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WotLK Beta test begins to ramp up
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/World_of_Warcraft_Wrath_of_the_Lich_King_Beta_Is_Starting'; The beta test is beginning to ramp up. Tonight we have word that the beta downloader is in action and delivering data to those that have access to it (via WotLK Wiki). This is an obvious indicator that Blizzard has switched over to the beta testing phase, and that they are getting ready to send out invites.Additionally the beta page at beta.worldofwarcraft.com now shows beta information and activity. If you do get a beta key, you can use this page to sign up and gain access to the client files. It would be a good time to start keeping and eye out for a real beta invite, and let us know if you get one if you're one of the first lucky few. However at the same time, please be very careful not to fall for any beta scams.WoW Insider will keep you posted throughout the evening on this breaking news.%Gallery-5525% Hungry for more Wrath of the Lich King Beta news? WoW Insider has a slew of articles for you including a walkthrough of the new Achievement system, the new Death Knight Runeforging skill and maps of Northrend. Keep checking the site for more class analysis and insights to the changes.
WoTLK Friends and Family Alpha now over, say sources
Various tipsters and sources from around the web are reporting that the WotLK Friends and Family Alpha is now over. Deathknight.info reports that Eyonix has posted the official notice on the closed alpha boards, thanking everyone for participating. There is, of course, no date given for the start of the beta, he only says that the team is hard at work preparing it. All alpha testers will be invited back for the beta, and will even be allowed to keep their characters after a short lockout period to allow new testers to catch up. A poster at Wotlkwiki.info claims to have information from an alpha tester who is a member of a developer's family. The source says that they believe that Blizzard is rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, as the game doesn't seem ready for beta testing -- this part, at least, is a bit hard for me to believe, since Blizzard has always marched to the beat of their own drum when it comes to release dates and deadlines. They also predict that we may need to wait until August to see the beta actually begin. Regardless, it looks like beta will be upon us swiftly -- or at least soon. If you haven't opted in, now is a good time to do so. Once you've done that, keep checking WoW Insider. We'll let you know what we know as soon as we know it.
The best of WoW Insider, July 1-8, 2008
Aw, look how cute! Diablo 3 fans might be a little surprised to see that as powerful as Tyrael is in the world of Sanctuary, he's just a little noncombat pet in the World of Warcraft. Look at his cute little hood! Fortunately for you, Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider is rolling like a raid boss in Azeroth -- we've got every little bit of WoW news you need, from Wrath of the Lich King rumors to biting commentary about the biggest online game in the world. Here's our best from the last week. News WWI attendees get their own pet, Archangel TyraelTurns out the folks at WWI were even luckier than we thought. Rumor: Wrath of the Lich King box revealedSee what the game you'll be buying later this year actually looks like. US registration for Wrath beta now openBlizzard has opened up an opt-in for players in the US and EU, and we're that much closer to release. Rumor: Wrath of the Lich King collector's edition boxBut what we really want to know is what's inside it. Kisirani implies the return of the Scourge Invasion eventLooks like Arthas and his cronies will step foot back in Azeroth at least once more. Features Things that annoy meAllison Robert open up a legendary can of rant for the Fourth of July weekend. Ask a Lore Nerd: The swirling vortex of deathThe Lore Nerd ruins his cool forever by knowing so much nerdy history about Azeroth, but you get to reap the benefits! The Creamy GUI Center: Big bag blowoutOur UI column tells you how to make the most of those bags in your inventory. WoW CrosswordWe premiere a brand new Sunday morning feature on WoW Insider for you xword fans. Archangel Tyrael pet revealedThe world of Diablo visits the world of Warcraft yet again.
Gamers on the Street: The Beta beat
This week I headed off to Bleeding Hollow's Horde side to talk with players about the biggest story of the past week: the opening up of the opt-in for the Wrath of the Lich King beta. The server was really busy, and in fact, someone's been busy in Orgrimmar there -- there are quite a few bits of corpse graffiti around, with names like "Pvpfails" and "Blizzsucks."But nevertheless, I did find two willing victims interviewees for the column this week. See what we talked about after the jump.
Beta opt-in F.A.Q.
More beta news for everyone to enjoy tonight. Bornakk has posted what Nethaera promised earlier in the day, a Wrath of the Lich King beta opt-in F.A.Q. The complete F.A.Q. is republished here for your convenience, and is definitely something everyone should read and re-read. Some of the key things to come out of the F.A.Q.: You are not guaranteed to get into the WotLK beta if you have a BlizzCon or WWI beta keys. These keys might go to another beta (like Diablo III). You can opt-in on multiple accounts, but each account can only opt-in once. If you get a key with one account, you can use it on another account of your choosing. However the key can only be used once. Opting in early does not necessarily mean you will get a beta slot early. Everything is random (as we previous reported). If you get a beta key from another source and are selected via the opt-in process, you can give your key to a friend or family member. Full F.A.Q. after the break.
Beta selection is random, no emails yet
Nethaera has just come out and said that the beta selection process will be random. This is important for all of us to know: there will be no precedence or order associated with the opt-in. What does this mean? It means even if you sign up tomorrow you have a chance to get in, and that all of us who rushed to sign up when it just opened get no real benefit.Neth also lets us know that there are no beta emails going out just yet - and that they will "try" to let us know when they start sending out legitimate emails.We want to reiterate again: be careful with the email scams. They will be flying around today like wildfire. Don't get caught up in one. Read our handy guide on how to keep yourself safe for more information.