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San Diego Comic Con 2013 Blizzard Licensing Panel now online
Wondering what was talked about at the SDCC 2013 Blizzard Licensing panel? The fine folks over at Blizzplanet have released a video recording of the entire panel from start to finish. Included in the discussion are new toys, statues, and upcoming books -- including the children's book Snowfight, written by Chris Metzen with illustrations by Wei Wang, that we mentioned last week. The panel also included a fairly lengthy Q&A session that covered both licensed products and game questions as well. Q&A topics ranged from the future of beloved raid instances like Karazhan to the balance between including major events both in novels and in the game itself, as well as balance between PvP and PvE, among many other topics. There are also some funny moments like the video above, in which Chris Metzen deftly avoids spoiling the debut of the Warcraft movie teaser that was shown later on in another panel at the convention. Be sure to check out Blizzplanet's post for the full set of panel videos.
PCR interviews Blizzard Entertainment
The UK-based computer trade news outlet PCR posted a quick interview with Blizzard Entertainment on Friday, July 12th. Interestingly, the interview focuses not necessarily on the digital offerings that we come to expect from a computer-based company, but the retail side of the business, and Blizzard's performances in the more traditional market. Blizzard seems to maintain its success in retail not only because of its games' performance history and market momentum, but also thanks to licensed peripherals which help keep the brand versatile. Probably the most interesting portion of the interview is the sadly brief discussion of Blizzard's POSA (point of sale activation) cards, known as Battle.net Balance Cards. These cards are similar to the game time cards most WoW players are likely familiar with, but rather than add time to your WoW account, they add money to your Battle.net account in general, which you can use to add time to your WoW game or purchase other Blizzard games and so on. So far, these cards don't seem to be readily available in the US as in the EU, but I have heard rumors of people finding them in GameStop from time to time, so who knows. For those of you who are wary about using a credit card online, or who just might like other options for adding money to your Battle.net account, they might be worth looking into. You can check out the EU Battle.net Balance Card FAQ for further information if you're interested.
Behind the scenes with Mega Bloks World of Warcraft
Last year at BlizzCon, Blizzard announced that Mega Bloks would be producing a line of World of Warcraft building block sets. Mega Bloks has just released a video that gives a "Behind the Bloks" look at the process. The headquarters of both companies are explored, and the actual fabrication of the blocks is demonstrated. Also showcased are the Deathwing Stormwind Assault and Goblin Zeppelin Ambush playsets. Andrew Sparkes, vice president of kid and collector brands at Mega Brands, Inc., narrates the video along with Nick Carter, vice president of art and cinematic development at Blizzard Entertainment. They discuss the timeline of the product, the relationship between the two companies and the inspirations behind the playsets. The Mega Bloks World of Warcraft website links to previews of the season one sets, which are due to be released some time this summer.
Blizzard to talk licensing at San Diego Comic-Con
Blizzard tends to keep to its own convention for most of the year, rather than taking part in other major conventions like E3, but it's breaking form with product reveals and licensing discussion next week at San Diego Comic-Con. Blizzard's Chris Metzen, The Shattering author Christie Golden, Cryptozoic Entertainment President Cory Jones, and others will be present for a panel on Thursday, July 21 -- that is, if you're already lucky enough to be going to Comic-Con (say hi to Christie for me)! Here's the full panel description, which is also available on the Comic-Con website. 1:00-2:00 World of Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft Swag Show -- Blizzard Entertainment creative and licensed partners unveil and discuss World of Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft-inspired products. In attendance: Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment SVP of creative development), Nick Carpenter (Blizzard Entertainment executive art director), Christie Golden (New York Times bestselling author), Hank Kanalz (SVP Digital, DC Comics and World of Warcraft comics editor), Sean Gailey(creative overlord, J!nx Clothing), and Cory Jones (Cryptozoic Entertainment president and chief creative officer). Moderated by Kat Hunter ( host of BlizzCon coverage on DIRECTV). Room 6BCF
SwagDog discontinuing Blizzard licensed products June 1
According to an email sent out to SwagDog customers and confirmed by its phone customer service, effective June 1, 2011, SwagDog will no longer be a licensee of Blizzard and will be discontinuing all World of Warcraft licensed products. New orders on WoW products placed before midnight on Tuesday, May 31, will be printed and shipped, but after that no more products will be made. SwagDog has been a Blizzard licensee for over three years, creating player- and guild-specific T-shirts, apparel, jerseys, and hats. We do not know the reasoning behind the licensing change; we'll provide updates as we get more information. For now, if you want anything from SwagDog's World of Warcraft line, get it before midnight on Tuesday, May 31.
Murloc stein available for pre-order
I have bad memories of elementary school art class. My art teacher used to scare us into behaving by warning us that if we got a single drip of ceramic paint on our skin, we'd die from blood poisoning. That said, it seems appropriate that I am now telling you that there is a new ceramic stein in Taverncraft's World of Warcraft Epic Collection steins series, featuring Azeroth's deadliest aquatic antagonists: murlocs. The mug is endearingly titled RAWGRLRLRLRRLGLRL!!! and features a Winterfin Oracle, Bluefin Murloc, and a Murloc Tidehunter. There is also a wonderfully creepy, open-mouthed murloc head protruding from the stein's pewter lid. Unlike ceramics class, this stein won't kill you ... Well, it shouldn't kill you. The mug will ship in September, and is currently available for a pre-order price of $89.99 USD until Sunday, June 13th, 2010. After that, the normal price of $99.99 USD will apply. Taverncraft is responsible for various other licensed World of Warcraft steins, which you can find on their website. %Gallery-94890%
