comic-con-2009
Latest
The best of WoW.com: July 21-28, 2009
Yes, Virginia, there's going to be a WoW movie. And no one's more excited than the folks over at WoW.com, Joystiq's sister site and your home for all things found in Azeroth. Here's our 10 most popular post from the past week, including some news from both Sam Raimi and the awesome Bruce Campbell about the movie we now can't wait to see. News Sam Raimi to direct the WoW movieYup, the man who directed Evil Dead and Spiderman will be taking us on a cinematic tour of Azeroth. Bruce Campbell and Metzen on the movie at Comic-ConAnd if Sam Raimi is there, then you know Bruce Campbell can't be far behind. Gimme some sugar, baby. Hunter Q&A releasedBlizzard talks about all things Hunters, including a few hints at what we'll hear from BlizzCon. Dwarf levels solely by exploring, gains World Explorer at level 17This guy conquered the world before he could even get a mount to ride. WoW.com's Guide to patch 3.2The next patch is right around the corner -- here's your review on what's in it. Features World of WarCrafts: My Lich King PonyOur weekly column spotlighting crafts from around the community shows off a kids toy that's been... Scourged. The Light and How to Swing It: Five things every Paladin must do.Got a Plate-wearing healer? Here's what you've got to do with them. Insider Trader: Woodworking in the expansion?"Woodworking" has long been rumored as a new profession in the game, and IT examines how it might be implemented. What do you expect from a WoW movie?We ask our readers just want they want to see in a movie about the World of Warcraft. More ideas for player housingCustom places for players in-game is an idea that's been around for a while, but here's a few new takes on it.
Videos from The Guild panel at SDCC '09
Fan of The Guild? Me too! And you didn't go to Comic-Con last weekend? Me either. Fortunately for us, Microsoft kept the promotion cameras rolling almost the whole week long, and so there's more footage of The Guild at Comic-Con than you probably have time to watch today (although as long as your boss stays away from looking over your shoulder, you can probably give it a try). They went behind the scenes of the show, Felicia Day chatted with Xbox Live's Major Nelson, and the cast talked about what it was like to be around all of the energy at Comic-Con. There's not a lot of new stuff that fans of the show don't already know, but there are some clips of the panel in there, as well as some shots of the characters as they showed up to the Con: dressed in their in-game costumes.Some of the videos are also available right on Xbox Live (and there's quite a bit of Xbox and Microsoft pimping in the videos, but what do you expect -- not only did MS fund the show's season, but they apparently hooked them up with a party bus and a party to go with it at the Con), and YouTube is also brimming with clips from the panel. Apparently the Whedon-directed music video is also now available on Xbox Live as well, so that should be something to see. Season 3 is just around the corner, and we're still expecting to see these guys at BlizzCon in a few weeks, so stay tuned for more Guild news as we hear it.
SDCC 09: Dungeon Fighter Online reveals comic book artwork and a new trailer
One of the last things coming out of Comic Con '09 is some of the tasty new artwork and the brand new trailer we've gotten from the Dungeon Fighter Online team during our visit to their booth at the convention. The art is done in complete comic book style, setting up a bit more of the personalities behind the main five characters -- gunner, fighter, mage, priest, and slayer.We've also received word that this week will mark the start of the closed technical beta for DFO. Server load, network tests, and things of that sort will be the focus of this initial beta. Later will be another closed beta phase which will focus on game balancing and design, as well as player feedback.Also, Neople, the original developers of Dungeon Fighter Online, will be on hand to aid Nexon with the localization of the game to North American audiences. This will allow the game to come out to our shores just like the developers intended for it to be played.Interested in seeing our new trailer for the game? Continue reading and catch the trailer after the break!%Gallery-68825%
Horde-centric comic launching in 2010
So much for fears of audiences not relating to "non-human" heroes. After a successful run featuring the travails of tailored-for-badassness Alliance leader Varian Wrynn, Wildstorm studios announced during the San Diego Comic Con 2009 that the World of Warcraft comic will be splitting into two titles after Issue #25. The issue will conclude the current story arc and will trigger events that will lead to the spinoff of a Horde-centric World of Warcraft comic slated to launch in January, 2010.Although BlizzPlanet reports that there were little details beyond that - they point to an earlier interview they did with Walt Simonson who dodged the question about such a title - there'll likely be more information in the coming weeks. In particular, players and comic fans alike should prepare for significant announcements regarding this and other projects during BlizzCon. A title featuring the Horde should quell one of the biggest criticisms levied against the comic, and should be a refreshing change of pace.
Comic-Con 2009: A real-life Flynn's Arcade
One of the most buzzed about things at the San Diego Comic-Con this year was the viral Flynn's Arcade that Disney created to plug the upcoming Tron: Legacy. In the teaser trailer they showed at the Con, Flynn's son (Garrett Hedlund) revisits his father's now-dusty and cobwebbed arcade, and steps up to the actual Tron arcade game from the 1980s. In the world of Tron: Legacy, Flynn actually went on to create to Tron game, and several others, before disappearing. He hasn't been seen for the past 20 years.Of course, that's where the computer world comes in. At Flynn's Arcade, they replicated the teaser, complete with neon signs for all the the games Flynn created (covered in dust and faux cobwebs, natch), and a Tron cabinet standing by itself on the back wall. After allowing about 10 minutes of open play on dozens of arcade machines, the lights flicker, there's an electrical surge, and ... the entire Tron cabinet swings away from the wall revealing a dark tunnel beyond.Inside there were plasma screens showing off light cycle generation 2 sketches, and ... a complete cycle itself around the corner. Head on after the break for some videos from the event (that include said cycle), and you can check out the gallery of images below.%Gallery-68749%
SDCC 09: City of Heroes devs on the future of player-created content
This week marked the annual pilgrimage to Comic-Con International in San Diego for the comics and gaming faithful, and a number of superhero MMO developers were there as well to whip the fanboys (and girls) into a frenzy. When you think about it, comic conventions are as big for superhero games as other events like E3 and PAX. Massively was on the ground at SDCC this year and among the games we took a look at was, not surprisingly, City of Heroes. We caught up with City of Heroes game designers Joe Morrissey and Matt "Positron" Miller who shared with us a bit about how things have changed in the game in recent months, and gave us some info about the content and features on the way in Issue 16: Power Spectrum.%Gallery-68649%
Blizzard starts selling gold (coins)
I don't have a lot of detail on this, but the news from Comic-Con is that Blizzard is finally starting to sell gold! Collectible WoW-inspired gold, silver, and copper coins, that is. What did you think I was talking about? They'll come in both Horde and Alliance versions, and are being made by DC Unlimited. DC also handles the WoW comic, so that's unsurprising. If we hear anything more on pricing and/or availability, we'll be sure to let you know.
DC Universe Online creators talk about S.T.A.R. Labs and game storylines
Comic-Con International is underway in San Diego, and we're already hearing some news about the superhero MMO genre. The latest info about DC Universe Online comes from a Wired article by Frank Rose which focuses on S.T.A.R. Labs, the futuristic glass and steel location familiar to anyone who grew up reading DC comic books or watched the Superman animated TV series. S.T.A.R. Labs, short for Scientific and Technical Advanced Research Laboratories, will be a hub of storyline activity in the MMO. It's fitting, as this is a place where great scientific advances are made, but also a place where things can go horribly wrong. This means it's perfect neutral ground to be incorporated into DC Universe Online, and the location will tie in with the respective storylines of the game's heroes and villains.
Dungeon Fighter Online heading to land of comics and cosplay next week
Nexon is taking Dungeon Fighter Online to Comic-Con next week with a preview of the game, plus contests and -- surprise -- girls dressed in game-related costumes. We had a pleasant experience with the game at E3, so if you're attending and wondering whether or not you should go, we'd recommend stopping by to play a little.Oh yeah, those girls dressed in Dungeon Fighter Online costumes? They'll be handing out discs with five bucks of Nexon cash. Additionally, Nexon will be making daily presentations at 1pm where fans can learn more about DFO and it's arcade-y, hacking, slashing and looting ways. So drop on by, grab some loot (we heard game posters will be at the booth) and enjoy yourselves. We'll just be sitting here letting our envy slowly overtake us until we destroy an inanimate object in a fit of jealousy.%Gallery-65064%
Sega reveals Comic-Con 2009 lineup; Iron Man 2 making first appearance
Sega has confirmed its Comic-Con 2009 lineup, which will see the first appearance of Iron Man 2. Hopefully, the new title, being developed internally by Sega, will avoid the first's 45 Metacritic score.Beyond that, the company plans to show off Planet 51, Bayonetta and Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. The booth number is 5229 and San Diego Comic-Con takes place next week, July 23-26. Don't be shocked by all the game companies in attendance.
LucasArts: 'Several world exclusive announcements' at Comic-Con
LucasArts has re-entered our hearts this week thanks to the company's Monkey Island and retro shenanigans. In fact, we'd almost completely forgotten that it created all those Star Wars games. But it has -- with one very special upcoming title in the works. Star Wars: The Old Republic may not be the only Star Wars title in production though, if a recent announcement email regarding the company's San Diego Comic-Con schedule is to be believed. The email states that "there will be several world exclusive announcements at the Star Wars Spectacular keynote." Whether these are new game announcements or something new regarding The Old Republic, we've no idea, but we'll definitely be in attendance to see what's on offer. Best case scenario? Special edition remakes -- Secret of Monkey Island style -- of X-Wing and TIE Fighter. Do want.
Download free Monster Hunter Freedom Unite quests at Comic-Con
Capcom is issuing a call to all PSP-owning monster hunters, revealing that, if they bring their system and copy of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite to next week's San Diego Comic-Con, they'll be able to download eight free quests for the game. The company cautions those planning to do so that only six quests will fit on a memory stick (no file sizes are given), so you'd best bring a second MS Duo along just to be safe.Four of the eight quests are said to be geared toward beginner-level players; the other eight are intended for Monster Hunter vets. Capcom has remarked that these freebies will serve as a taste of what's to come from the game's upcoming DLC, which will hit the PS Store every Friday through the end of 2009. (DLC quests for the game first became available earlier this month.)
Lost Planet 2 playable, giant salamander plushies winnable at Comic-Con
Capcom is bringing playable Lost Planet 2 to San Diego Comic-Con. According to a post on Capcom Unity, the demo will allow four players to team up and (attempt to) take down one of the game's bosses, a giant salamander. Hey, that sounds like the same demo we played at E3!Thing is, we didn't get the chance to win a much cuter, giant plush version of the beast after slaying it. Comic-Con attendees will get one, though, by way of a raffle, the tickets to which will be handed out to everyone who plays the game. Up for grabs are an unknown number of 18" and 3-foot long cute-ifications of the boss monster. Capcom is also giving away one of the 3-footers via its blog for those who can't attend the big show. Details on that are in the original post.
Become a Shirt Zombie with this Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles shirt
The promotional Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles shirts Capcom printed up for Comic-Con (which takes place from July 23-26) have their own dark side: specifically, the inside. The shirts look nice enough when worn normally: a "let your darkside out" slogan adorns the front amid zombie silhouettes, and the game's logo occupies the back. But the inside of each shirt has a special graphic printed upside-down, so that when you flip the shirt over your head, you become a zombie. This is the most amazing advance in swag technology we've seen in years. If you want one (and you do, because wow), you'll have to visit Capcom's special Darkside Chronicles demo area at Comic-Con and try out the co-op mode.%Gallery-47570%
Details of Blizzard presence at Comic Con
The schedule for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con is finally starting to emerge, and Blizzard has now confirmed details of its presence there.It looks like Blizzard is going to be running a panel on Thursday, July 23rd (the first officlal day of the con, which this year is July 23rd to 26th) with Chris Metzen and a host of people associated with Blizzard products from Upper Deck, Wildstorm, Tokyopop, and J!nx. Interestingly, Nick Carpenter, the creative director for Blizzard cinematics, is also going to be there, so it looks like this might be a particularly good opportunity to get information about Blizzard's lore and art direction, on top of the Warcraft comics, minis, and cards. I've included the full list of panel attendees behind the cut, and as of now the panel looks to be scheduled in Room 6BCF.If anyone's interested in what the Blizzard Comic Con panel was like last year and the nature of the questions answered, here's our 2008 write-up. Do we have any readers who are going to Comic Con this year?
SWTOR's Comic-Con agenda
Those attending Comic-Con 2009 will have a chance to get up close and personal with some of the developers of the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic, and the team has now filled in the details of their visit: Their panel will be called "Behind the Scenes: The making of Star Wars: The Old Republic", taking place in room 7AB on Friday the 24th of July, from 1:00PM to 2:00PM. This will feature the most SWTOR devs of the show. Signed "Threat of Peace" comics will be given away from Thursday through Saturday at the Lucasfilm booth (booth #2913) and Dark Horse Comics (booth 2615). The "Deceived" cinematic trailer will be shown at the Lucasfilm booth (booth #2913) on Saturday and Sunday, at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. The Star Wars Spectacular special event, hosted by Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira from G4, will happen on Friday the 24th of July at 5:15PM to 6:15PM in Hall H. The show is about everything Star Wars, so it won't be entirely SWTOR, but it will definitely be included. Comic-Con International goes from the 23rd of July through to the 26th. Although the show is currently sold out (and no passes will be sold at the door), you can find more information about the event at the official website.
Game publishers continue takeover of San Diego Comic-Con
Big Download reports that many game publishers, including 2K, Konami, NCSoft, Ubisoft, and more, will be exhibiting at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, continuing the trend of game content at the event. We're interested in seeing how the growing game publisher turnout will affect Comic-Con. The convention is already dominated by giant media companies, but, well, game publishers like Activision really like having giant, flashy showings at conventions. Seriously, Comic-Con, if you let these companies get comfortable, they will take over. Pretty soon, the Guitar Hero games will outnumber the furry cosplayers.To look at it from a more positive perspective, if you're going to Comic-Con, you're going to get to play some free video games. Also, we hope you got your tickets, because they're sold out. We've pulled every game publisher we could find in the exhibitors list, and listed them for you after the break. The Pokémon Company is on the list only because Nintendo wasn't, and there's a chance the Pokémon booth will have games and not just merchandise.
Come on in, the WAR is lovely
Warhammer Online has plenty on their plate for the coming months. The whole Call to Arms expansion is bringing live events, two new classes, a brand new dungeon themed from the Tomb Kings, and plenty of changes and additions to RvR combat.So what does creative director Paul Barnett and executive producer Jeff Hickman do on their spare time? Well they go to the New York Comic Con and film silly videos about Warhammer with MTV Multiplayer! While the video is amusing, the two also get into some of the nuts and bolts of WAR, including a few reasons why any player should give their game a try and what they're doing to make the whole experience better. Also, they have giant foam warhammers. You just can't turn down giant foam warhammers.
NYCC 09: Bethesda developing iPhone title
In the closest thing you'll find to a Megaton announcement at New York Comic Con, Fallout 3 executive producer Todd Howard has confirmed during a panel at the show that Bethesda is now working on an iPhone game. News of this comes from Newsweek corespondent N'Gai Croal's twitter feed (we heard it, too -- sitting in the audience!) and includes no other details. That's because there weren't any. Whether the game is Fallout-related, Oblivion-related or something completely new, we're intrigued to find out. Who knows, maybe it's that ill-fated Oblivion PSP title that never made it to market. Check back later for our full report on the Todd Howard and Ken Levine panel at Comic Con.
Get Champions Online swag and beta keys at New York Comic Con
Cryptic Studios will be showing off Champions Online at New York Comic Con (which takes place in February from the 6th to the 8th) and they want you to know that you will be handsomely rewarded if you are able to pay them a visit. Not only will there be new playable demos to explore, but fans will also be treated to swag, and the possibility of beta keys. The beta keys will be awarded to contest winners, but we've got no idea what the contests might be, so you'd best brush up on your feats of strength, eye-laser marksmanship, and flight dexterity, just to be safe. Here are the details for Cryptic Studios at NY Comic Con:Cryptic Meet and Greet: Saturday, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Room TBD*Champions Online/Star Trek Online Panel: Saturday 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Room 1A24 (view never before seen footage of STO)MMO Round Table: Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Room 1A24 *Check in at the Cryptic booth (#1341) for the super-secret room location. Oh, and if you happen to be looking for a job in the games industry, it sounds like Cryptic might have some folks at the show on the lookout for new recruits, so make yourself known!
