Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy 14 Evercold changes housing for the better, Yoshi-P says, and World of Warcraft's "amazing" take on the MMO staple has "been a good source of research"
Final Fantasy 14 producer and director Naoki Yoshida announced two major overhauls for the game's housing system, planned for the patch 8.0 series following the Dawntrail expansion. Yoshida cited World of Warcraft's housing system as a source of inspiration and research for these upcoming improvements, aiming to make the system more accessible and enjoyable for players.
A crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft has leaked
A crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft has reportedly leaked ahead of the Gen Con event. The leak suggests a setting book for D&D 5th edition based on the Warcraft universe, similar to previous Magic: The Gathering collaborations. This would not be the first time Blizzard and D&D have partnered, with past collaborations including a World of Warcraft RPG.
Discussion time: Have you ever said goodbye to an MMO you've played for 1,000s of hours?
This article discusses the deep emotional and time investment players have in MMOs, using Destiny 2 as a primary example of a game that players eventually have to say goodbye to. It explores the unique bonds formed within these games and the difficulty of moving on, especially when a game doesn't have direct competitors. The author, Sean Martin, reflects on his own experience with Destiny 2 and poses questions to the community about their experiences with MMO farewells.
Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, and AQ3D confirm that Jimothy pets are incoming
Several MMORPGs are introducing in-game pets based on the viral raccoon "Jimothy." World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2 have confirmed their versions are coming soon, with Guild Wars 2 setting a release date of August 11th. AdventureQuest 3D has already released its Jimothy pet and a related hat.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 24: Steam Train Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include the Steam Train Fest featuring train-themed games, alongside significant discounts on titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Hades 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2 across various digital storefronts. Several games are also available for free weekends or trials, including Killing Floor 3 and Metal Gear Solid.
Dungeons & Dragons World of Warcraft Crossover May Have Been Leaked
A leaked Roll20 post suggests Wizards of the Coast is planning a crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft. This potential supplement or campaign module would be the first major crossover since the World of Warcraft RPG books for D&D 3.5e, and more details may emerge at Gen Con.
Jimothy, The Viral Raccoon, Is Becoming An Earnable WoW Pet
Blizzard Entertainment is adding Jimothy, a viral raccoon known for his unique physique, as an earnable pet companion in World of Warcraft's upcoming 12.1 Curse of Ula'tek update. The company responded to overwhelming community demand after initially posting a mock-up of the raccoon in-game. The update will also introduce new zones, raids, dungeons, and housing features.
Blizzard Employee Out Of A Job After Allegedly Helping Friends Cheat In WoW
A Blizzard Entertainment employee has been terminated after allegedly using developer tools to help friends cheat in a high-level Mythic+ dungeon run in World of Warcraft. The incident involved an in-game spell that instantly killed remaining enemies, which is not available to players. Blizzard confirmed the employee's dismissal and stated that while developer tools are used for urgent fixes, their misuse violates company policy.
Some Battle.net players may need to verify their age to avoid losing access to voice chat and other social features
Blizzard Entertainment is implementing age verification for Battle.net users in the UK to comply with the Online Safety Act and maintain age-appropriate experiences. Players over 18 will need to verify their age using government ID, credit card, or mobile provider verification to retain access to social features like voice and text chat. Failure to verify will result in restricted access to certain features and age-restricted content.
Blizzard fire World Of Warcraft developer over use of forbidden magicks to insta-kill bosses for regular players during dungeon run
Blizzard Entertainment has fired a World of Warcraft developer for using development-only spells to instantly kill bosses during a live Mythic+ dungeon run for non-developer players. The studio confirmed the incident, stating that the employee violated the company's Code of Conduct and that action is also being taken against the player accounts involved. Blizzard emphasized that the misuse of developer tools is against policy and that this incident was isolated to a single individual.
Issues and Activism
Blizzard Entertainment fired a developer involved in a World of Warcraft cheating scandal, while fans expressed anger over Electronic Arts' announcement of a $150 version of FC 27. These incidents highlight ongoing issues with game integrity and monetization practices within the industry.
Blizzard fired the World of Warcraft staffer caught cheating with Death Touch (and actioned some of the players too)
Blizzard Entertainment has fired an employee and taken action against players involved in a World of Warcraft cheating incident where a staffer used a GM-only spell to help a group achieve victory. The company confirmed the incident was isolated to one employee who violated the Code of Conduct, and stated that all uses of developer tools on live servers are logged and monitored.
Overwatch, Path of Exile, and the In-Game Economy: What Virtual Currency Systems Reveal About Real Money Design
This analysis explores how virtual currency systems in games like Overwatch 2 and Path of Exile are designed to psychologically influence players and abstract real-world spending. It contrasts Blizzard's stable but awkward dual-currency model with Grinding Gear Games' player-driven orb economy, highlighting how these designs reduce the 'pain of paying' and encourage continued engagement. The article also touches on the migration of these principles to other digital sectors and offers advice for players on budgeting for in-game purchases.
Blizzard fires World of Warcraft dev after using "development-only spells on a live realm" to help a friend…
Blizzard Entertainment has fired a World of Warcraft game master after they were caught using development-only spells on a live realm to help friends cheat through a dungeon and defeat bosses instantly. The company confirmed the incident, stating it was the action of a single employee violating their Code of Conduct and that all such uses of developer tools are logged and monitored.
Blizzard fires World of Warcraft game master who insta-killed bosses for friends
Blizzard Entertainment has fired a World of Warcraft game master who used their abilities to instantly kill bosses for friends during Mythic+ dungeons. Community manager Randy Jordan confirmed this was a violation of the Code of Conduct by a single employee and that action would also be taken against the complicit player accounts. Blizzard stated that the use of developer tools is logged and this incident was isolated, assuring players that such misuse is against company policy.
Hearthstone’s Escape from Violet Hold set gets major balance tuning in reaction to a shaken meta
Blizzard Entertainment has released Patch 36.0.3 for Hearthstone to address balance issues introduced by the Escape from Violet Hold expansion. The patch aims to improve class and deck diversity, which had become lower than desired, particularly at high ranks. Adjustments have been made to regular play, Arena, and Battlegrounds modes, with a new Dark Gifts mechanic teased for the next Battlegrounds season.
Diablo 4 players are so obsessed with a ring that's probably killing them that Blizzard has been forced to investigate like the dang Fellowship
Players in Diablo 4 are reporting unexpected deaths while using the Wendigo Brand ring, which is intended to increase player power after kills. Blizzard Entertainment is investigating the issue, with community manager Marcus Kretz confirming the team is looking into the bug. The problem appears to occur when the ring's health-boosting effect reaches 50 stacks, causing it to drain health instead.
Casually Classic: WoW Classic shows how Blizzard got combat right from the start
This article analyzes how Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft Classic successfully implemented satisfying combat mechanics from its initial release. The author contrasts the deliberate, methodical pace of Classic with the faster combat of retail World of Warcraft, highlighting the importance of responsive and impactful combat for player engagement in MMOs.
World of Warcraft is removing Decor Duels in the next patch while The Burning Crusade Anniversary plans its next phase
World of Warcraft is removing the time-limited PvP mode Decor Duels in the upcoming patch 12.1, Curse of Ula'tek, though items will remain purchasable. Meanwhile, WoW Classic players celebrating The Burning Crusade's anniversary can expect phase 3 of the event to launch on August 13th.
Recension – Blizzard avtäcker sina kosmetiska Blizzcon-paket
Blizzard Entertainment will host BlizzCon on September 12-13, 2024, and will livestream the event for free. Instead of digital tickets, the company is selling BlizzCon Bundles containing cosmetic items for World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo 4, Diablo Immortal, Hearthstone, StarCraft II, and Heroes of the Storm, with prices ranging from $25 to $50.