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Preparing for BlizzCon: You need good shoes
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.Even if you are taking my advice and training your feet and legs for BlizzCon, you are still going to need good shoes for all of those lines. The Anaheim Convention Center floor is hard and unforgiving, so your shoes will need to provide the appropriate cushion and support to make up for it. In many conventions, companies will put carpet with extra padding in their booths so that people will stand there longer for demos of their products and services. Unless something has changed this year, there is no padding -- no respite for the feet unless you go outside and find a patch of grass.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Protect yourself against Con Crud
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.Every con I have ever been to, gaming-related or otherwise, has resulted in a bunch of people getting sick afterward -- usually including me. I've heard it called Con Crud, confluenza and the grunge. Whatever the name, it's pretty much the same: cold and flu symptoms that lay you low after attending a convention. As we've discussed before, I'm no doctor, but there are some experts out there with tips on building your immune system in the weeks before BlizzCon. Sleep: Get 7 to 8 hours a night. Sufficient sleep helps us reduce stress on our bodies, which makes them stronger for fighting illnesses. It also helps us maintain a healthy weight. Late night raiding sessions and/or small children make this more difficult, of course, but it's a worthy goal.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Minicards -- social networking in person
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.The last time I went to BlizzCon was two years ago and I was woefully unprepared. I regretted multiple times that I didn't have some form of business card with me. But this year I am ready if Tommy Tallarico approaches the WoW.com writers again asking for cards. Squeeeeeeee! It was particularly silly of me to not bring any sort of card, considering I went there to work. But even if you are only going to play, a minicard or the like is a very good idea. I used moo.com because they have a good reputation and a nice interface with flickr.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Money -- you're going to need it
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.If you have the resources to pick up some extra cash or the space in your budget to save some more over the next couple months, I recommend that you do. The ticket is paid for, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. You already know you need money for lodging and getting there, but here are a few more things for which you are probably going to want to have extra cash in the bank: Food: It really isn't practical to bring your own and in some cases, not allowed by Blizzard. For example, anything in glass, large containers or cans are a no go for the convention. Many hotels consider a tiny box of cereal or a couple slices of toast a "free breakfast", so don't count on them either. The food in the Anaheim Convention Center is convenient but overpriced, as is normal for conventions. In the evenings, most people will be dining at one of the many delicious Downtown Disney eateries, which are great fun and usually pretty expensive. All in all, your food bills will likely be far greater than your normal food budget.
BlizzCon live stream order page up
Didn't get your tickets for BlizzCon? Planning to pick up the Internet stream instead, because you don't have DirecTV at home? Now's your chance -- the page has appeared to order up the official livestream in HD video straight from the conference. For $39.95, you get over 16 hours of video from the convention floor, as well as all the main stage presentations, tournament coverage, and even the Grunty the Murloc Space Marine pet. There's more answers over on their FAQ page if you have more questions.The video streaming as a test on the page suggests that both Level 80 Tauren Chieftain will be playing and Jay Mohr will be hosting again, though that video is likely from last year, and not necessarily indicative of this year's show. It looks like the HQ stream will also require you to install the RayV player, while the lower quality stream will likely be available just through Flash. You can also keep in mind that though this is probably an excellent deal (especially if you want that pet -- I know many people will pick up the package for that code alone), there will be no shortage of information from BlizzCon for sure, as we'll have plenty to go around as well. But if you were planning on picking up the Internet stream, order on up.BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Training for the lines
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.There are going to be lines at BlizzCon -- long, long lines. There will be lines to get badges, lines for the store, lines for gameplay, lines for food, etc. There will also be some walking, as the Anaheim Convention center is big. And sitting will take place, if you can get a seat for the more popular events. But mostly there will be standing... in lines. Standing hurts, as anyone who has to stand all day for work can tell you. I don't recommend standing around as practice for the lines, because it really isn't healthy. But there is another exercise that is good for you and will help you prepare for all that standing: walking.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Getting there by car or rail
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.On Friday, we talked about getting to BlizzCon by air. Until teleportation technology is invented (and not deadly) or "The Big One" hits causing Anaheim to become coastal, the only other two ways to get to BlizzCon are by train or car. (Edit: Ok, there is the bus, but yeah, ugh. AishaLove is right. I can't recommend it.)Trains: Anaheim is a stop on the Pacific Surfliner route. Amtrak can be pricey, but with a membership in AAA and a watchful eye on their specials, you may be able to come up with a price that is comparable to flying. The train stop is just down the road from the Anaheim Convention Center and is close to most of the hotels. Of course, trains take much longer than planes, but the trip can be part of your vacation fun.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Getting there by air
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon is your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.You have some time to make travel arrangements for BlizzCon, but you should be aware of your options now and be looking for deals. In general, it is best to make your reservations at least 2 weeks in advance for most carriers, but there are sometimes last minute deals and also specials run periodically. Take your time and choose wisely. There are many airports in the local area, but here are the 3 best options: Los Angeles: LAX is the largest airport near Anaheim, but is an hour away, with good traffic (a rarity in Los Angeles). Regardless, it may be your cheapest option and most airlines fly there.
Preparing for BlizzCon: Reserve your lodging ASAP
BlizzCon approaches! Preparing for BlizzCon will be your regular source for tips on how best to prepare for Blizzard's gaming extravaganza.If you were lucky enough to get tickets to BlizzCon 2009, you've got over two months to prepare. But one of the very first things you should do is make your lodging arrangements as soon as possible. As with any popular convention, rooms closest to the venue are already filling up, so your options are closing with each passing day. Following are tips for choosing the location of your non-BlizzCon time: No charge to reserve now: In most cases, you need a valid credit card to guarantee your reservation, but your card is not charged until your stay. So make your reservations now to ensure you have a place to stay. You can cancel if things change: Check the cancellation policy of your hotel to be sure, but usually you are able to cancel 24 hours before your stay begins or even the same day. More tips are after the break.
Reminder: BlizzCon tickets need final names by 5pm PDT today
We want to take a moment to remind folks that today at 5:00 p.m. PDT / 8:00 p.m. EDT is the last possible moment you have to change the names on your BlizzCon tickets.The person who bought the tickets will receive a separate email for each ticket (sometime in the future) that will contain a barcode that must be printed off and presented with a valid photo ID at the time the tickets are picked up. That ID must match the name on the ticket, no exceptions.If you do not enter names on each ticket by 5 p.m. PDT today, the tickets will be put in the name of the person who purchased them (via the Battle.net account). That person will then have to pick up the tickets and distribute them accordingly. The only time IDs will be checked is upon ticket pick up, not upon entering the venue. Some folks at WoW.com have bought tickets for friends, and we all went around and made sure the names were exactly right last night. You should do the same!In order to change the names on your tickets, log into your account management page over at https://us.battle.net/account/management/ and go to your order history. There, you'll see the BlizzCon ticket purchase, which you can click and be presented with the tickets and name change options.WoW.com will be there in force this year, we have right now over 10 people going, so it'll be a blast for sure. We're planning our Thursday night reader meet up, and will have extensive coverage throughout the convention right here!
Breakfast Topic: Did you get your BlizzCon tickets?
In a stunning twist, we actually didn't experience any catastrophic failures in regard to the BlizzCon ticket purchases yesterday morning. Any of you who were around for last year's fiasco know why it's so surprising! In fact, the only real issue we can think of is that there just weren't enough tickets for all of us to buy this go-'round. Not even Matt "Matthew" ""Matticus"" "Low", the Smartest Blogger, was bright enough to purchase extra tickets. Thankfully, half of eBay was, so we can still (defeated though we are) purchase them for a million dollars. Or we can wait two weeks. So, what about you guys? Do you like the new ticket queue system? Did you get your BlizzCon tickets? If not, are you determinedly planning on trying again on the 30th, sulking about and eating pints of cookie dough ice cream until then, or swearing off WoW completely and running away to live in a convent? We should know! You should tell us!
What's your best BlizzCon memory?
Did you manage to get your tickets? I'm sure there will be plenty of folks who are returning to BlizzCon. I wasn't able to go but I followed WoW Insider's coverage of the event from the opening ceremonies to the final concert. It was an awesome time for fans to get insight on some of the behind the scenes aspects of WoW, including an art gallery, a sound panel, and an introduction to Ghostcrawler.I have to admit that even with the massive amount of information on classes and mechanics, my favorite part was the goofy fan stuff. I love how some people really get into their costumes and dances. I think I missed out most by missing the WoW Insider meet up. It's amazing that real people get so into our favorite game franchises.For those of you who went last year, or even were following along with me, what's the best BlizzCon memory that you carry with you?BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there's some great looking costumes.
BlizzCon Flashback: The Panels of BlizzCon 2008
Tickets are sold out for the day, and most of us are probably a little angry, but don't forget! There's another day of ticket sales on the 30th! If you haven't made your decision on whether you want to go or not yet, you're running out of time and it's probably a good time to look back on the BlizzCon that was. BlizzCon 2008 lacked any major World of Warcraft announcements, Blizzard's other franchises stole the spotlight last year, but that doesn't mean WoW wasn't there in spades. Let's take a moment to look back on that, shall we? The Opening CeremoniesBlizzCon 2008 kicked off with the opening ceremonies, hosted by Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime. Morhaime delivered many facts and figures about the World of Warcraft at the time (if WoW were a country, it would be the 75th largest in the world), and announced a new class for Diablo III: The Wizard.
BlizzCon ticket status
This post will be updated throughout the day today as tickets to BlizzCon 2009 are being sold. Ticket sales are expected to begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT / 12:00 p.m. CDT / 1:00 p.m. EDT. Please feel free to leave a comment with your latest BlizzCon ticket experiences, and let us know if you run into any difficulties. If you have questions or want to be alerted to updates in a different way, check us out on Twitter today.1:28 p.m. EDT: Sold out until May 30th. I'd really love to know how many tickets they released. We had people on staff in position 5000 in the queue not get a ticket.Older updates after the break. BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there's some great looking costumes.
Breakfast Topic: Will you be chasing BlizzCon tickets?
In just a few short hours from now, we'll have our first chance to get our hands on BlizzCon tickets. Many of you (and most of us, too) are probably already parked in front of your computers, hoping and praying that Blizzard's new queue system works as intended and the whole thing goes smoothly. What I'm curious to find out is exactly how many of you are actually doing that.We know it's a lot, because BlizzCon's popularity speaks for itself. I think that any of you that were around for last year's ticket sales know that very well. This year, though, there are more offerings that will let you see BlizzCon without actually attending BlizzCon. DIRECTV customers can see the whole thing on PPV for just shy of $40, and non-DIRECTV customers can stream it online for the same price. That's quite a bit cheaper than making a trip to California. That's not even taking all of the fansites into consideration, either. I've had a few people say to me, "Why go to BlizzCon when I can just read the liveblogs on X and Y site?"Where do you stand on this whole thing? Are you going to try to get tickets, or are you going to avoid getting wrapped up in the mess this year? I, for one, will be in the queue today.%Poll-30175%
BlizzCon ticket sale time for Saturday announced
Just a day before the first batch of ticket sales for BlizzCon happens, Blizzard has announced the time the ticket sale will begin:10:00 a.m. PDT tomorrow.As we've mentioned before, BlizzCon tickets this year will be handed out in a queue system. That means first come first served. If you haven't done so already, follow our pro tip and get your Battle.net account setup today.We'll be here with updates throughout the day tomorrow on the ticket sales, and hopefully it will all be smooth. However in the event that sales falter again like they did last year, expect to see that news as well.Good luck!
BlizzCon Pro Tip: Setup your Battle.net account now
You want tickets to BlizzCon 2009?You want to enter the queue to purchase them tomorrow?You've heard the horror stories about how it all went haywire last year?Well, here's the pro tip of all pro tips, even better than Turpster's Tips: make your Battle.net account now and make sure your credit card / check card has enough money to cover the $125 cost of the ticket. While Blizzard has done a lot to make sure that the system will be smoother than last year, if you've already bought a plane ticket out to LA and have the hotels booked, etc., you'll want to be 100% sure you do everything you can do get these elusive tickets easily.The whole process takes just a couple of minutes, and you don't have to tie your World of Warcraft account to the Battle.net account unless you want to. They can remain entirely separate. Head over to the Battle.net account creation page and do this now!
WoW Insider's BlizzCon coverage this Saturday
BlizzCon tickets will be going on sale tomorrow, Saturday May 16th. While no specific time has been announced when they go on sale, there has been some conjecture. But it should be taken with a very small grain of salt.WoW Insider will be up and running from 8am EDT onwards tomorrow, bringing you everything as it happens. This includes posting and twittering the moment the ticket sales go up. For additional BlizzCon information, check out our recently released Guide to BlizzCon 2009. All the latest information will be kept there, and of course, right here on the main site when the news breaks.And if there are any ticketing problems... well, we'll be covering that too. Here's hoping for the best.
Blizz doesn't know what time BlizzCon tickets will go on sale
BlizzCon tickets go on sale in two days, this Saturday, May 16th. One question we at WoW Insider have received several times is: "when on Saturday do the tickets go on sale?" So far, Blizzard has been silent on this issue. Turns out there's a good reason for that - they don't know themselves. Bornakk puts it as follows: "we don't have an exact time on when they will be up but our web engineers will need to be here to properly start and monitor the system when it goes live so we don't plan to be doing that in the middle of the night." In response to a poster's conjecture that since the billing department is going to be open from 9 AM to 6 PM this Saturday (they're not usually open on weekends), tickets will be sold during that time as well, Bornakk calls it a "solid line of thought." So that's the best information we have so far: not in the middle of the night, and probably sometime between 9 AM and 6 PM PDT. If we hear any more, we'll keep you posted. BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there's some great looking costumes.
BlizzCon 2009 announced
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/BlizzCon_2009_announced_2'; BlizzCon 2009 will be held from Friday August 21st through Saturday August 22nd at the Anaheim Convention Center outside of Los Angeles, CA. This year's BlizzCon will feature an expanded space, going from three conventions halls to four. This is no doubt due to the extreme demand for tickets last year. The announcement is present on the press release section of Blizzard's EU site.This year's BlizzCon will feature: Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents Community contests with great prizes Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment's game universes A silent auction More exciting activities and attractions to be announced WoW Insider had a ton of coverage the last two years, and we're looking forward to bringing you coverage this year as well. And to clarify a few things: there is no announcement about the mysterious unannounced MMO that Jeff Kaplan is now working on, and there is no announcement about the third expansion. At least no announcements yet.Ticketing information is not available at this time. As soon as we have any information on ticket prices, availability, and methods of purchase, we'll let you know.%Gallery-34201% %Gallery-34205%
