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Learning to livestream: Configuring the software
Last week in this Learning to Livestream miniseries, we pulled apart my livestreaming computer, analyzed each part, and explained why I bought the pieces that I did. I loved the comments as well. Different players have differing opinions of which pieces are needed for which purpose. I appreciate the input; it makes us better streamers. The one key ingredient that I did not talk about last week was the software. Encoding and uploading software obviously play a key role in how well the stream works and the audience's enjoyment of your broadcast. Currently, the Stream Team uses XSplit for the majority of its broadcasts, so I will spend most of my space today explaining how to set that up. But there are alternatives. What do other pieces of software have to offer, and is there a setup that reduces the CPU lag for older systems? Continue on and we'll get into the nitty-gritty of livesteaming software.
Blizzard releases parental control video
Parental controls are of paramount importance in games such as WoW, which appeal to a wide audience of young and old, and are sufficiently immersive to permit lengthy sessions. Blizzard has long advocated responsible gaming, and WoW Insider is no different. To this end, Blizzard has released a video clearly and carefully laying out all the Parental Control options available to the WoW-playing family. These include: Limited hours' play per day or per week Scheduled playtimes and preset schedules Limiting of the use of RealID and in-game voice chat Preventing use of Diablo III's Real Money Auction House Automatically generated weekly playtime reports. These features may be useful for more than just parents. Students wishing to ensure they aren't distracted by WoW could have their own parents set up controls for them, or players who wish to limit themselves for any other reason could do the same. Additionally, any player might appreciate weekly reports of their playtime! Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
A parent's guide to World of Warcraft for kids
Is WoW appropriate for children? While we're sure the inevitable trolls out there are already clicking straight to the comments to revile the very idea of allowing children into Azeroth, the fact is that with preparation and consistent parent moderation, WoW can be a fine fit for kids -- especially for families with parents who already spend time in Azeroth. It's definitely one of those cases in which your mileage may vary; parents who don't already play or who take a more hands-off approach to gaming will probably want to wait until their little goblins- or worgen-to-be are well into their teen years. For players whose kids are itching to join in the family fun, though, there are plenty of ways to make World of Warcraft a productive, happy experience for kids, parents, and fellow players alike. Here's the thing: There's more to think about and more ways to throttle age-related issues than simply turning off trade chat and forbidding PUGs before walking into the other room to watch TV. We'll show you how to find the best fit for WoW with kids, teens, and even parents themselves.
Extra Life extravaganza: Donate to (and watch) our 24 hours of live marathon MMO gaming
Hey Massively readers! We need you guys to rally up and help us help an awesome cause! As we reported on earlier, the Extra Life charity video game marathon is going on this weekend, and we're participating in it! Beau Hindman and I (Seraphina Brennan) will be stepping up to our keyboards for 24 hours of non-stop grinding this weekend, and we'd love it if you could support us! Extra Life is asking for donations of $24 (but you can donate whatever amount you wish), and this year the money is going to Children's Miracle Network. Beau is supporting the Texas Children's Hospital, while I will be supporting the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Every dollar donated is 100% tax deductible and will go towards helping out these two fine hospitals and the many kids who depend on them. So please click on this link to support Beau, or click on this link to support me (Seraphina). If you're participating, you can also join our site's team and lend your fundraising efforts to the Massively.com Mob! For more information on participating, check out the Extra Life homepage here. Even if you can't spare the money, you can still join us this weekend and cheer us on as we livestream our gaming to the masses! I will be livestreaming my gaming on Massively TV, while Beau will be streaming on his own channel, Beau Turkey TV. The madness begins at 9:00 a.m EDT for Beau and me, but you can drop by at any time that day to watch us and cheer us on! Please contribute if you can. Every amount helps, and your donations will help give kids an extra life in their fight!
WRUP: Newbie woes edition
Being the newbie editor at Massively is tough. I'm stuck in cloth armor. All I've got is a rusty sword. I'm supposed to slay the dragon eventually, but my skillbar is looking pretty weak. And I just know everyone is laughing at me in general chat. Fortunately, we're only newbies at anything once. This week in WRUP, the Massively staff admit that yes, we were newbies once, too, in answering commenter Blah?'s question: "What was your first MMO?" As usual, we also discuss our more immediate gaming plans, now that those wide-eyed days are far behind us. Join us after the break to see what the Massively team is plotting for the weekend!
WRUP: Let them eat cake edition
The weekend is upon us which means it's time for yet another addition of WRUP. For those of you in the audience who wonder how this whole WRUPing thing works, we'll tell you: getting the introduction right is the hardest part. Here's the story behind today's introduction: Elizabeth: WRUP is done save an intro... hmm... this is always the hardest part. Krystalle: /sings in Tom Petty style "the innnntro, is the hardest part" Eliot: But the intro is the hardest part -- no one reads the piece if you don't know how to start. You try to crack a joke, you try to keep it smart, the intro is the hardest part. And now that the post has been properly (or improperly) introduced, let's take a trip with Tom Petty into the wonderful world of what we're playing this weekend.
Everything you wanted to know about us but were afraid to ask
The WoW Insider team had the good fortune to be interviewed by Brandon Levan over at MMO Gaming -- we wanted to send a shout out and a thanks to Brandon for a fun interview, and point you folks in that direction if'n you'd like to hear Paul, Mike, Elizabeth W, Eliah and myself reflect on some favorite WoW memories, assess the expansion, sound off on what we'd change in the game and more fun stuff. Thanks, Brandon!
