transfers
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Archlord's return heralded by extra buckling of swashes
Fans of the free-to-play MMO Archlord were probably less than thrilled in September, when the game's North American and European hosts lost the rights to the game. Codemasters was "unable to renew a license agreement" and had to shut down their servers for the game, with players left only with the taunting promise of another distributor picking up the game in the near future.The near future, however, is apparently right now, with Webzen having returned the game to operation in North America and Europe. The game has also been updated with the Swashbuckler class, an all-female close-melee combat class that sports rabbit ears. (We're not sure if comparisons to the viera were intended, but they seem largely inevitable and perhaps suitable.)In addition, Webzen is offering a transfer service for all former players of the Codemasters servers, with the transfer scheduled to complete on the 14th of October and offering a small amount of in-game money as an incentive -- that is, the money usually reserved for microtransactions. If you're a fan of the game, this is pretty unambiguous good news. If you aren't, well, now you have a chance to play it again one way or the other, which is always a good thing.[ via Kotaku ]
We Have a Tabard: Strange bedfellows
Looking for a guild? Well, you can join ours! We have a tabard and everything! Check back for Amanda Dean talking about guilds and guild leadership in We Have a Tabard.For years Blizzard has claimed that there would be no chance for faction changes. They didn't use the word "never" but they did say there were no plans on doing it. Much has changed since the Blizzard/Activision Merger. Well, the time has come, and what has become of it. I honestly can't tell you if the impact has been good or bad, but there has certainly been an impact.If I haven't mentioned before, I play Horde. The first night that transfers came out, a number of my friends and guildies swapped characters over from Alliance. Good to see an influx of variety, but much attention turned to leveling forgotten alts. I don't know anyone who has transferred from Horde to Alliance. Given a better opportunity, I'm sure there are plenty who would make the switch. Faction changes have had an interesting effect on guild on my server. A number of raiders from the top guilds swapped factions and joined forces with the top guilds on the Alliance side. The Alliance guilds have always been front runners in progression and this move has served to make them stronger. That's excellent for them.
Argent Tournament gains will not transfer between factions
Just a heads up for you faction transfers, though you've probably already realized this if you have made a transfer: many of your faction reputations will transfer over just fine, but not so for any Argent Tournament progress you've made. Argent Tournament reputation and gains will not transfer over if you change factions. Kisirani says that Blizzard couldn't think of a way to do it technically, and so (as we understand it), anyone who transfers factions will lose all of their current Argent Tournament standing, and have to make their way back up through the ranks to Champion. Many other reputations have changed just fine, and you can find a list of all the changes as you cross over from one faction to another on the faction change FAQ. You will bring items over with you -- any seals earned on one side are still valid on the other. But if you want to grind out more, you'll have to go through the ranks again.Seems like a bummer for faction changers (especially those who didn't know about the problem before they did the transfer), but on the other hand, I don't believe Blizzard would have let this go if they had any way to fix it. Short of just granting ranks to all players who transfer, assuming they have no way to track where players were at in terms of which cities they'd champion-ed for, I don't know what other solution there would be.Update: A little more information: you also lose all of your Silver Covenant or Sunreavers rep as well, so you'll have to re-earn that from the beginning, too. As players have said in the thread below, it's not a huge loss, but it's an annoyance for sure.
Paid character transfers time restrictions slashed
Eyonix has just announced that lockout time for paid character transfers has been reduced to 3 days from its previous 30. This means that you can now transfer your character to a new realm using the paid transfer service once every three days instead of once every thirty.This is especially useful for raiders and PvPers who move to a new realm to join a guild, and then find out that the guild doesn't work for them. There are also tens of thousands of horror stories about people moving between servers only to find that their new guilds disbands a few days later. This will be a significant boon to people who find themselves in that situation.The cost of the paid character transfers remain at $25 for a one way ticket.
Free US character transfers
In honor of patch day, Blizzard have opened up some free character transfers on many US realms. These are open now and scheduled to run until Tuesday, April 21 at noon PDT. PvP: From: Blackrock, Tichondrius, Emerald Dream, Lethon, Warsong To: Ursin, Ysondre, Nazjatar, Gul'dan PvE: From: Aggramar, Borean Tundra, Aerie Peak, Azuremyst, Proudmoore, Bronzebeard, Anvilmar, Alexstrasza, Blade's Edge, Silvermoon, Dragonblight, Bladefist, Antonidas, Arygos, Cairne To: Nesingwary, Garrosh, Winterhoof RP: From: Feathermoon, Cenarion Circle, Earthen Ring, Argent Dawn, Moon Guard To: Wyrmrest Accord I worry about their servers slightly, between patch traffic and these character moves, but we'll see if they can take it. This is more server transfers than we usually see at one time. I'm intrigued to see Arygos on there, since it really doesn't feel like a high-population realm to me, at least not on the Horde side. So who's moving?
Bluetooth 3.0 to use WiFi for high-speed file transfers
Sounds like the Bluetooth 3.0 announcement on April 21 is going to finally usher in the era of high-speed short-range data transfers -- as previously hinted, the new spec will actually negotiate a quick'n'dirty ad-hoc WiFi connection between devices if it needs to move bits in a hurry, and then turn off the spigot to save power when it's done. The idea is to leverage the speed of WiFi while keeping power usage low, and we'd say it's a pretty trick solution, since most Bluetooth-capable devices also have WiFi radios (cough, Storm). Since the ad-hoc WiFi connection is managed over Bluetooth, no actual wireless network is necessary, and the switch will appear seamless to the user -- except for the sudden increase in data transfer speeds. Yeah, it's definitely slick stuff -- we're looking forward to seeing the first devices in action next Tuesday.[Via MocoNews]
Free EU character migrations
There are a handful of free EU character transfers to report on today, all focused on the faction differences on the realm Magtheridon.Now Magtheridon was always a pain in the butt in the days before his colossal nerf. It was a big challenge when BC was released to coordinate a couple groups of five people to click on cubes all at one time. I'd always say on vent very calmly: "Three, two... one... click-click-click. Good work. Break." Or "Three, two... one... click-click-click. Terrible. Wipe it."Does that obnoxious and repetitious pattern which still haunts me in my dreams have anything to do with the character migrations? Probably not.The full list of realms after the break.
AQ gates to be open on new realms
In a discussion of new realm transfers opening up, we get this tidbit: from now on, new realms will be created with the AQ gates already open. What that means is, there will be no races on any newly created servers in the future to be the first to gain the Scarab Lord title, for one thing. Those servers will have no Scarab Lords until one transfers there, because it will be impossible to complete the quest chain necesssary for the title. It also means that if you missed the title on your original server but were going to try and transfer to pick it up, you can forget it. Unless you can find a server that's currently active that doesn't have the gates open, I suppose.The way the statement is phrased is a little odd: By automatically opening the gates and allowing immediate access to the Ahn'Qiraj instances, we would like to promote the higher level content that is available as well as ensure a smooth overall experience for players on these new realms. I suppose they just mean the 20 and 40 man instances that are already there, but it seems odd to call level 60 raids higher level content at this point.
New European transfers
In their continuing efforts to bring some faction balance to Magtheridon (EU), Blizzard has refreshed free character transfers off of the server for Horde, and onto the server for Alliance. These transfers are scheduled to run from today until Feburary 10: Magtheridon -> Haomarush, Tarren Mill, Trollbane, Zenedar, Silvermoon (Horde only) Aerie Peak, Aggramar, Alonsus, Arathor, Azjol-Nerub, Bronze Dragonflight, Bronzebeard, Eonar, Hellscream, Khadgar, Lightbringer, Kilrogg, Kul Tiras, Silvermoon, Terenas, Turalyon -> Magtheridon (Alliance only) In addition, the following transfers are now open for European players of either faction: Al'Akir, Stormscale -> Vek'nilash, Xavius Burning Legion, Grim Batol -> Boulderfist, Trollbane Crushridge, Sylvanas -> Chromaggus, Haomarush Kazzak, Ravencrest -> Laughing Skull, Sunstrider Outland, Twilight's Hammer -> Daggerspine, Lightning's Blade Ragnaros, Shattered Hand -> Kor'gall, Shattered Halls Argent Dawn -> Steamwheedle Cartel, The Sha'tar These also are scheduled to run until the 10th of this month, and like all other transfers may close early if the desired population levels are reached. Magtheridon players, have you noticed an improvement in the faction balance since they started pumping Alliance in and Horde out? WarcraftRealms is now showing a 1:16 population ratio overall on that server, which is much better than the 1:67 ratio it was showing when the transfers started (but still pretty bad).
Free PvP server transfers
Our good buddy Zarhym (is he our good buddy? I have no idea...) posted a list of free character transfers for several high population PvP realms.These moves are currently open and will go until Tuesday, February 10th at 8:00 p.m. PST or until they've reached their internal quota, whichever comes first. You can initate the character transfers by going to your account management page on worldofwarcraft.com.Please be sure to move early if you want to. With the high latency and login queues on the realms we've seen many of these free transfer offers shut down early lately. Take advantage of this soon and be sure to bring over all your characters.The full list of servers is after the break.
New RP, PvE servers open for transfers
Well, they promised a new RP transfer server, and here it is. Not only that, but to go along with it, they're giving us another brand new PvE realm, a transfer one this time. These transfers opened up last night at 11 PM PST, and are scheduled to close on Friday, 1/23 at 9 PM PST/midnight EST (but could close early if enough people transfer, so go soon if you intend on going). The details: Source: Aggramar (Alliance Only), Alleria (Alliance Only), Area 52, Argent Dawn, Azjol-Nerub, Blackhand, Bloodhoof, Cenarion Circle, Cenarius, Dalaran, Doomhammer, Dragonblight, Earthen Ring, Emerald Dream, Feathermoon, Garona (Alliance Only), Garrosh (to Wyrmrest Accord only), Hellscream, Icecrown, Lightninghoof, Maelstrom, Moon Guard, Silvermoon, Twisting Nether, Whisperwind, Zul'jin Destination: Winterhoof (PvE), Wyrmrest Accord (RP). Both realms are in the Emberstorm battlegroup and the Pacific time zone. There's a note in Zarhym's post to the effect that Wyrmrest Accord is in fact an RP server, and the RP rule set will be enforced there. Probably best to go to the other server if you want to grief RPers, roll a character named "Arthuss," or otherwise do non-RP-server-friendly things.
No PvE servers are under populated
We've been paying pretty close attention the server issues lately. From the missing mail a few months ago, to instability in instances, to the creation of a new U.S. PvE server.Zarhym has come out and said there are no PvE realms under populated, and that's the reason why Blizzard has introduced a new PvE realm, and not a new PvP realm. He goes on to point out that while some PvE realms are not having queues, they are only a few hundred people away from having to suffer through them every evening.And while there are PvP realms that have queues, there are "several PvP realms that are a little too under populated."So what does this mean?
More free EU character migrations
Aren't you EU players just lucky lately? Here's some more free character moves for you to make -- apparently the population situation on the EU realms must be bad, because I think this is the third (at least) round of moves Blizzard has made in that region. Here are the latest ones, to be in effect now through the ninth:Drak'thul, Grim Batol, Sylvanas --> BladefistAl'Akir, Neptulon, Ravencrest --> DeathwingBurning Legion, Crushridge, Twilight's Hammer --> DentargMagtheridon (Horde only) --> Zenedar, Haomarush A lot of these are the same transfers offered previously -- in fact, all of the realms Blizzard is transferring from have been offered transfers before, though the realms people are being transferred to are switched up a bit. Anyone out there who didn't transfer in the first go-round but is willing to transfer now?If the issues continue, Blizzard might have to come up with a new way to control the realm populations -- there's always the option of splitting up a big realm, though neither Blizz or players will probably enjoy going through that. But they've got to get rid of the queues somehow, right?
Some free realm transfers extended and changed
Bornakk posted an update on some of the free realm transfers that have been going on. All transfers to the Drak'Tharon realm have been shut down. They have extended the timeframe to transfer to the Oceanic realm Gundrak. Saurfang is now also eligible to transfer to Gundrak. Transfers to Gundrak will now close down on Monday, December 8th at 12:00 p.m. PST. Be sure to transfer early (like, tonight) if you want to. They have been shutting down transfers early when their quotas are met.The full list of eligible transfer realms after the break.
Free character migration for EU realms
We're just now coming out of our Thanksgiving turkey-induced haze here at WoW Insider, so if you've seen this already, forgive us, but Blizzard announced late last week that there's relief on the way for EU characters tied up by queues -- they've got a whole mess of free migrations in the mix. We've got the whole list of transfers after the break as well.Argent Dawn appears to be in the worst shape, as Blizzard is sending players from that realm onto three different realms. Magtheridon seems to be the least busy -- all they're transferring off there is the Horde-side players. They're also transferring players off of a few different realms to the newly-created one, Chamber of Aspects, so if you're looking for a new start, there you go.These migrations are going until December 2nd, so now's your chance, EU players, if you're on the selected realms and have been waiting to jump ship.
"One transfer policy" still in place for N-Gage games
Whoa, boy. Cue the second wave firestorm in 3, 2, 1.... After Nokia responded to outcries from N-Gage users who were infuriated at the idea of not being able to transfer their titles between handsets, all seemed to be well. Now, however, we're finding that there's still a "one transfer policy" in effect, meaning that your games can only be ported from one handset to another one time before your world implodes. It should be noted, though, that a recent report at All About N-Gage asserts that said policy is only temporary, and that Nokia is currently working towards "a more permanent transfer method." Of course, there's no set time line for when we'll see such a thing, and it's not like the N-Gage niche as a whole is growing in leaps and bounds; in other words, you N-Gage fanatics may want to pick a handset and stay content -- you might be relying on it for awhile.[Via All About Symbian]
Free high pop to low pop server transfers incoming
Thundgot over on the EU forums says there's a pretty drastic solution incoming to the busy servers incoming: Blizzard is going to offer free server transfers from high pop servers to low pop, so if you've really been driven nuts by all the queues and lag lately, this might be just what you need. On the other hand, don't jump into anything too quickly -- traffic problems are pretty common, especially when big patches (and, you know, expansions) come down, and odds are that once the expansion actually releases, things will die back down after a little while.Of course, if you just don't want to wait, and don't have any particular ties to the server you happen to be on, then by all means, keep an eye out for the transfers. We're not quite sure which servers will be affected yet, but We Hate PUGs saw Quel'thelas on the list already along with a long list of high pop realms, so while we'll probably see more servers added to the low pop side, the high pop side there now is probably a fairly good indicator of the realms Blizzard sees as trouble. If you're on one of those realms and ready to transfer, sit tight and wait for the announcement today, help is on the way.
PvE to PvP transfer impact
Since PvE to PvP transfer option became available, I've kept a close eye on my own realm to see if there'd be any discernible change to transfer patterns both on and off. As far as I can tell -- no. I've seen a few people transfer off but there doesn't seem to be any more so than usual. Only a few players did so purely for the purpose of PvPing on a different battlegroup, and most of them, like Zach Yonzon, had previously been PvP-realm transfers or rerolls anyway. The flood of high-level PvE to PvP transfers gloomily predicted by many doesn't seem to have materialized. People who'd rather play on a PvE realm are doing just that, and most of the people who'd rather play on a PvP realm were already there (never saw that one coming, eh?). I thought at the time that Blizzard's decision would probably have its biggest impact, not on PvP players, but on PvE raiders who had previously been restricted to recruiting PvP-to-PvP, PvE-to-PvE or (much less commonly) PvP-to-PvE only. If you've ever been in a raiding guild which found great recruits from the "wrong" kind of realm, you're probably familiar with what a headache that was.I play on a medium population PvE realm that launched when Burning Crusade hit. Since we're not really at the cutting edge of either PvE or PvP content as a result, mine is probably a bad sample size as we're not a hotbed of transfers either way. So, I'm not sure if my own experience is representative. If you're playing on a medium-to-high population realm, either PvE or PvP, are you noticing any difference to the traffic patterns, on or off? If you're on a low-population realm, has your situation improved or worsened?
The best of WoW Insider: September 9-16, 2008
Huge news this past week from the World of Warcraft -- not only did PvErs get a break from Blizzard, but we heard about the Wrath of the Lich King release date and Collector's Edition, and the Public Test Realm gave players their first open preview of what the new talents and abilities will be like. News is coming fast in the world of WoW, and if you want to stay on top of it, check Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider. News 3.0.2 hits the PTRHere are the patch notes for what's new before the expansion. Wrath release date announcedGet that vacation form out -- time to sign up to take November 14th off. Heirloom items are Bind on Account, scale with character levelBlizzard introduced new items that can be passed between alts, designed to help you level faster. WotLK Collector's Edition revealedWhat, no high definition DVD of Blizzard's cinematics? Pass! PvE to PvP paid transfers availableLet the ganking (by the previously unganked) commence! Features Guildwatch: "Are u a Tauren or a mouse?"Guild infighting is, as they say, serious business. Ask a Beta Tester: Professions and PrimalsOur beta tester at large answers reader questions about crafting items and what happens to them in Northrend. Three tips for the wacky world of AH pricingWant to make more money on the AH? Here's three tips we didn't want to share with the public before we got our epic mount. Best. Guild application. Ever.Don't question. It just is. Ready Check: First steps into Naxxramas-10Our raid column heads into the beginning of the new endgame in the beta. Gallery: Wrath of the Lich King
Why PvE to PvP transfers are a good thing for World of Warcraft
Lume the Mad has constructed a deep look at Blizzard's decision to allow transfers from PvE to PvP servers and why it's good for World of Warcraft players. For those who'd rather not read the whole thing, here's a summarized version: There are going to be some economic and social hiccups, yes, but the bonuses will far outweigh the minuses. The whole thing allows for bigger recruitment pool, more friends playing with friends and an overall improved ability for everyone to take risks.We're inclined to agree with Mr. Mad's take on the whole situation. It'll be an interesting stretch into 2009 for World of Warcraft players between this change and the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion. At least everyone should be able to play with all their friends for Wrath and something like that is always a very good thing.
