4.2 notes released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/world-of-warcraft-patch-2-4-2-notes-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/world-of-warcraft-patch-2-4-2-notes-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/world-of-warcraft-patch-2-4-2-notes-released/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WoW Insider is reporting on the notes for the next patch to World of Warcraft. Even with the recent release of the much-awaited Patch 2.4, there are still numerous tweaks that have to be made. It's expected that there will be a number of these smaller patches between now and when the Wrath of the Lich King expansion releases, but no further 'major' patches ala the Sunwell.

Patch 2.4.2 offers up several different changes to the game, including:
  • A major revamp of the way players are rewarded Arena points.
  • Being polymorphed by an NPC no longer causes player characters to heal, a potentially major change.
  • A new tameable pet for Hunters.
  • Tweaks to the Jewelcrafting, Enchanting, Engineering, and Leatherworking professions.
  • The bosses Vexallus and Kael'thas are no longer immune to taunt on Normal difficulty in the Magisters' terrace encounter.
  • A series of minor tweaks to the abilities of almost every class.
The full patch notes are available at WoW Insider.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft patch 2.4.2 notes released originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenablizzardpvpsheepedworld-of-warcraftwowwow-patch-2.4wow-patch-2.4.2wrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 23 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A bug by any other name]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-bug-by-any-other-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-bug-by-any-other-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-bug-by-any-other-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When is a bug not really a bug? This is the conundrum that was recently addressed over at The Many Relms of Relmstein blog. Apparently, WoW's Patch 2.4 had introduced a bug that prevented players from taking advantage of an exploit with pre-made teams in battlegrounds. It allowed pre-made teams to send out a scout to determine who they'd be battling next. As you can imagine, this is causing some unfair advantages between the two factions. But Blizzard quickly remedied that new bug, which in turn reintroduced the original exploit.

Read more about the details of this ongoing battlegrounds exploit over at Relmstein's blog.

MassivelyA bug by any other name originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugexploitworld of warcraftWorldOfWarcraftwow-patch-2.4Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Living in a material virtual world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/living-in-a-material-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/living-in-a-material-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/living-in-a-material-virtual-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Whether you play WoW for the phat lewt or not, we can all agree that the end-game is mostly item-based. How cool do you feel when you're the only one running around with the Twin Blades of Azzinoth? Well, what if it suddenly became much easier to obtain those blades, and everyone was running around with them? Regardless of the argument that item-based raiding is good or bad, it's still nice to know that people are aware of how hard you worked to get your best, flashiest gear. This is also why we hate gold sellers.

Apparently, many players are not too happy about the ease in which high-end loot is obtained after patch 2.4. Over at Kill Ten Rats, they believe the changes are not a big deal and it will actually help players experience this higher-end loot before the expansion comes out. It's the thrill of the hunt, right? It's the exploration of a new dungeon, or the socialization aspect, isn't it? Regardless, it makes us wonder why Blizzard is doing this now. Possibly in preparation of things to come with Lich King?

MassivelyLiving in a material virtual world originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgearkill-ten-ratslootworld-of-warcraftwowwow-patch-2.4Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keeping the gold mine running]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/keeping-the-gold-mine-running/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/keeping-the-gold-mine-running/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/keeping-the-gold-mine-running/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

With the infighting, bickering, and massive grinding of AQ behind us, the release of Sunwell Plateau in World of Warcraft seems to have taken Blizzard in a new direction. With a majority of players at 70, the Sunwell is the next big thing. For Blizzard, it is another step towards gaining and retaining their massive player base until the upcoming release of WotLK.

Blizzard has managed to implement a successful marketing strategy geared at generating a quick boost of income while giving the players who remain active more endgame material to conquer. Players are rushing to the Sunwell Plateau in order to participate in a one time only world event. The area is jammed with Horde and Alliance from all guilds on every server. It reminds me of the excitement in Anvilmar during initial days of the game when hundreds of players vied for that one wolf to spawn among a sea of corpses. For Blizzard this has resulted in increased headlines and an increased spotlight as other games announce delays. They have also witnesses the reactivation of dormant accounts and the continued subscription of millions of players who had completed most, if not all, of the end game content. The strategy of releasing free content to players as they await the newest expansion keeps the players happy. The increased attention and revenue generated keeps Blizzard happy. It seems like a win-win situation that other MMOs should model their own content updates after.

MassivelyKeeping the gold mine running originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4-patchblizzardSunwell-Plateauworld-of-warcraftwow-patch-2.4wrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 29 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: First week of Spring edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/wrup-first-week-of-spring-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/wrup-first-week-of-spring-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/wrup-first-week-of-spring-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Yes -- whether you noticed it or not, we are now officially one week into Spring of 2008, which means we're one season closer to the biggest releases of this year, Warhammer Online and Age of Conan. But as is our custom on Friday afternoons, it's time to focus on something happening a little sooner: What aRe yoU Playing this weekend?

Azeroth has taken up most of my time, personally -- since the patch 2.4 release earlier this week I've been enjoying the new Sunwell Isle, as well as pushing my 62 Hunter up towards 70 to get in on the fun as well. Massively's own Elizabeth Harper is also pushing towards the Shattered Sun Offensive with her paladin. And Tateru is playing SL (of course) as well as a little bit of CoH and Lord of the Rings Online when time allows.

So what are you readers up to this weekend? Let us know what you're playing in the comments below!

Previously on WRUP...

MassivelyWRUP: First week of Spring edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotrosecond-lifeshattered-sun-offensiveworld-of-warcraftwow-patch-2.4wrupFri, 28 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch 2.4? WoW!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/patch-2-4-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/patch-2-4-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/patch-2-4-wow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So here's the question: what's so good about Blizzard's World of Warcraft patch 2.4? What's changed? What's been improved, and what's been fixed? More importantly, have the patch changes given lapsed players a reason to come back, and non-players a reason to try the game? While I'd love to have one of our WoW specialists answering those questions for you, most of them have shut off their mobile phones and pagers, with mumbled threats involving spleens, sporks, and being tossed "hogtied, naked, and alone into Naxxramas" if I disturbed them while they were experiencing what the patch has to offer.

Continue reading Patch 2.4? WoW!

MassivelyPatch 2.4? WoW! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardClassesCoXFury-of-the-SunwellProfessionsPvPSunwell-IsleWorld-of-WarcraftWoWWoW-Insiderwow-patch-2.4Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yesterday in Warcraft: November 19, 2007]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/yesterday-in-warcraft-november-19-2007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/yesterday-in-warcraft-november-19-2007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/yesterday-in-warcraft-november-19-2007/#commentsFiled under:


The biggest news from yesterday in WoW was Blizzard's announcement that patch 2.4 should be hitting the test realms this year. Patch 2.2 landed in September, patch 2.3 in November, and with patch 2.4 scheduled to hit the test realms this month or next (implying a likely January launch), we're seeing patches coming out at a breakneck pace. Of course, we haven't yet heard much else about 2.4 and otherwise, the day's news is sparse, but WoW Insider still has plenty of feature content for you to enjoy.

MassivelyYesterday in Warcraft: November 19, 2007 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardpatch-2.4world-of-warcraftwowwow-insiderwow-patch-2.4yesterday-in-warcraftTue, 20 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST