Elizabeth Harper
Articles by Elizabeth Harper
WRUP: 1up'd edition
Exactly like clockwork, every week comes to a conclusion and I send a mail around asking what everyone's weekend gaming plans. And slightly less like clockwork, our writers chime in, one at a time, laying out their elaborate plans for the empty space of two full days before them. This week, however, was a bit different... Michael Gray (@writegray): I'm getting married to the person who makes my whole world possible, and starting a new home for us to watch the world spin 'round us. Chase: I think we all just got 1up'd. Yes, somehow all of our plans seem a bit puny in comparison. But for those of you who still care about the rest of us, you can read on for what the rest of the team is up to this weekend. (And answers to this week's bonus question: what's your favorite caffeine consumption method?)
Why so empty, Crystalsong?
Some actual new information from tonight's developer Twitter chat with Lead Systems Designer Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street and J. Allen Brack? I'm as surprised as you are. When asked why the resplendent (and glowy) Crystalsong Forest is oddly barren of anything to do beyond sightsee (and, of course, the rare quest), we received some interesting info about game performance: Part of the problem is that it sits beneath Dalaran, which ended up being more of a resource hog than we had anticipated. We didn't want to draw too many more players to that zone. Initially the Crusaders' Coliseum was going to be there, which is why some of the quests send you there. We just worried too much about the performance hit. So what does this mean to the average WoW-player? That you can enjoy the peace and quiet of Crystalsong Forest for a long time to come, because additions to the zone just aren't on Blizzard's agenda. And it's probably for our own good -- we all know what a lagfest Dalaran can be, don't we? Now close your eyes and just imagine combining that with all of the players that come and go from the Crusader's Coliseum. If your thoughts on this imaginary scenario are anything other than "do not want," well, we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Reminder: Columnist application deadline today!
Maybe you're aware that WoW.com is looking for a few new columnists and maybe you aren't -- but it matters not, because this post is for all of you. For those of you in the know, consider this a reminder: we're only accepting columnist applications until the end of the day today (specifically: Friday, January 15th, 11:59PM EST). For those of you not in the know, we're looking to bring in new weekly columnists for: druids (balance/restoration), paladins (holy), shamans (enhancement/restoration), lore, and addons. Does this sound like the chance of a lifetime? Read onward for all the details.
WRUP: Pick a dungeon, any dungeon edition
The holidays, alas, are behind us, and most of us are back to our regular daily grind of work, school, or whatever other responsibilities life might have set for us. But on the weekend, we can put all of that behind us and slack off 'til our heart's content -- or if not content, at least more contented. For many of the WoW.com staff -- and perhaps many of you, as well -- this means we'll be in World of Warcraft, running ICC, leveling alts, and grinding our way through as many random dungeons as possible. So, if you care about our poor exploits (or even if you just want to brag about your own), read onward!
WRUP: Dungeon finding edition
The dungeon finder tool that rolled out in Patch 3.3 has been a game-changer for most -- if not all! -- of us. Instead of waiting around to find the dungeon group you need, an ample supply of players eager to run the instance you need is only a few clicks away. With this new-found freedom to run any dungeon any time, a lot of the WoW.com team is out running dungeons all the time: gearing up, collecting gold, leveling alts, collecting tier 9, stocking up on emblems... Well, safe to say that no one's quite sure how they lived without it. And looking forward to another weekend of chain-running dungeons, I don't think anyone wants to find out, either. For more of our exploits -- and yours -- in game this weekend, read on!
Around Azeroth: Happy holidays from Utgarde Pinnacle
Even the dungeons are getting into the spirit of the holiday season -- as proven by this screenshot from Nexmors of <The Elites> on Nagrand (EU). So... what? How? Why? Well, I think I'll just let Nexmors explain: "When encountering Svala Sorrowgrave she bugged after the speech which meant no fighting could commence so we decided to take advantage of this by taking a festive screenshot." And, really, a nice cool, dark dungeon? It's bound to be the perfect place to keep your snowmen safely frozen. Why we don't see more snowmen dungeon crawling year 'round is quite the mystery. Do you have any unusual, beautiful or interesting World of Warcraft images that are just collecting dust in your screenshots folder? We'd love to see them on Around Azeroth! Sharing your screenshot is as simple as e-mailing aroundazeroth@wow.com with a copy of your shot and a brief explanation of the scene. You could be featured here next! Remember to include your player name, server and/or guild if you want it mentioned. Please include the word "Azeroth" in your post so it does not get swept into the spam bin. We strongly prefer full screen shots without the UI showing -- use alt-Z to remove it. Please, no more battleground scoreboards, Val'kyr on mounts, or pictures of the Ninja Turtles in Dalaran. Older screenshots can be found here. %Gallery-76180%
WRUP: We're just that predictable edition
Ah, patch 3.3! Between Icecrown Citadel and the Dungeon Finder Tool, most of the team is too busy chain running dungeons to bother to let us know what they're playing this weekend. But at least some of our stalwart crew of WoW-playing adventurers managed to get their heads out of the game for long enough to let us know what they're up to -- and, no surprise, most of them are hanging out in Icecrown and collecting loot using the Dungeon Finder. The suspense lies only in the details -- which you may read on to see for yourself.
WRUP: Top secret edition
Everyone here at WoW.com headquarters seems to working on some kind of secret project this weekend. What is it? I'm not even entirely certain -- which means there's a good chance they're making it all up and slipping out of the office early for drinks. But either way, it's another weekend which means it's time to talk about what the crazy kids at WoW.com are up to this weekend -- and, well, if you're not interested in us, just hop over to the comments section and let us know what you're up to (in or out of Azeroth) this weekend.
WRUP: Talking turkey edition
It's turkey time (otherwise known as Pilgrim's Bounty) in the World of Warcraft starting this weekend (so keep your eyes peeled for festivities Sunday morning and onward) -- and starting next week (at least if you live in the US), in real life as well. But for this weekend, at least, it's time for all of us to jump in game and have a little fun before the stress of holidays, relatives, and just-how-long-does-it-take-to-cook-a-turkey-anyway? is upon us. So what is the WoW.com team doing before heading /afk for the holiday? Playing Torchlight and Dragon Age World of Warcraft, of course! For more on what we're playing -- and to let us know what you're up to in-game this weekend -- read on.
Breakfast Topic: Achievements and you
Ah, achievements, that funny little meta-game where everything's made up and the points don't matter. Why, oh why, do we flock to World of Warcraft's achievement system so? Of course, we all look forward to achievements with particularly lucrative rewards (or at least interesting titles), but many of the game's achievements, the only reward to look forward to is achievement points. And while you can certainly take some joy from watching those numbers build up, the points, essentially, don't matter. So what is it that keeps us hungering to complete even the silliest of achievements? Is it a passion for completism that prevents you from leaving these lists undone? Is it a need to prove yourself better or more dedicated than your fellow player? Is it the faint hope that some day Blizzard will reward your tedious labors with appropriately awesome swag? Is it the sense of accomplishment whenever an "achievement complete" alert pops up? Tell us -- what keeps you achieving?
WoW.com is live in the Halls of Reflection!
Like new content? Of course it's more of a rhetorical question -- proven scientific research tells us that everyone likes new content. For those of you not on the PTRs yourself, the WoW.com team is there for you, running the latest Icecrown dungeon, the Halls of Reflection. We're hoping to meet Arthas for a friendly chat over tea -- but we'll see how well that goes. Want to come along for the ride? Join Alex Ziebart, Matt Low, Matthew Rossi, Mike Schramm, and our new-found compatriot Selfish on Ustream. See the live stream after the break -- and if you're trying to avoid spoilers this may not be where you want to be. Patch 3.3 is the last major patch of Wrath of the Lich King. With the new Icecrown Citadel 5-man dungeons and 10/25-man raid arriving soon, patch 3.3 will deal the final blow to Arthas. WoW.com's Guide to Patch 3.3 will keep you updated with all the latest patch news.
WRUP: Of course we're playing WoW edition
Another long, tedious work-week has come and gone, leaving us two blissful, uninterrupted days to catch up on our WoW-playing. So... Torchlight? Dragon Age? Since I know we're all serious WoW junkies, these must be new zones I haven't heard of. Perhaps something on the PTR? I clearly need figure this out, as some of our writers sound really quite excited about these things. But while I work on that, why don't you read on for all of the juicy details of what the WoW.com team is up to this weekend. And if this isn't enough detail on the day-to-day existence of the WoW.com staff, you can always stalk us follow us on Twitter.
WRUP: Happy, happy Hallow's End edition
Ah, Saturday! That pristine day of the week when one needn't get up early for work, contend with rush hour traffic, or even crawl out of bed if you don't feel like it. Of course, this Saturday also appears to be some kind of crazy, candy-worshiping holiday -- which means you could have friends trying to drag you away from bed (or WoW) to participate in their candy-coated shenanigans. Don't be tempted to give in! Virtual trick-or-treating involves a much lower calorie consumption and is nearly as much fun. But regardless of what you find yourself getting into on this October 31st, remember, Hallow's End wraps up on November 2nd, so you've only a few more days to complete your holiday goals tonight, so you better panic! So, without further ado, here's what your friendly neighborhood WoW.com staff is up to this weekend... %Gallery-75797%
WRUP: Trick or treat! edition
Okay, so maybe -- just maybe -- the image above doesn't have anything to do with what the WoW.com team is playing this weekend. In fact, it would be difficult for any of us to be making attempts at Festergut this weekend, as his testing period on the patch 3.3 PTR is over. And who only knows when he (or perhaps "it" is more appropriate) and the rest of the residents of Icecrown Citadel will be making their appearance on the live realms. However, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Festergut is the creepiest thing I've seen in game in quite a while now -- which makes him the perfect conversation-piece for Hallow's End. And if you disagree? Well, just let me know what in Azeroth is creepier, and perhaps it will grace next week's WRUP post! But until that time, let's talk about what the WoW.com team is playing this weekend...
WRUP: It's a dead man's party edition
Happy weekend (and happy almost-Hallow's End!), everyone! Are you sitting comfortably? Catching up on a little Warcraft time after another tedious work-week? Of course the WoW.com team is in-game this weekend, bringing down bosses and collecting loots and maybe -- just maybe -- having a bit of fun in the process. So what are we playing this weekend? Well, we'll tell you!
WRUP: Catfight edition
I'm just going to let Alex and Matt kick off this week's edition of WRUP with some notes on their plans for the weekend:Alex: Using every tool at my disposal to thwart Rossi's attempts at world liberation, so I may continue to hold it in my iron grip.Matt: Your simian shocktroopers can't stop me, Ziebart, any more than your Aerobots did!Alex: Just you wait, Rossi. My cyborgephants hunger... for blood.Matt: Ah, but you've forgotten, haven't you? When you sealed me in the ancient Mines of Musculus all those months ago, you thought I was doomed. But you didn't count on the inhabitants of those dank and deep pits, who blame you for their long imprisonment deep below the surface. Luckily for me, I had some Harvati in my trail rations, and so, I can call upon the MICEMEN OF MU!Alex: Damn you, Rossi. Damn your eyes and all the beautiful stars within their depths! This isn't over! This isn't over.Oh, boys, boys, you'll never settle this argument with threats of violence. That's what actual violence is for. And that said, let's talk about what the WoW.com team is playing this weekend.
WRUP: Brewfest is back edition
What's the WoW.com team playing this weekend? What are the WoW.com readers playing this weekend? Even before looking at our highly scientific poll data, I think it's safe to say that quite a few of have our eyes on the prize (which is to say one Violet Proto-Drake) and are working on Brewfest achievements. But as one or two of the team still insist on maintaining independent thought and action, below I have included a list of what we're all playing this weekend -- including those of us who aren't bothering with Brewfest.
Dragon*Con 2009 in pictures
Oh, Dragon*Con, I missed you before I even left. Though I'm not entirely certain if you can really enjoy the MMO track's annual World of Warcraft party -- which included Gnome punting and Horde vs. Alliance dodgeball -- vicariously, I tried to catch the experience in photographic form nevertheless. (Note: if you want to really experience the meaning of the "war" in Warcraft, you need to do so in a room filled with hundreds of WoW fans cheering for their faction of choice.) Of course, Dragon*Con is more than parties (after all, some of the parties had Tesla coils), there was some great MMO programming and we had a chance to talk addons with the infamous ckknight. With twelve long months to wait until Dragon*Con 2010, we'll all have to live on memories until then. So, until 2010, I leave you with photo galleries.%Gallery-72666% Gallery: Dragon*Con 2009: General convention gallery
Faction changes available in Europe
Since World of Warcraft's paid faction change service launched in the US at the beginning of the month, not a day has gone by when we have not received tips, questions, and complaints asking when the feature would be available in Europe. Well, European readers, the wait is over! So if you're eager to go from Gnome to Orc, all you need to do is head over to the account management page and be willing to pony up 25.00 Euros or 20.00 Pounds for the privilege. If you're the indecisive sort, remember you can only change your character's faction every 60 days -- but read the FAQ for full details. What the FAQ doesn't tell you, though, is that you should be prepared to lose your Argent Tournement standing if you make the jump -- so, to anyone jumping on the faction change bandwagon I hope you enjoy jousting!However, if you're just wanting to change races within your current faction, this is not the service you're looking for. Blizzard has said they plan to make same-faction race changes available in the future and Ancilorn confirms this is the plan for Europe, as well.%Gallery-71584%
AGDC09: Easy voice chat for PUGs with Puggable
If all you play is World of Warcraft, then you might not have heard of Vivox -- but they're the people providing integrated voice chat solutions for EVE Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, Second Life, Fallen Earth, All Points Bulletin.. I'd go on, but you probably get the point. This week at AGDC, Vivox is spreading its wings with the announcement of two new web-based voice chat applications: Vivox Web Voice for Facebook and Puggable for World of Warcraft players. Though the two use the same technology, Puggable is definitely targeted at the WoW-playing audience. I had a chance to sit down and chat with Vivox about Puggable at AGDC, and, though I haven't had a chance to get hands-on time with it, I've got to say the idea has a lot of appeal.So what do you need to do to start chatting? Just fire up your web browser, point it to Puggable.com and create a chat room for your group. To invite others, all you need to do is share a link. The site will display character stats for your player from the armory (as seen in the above screenshot) for easy viewing by your entire group. And if you wish to select the instance you're running and the boss you're going to fight, Puggable will automagically pull up links for strategies, videos, and loot. No one needs to download or configure software (unless you're playing WoW with people who don't have web browsers... but that would just be silly) and there are no passwords to remember, share, or change. I'm hesitant to say it's fool-proof, but it certainly looks like group communication and organization simplified.Puggable is presently in closed beta (though if you're interested in testing it, you can sign up on their site) with plans for a more open beta in the next few weeks.