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Cryptozoic interviews Micky Neilson, James Waugh
Cryptozoic Entertainment recently began digital distribution of Blizzard's manga titles, as announced last month. This month, the company interviewed two of the big names behind the manga and its development. Micky Neilson, publishing team lead for Blizzard, and James Waugh, senior story developer for Blizzard, should be familiar to those that have read the manga, comics, and various Warcraft stories available. Most recently, they teamed up to write the five-issue comic series Curse of the Worgen, a look into the background and origins of the worgen in Warcraft. The Q&A itself delves into the behind-the-scenes of manga development; how stories are created and who develops those stories, the purpose of the manga series and how it incorporates into the overall canon lore of World of Warcraft. And for those wondering, the question of whether or not the manga series is official canon is addressed as well. The only minor disappointment with the interview is that the future of the Blizzard manga titles isn't really addressed. Whether or not any brand new titles will be published in the future wasn't touched upon, leaving the fate of the manga as a solid question mark. Regardless, the sheer enthusiasm of Neilson and Waugh during the interview is a nice reminder that those behind the story really do cherish the properties they're working with. Check out the full interview on Cryptozoic's website.
Cryptozoic and KONAMI team up for WoW TCG launch in Japan
The World of Warcraft Trading Card game, published by Cryptozoic Entertainment, is about to make another splash in global circles. KONAMI, long known for a lengthy list of video game titles as well as the popular Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, has obtained exclusive rights from Cryptozoic Entertainment to distribute the World of Warcraft TCG in Japan. This marks the first Japanese version of the Warcraft TCG; booster packs and two types of the Class Starter Decks will be available for purchase in Japan this fall. But KONAMI's not just stopping at distributing the cards. They'll also be hosting a variety of different activities for WoW TCG enthusiasts. Players can look forward to arranged ranked matches, national tournaments, and qualifying rounds for the World of Warcraft TCG World Championships as well. Check after the break for the full press release from KONAMI and Cryptozoic.
Cryptozoic Entertainment now carrying all Blizzard manga
Cryptozoic Entertainment, publisher of the WoW Trading Card Game, is taking a step into the world of digital comics -- publishing and snapping up the Warcraft and Starcraft manga series along the way -- by offering the manga exclusively for its comics reader app, available for the iPad, iPhone and iPhone touch. But that's not all! To celebrate the exclusive release of the manga on the Cryptozoic Comics reader, for a limited time, you can download Warcraft: Legends Vol. 1 through Cryptozoic's website. Legends Vol. 1 is the start of the popular anthology series. Each issue features short stories that highlight uncommon moments in lore and the adventures of everyday characters like the ones we play. Along with Legends Vol. 1, Cryptozoic is carrying World of Warcraft: Death Knight, Warcraft: Legends Vol. 2, and Dragon Hunt, the first book in the Sunwell trilogy. If you're looking for background into Thassarian and Koltira Deathweaver, Warcraft: Death Knight is absolutely worth picking up, and if you're looking for more information about Kalecgos, Anveena and the Sunwell, the Sunwell trilogy is definitely for you. Though selection is limited to a few titles at this time, Cryptozoic will be carrying all Blizzard manga titles in the future, so keep an eye on its website and the app for future releases. The Cryptozoic comics app is available at no charge through the Apple store, and manga titles are priced at $5.99 per 150-page book. Check after the break for the full press release, and go pick up your free manga while you can -- the offer ends June 2!
Cryptozoic announces WoW TCG Twilight of the Dragons expansion
WoW Trading Card Game fans are about to get really excited, as Cryptozoic has just released details on the third installment of the Worldbreaker set, Twilight of the Dragons. From the details released, this set will be Deathwing's break into Azeroth, releasing the Twilight dragonflight upon us all. Hit the jump for all the details and an awesome artwork gallery. %Gallery-122227%
Official WoW TCG War of the Elements card, loot information released
We've seen the leaks and the datamined information, but it's all official now -- Cryptozoic has released the WoW TCG card and loot information for the next expansion to the Worldbreaker set, War of the Elements.
Cryptozoic invites you to Darkmoon Faire Chicago this weekend, April 1-3
Cryptozoic invites all WoW and TCG players out to Darkmoon Faire Chicago this weekend, April 1-3, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. This is Cryptozoic's first Epic Con, their new traveling gaming convention for all games, not just the trading card games. There is going to be plenty of fun awaiting attendees, so hit the jump for all of the activities planned this weekend.
WoW TCG: War of the Elements worldwide release April 26
Cryptozoic has just announced that War of the Elements, the first WoW TCG Worldbreaker expansion, will be released worldwide on April 26, 2011. The expansion is being released in four languages at the same time around the world, a first for the trading card game. War of the Elements also features loot cards, as usual, for WoW players to redeem cool pets, mounts, and other in-game items from WoW TCG cards. War of the Elements will include Landros' Lichling, Fool's Gold, and the Savage Raptor mount. War of the Elements will also feature two new dragonflights: the bronze and blue flights, with respective leaders Nozdormu and Kalecgos. What is interesting is that the TCG has solidified Metzen's statement that Kalecgos would become the new leader of the Blue Dragonflight and plays up the importance of these two flights in the coming patches and content in Cataclysm. %Gallery-119621%
Review: WoW TCG Assault on Icecrown Citadel Four-Player Game
Ever since acquiring the license to the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game, Cryptozoic Entertainment has been making a huge push to make the game even more accessible. This doesn't mean just accessible for people familiar with hobby games -- it also means accessible to someone who's a huge World of Warcraft fan, but never got into hobby games. One of the steps in this process was the release of the Assault on Icecrown Citadel Four-Player Game. You might be familiar with the "raid deck" format (utilized previously with Molten Core, Onyxia's Lair, Magtheridon's Lair, Black Temple, and Naxxramas), wherein a group of players play cooperatively against one of their friends, who's controlling the boss(es) of the dungeon. But there's a stumbling block for those who want to just jump right in and play a raid: you have to buy your own cards and construct your own deck if you want to play as anyone but the bad guy. Assault on Icecrown Citadel changes up the format slightly, instead putting players in the roles of Tirion Fordring, Jaina Proudmoore, and Sylvanas Windrunner as they battle the Lich King. Each hero has their own themed deck included in the box, along with Arthas' boss deck, meaning that the moment you pick up the game, you can crack it open and play. I'm not a huge hobby gamer. I played Magic: The Gathering in middle school, but the WoW TCG is pretty much the only card or board game I play with any regularity. And I have to tell you: Assault on Icecrown Citadel is an absolute blast.
PAX East 2011: Cryptozoic Entertainment's big year
It's been almost exactly a year since it was announced that Cryptozoic Entertainment, a new company founded by former employees of Blizzard Entertainment, Upper Deck, and DC Comics, would be taking over the license for the WoW Trading Card Game from Upper Deck. With no other products under the company's belt, players were understandably skeptical that a startup would be able to develop the TCG effectively, but looking at the actual talent behind the company rather than the age of the company told a different story. Cory Jones, one of the company's founders, was the director of global business development and licensing at Blizzard, for example, and John Nee was DC Comics' head of business development. Couple that with designers and other employees who came over from other successful card games and companies, and you have a dynamite combination. I caught up with Ben Cichoski, head designer for the WoW TCG, at PAX East. WoW Insider: It's been a pretty busy year for you guys. What do you consider the company's biggest accomplishment so far?
Cryptozoic announces Assault on Icecrown Citadel raid deck for March 1
Coming soon to a store near you is the latest offering from Cryptozoic's World of Warcraft Trading Card Game: Assault on Icecrown Citadel. This new raid deck pits players taking the part of Tirion Fordring, Jaina Proudmoore, or Sylvanas Windrunner against the Lich King. Complete out of the box, the four-player game features loads of new art and allows players to take the part as one of the three heroes or as the Lich King himself. The best part? Each deck comes with that hero's legendary weapon, from Ashbringer to Frostmourne. And of course, there are other perks to be had -- each Treasure Pack holds the chance of getting a nifty loot card that can be used in game. The Icecrown Citadel Raid Deck and Treasure Packs are scheduled for a release date of March 1. Check out the official WoW TCG site for more information about the game, galleries of TCG artwork and tutorials on gameplay, as well as information on where you can pick up the game for yourself! Follow after the break for the full press release from Cryptozoic Entertainment.
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway Day 5: Worldbreaker Epic Collection boxes
12 Days of Winter Veil is under way here at WoW Insider. That means 12 days of giveaways, from loot codes to literature and gaming mice to graphics cards. Even if you've been a good goblin or a naughty night elf, there's a chance that WoW Insider has a holiday gift for you this season. The new World of Warcraft Trading Card Game expansion, Worldbreaker, has been released, and thanks to our friends at Cryptozoic, we have four Epic Collection boxes to give away! Each EC box includes: 6 Worldbreaker Booster Packs 1 Worldbreaker Playmat and Deckbox featuring goblin and worgen races 1 Collectible storage box with class dividers 1 Landro's Lil' XT Loot card 1 Worldbreaker lore guide 5 foil Worldbreaker heroes The Epic Collection box doesn't officially release until Jan. 13, 2011. You could be one of the first to have one! To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 27, 2010. You must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). You can only enter once. Make sure your email address is up to date, because that's how we'll get hold of you. We will pick four winners randomly. Official rules here. Don't forget to check back every day through Jan. 2, 2011, for new contests celebrating the 12 Days of Winter Veil! EDIT: Contest closed. Thanks and good luck to all who entered!
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway Day 4: Worldbreaker Epic Collection boxes
12 Days of Winter Veil is under way here at WoW Insider. That means 12 days of giveaways, from loot codes to literature and gaming mice to graphics cards. Even if you've been a good goblin or a naughty night elf, there's a chance that WoW Insider has a holiday gift for you this season. The new World of Warcraft Trading Card Game expansion, Worldbreaker, has been released, and thanks to our friends at Cryptozoic, we have four Epic Collection boxes to give away! Each EC box includes: 6 Worldbreaker Booster Packs 1 Worldbreaker Playmat and Deckbox featuring goblin and worgen races 1 Collectible storage box with class dividers 1 Landro's Lil' XT Loot card 1 Worldbreaker lore guide 5 foil Worldbreaker heroes The Epic Collection box doesn't officially release until Jan. 13, 2011. You could be one of the first to have one! To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010. You must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). You can only enter once. Make sure your email address is up to date, because that's how we'll get hold of you. We will pick four winners randomly. Official rules here. Don't forget to check back every day through Jan. 2, 2011 for new contests celebrating the 12 Days of Winter Veil! EDIT: Contest closed. Thanks and good luck to all who entered!
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway Day 2: Worldbreaker Epic Collection boxes
12 Days of Winter Veil is underway here at WoW Insider. That means 12 days of giveaways, from loot codes to literature and gaming mice to graphics cards. Even if you've been a good goblin or a naughty night elf, there's a chance that WoW Insider has a holiday gift for you this season. The new World of Warcraft Trading Card Game expansion, Worldbreaker, has been released, and thanks to our friends at Cryptozoic, we have two Epic Collection boxes to give away! Each EC box includes: 6 Worldbreaker Booster Packs 1 Worldbreaker Playmat and Deckbox featuring goblin and worgen races 1 Collectible storage box with class dividers 1 Landro's Lil' XT Loot card 1 Worldbreaker lore guide 5 foil Worldbreaker heroes The Epic Collection box doesn't officially release until Jan. 13, 2011. Be one of the first to have one! To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 24, 2010. You must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). You can only enter once. Make sure your email address is up to date, because that's how we'll get hold of you. We will pick two winners randomly. Official rules here. Don't forget to check back every day through Jan. 2, 2011, for new contests celebrating the 12 Days of Winter Veil! EDIT: Contest closed. Thanks and good luck to all who entered!
Cryptozoic unveils new WoW TCG community site
After picking up the license for WoW TCG, Cryptozoic Entertainment has done a great job supporting the game and fostering its community. The only thing missing so far has been ... a functional website. The old Cryptozoic site just wasn't cutting it. Thankfully, today marks the release of the brand new WoWTCG.com, and it's a beauty. Visitors to the site can find hobby stores in their area, tutorials on how the play TCG and what they need to play it, galleries of TCG's fantastic artwork, and even special pages for each loot card. That's on top of the regular previews and strategy articles. Nice job, Crypto!
Worldbreaker preview and costume contest at Darkmoon Faire Los Angeles this weekend
If you're keen to experience the new Worldbreaker expansion for the WoW TCG before it releases on the 14th of December, you should seriously consider trying to find a way to get to Los Angeles for the Darkmoon Faire this Dec. 4 and 5. Cryptozoic will be hosting a costume contest as well as a tournament, with prizes ranging from the loot cards like the Spectral Tiger to boxed sets of the new expansion. There are even door prizes for contestants. Frankly, if you're even remotely interested in the TCG (or cool loot cards from it), I'd say you should be working on your costume or getting ready to play the new expansion. Either way, sounds like a good time and a way to get to see Worldbreaker before the world finishes up breaking this Dec. 7, 2010.
Cryptozoic previews new goblin and worgen allies for WoW TCG Worldbreaker set
Cryptozoics' posterous blog has been nothing short of an amazing wealth of information about Worldbreaker, the newest expansion for the WoW Trading Card Game. Loads of new abilities, cards, allies, heroes and more are being shown off, and for TCG fans, all of this new stuff looks to be pretty dang fun. In addition, worgen and goblin allies have been introduced! Each new race has a cool new ability associated with it: worgen allies with the Aberration keyword cannot be dealt non-combat damage, and goblins allies with the Time is Money keyword can use exhaust abilities as soon as they enter play. These new allies, as well as all of the revealed information, are bringing some fascinating new play mechanics to the trading card game. Check out the new worgen ally Rolan Phoenix, along with a new version of Magni Bronzebeard, here. The new goblin ally Exxi the Windshaper, along with orc mage Ceraka and Cairne, Earthmother's Chosen, can be previewed here.
Cryptozoic announces release date for WoW TCG Worldbreaker
As Azeroth trembles under Deathwing's might, so too does Worldbreaker, the newest content pack for the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game from Cryptozoic. Featuring Cataclysm content like goblin and worgen heroes and allies as well as new common, uncommon and rare in-game loot cards, Worldbreaker hits stores on Dec. 14, 2010. Everyone loves loot cards, and this set features a marked move away from the old loot card system, with the common loot card being an in-game pet -- Landro's Lil' XT. The best part is that the common loot card will be a pet from now on, not just items with finite uses. The uncommon card in the set is a super-scary version of the Basic Campfire called the Grim Campfire, and the rare card is the flying Mottled Drake mount. In addition to the Worldbreaker date, Cryptozoic announced that the Darkmoon Faire Los Angeles show will be happening on Dec. 4-5 and will feature a first look at the Worldbreaker set. And if our BlizzCon party was any indication, Cryptozoic will have tons of stuff on hand to show you.
SteelSeries and friends want to send you to BlizzCon
They've done it before, and they want to do it again. SteelSeries, J!NX, BradyGames and Cryptozoic Entertainment are looking to send lucky contest winners to this year's BlizzCon. In addition to the grand prize, there will be 20 winners of other prize packages including murloc plush toys, J!nx gift certificates and more listed here. Head over to the BlizzCon Sweepstakes page and see if you're eligible, then enter by Oct. 2. It's so simple even I could do it. And please don't forget the official WoW Magazine's contest, ending this Thursday, Sept. 30. Might as well try them both, right?
Guest Post: Getting into the WoW Trading Card Game
This article has been brought to you by Seed, the Aol guest writer program that brings your words to WoW.com. Are you someone who plays World of Warcraft and purchases booster boxes of each World of Warcraft Trading Card Game expansion in order to get its loot cards? Do you know how to play the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game? If not, then you are one of many online gamers I've heard of who help make the trading card game a hot property but have not discovered that those cards you are packing up and burying in your apartment or house are actually a lot of fun to play with. For those of you who haven't taken a look at the trading card game at all, I'd highly recommend it. I have been playing card games since 2003, and the WoW TCG is no exception. I spent over a year writing about the game, as well as playing and working at some of its biggest events (with a short break in 2008 to finish school). It was because of WoW TCG that I ended up getting into the WoW MMO in the first place! The WoW Trading Card Game has been around since fall 2006 and has continued on through a transition from one company (Upper Deck Entertainment) to another (Cryptozoic). Organized play has had its ups and downs, but the game is starting to get more popular and attendance is once again picking up at events everywhere. However, a recent addition to the weekly tournament at my local comic book store mentioned that he knows plenty of people who buy the cards but never learn how to play. Why is that?
WoW TCG invites you on a Spectral Safari this weekend
Ah, the majestic Spectral Tiger. A truly rare sight, even in the ostentatious world of Azeroth. The loot cards sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay. If only getting one were as simple as playing the card game for a few hours ... Wait! It is! In fact, Cryptozoic Entertainment has distributed a bunch of Spectral Tigers to select hobby stores, and all you have to do for a chance to win is attend their Spectral Safari event. In Cryptozoic's words: A tournament friendly to players of all experience levels, the Spectral Safari participants will receive-at random-one of the 18 Class Starter Decks and compete in a tournament with that deck. The first 25 players to register for the event will pocket a Landro's Pet Box code. Players who do well will earn Wrath Gate booster packs, and the winner picks up a Blazing Hippogryph Loot card. The Spectral Tiger will be randomly won as a door prize at the end of the event, so every entrant has an equal opportunity to ride home in style! Sounds like fun to me. The WoW TCG is a very accessible game, and with the upcoming Class Decks, getting started is easier than ever. Check the Cryptozoic forum for details on the Spectral Safari location nearest to you!
