First BlizzCast not quite up to the hype
by Zach Yonzon 
Jan 10th 2008 at 6:00PM
The hotly anticipated first Blizzard podcast -- creatively named BlizzCast -- has just gone live. Available as a manageable 24 MB MP3 download, Blizzard's first attempt at podcasting contains an interview with art director (and L70TC frontman) Samwise Didier and forum regular Drysc interviewing lead developer Jeff Kaplan. Blizzard's official BlizzCast page explains that this series of podcasts will be a behind the scenes peek behind Blizzard's game development process.Although most people have been looking forward to the information about Patch 2.4, as Eliah wrote earlier, the interview with Samwise turned out to be more entertaining. In order to fully appreciate the interview, however, listeners should visit the podcast's official page, which contains the transcript of the podcast as well as illustrations and screenshots (future BlizzCasts will be video podcasts). With all the hype surrounding the BlizzCast -- mostly caused by Blizzard hinting at more information on the forums -- Blizzard's first attempt at podcasting seems to fall far short of expectations. The interview with Tigole is a brief eight minutes (compared to Samwise's 12) and most of the information he mentions has already been revealed. In fact, one of the details Kaplan mentions -- the improvements to raid ready checks -- is already in the game from last Tuesday's Patch 2.3.2.
Kaplan reveals just when BlizzCast was recorded by mentioning how Patch 2.3 "went live recently," while it actually went live last November 11, 2007, nearly two months ago. The folks at Blizzard might want to check out WoW Insider's very own podcast with WoW Radio, which airs live every Saturday and becomes available for download a few days later. Blizzard spices up an otherwise underwhelming and relatively uninformative podcast by promising to give away some Logitech speakers and Starcraft II hats to listeners who send feedback. Blizzard is more than eager to hear everyone's thoughts on their new endeavor, so listeners should shoot them an e-mail and hopefully win some swag.
Listen to BlizzCast, or better yet, visit the official page to learn more (well... not much more) about the upcoming Patch 2.4 and hear Samwise go "prrttt prrtt." From a World of Warcraft player's perspective, the podcast was somewhat disappointing. Drysc makes it clear, however, that the BlizzCast was never intended to be a -- as William Shatner would put it -- conduit for new and exclusive information. He also mentions that "it's quite likely that the next BlizzCast won't even mention World of Warcraft," although Drysc quickly edits that part out. So maybe the next BlizzCast will be worth the wait... but don't hold your breath. The next episode will feature Blizzard loremeister Chris Metzen and maybe some Diablo II developers.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Podcasting, Blizzard, Interviews
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Scoottie Jan 10th 2008 6:23PM
what you expected some life altering news or something? I play WoW but its just a game
Rob Jan 10th 2008 6:32PM
I disagree with this, there was alot of interesting stuff in the podcast. And yeah, just a bunch of pixels, really. I really like the fact that they transcribed it so we dont have to download and listen to the podcast, a process i find annoying.
Lastly, you totally missed the big news, there will be new dailies in the Sunwell area, and the daily limit is going up to 25. I think blizz is really on a roll with the latest patches, and look forward to 2.4 and WOTLK.
Zach Jan 10th 2008 8:18PM
It's great news, indeed, Rob, but that information's been available for a while now.
daniel.roy Jan 10th 2008 6:36PM
"Kaplan reveals just when BlizzCast was recorded by mentioning how Patch 2.3 "went live recently," while it actually went live last November 11, 2007, nearly two months ago. The folks at Blizzard might want to check out WoW Insider's very own podcast with WoW Radio, which airs live every Saturday and becomes available for download a few days later."
With such a shameless and unnecessary plug, do you expect us to take this post seriously? You just sound like you're patting yourselves on the back.
Tereon Jan 10th 2008 6:45PM
"Loremeister", gotta love that... :-)
On topic, I really enjoyed the first Blizzcast. As you say, the interview with Samwise is far more entertaining than the one with Jeff, but that mostly comes from the fact that there really wasn't anything NEW about the infos he gave us. That's probably because they recorded that stuff some time ago. I'm fine with that, because as I said, I enjoyed it. It's good to hear some people from Blizzard talk about the game and their work, something we EU-gamers seldom get (traveling to BlizzCon or stuff like that is... well, expensive from here). So all in all, enjoyable for me, but I agree that there wasn't any "new news" there for most of the players that scour the (US) forums or read WoW news sites on a regular basis.
Cheers,
Tereon, Zirkel des Cenarius EU-DE
clawhammr Jan 10th 2008 6:51PM
I haven't listened to this (listen to podcasts at work) but when blizz do kinda interview with themselfes, they never give anything just all what has been on forums and specially dont answer even lot of questions just done when done - and sorry we cant give any info about that now.. but like said havent listened to this, at least looking forward to interview with Samwise, he rocks.. loved his work for a long time.
Brian Jan 10th 2008 6:57PM
Hmm, I think you are begin a bit harsh. This cast was never going to be cutting edge, It's basicly an infomercial for Blizzard. Also not everyone drools over rumour and news sites every day. I mean how many times do I come WoW Insider and see information from other sites? If I want to read MMO champ I will. Form a fan point of view I was interested to hear what Samwise had to say, especially as I am an artist myself. It's nice to get a small insight onto how they work. With the 2.4 stuff, Blizzard has never published mass detail direct. That has always come form news sites and PTRS which are always 'subject to change'. So they can't come on and say it's going to have this, this and this if they are likely to change it.
I also liked that the music wasn't all ripped form WoW and it started with the Diablo music. That was very cool. With them hopefully talking to some of the Diablo guys next time it'll be interesting to have a bit of nostalgia.
For the record. I listened to the whole fo the cast without wincing. I have yet to hear more than 5 minutes of the WoW Insider podcast without turning it off. Very much the pot calling the kettle black methinks.
TotalBiscuit Jan 10th 2008 7:25PM
May I just state for the record that I strongly disagree with Zach's views and they certainly do not represent those of WoW Radio's staff, who understand that the shows that we do, and the podcast that Blizzard produces, are apples and oranges, with completely different aims and completely different formats. To be honest I think people are already well aware of the existence of us and the podcast and I think it was pretty damn cheap if you ask me to take a dig at them for what was, aside from 2 technical issues that I've already spoken to Blizzard about and had a positive response from, a damn well produced and informative podcast.
For those interested, this is the reply I received from Blizzard today regarding the background music and panning issues.
"Thank you for the feedback John.
We’re definitely aware of the music levels, and while it was discussed frequently, it was decided to go live as-is. We’re happy that we have the transcript available now more than ever! ;) We will be making adjustments for future episodes though. Good call nonetheless.
The panning issues were a byproduct of the recording conditions unfortunately, but for future episodes we have access to our nice facilities once again, so production quality all-around should be much improved.
Thanks again!"
George M. Jan 10th 2008 7:28PM
I am looking forward to the next WoW Insider Show.
Zechleton Jan 10th 2008 7:56PM
Get the WC3 patch out already, damnit!
TowerPowerNerf FiGhTinG~!
Sam H Jan 10th 2008 8:14PM
Ok, so didn't the "Diablo II developers next time" comment seem a little suspect to anyone else?
We know Blizzard are working on a "next-gen mmo", and speculation has been rife that it could be Diablo 3 (among other possibilities).
Drysc mentions that the next Blizzcast may not even mention World of Warcraft (and then suspiciously edits his post to remove that part), so what else might it include? ;-)
Eternalpayn Jan 10th 2008 9:05PM
"this dungeon is coming later in the sort of Burning Crusade cycle"
That basically says that there won't be a 2.5
Suzaku Jan 10th 2008 9:40PM
They've already confirmed that there are no plans for a 2.5, they've said that basically the only reason they'll extend the BC "storyline" beyond 2.4 is if they need to delay Wrath. *nods*
Luckton Jan 10th 2008 9:45PM
WTF...why do they even have an audio podcast when there's a written transcription of the podcast available? That just makes the whole thing look fake and scripted. They could have easily just thrown the transcripted info on to the wow.com page and been done with it!
TotalBiscuit Jan 10th 2008 10:13PM
Haha, you seriously think people are going to read all of that? Morons complain when I pen 3 narrow blog comment paragraphs, you really think they would be able to handle 24 minutes of transcribed speech?
Eternalpayn Jan 11th 2008 7:53AM
First off, it has been revealed that it was recorded a long time ago. It probably took a long time to do the transcript, that's why the podcast took so long. Also, I read it instead of listening. Why? I can read it in many sittings, listening to music. :) Also, for a long time my sound card was fried, I would have loved a transcript of my favorite podcasts.
TotalBiscuit Jan 11th 2008 9:26AM
Yes, you would. However, you I would suggest, are perhaps in the minority.The whole point is that you 'listen' to a podcast. It's a medium with specific appeal, if it doesn't appeal to you, then don't listen to it. However, to suggest that it's better to simply transcribe 24 minutes of speech and not release a podcast at all, as the OP suggested, is ridiculous.
Zarzuur Jan 11th 2008 7:50AM
There are a few screenshots of the Sunwell zone on the transcript page!!
(Are these new to everyone else? .. or just me :D )
Maebius Jan 11th 2008 11:42AM
I think you have to take into account that many Blizzard minions (I mean us players of the Warcraft MMO) do not do as I do and constantly browse sites like WowInsider, forums, and other out-of-game sources for the newest and up-to-date news. I do, but a few of my less addicted friends who experience WoW only on their computers heard about this through various channels and went to check it out as a "new news" source, andthus were pleased to hear the details about patch 2.4.
So just to play devil's advocate and defend the Blizzcast, it is a medium that appeals to slightly different masses than your usual forum/board/blog readers like I am. (The fact is is listed as news on the game launcher is what drew my friend to listen to it)
lirean Jan 11th 2008 12:22PM
I liked it, it wasn't really entertaining, but it had some interesting info and so forth, but hey, I've got the Instance for daft jokes and men with sexy deep voices. ^^