We're set up in the front here at the Opening Ceremony of BlizzCon, enjoying some precious free outlet space in the convention center. Soon we will be officially hearing more about what seems like old news already, the new The Wrath of the Lich King expansion.

Join us for up-to-the-minute liveblogging of the Opening Ceremony after the break.It is standing room only at the Main Stage.



The announcer has told us the program will begin "shortly" and has requested that everyone take their seats.



Gary an artist: "Where are all my warlocks at?"

He is calling out priests and shaman.

President and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment, Mike Morhaime.



Mike: We would like to express our gratitude. Because of your support, World of Warcraft has quickly become the most popular online game in the world.

Azeroth is bigger than half of the countries in the world.

Crossovers into pop culture, South Park nominated for an emmy for the episode where they saved the World... of Warcraft.



The Burning Crusade became the fastest selling game of all time, breaking the record they set in 2003.

He's calling out Australia, New Zealand and Asia for applause. Only Australia applauded.

We could not continue to do what we do without your support.

This is our chance to say thank you in person... giving a preview... and just plain having a good time.

We have a great show lined up.

He is announcing the tournaments and contests. Tonight at 7pm the cocktails and contests. Still possible to register for the contests!

Jay Mohr will MC.

Headlining tomorrow night is Video Games Live -- full orchestra performing music from our games.

Taking a break from their tour with the Darkmoon Faire -- a repeat performance by Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain. Much applause.

Doors of the arena will open at 6:30 tomorrow. be early.

Legendary Pictures is here for the WoW movie.

Sneak peek at Dell Computers' Ultimate WoW Gaming System.

Showing a video of the Korean Worldwide Invitational.



Announcing Blizzard's Newest Game...

Showing StarCraft Tournament winners -- all in Korean.



Ivy performing.



More than 60,000 visitors over 2 days.



While Korean gamers might have been the first to see to Starcraft II, you all will be among the first in the world to play it.

Can play against the AI in single player skirmishes or also in multiplayer vs other players.

Showing Starcraft II Cinematic Trailer...



Massive applause.

While South Korea got to see the Protoss race, at BlizzCon we get to see the Terrans.

Several new elements to the Terran arsenal.

Sharing info about the single player campaign -- interact closely with characters and determine individual path.

One more matter to attend to.

Frank Pierce. Blizzard cofounder. Exec VP of PD.



Frank: Really humbling to have so many people show up.

Development: Integrated Voice Chat.

You will discover Hot Night Elf chick in the game is actually a dude.

Another feature: Guild Banks. Guild master will know deposits and withdrawals and can set permissions.

10 man raid instqance Zul'Aman in Ghostlands. Joke about Armani.

Kick bloodelf ass as well as any other challengers.

Orcs will triple size of shoulderpads.

Much laughter.

Who's been reading rumours on the internet? Your accounts are all banned.

Dev team has been hard at work for Wrath of the Lich King.

Unveil the continent of Northrend in Azeroth.



threaten all life on azeroth -- scourge

level cap raised to 80

exciting new abilities and new talents for all classes

new battlegrounds

siege weapons

new profession: Inscription. Permanently enhance spells and abilities.



Be able to change appearance of avatars.

Death Knight Hero Class being introduced.



Words can't do justice for all the new stuff.

Now showing the new expansion trailer!



It's Begun...

Showing Northrend....



The land itself will rise up against you. Long forgotten terrors will smother you.

(Human Pally runs away. Everyone laughs.)

New Dungeons, Monsters, Items.







First public hands on of Wrath of the Lich King. Zone to check out (Howling Fjord) and 5 man dungeon (Utgarde Keep).

11:33 Go have fun!

Tags: arthas, blizzard, BlizzCon, joystiqfeatures, live blog, liveblog, northrend, world of warcraft, WorldOfWarcraft, wotlk, wow, wrath of the lich king, WrathOfTheLichKing

Filed under: News items, Expansions, Features, BlizzCon