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ArcheAge's northern continent opens November 4
Trion has announced that ArcheAge's Auroria continent will officially launch on November 4th. The northern landmass features six additional zones, four of which will be claimable by guilds. Trion also notes that "30 percent more housing space will be available to players throughout these four claimable zones." A new dungeon is also included, as is a farm wagon and a submarine. Full details are yours on the official ArcheAge website.
Patch 6.0.2 hotfixes for October 15
The second round of hotfixes for patch 6.0.2 are in, but some of these will require realm restarts to take effect. Some of the highlights include: Resolved an issue where some Iron Horde Incursion quests were awarding items that had a level 100 requirement to equip or not awarding an item correctly. To better account for the changes to player health and ability scaling, we've reduced the health and damage of nearly all non-player creatures and NPCs on a level-by-level basis (larger reductions for lower-level creatures, in general). The damage dealt by several of Ordos's abilities has been reduced. Heart of the Thunder King: Resolved an issue where players were not receiving Lei Shen's heart if they've already defeated them earlier in the week. Garrosh Hellscream now has 15% less health on Mythic difficulty. Resolved an issue where characters that have completed the achievement: Proving Yourself: Endless Damage (Wave 30) (Level 90) were not retaining their titles. Resolved an issue where Battleground queues were not working correctly. The full list of hotfixes is after the break.
Patch 6.0.2 hotfixes for October 14
The hotfixes are in for patch 6.0.2's first night on the live servers. It didn't take long for Blizzard to respond to several issues -- this is a good sign for things to come. Major points this evening include: All quest boss NPCs in the Blasted Lands now have scaling health pools based on the number of players engaging them. Resolved an issue where the toy collection count was incorrectly increasing each time the character logs in. The title, "of the Iron Vanguard" received from completing The Iron Invasion achievement is now account-wide. Reduced the health and damage of high level creatures and NPCs in Pandaria to more closely match their relative difficulty before the stat squish. Auction house NPCs in Siege of Orgrimmar's should no longer be level 100. Garrosh Hellscream's Iron Star explosion damage has been reduced to a more reasonable level in a post stat squish environment. Mage: Supernova now deals 30% less damage against player targets. The full hotfixes after the break.
World of Warcraft back up to 7.4 million subscribers
Though Activision Blizzard's quarterly earnings call isn't for another month, Blizzard has released their latest subscriber numbers a little early. As of October 14, World of Warcraft sits at 7.4 million subscribers, up 600,000 from their previously reported 6.8 million. Warlords of Draenor's impending release is having an effect -- players are finding a renewed interest in the game. More than ever, it's clear that the long wait between content releases is Warcraft's worst enemy. If you build it, they'll come. But in the meantime, they'll have fun somewhere else.
Trion responds to ArcheAge's 10 percent patron discount controversy
Things are never dull in the ArcheAge community. The latest brouhaha, as exemplified by this 100-page (as of press time) threadnaught, has to do with the fact that patron account holders haven't received the 10 percent cash shop discount that was promised pre-release. Massively contacted Trion to see if it could shed some light on the controversy as well detail any steps it's taking to provide patrons with one of their perks. Click past the cut to view the firm's response.
EU Connected Realm Updates for October 3
It's been a while, but the list of EU realms slated for the Realm Connection service has been recently updated with new information and new realms in regards to upcoming dates for the service. Please note that these updates are for EU realms only. There have been no updates for US Realm Connections. Today's update is just a small one, with only one set of connections scheduled for next week -- at the moment, there are no other planned connections listed as either in the works or scheduled. The following EU realms are scheduled for connection on Wednesday, October 8. English Realms Eonar and Vek'nilash/Blade's Edge Steamwheedle Cartel and Moonglade/The Sha'tar German Realms Das Konsortium and Die Arguswacht/Die Todeskrallen/Das Syndikat/Der Abyssische Rat/Kult der Verdammten If you're on a low-population realm, but not on the above list, keep in mind that realm connections are an ongoing process, and you may see your realm added to the list over the next several weeks. Also keep in mind that planned connections may change at any time, but Blizzard will keep us updated on changes -- realms may be added or removed from the list at any point in time. For the full list of all EU realms that have been connected so far, check the official forum thread.
Patch 6.0.2 PTR going live
It's been a long time coming, but patch 6.0 will finally be hitting the PTR. Patch 6.0 is the Warlords of Draenor pre-patch, introducing many of the expansion's mechanical changes. This includes the new character models, the stat squish, and the various quality-of-life UI changes. The full enormity of the patch notes can be found on Battle.net.
BlizzCon tickets beginning to arrive by email
If you were one of the lucky few to snag a ticket to this year's BlizzCon, you should keep an eye on your mailbox because tickets are being sent out. (If you weren't one of the lucky few, you can still pick up a virtual ticket, though!) This year's ticketing process looks to be much like last year's: you'll need to print out your ticket and have it and a photo ID in order to get your badge. Badge pick-up is at the Anaheim Convention Center -- and if you show up on Thursday, the line shouldn't be hard to spot. Pick-up hours are Thursday, November 6 from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, from 8 am to 10 pm. You'll also get a code to claim your virtual goodies this year, but Blizzard says nothing is available until a rather generic "later date." See you at BlizzCon, everyone!
EU Connected Realm Updates for September 4
Although we have yet to hear of any more updates for US Realm Connections, the list of EU realms slated for the Realm Connection service has been recently updated with new information and new realms in regards to upcoming dates for the service. For more information on Realm Connections, take a look at Blizzard's official blog post about the service and its features. The following EU realms are scheduled for connection on Wednesday, September 10. German Realms Anub'arak and Nazjatar/Dalvengyr/Frostmourne/Zuluhed
BlizzCon Virtual Ticket on sale now
BlizzCon is only a couple of months away and the Virtual Ticket is now available for purchase. The price of the virtual pass is $39.99 and grants access to a livestream of the developer panels, exclusive interviews, live contests hosted by Chris Hardwick, the closing ceremony, and various in-game items. Additionally, you'll be able to participate in the limited-time BlizzCon merchandise sale on the Blizzard store, most of which is generally only available at the convention itself. You can acquire your virtual pass via the Blizzard Store. If you have any questions, refer to the virtual pass FAQ on Battle.net.
Live developer Q&A Friday, September 5
Blizzard has just announced a live developer Q&A taking place Friday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. PDT on Twitch.tv. Community Manager Lore will be moderated the Q&A with Lead Narrative Designer Dave Kosak and Lead Game Designer Cory Stockton as panelists. The focus of the Q&A is, of course, Warlords of Draenor. You can expect information about garrisons, questing, new features, and general world design. Given the absence of Celestalon, it's doubtful questions about class design will see much traction. Though the Q&A isn't until Friday, you can begin submitting your questions on Twitter with the hashtag #WarlordsQA.
EU Connected Realm Updates for August 28
US Realm Connections may have halted for the time being, but EU Realm Connections are still in full swing. The list of EU realms slated for the Realm Connection service has been updated with new information and new realms in regards to upcoming dates for the service. The following EU realms are scheduled for connection on Wednesday, September 3. English Realms Defias Brotherhood and Scarshield Legion/Ravenholdt/The Venture Co/Sporeggar German Realms Zuluhed and Nazjatar/Dalvengyr/Frostmourne Kil'Jaeden and Anetheron/Festung der Stürme/Rajaxx/Gul'dan/Nathrezim Forscherliga and Die Nachtwache
PAX Prime 2014: ArcheAge is launching on September 16th
And lo, a new MMO came upon them, and the glory of non-linear gameplay surrounded them, and they were sore afraid. Actually, they weren't afraid. They were exuberant. They sang "funk yeah!" -- their voices an angelic choir -- because frickin' finally, four years after discovering ArcheAge and three years after initially playing it, they received a western launch date. That date, as we learned tonight at PAX Prime, is Tuesday, September 16th. Other dates to bear in mind are September 12th (the Founder head-start) and September 4th through September 8th (the open beta). Massively's on the ground in Seattle during the weekend of August 29th to September 1st, bringing you all the best news from PAX Prime 2014. Whether you're dying to know more about Warlords of Draenor, The Elder Scrolls Online, Landmark, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!
CCP lays off two execs, closes San Francisco offices [Updated]
Gamasutra reports that EVE Online developer CCP has closed its San Francisco studio and fired laid off CFO Joe Gallo and CMO David Reid. The firm's revenue and earnings were both down year-over-year, the website says. CCP laid off 49 staffers from its Reykjavik headquarters in June after announcing the cancellation of its long-gestating World of Darkness MMO in April. [Update: CCP's public relations firm contacted Massively to clarify our source's original claim that Joe and David were fired; in fact, CCP says, they are both "both leaving of their own volition and it's an amicable split."]
EU Connected Realm Updates for August 22
The list of EU realms slated for the Realm Connection service has been updated with new information and new realms in regards to upcoming dates for the service. At the present time, there are no additional updates for US realms -- all US realm connections have been completed as of last Thursday, and there are no further US connections scheduled at the moment. EU realms, however, still have plenty of realms left on the connection schedule. The following EU realms are scheduled for connection on Wednesday, August 27. German Realms Proudmoore and Madmortem Frostmourne and Nazjatar/Dalvengyr Gorgonnash and Nefarian/Nera'thor/Mannoroth/Destromath Der Mithrilorden and Der Rat von Dalaran Kult der Verdammten and Die Arguswacht/Die Todeskrallen/Das Syndikat/Der Abyssische Rat
Robin Williams NPC appears in Warlords of Draenor
Robin Williams was a known gamer and his daughter's namesake is no secret -- Zelda Williams is named for none other than Princess Zelda. He was also a World of Warcraft player. Shortly after his death, Blizzard developers Chadd "Celestalon" Nervigg and Ion "Watcher" Hazzikostas responded to a player petition to honor the actor and comedian in-game. The latest Warlords of Draenor beta build includes Blizzard's tribute in the form of Robin the Entertainer. Currently, Wowhead has datamined three versions of Robin the Entertainer including a djinn, a human female, and a human male -- nods to Genie of Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, and possibly Mork. The NPCs have yet to be seen in-game, so the nature of these NPCs is currently unknown; they might be found in three different locations, or it could be a single representation of Robin Williams rotating through some of his most beloved roles. It's been theorized that he'll be a replacement for The Burning Crusade's Perry Gatner, a character that performed standup comedy in Shattrath's World's End Tavern.
Warlords of Draenor Collector's Edition revealed
Blizzard has just announced the contents of the Warlords of Draenor Collector's Edition. The collector's edition includes: World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor Get the full version of Warlords of Draenor on DVD-ROM. Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-ray Two-Disc Set Meet the development team behind the creation of Draenor and its savage warlords. This two-disc set includes over an hour of creators' commentary, insider interviews, and developer roundtables. Collector's Edition Soundtrack Immerse yourself in the sounds of war with the complete Warlords of Draenor orchestral soundtrack on CD. The Art of Warlords of Draenor Witness the visual evolution of the expansion in this beautifully bound tome of exclusive Warlords of Draenor art. Through 160 pages of concept pieces, finished illustrations, and CG images, you'll delve into the art team's vision for a Draenor under siege by the apocalyptic threat of the Iron Horde. Blackhand Mouse Pad Arm yourself with a special-edition mouse pad emblazoned with the deadly warlord Blackhand. World of Warcraft Dread Raven Mount and Dread Hatchling Pet Descend from the skies on the back of a black-winged Dread Raven mount, a mortal progeny of Anzu. Then devour your prey in your next pet battle with the adorably ferocious Dread Hatchling. StarCraft II Portraits Summon the strength of two deadly Iron Horde war chiefs-Grommash Hellscream and Blackhand-as you take on the Dominion with these two StarCraft II portraits. Diablo III Warsong Pennant Don this battle-worn pennant and channel the rage of the Warsong Clan against the demonic forces of Sanctuary. Hearthstone Card Back Your adventures in Draenor will be the talk of the tavern after outfitting your champion's deck with this custom card back forged in the fires of Blackrock. Though Battle.net does not yet display a price for the Collector's Edition, Amazon lists it at a price point of $89.99.
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor releasing November 13th
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor will be coming to players this November 13th. "The age of the whimsical panda is over!" Chris Metzen proclaimed to a crowd of cheering fans at the Ace Theatre in Los Angeles. During the street date announcement, Blizzard talked about the lore of the expansion and showed the first episode of a new five-part animated lore mini-series called Lords of War. The studio also showed the opening cinematic for Warlords of Draenor, after which the release date was mentioned for the first time. We've got the first episode of Lords of War, the animated series teaser, and the cinematic for you after the break!
Another still from Warlords cinematic released
Blizzard has released another still from their upcoming Warlords of Draenor cinematic trailer. Like yesterday's release, it features Grommash Hellscream, but this time we're up close and personal. This is one ominous-looking orc. It also seems like there are some sort of rockets or artillery going off behind him--tools of the Iron Horde? I guess we'll find out when the full cinematic is released tomorrow. Click the image above for the full resolution version. Also, Grom? Dang, you need a new facial cleanser. Whatever you're using now isn't doing anything for your pores.
US Connected Realm updates for August 8
The list of US realms scheduled for the Realm Connection service has been updated with a few new dates, the return of a few servers that have been on and off the list, and some updates on the future of the service. If you are on one of the servers listed below, please note that Realm Connections take place on Thursdays, beginning at 5am PDT and ending at approximately 1pm PDT. The list below is for US realms only -- EU realm schedules were updated earlier this week. For more information on Realm Connections, take a look at Blizzard's official blog post about the service and its features. The following US realms are scheduled for connection on Thursday, August 14: Burning Legion and Agamaggan, Archimonde, Jaedenar, and The Underbog
