Race changes to worgen and goblins will be available on launch night

by Michael Sacco Nov 10th 2010 at 12:02AM

Short and sweet here, folks: Blizzard has announced that race changes to goblins and worgen will be available immediately upon Cataclysm launch. That's 12:01 a.m. PST Dec. 7. Additionally, there will no longer be any achievements for being the first of your race to hit level 85; the achievements are now class-only.

Great news for people who want to switch from their terrible male night elf druid into a dashing (literally) male worgen druid, or basically anyone who's tired of playing a troll of either gender.

Tags: breaking, cat-beta, cata-beta, cataclysm-beta, cataclysm-game, cataclysm-guide, cataclysm-news, expansion, expansion-three, goblin, goblins, next-xpac, paid-race-change, race-change, third-expansion, worgen, worgens, world-of-warcraft-beta, world-of-warcraft-cataclysm, world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-beta, wow-4.0, wow-4.0.2, wow-beta, wow-cataclysm, wow-cataclysm-beta, wow-expansion, wow-expansion-beta, wow-guide, wow-third-expansion

Filed under: Cataclysm, Worgen, Goblin

Reader Comments (Page 3 of 9)

Grimth Nov 10th 2010 12:13AM

One of the more shameless money-making moves on Blizzard's part IMHO.

Cutler Nov 10th 2010 12:19AM

You're exactly right. There is no shame to be had making money off of a feature based entirely on vanity.

It might have been a "shameless" move if Blizzard sold gold, experience boosting items, or gear. But contrary to the growing number of Item Shops in MMOs Blizzard doesn't sell anything but Vanity Items. Oh the horror. How will Blizzard sell out next?

Michael Sacco Nov 10th 2010 12:21AM

Yes! How dare Blizzard offer us the same service they've offered us for several years! A shameless moneygrab by Akkktibli$$ard.

Drakkenfyre Nov 10th 2010 12:42AM

To be rather honest, race changes haven't been offered for years.

However, his point is still invalid. It isn't a money-grabbing technique. People have asked for race changing to the new races, and they are getting it.

If you were previously pigeon-holed into a race simply for the class, like Druid, or Paladin, and you can't stand Night Elves/Tauren or Blood Elves, now you have a choice.

TK00 Nov 10th 2010 12:42AM

Don't blame Blizz if people want to waste their money by throwing it at them.

chorx Nov 10th 2010 12:43AM

@Michael Sacco
I dunno, I think there can be a legitimate argument to be had, saying that they removed the race to "first 85" for these races, in turn for the extra money they'll get from the new race hype. Personally, I think it sucks they removed the acheivs, but whatever... ether way, I'm going to level a Goblin Shammy release night, and enjoy it greatly, so I can't say I care that much.

Aedilhild Nov 10th 2010 12:43AM

How dare Blizzard allow longtime customers to enjoy new product features.

Artificial Nov 10th 2010 12:51AM

I shamelessly ate lunch today, shamelessly fed the cat, shamelessly took out the trash, etc. It's kinda pointless to point it out that I did these things shamelessly, though, when they aren't actions for which one should be ashamed.

What was your point about Blizzard, exactly? Are you implying a for-profit company should be ashamed for charging money for services? I'm afraid communism just doesn't work all that well, sorry...

Utakata Nov 10th 2010 1:01AM

I on the other hand shamelessly disagree with their decision.

Myf Nov 10th 2010 2:30AM

I agree with chorx.

Personally I was aiming for 1st 85 Gnome in Cata.
Blizzard removed that achievement to facilitate race changes on launch day.

Or in black and white terms:
Blizzard removed content to make more money from optional services.

Drakkenfyre Nov 10th 2010 3:15AM

Myf, the Achievements already had a "Must have completed the starter zone" requirement, so no, they didn't remove the realm firs 85's because of that.

Grimth Nov 10th 2010 11:20AM

Yes, that's it, race-hype. Blizzard are shame(fully?) cashing in on the race-hype. No matter how you spin it. There's really no way around it though, since they are the new races that will will settle in next to the existing races so the paid-race change to them is unavoidable. I just expected blizzard to not let it apply straight away so that all the older races dont become endangered species on day 1 of cata.

Btw, Cutler, look at all these great 'vanity items':

* Rocket Jump : Activates your rocket belt to jump forward. 2 minute cooldown, shared with Rocket Barrage.
* Rocket Barrage : Launches your belt rockets at an enemy, dealing X-Y fire damage. (24-30 at level 1; 1654-2020 at level 80). 2 min. cooldown.
* Time is Money : Cash in on a 1% increase to attack and casting speed.
* Best Deals Anywhere : Always receive the best discount regardless of faction standing.
* Pack Hobgoblin : Calls in your personal servant, allowing you bank access for 1 min. 30 minute cooldown.
* Better Living through Chemistry : Alchemy skill increased by 15 (and you gain bonuses for healing/mana potions you made; 25% more mana/hp from potions).

For The Goblin Horde!!!!!!..... :(

sprout_daddy Nov 16th 2010 10:55PM

By now, I've paid for at least a dozen realm transfer for different characters, two faction changes, and two race changes I can think of. Blizzard didn't hold a gun to my head for any of that, and when they removed the 90-day and 30-day cooldowns on realm transfers, I recognized it wasn't just to make my life easier, it was also to make money off of me. As long as Blizzard doesn't make me pay for things that add value to the game, I could care less if they make money of vanity options - in fact, I hope they make tons, because I know they'll plow it back into the game.

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