Blizzard's splash screen changes for June 25th, reveals new rune
by Daniel Whitcomb 
Jun 25th 2008 at 4:00AM
I'm sure by now you've heard of the strange splash screen that has appeared on Blizzard's major websites, and seen the progression from day 1 to day 2, and read our report on it here at WoW Insider. As expected, a new splash screen has just appeared on Blizzard's main site.
This time, a large chunk of the ice in the middle of the picture seems to have broken away. Unfortunately, we still can't make out much of anything through the ice, though we've already had a tipster or two comment to say that it may be the night sky. If so, does that mean we're inside some sort of icy tomb or cavern looking out? There's also a new rune located in the bottom left hand corner of the breaking ice. The meaning of the new rune is still up in the air. Diabloii.net points out that it looks a lot like a Protoss symbol found on the official Starcraft 2 site.
You can see the image, as well as the newest piece of that strange purple monster image, in our splash screen gallery below.
As mentioned, a new piece of the strange purple monster image has popped up as well. This time, it's entitled 23.jpg. If we follow the pattern of the two previous pieces, that would translate to the letter "W." This shoots down the theorists who were hoping that the file names would spell out "Diablo" when converted. Right now, they spell "DOW." or "WOD." Of course... WOD? World of Diablo? Could we be looking at the next-gen MMO Blizzard's been hiring people for?
This is also a good time to mention the two schools of thought on the whole purple monster issue. Some people are claiming that the monster is a purple walrus, which is apparently the trademark image of Michael Dashow, a 3D artist who worked extensively on Diablo 2. Other people are saying that the monster is obviously a Jormungar -- and I have to admit, that crest of hair on top of 04.jpg does look suspiciously like the crest of hair on top of a Jormungar. Then again, diabloii.net's mockup of how the pieces might connect looks a bit like some sort of purple penguin.
As well, the Master CSS file has changed again. This time, the world of the day is "icy." It's more cold imagery this time around. Could all this ice image just mean that we're only looking at a WoTLK Beta announcement after all? Check the pictures, check some of the insightful comments from our readers in the last article, and judge for yourself, and then join the conversation here in the comments.
Edit: The splash screen has changed again. Check here for news and analysis of the updated image as of June 26th.
Edit: Check out the changes for June 27th right here.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, WoW Social Conventions, Blizzard, News items, Rumors, Worldwide Invitational
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
Camaris Jun 25th 2008 4:20AM
Hmm.. that does look like a Starcraft 'rune'. Maybe it is just a generic WWI splash? Or a release date of Starcraft II? Or the day the world will end? The coming of a Messiah?
streetboarder92 Jun 25th 2008 9:52AM
I have another idea, first day everyone thought the ruin was from Warcraft, one the Frostmoure, second day the new ruin looks like Hel from Diablo II, and people are saying the first one is now Shael from Diablo II. Today the third symbol does look very much like protoss symbol on the website. So, couldnt it be all three. Maybe the first really is from Warcraft, second Diablo, and third Starcraft. Theyre just putting all their franchises in there. I think tomorrow will be a bigger day since if they keep the pattern there should be a new ruin and the puzzle of the purple monster completed.
Erik Jun 25th 2008 12:52PM
I think it is a announcement for Starcraft 2's release date or Beat date, and Diablo 3,. The ice is used to symbolize Winter, meaning that the December 3 release may not be to far off for Starcraft 2. The Diablo runes for Diablo 3. And Protoss crest for Starcraft 2 related announcements.
Blizzard said they started development on Starcraft 2 after the frozen throne, yet they stated they were still in pre-alpha last year. If you ask me, they are further ahead than we all think.
Veilside9999 Jun 25th 2008 4:24AM
Im hoping that the wotlk release date is hiding behind that ice
Khanmora Jun 25th 2008 8:15AM
I don't think we're going to see a release date until Blizzcon.
Putman Jun 25th 2008 4:34AM
There has been no mention yet either of the addition of blood drops on the stone where Frostmourne is planted on in the Wrath of Lich King website,The gloves on the king have blood drops that have appeared as well.
Colt Jun 25th 2008 4:39AM
don't forget the "Wei 07" on the stone aswell
Fauche Jun 25th 2008 6:55AM
It's ice, not stone. And it's also a signature. Wei is one of Blizzard's artists, a very, very talented one for that matter. I belieive he drew the patch 2.4 wallpaper, the one with Kil'jaeden and Kael'thas.
Adi Jun 25th 2008 4:35AM
I think there's going to be one artist on the Blizzard team who's looking at this post laughing madly. Come on, it's just a "cool splash" with some ice.
kirsty Jun 25th 2008 6:41AM
I think that it may be something todo with wrath of the lich king.
Lanthadyme Jun 25th 2008 4:45AM
So, we have a Warcraft/Diablo rune, then a Diablo rune, then a Starcraft rune.
I still vote red herring.
Doffencrag Jun 25th 2008 9:57AM
Purple herring, in this case... lol :)
Silverslide Jun 25th 2008 4:45AM
When you put the 3 tiles you get...
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8722/combinedbk6.jpg
...A... er... thing... not sure... I think a sock is involved
joerendous Jun 25th 2008 1:12PM
looks like a purple walrus ;)
Kadamon Jun 25th 2008 5:09AM
What do the 3 Runes for Death Knights look like, btw? Maybe those're it?
I'm still hoping for The Lost Vikings personally. >_>
Spawn66 Jun 25th 2008 5:11AM
Hmm, i say it's the roof of Icecrown melting away, and the Lich King is able to spread outside, thats why we need to go to Northrend to stop him. Since it kind of looks like sky, and Icecrown is pretty tall.
Darin Jun 25th 2008 1:44PM
Are you thinking Global Warming?
nobbie Jun 25th 2008 5:12AM
Blizzard ist just poking fun at you all.
That strange "purple monster" is no one else than BigD sitting in a cozy, purple winter-suit with fur accessoires (note: "hell has frozen over" since patch 1.10), waiting to be unleased at the WWI.
It also explains why we have seen runes from 3 games so far, because all 3 Blizzard games can be seen at the show in Paris.
Plastviktor Jun 25th 2008 5:18AM
I got it now.
First Rune (Upper Left): Frostmourne Rune. You can find a picture somewhere.
Second Rune (Upper Right): Hel Rune from Diablo 2. http://www.randyrun.it/images/product_images/thumbnail_images/lewt_2155.gif Small picture but you get it.
Third Rune: (Lower Left) : The Protoss Sign from Sc2
http://www.starcraft2.com/features/protoss/main.xml
This leads to the guess that we will get a new game.
jpb Jun 25th 2008 5:22AM
hmm
heres "thingie" from splash:
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8722/combinedbk6.jpg
and heres new race from WotLK:
http://www.slashgear.com/gallery/data_files/1/4/6/wow2.jpg
its only me who see some similarities?