The Queue: Predicting the Cataclysm release date

The above image is what the new Cataclysm launcher looks like. It's shown in mid-patch, with enough data downloaded that I can play the game at least respectably. It really looks quite slick, and I love the additions of the amounts that need to be downloaded.
Lagothan asked:
"Soooo, any predictions on the release date for Cataclysm? Please don't say 'soon' or I will be a sad panda."
First, we really don't have any inside info on this one. Even the people we talk to often aren't saying anything.
That being said, I think a November release seems likely. I'm thinking Nov. 9, 11 or 16. This will feel like it's coming up relatively "soon."
Thundarcraker asked:
"Will the Zul'Gurub mounts still be available by other means?"
We don't know yet. However, if you wanted them and haven't gotten around to farming one (or both), I would suggest you start now, just to be safe. If I had to guess, I'd say they're going to be removed -- but that's just a guess. I don't know either way.
I'll also take a minute to say how scared I am about what's going to happen to the price of the turtle polymorph tome ... I could see that going well over 100,000g eventually. If you have one and haven't used it, now would be the time to save it and forget about it until it becomes a super rare item of yet-unknown demand.
Mister Rik asked:
"In the reworking of the Old World, are they getting rid of the existing runners and tightly packed groups of mobs?"
More or less, yes. The running behavior is still exhibited, but you won't find tons of clusters packed together in short range of each other that will lead to chain pulling of large groups. I haven't seen any like that in my travels, and after talking to a few people who have leveled through, they haven't, either.
Gjohnson asked:
"So far, what do you think is the coolest, most awesome, mind-breaking thing/person/event that you've seen in Cataclysm?"
Deepholm.
"Conversely, what did you expect to be really epic in the beta, but it turned out to not be nearly as cool as you thought?"
The worgen starting zone. When you play the goblin area, and then play the worgen area, the worgen starting zone is underwhelming and not nearly as awesome.
Filed under: The Queue






Reader Comments (Page 1 of 14)
Tom Sep 2nd 2010 11:06AM
I don't know, a part of me is saying Nov. 23rd, but another part of me thinks it will be pushed into January 2011.
Astalnar Sep 2nd 2010 11:11AM
I must say that I presume it will be from november 22nd to november 27th.
(cutaia) Sep 2nd 2010 11:12AM
Whoo...prediction thread!
December 7th, Bob.
Grovinofdarkhour Sep 2nd 2010 11:18AM
Where the hell is Chris when we need him?
Ullaana Sep 2nd 2010 11:31AM
Sometime after today. I'm really good at predicting these things. HA!
jishdefish Sep 2nd 2010 11:36AM
Okay, so I saw a thread on mmo-champ comparing the dates of WoTLK and Cataclysm beta in terms of alpha starting, beta starting, and max level becoming available for play, and the conclusion was that Cata is two weeks ahead of schedule compared to Wrath's dates.
Assuming they are actually ahead of schedule and not shifting work to later down the road, and also assuming they don't get behind, I could see it coming out by October 30th... but that would be a best-case scenario.
Oni Stardust Sep 2nd 2010 11:36AM
My educated guess has been saying late October/early November from the start and it still is.
And I'm pretty good about predicting these things.
(cutaia) Sep 2nd 2010 11:39AM
Detec....aw, I give up.
Schadenfreude Sep 2nd 2010 11:44AM
Just going by past development times, which may or may not be applicable:
BC: Beta began Oct. 2006, 2.0 Patch December 5th 2006, BC released Jan 17th 2007 (2 Months to Patch, 3.5 Months to Expansion)
WOTLK: Beta began July 17th 2008, 3.0 Patch Oct 14 2008, WOTLK released Nov 13th 2008 (3 Months to Patch, 4 Months to Expansion)
Cata: Beta began June 30th 2010, **currently 2 Months on**
4.0 Patch SPECULATIVE: October-November 2010, Cata released SPECULATIVE: November-December 2010.
So, soon.
Source: http://www.wowwiki.com/Beta
Meatwadz Sep 2nd 2010 11:49AM
My money's on November 9th but the 2nd isn't too unlikely.
I think there is some kind of policy Blizz has to not release immediately before a major holiday weekend. Bad PR maybe? (Headline: Millions of kids across the country forgo family gatherings for addictive online game)
DarkFinch Sep 2nd 2010 11:52AM
I predict that Cataclysm will be released between 'sooner' and 'later'
talkingmike Sep 2nd 2010 11:57AM
Sweet, if we are 2 weeks behind schedule, then we are VERY close to an announced release date. If I remember correctly, it was announced for Wrath on 15 Sept 2008.
Exceed Sep 2nd 2010 12:01PM
It'd be awesome if it was November 23rd... That's my birthday xD
Natsumi Sep 2nd 2010 12:06PM
I'm going to guess either Nov 19 or Nov 26 for Cata to drop and Oct 19 for 4.0 to hit. :D
Do I win something if I get it right?
Pyromelter Sep 2nd 2010 12:16PM
November 9, 2010.
Gives them the finishing touches after blizzcon, and doesn't bump up against Thanksgiving.
So it looks like I'm agreeing with Holisky... so you heard it here second.
Grovinofdarkhour Sep 2nd 2010 12:18PM
@ Ullaana
I spent my time searching for this, and I don't intend to do so again.
Link it, learn it, love it.
http://www.wow.com/2010/06/24/the-queue-patching-syndrome/#continued
For once and for all.
The word... is... DETECTING.
One more time and we'll have to round up a posse to go after further misquoters.
Ullaana Sep 2nd 2010 12:22PM
@Grov,
I wasn't quoting I was predicting.
I'm way to old to play the "meme" game, but appreciate you were trying to set me on the right course, but you might need to step back and take a deep breath. It's not something to get too serious about.
Pax.
Grovinofdarkhour Sep 2nd 2010 12:35PM
/sigh
I'm with you, Cutaia. I give up. They don't care enough to get it right.
Sorry, Chris. We really tried.
tulipblossom Sep 2nd 2010 12:36PM
Even more so than a release date, although, I'm naturally of course on the edge of my seat with that, I'm looking forward to the Cataclysm cinematic. How close to release do they usually release the cinematic? I honestly can't remember when Wrath's was released. But, it feels like it was much more in advance. Maybe I'm just remember wrong. :o
Prances in Underpantss Sep 2nd 2010 12:36PM
"I presume it will be from november 22nd to november 27th"
"I'm going to guess either Nov 19 or Nov 26"
I cant really see them releasing it so close to Thanksgiving (Nov. 25 this year).
I'm gonna say December 7th. That day was pretty cataclysmic.