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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsWorld of Warcraft turns 6, but no free pet to be awarded
by Fox Van Allen 
Nov 17th 2010 at 3:00PM
World of Warcraft's 6th Anniversary!World of Warcraft turns six on November 23rd, 2010! It's been a truly incredible six years, and we'd like to thank you all for joining us on this momentous occasion. To celebrate, players that log into the game between the dates of November 30th and December 14th will receive a feat of strength added to their Achievements. We look forward to another great year ahead and many more to come!
But what about that free anniversary pet?
World of WarcraftQuote:
Does this mean no pet? :(
Does this mean no pet? :(
The Baby Blizzard Bear was a gift that we mailed to players for logging in for our five-year anniversary. We plan to reserve this sort of celebratory bonus for the most notable milestones or events.
But I digress. Yes, it's sad that we're not getting a pet this year. And yes, it is weird that the anniversary period doesn't include the actual anniversary of the game. Still, any disappointment stems from Blizzard just plain being too generous in the past with this kind of stuff, so you can't hit the company too hard for coming up short this year.
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it; nothing will be the same! In WoW Insider's Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion (available Dec. 7, 2010), from brand new races to revamped quests and zones. Visit our Cataclysm news category for the most recent posts having to do with the Cataclysm expansion.Filed under: News items
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 10)
Starsmore Nov 17th 2010 3:43PM
The cynic in me says that they had a pet, ready to be given away for free, and then realized that people will PAY for the stuff... so screw giving it away for free, toss that thing up on the Pet Store, give 0.01% of the profit to charity, and make a killin'...
...I mean, they can't be all over worked if they came up with what, two new pets for the Pet Store, while working on the xpac? Just goes to show you what to expect in the coming years.
Saeadame Nov 17th 2010 6:08PM
Uh... 0.01% =/= 50%, which is what they're actually giving to charities. If you're going to be negative, at least don't undermine that they are, actually, giving a significant amount to charity.
Starsmore Nov 17th 2010 6:41PM
Granted, I haven't re-read the press release to doublecheck, but the pandaren monk was only donating to charity for half the time it's been available? A third?
Giving away half of your profit on everything sold in the first week (say, 1000 sold x $5 to charity = $5000 to charity) doesn't mean as much when you keep everything else sold in the proceeding 3 weeks (say, 1000 sold per week x 3 x $10 = $15000 in almost pure profit)
Yes, giving half to charity is a good thing. Only doing it for a limited time is kinda bogus, in my opinion. It reeks of PR stunt & tax writeoff.
Infinite Duck Nov 18th 2010 10:34AM
Blizzard raised 1.1 million for make a wish foundation off that the pandaren monk. It was announced at blizzcon. Nice try though.
Fierna Nov 17th 2010 3:16PM
Argh! I feel like a spoiled kid for being unhappy about not getting a present for the anniversary.
My poor baby bear is staring at me as if to say "What... what's wrong with me? What about all those good times we had? How do we get that magic back?"
Eyhk Nov 17th 2010 3:18PM
My guess is that once they proved they could make money off of it, why do all that work for free?
Elionene Nov 17th 2010 3:19PM
While not getting a pet is disappointing, is anyone else more off put by the fact that their excuse doesn't hold up, and the blue poster had his facts wrong? I mean, if you don't want to design another pet, just say so. Don't make up an excuse that pets are only for 5-year anniversaries when that's not what the case has been for two years.
Again, not really upset about not getting a pet, but disappointed that the community managers can't just be honest with us.
Noyou Nov 17th 2010 3:33PM
Yeah. The excuse is more of a kick in the pants than not getting anything. I mean they don't have to give me a shiny new pet. Give me something that is in game already-I don't mind. :) I remember last year we got Onyxia and a Chilly Willy pet. So maybe I'm spoiled. How about a free race/faction or customization for one toon? How much more would you appreciate Blizzard as a company if they did that?
Charlie Nov 17th 2010 3:21PM
Maybe it's because we have been bad :(
Noyou Nov 17th 2010 6:37PM
Yes we have. I have been real naughty. I pre-ordered Cata 2 months ago while I had the cash. Instead of using the money on something useful like new shoes or gasoline for my car. Or a kitten. Damn. I should have got the kitten.
medoraman Nov 17th 2010 3:26PM
Too generous? To have some intern spend a couple of days designing a silly little pet, right before they want another $40 from everyone above and beyond the $15 a month? I guess too generous is not the phrase that would come to mind.
Tolkfan Nov 17th 2010 3:23PM
Let me translate that for you from bluespeak: we decided it's better to squeeze some cash and/or PR out of the pets our artists do.
alpha5099 Nov 17th 2010 3:24PM
Color me disappointed too. Guess I'll just have to be happy with all the incredible changes and additions that are only a few weeks away. -sulk-
Travieso Nov 17th 2010 3:24PM
The sixth anniversary pet is taking a drink from the 2010 Brewfest Stein in the dance studio.
Noyou Nov 17th 2010 3:34PM
Your sarcasm is not only delicious it's good for you too!
Matt Nov 17th 2010 3:36PM
i see wut u did thar...
+1 internets, sirrah!
Scott Nov 17th 2010 3:27PM
I, for one, always thought the anniversary pet was kinda silly - "Hey, here's a reward for you for randomly logging in during this week, even if you haven't played for months or years."
Pet awards or achievements make more sense for PLAYER anniversaries, like 1 year /played. I know they will never do that though, as it would encourage players to waste even MORE time in game and raise the hackles of the anti-gaming lobbyists.
I think an in-game event would be the most fun... have a party in Stormwind and Orgrimmar, Blizzard could provide feast tables and ogre piñatas and nerf bats and stuff like that - a one-day, 24-hour blowout that rewards nothing permanent but is lots of fun!
Moxxy Nov 17th 2010 3:51PM
I agree on the login on a special day being odd, but they could easily reward player anniversaries instead & you don't have to do /played and piss off the anti-game people. Simply run it as a loyalty program, like many MMOs use. You've been subscribed for 72 months? Here is your reward... that sorta thing.
Noyou Nov 17th 2010 6:37PM
You know what I totally agree with that. Last year was my first year playing and I was totally not expecting anything. But this is this year. I still wasn't expecting anything. Then I come on and see the blue post. Now I feel like I should have expected something and instead get a half assed excuse to go along with a feat of strength. Hooaaah!
Koleckai Nov 17th 2010 3:25PM
We didn't get pets for the 1-3 anniversaries. Weren't even achievements to give away back then. I would like a pet as much as anyone but can see why they wouldn't want to give one away every year.