Posts with tag blizzard-entertainment

Li Li's Travel Journal updates with part 6

by Anne Stickney Nov 15th 2012 at 7:00PM

Li Li's Travel Journal continues with part 6

What happened to Li Li after the Valley of the Four Winds? For that matter, where exactly was she when her Uncle Chen was duking it out with that orc and human during the cinematic trailer for Mists? Li Li's Travel Journal continues with part 6 of her adventures in Pandaria, and answers a few questions about Li Li's whereabouts during pivotal events, and where she's headed next.

In the latest installment, Li Li and Chen have made it to the Valley of Four Winds. In Li Li's eyes, the place looks remarkably like the Wandering Isle, only on a much larger scale. Mention is made of wandering heroes from Azeroth that helped the Stormstouts on their way across the Valley (that would be us!) as well as in the Stormstout Brewery.

The installment leaves off with Li Li headed for Krasarang Wilds without the accompaniment of her dear Uncle Chen, in search of the place where Liu Lang originally left Pandaria on the back of Shen-zin Su. Since we know at some point Chen headed west to the Dread Wastes, it should be interesting to see what Li Li is up to in his absence. You can find chapter six, as well as all previous installments of the story, in the Expanded Universe section of the official website.

Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Weekly maintenance extended to 3pm PST

by Anne Stickney Nov 13th 2012 at 4:00PM

Realm maintenance for all Warcraft realms as well as Diablo III and StarCraft II has now been extended to 3pm PST, according to the official BlizzardCS Twitter feed. Maintenance was originally extended to 1pm PST, but apparently some unforeseen issues have come up which require some additional work. What exactly this maintenance is addressing is unknown at this time, but hopefully realms will be up and playable soon.

Blizzard does have a thread that is being updated as more information comes in, so if you're waiting for realms to come back up, you may want to keep an eye on the official thread. Alternatively, if you have a Twitter account, following @BlizzardCS is an excellent way to keep tabs on maintenance issues as well. If there are any further extensions, we'll update this post as needed.

Edit: All servers are now back online and available for play!

Filed under: News items

Li Li's Travel Journal continues with part 5

by Anne Stickney Nov 8th 2012 at 4:00PM

Li Li's Travel Journal has finally been updated with part five of the 11-part story of Li Li Stormstout's travels around Azeroth. And this time, there is quite the time jump between entries. When we last left the travel journal, Li Li was still stuck on the Wandering Isle, her uncle Chen nowhere to be found. The latest entry takes us forward in time, jumping over the events in Pearl of Pandaria and Quest for Pandaria to bring us Li Li's thoughts on finally locating the lost continent of Pandaria.

Detailing Chen and Li Li's journey through the Jade Forest, part 5 gives us a little more information on just what happened to bring Chen and Li Li to the borders of the Valley of the Four Winds, where players find them in game. In fact, it looks as though player adventures will somehow incorporate into the story, as the next section will involve Chen's discoveries surrounding the original Stormstout clan.

What makes this really interesting is that our in game interactions with Li Li Stormstout pretty much ended in the Valley of the Four Winds, yet there's six more chapters to the Travel Journal. Hopefully this means we'll see what Li Li was up to while Chen was off saving his family in the Dread Wastes. You can find chapter five, as well as all previous installments of the story, in the Expanded Universe section of the official website. While you're at it, you may want to read Quest for Pandaria, which is also available for free, and takes place just before this installment of Li Li's Travel Journal.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Quest for Pandaria concludes with part 4

by Anne Stickney Nov 2nd 2012 at 2:00PM

The fourth and final installment of Sarah Pine's novella Quest for Pandaria was released yesterday on the official site. Part four of Chen and Li Li's journey takes them to the open seas, where they encounter a massive storm, and a tense face off between two ships, one Alliance and one Horde. While this is Chen and Li Li's adventure, the fourth part of this tale does a lot to highlight the feelings and tensions between the two factions in a meaningful way.

And it also does a lot to clear up timelines. At the end of the tale, Chen and Li Li have witnessed the clearing of the mists surrounding the continent of Pandaria. This places the mist-clearing event somewhere just before the attack on Theramore Isle depicted in both scenario and the novel Tides of War. Unfortunately, the tale did little to clarify what exactly made the mists part in the first place ... which means this may be one of those important plot points we'll explore later in the expansion.

Quest for Pandaria served as a an excellent introduction to Mists of Pandaria, and a wonderful bridge between the graphic novel Pearl of Pandaria and the new expansion. Part four is full of emotional moments and characters that you really don't want to miss. You can read part four, or the story in its entirety, in the Expanded Universe section of the official website.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Quest for Pandaria part 3 now available

by Anne Stickney Oct 22nd 2012 at 6:00PM

You know, of all the things I mourned about Cataclysm, I think highest on the list would have to be the fate of the tol'vir. Despite being a fascinating race in their own right, one that was absolutely ripe for potential, their story was overshadowed by yet another jaunt with Harrison Jones. It was disappointing, particularly because the end of the tol'vir story arc was so open-ended. What happened after the war was completed? What of the tol'vir now?

Quest for Pandaria attempts to answer a few of those questions in its latest installment as Chen Stormstout and his niece Li Li continue their search for the lost continent. Upon heading to the sandy deserts of Uldum, both Chen and Li Li come face to face with the aftermath of the tol'vir war -- and deal with the consequences of the fallout in their own way. It's another small glimpse of the elusive tol'vir race, this time illustrated through the eyes of complete strangers to tol'vir society.

And it's also another well placed step towards rounding out Chen's character. I love Chen Stormstout, and I love the direction they're taking him. This is the third chapter to the four-part story written by Sarah Pine, and I think it's my favorite so far. You can take a look at the chapter in its entirety in the Expanded Universe section of Blizzard's official website.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Blizzard Publishing announcements from NYCC

by Anne Stickney Oct 15th 2012 at 1:00PM

The Blizzard Entertainment Publishing Panel at New York Comic Con officially announced what we've been suspecting since the Blizzard AMA on Reddit -- there will be a new World of Warcraft novel next year. The novel, titled Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde will be available in April of 2013, and will be penned by Michael Stackpole. Shadows of the Horde will feature Vol'jin primarily, but also include Chen Stormstout, and will tie in to what we'll be seeing in patch 5.1 and beyond.

But that's not the only item on the Warcraft front! Also on the list of upcoming projects is a new title by Richard Knaak. World of Warcraft: Dawn of the Aspects will be a four part eBook, with part one available on January 15, 2013. The eBook will address the Aspects who are Aspects no more, as well as covering history on how the Aspects came to be, with more information on Galakrond and the proto drakes.

Blizzplanet recorded the entire panel for viewing, as well as touching on the next Starcraft novel and an upcoming anthology of Diablo III stories. Take a look at part one of the publishing panel above, and visit Blizzplanet for the rest of the panel's revelations and information.

Filed under: News items, Lore

Blizzard headed to New York Comic Con

by Anne Stickney Oct 9th 2012 at 3:00PM

Blizzard releases New York Comic Con schedule

If you're headed to New York Comic Con this week, keep your eyes peeled for Blizzard. Blizzard Entertainment will have both panels and signings at NYCC this year, including a publishing panel with Blizzard Publishing Lead Micky Neilson, Lead Quest Designer Dave Kosak, and author Michael Stackpole. During the panel, they'll be revealing the next World of Warcraft novel, which should be the Vol'jin story mentioned during the AMA on Reddit last month. Judging from his presence at the panel, it's likely this is the story Stackpole will be writing.

You can catch the panel Saturday, October 13 from 2:45-3:45pm in Room 1A14 at the Javits Center in New York. There will also be a panel from UDON on Friday, October 12 from 7:45-8:45pm in Room 1A06. The UDON panel will be giving a scoop on a future collaboration between Blizzard and UDON, a Blizzard-themed tribute art book and contest. And if you're looking to get your copy of Pearl of Pandaria signed by the author and artist, you can find Micky Neilson and Sean "Cheeks" Galloway at the IDC Booth, #1238, on Friday from 12-1pm.

Blizzard will also have a presence at a ton of booths around the convention center, everything from Mega Bloks to comics and publishing. For the full list of scheduled events and booths, head the official website.

Filed under: Blizzard, News items

Blizzard short story Quest for Pandaria now available

by Anne Stickney Sep 21st 2012 at 2:00PM

Part one of Quest for Pandaria, the newest addition to Blizzard's online collection of short stories, has been released on the official website. The events in Quests for Pandaria take place directly after the graphic novel Pearl of Pandaria. While Pearl of Pandaria's release date is still slated for the 25 of this month according to Amazon, some have been reporting that the graphic novel is already available in bookstores.

As for Quest for Pandaria, the story continues where Pearl left off with Li Li Stormstout and her Uncle Chen safely home on Shen-zin Su. But while Uncle Chen seems to be happy and even content with his return to the island, Li Li finds herself growing more and more restless and discontent. Will her thirst for adventure lead to lands long thought lost? Or will she find herself dragged back home against her wishes?

Today's release was just the first section of the four-part story, so some answers will have to wait. But it's a compelling tale that's beautifully written by Sarah Pine, author of Garrosh Hellscream: Heart of War, and the 2008 Global Writing Contest winner In the Shadow of the Sun. Please note that Quest for Pandaria does contain plot elements from Pearl of Pandaria. If you're planning on picking up the graphic novel, you may want to hold off on this short story until you've read the book.

You can find Quest for Pandaria, along with all of Blizzard's other short stories, in the Expanded Universe section of the official website.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Li Li's Travel Journal updated with parts three and four

by Anne Stickney Sep 14th 2012 at 9:00AM

Li Li's Travel Journal has seen a couple more updates over the past week. The story follows the adventures of Li Li as she travels her way across the Wandering Isle. As the niece of Chen Stormstout, it appears that Li Li has the same curious nature and adventurous spirit of her uncle. In part three of the tale, Li Li heads to Dai-Lo Farmstead, exploring the quiet farming community and helping fight the pests that plague the farmlands in her own mischievous fashion.

In part four, Li Li continues on to the Forbidden Forest and the Wood of Staves. Unfortunately, she runs into trouble along with way. With part three and part four, the story is somewhat established in the timeline. Li Li's Travel Journal begins before the events in Pearl of Pandaria -- before Li Li sets off to find her Uncle Chen on Azeroth proper.

Some of the events and characters in the Travel Journal actually end up appearing in the graphic novel as well. So there's a distinct progression with this story -- it begins with the Travel Journal, continues in Pearl of Pandaria. We'll presumably see the story continue further with the short story Quest for Pandaria, which will be available on the Blizzard website sometime later this month.

We're only at part four of eleven, which means there's still quite a bit of story left to tell. Be sure to head over to the official site and check out both part three and part four in their entirety, and keep checking back for more of Li Li's adventures.

It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

WoW Insider interviews Micky Neilson and Sean "Cheeks" Galloway

by Anne Stickney Sep 13th 2012 at 3:00PM

Pearl of Pandaria, the latest comics offering from Blizzard and DC, releases September 25. The tale of Li Li Stormstout and her journey to find her Uncle Chen was written by Senior Writer and Voice Director Micky Neilson, whose other works include Unbroken, Ashbringer, and Curse of the Worgen. Bringing the book to life is Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, whose other works include character design for Hellboy Animated and Spectacular Spider-Man.

That's an impressive bunch of credits for an equally impressive book. Sean and Micky were kind enough to sit down with us and discuss the art and history behind Pearl of Pandaria. In addition, we talked short stories and comics as well as some exciting upcoming print projects and the answer to the pesky question of why pandaren eyes are gold instead of green.

Filed under: Lore, Interviews, Mists of Pandaria

WoW Insider reviews Pearl of Pandaria by Micky Neilson & Sean Galloway

by Anne Stickney Sep 10th 2012 at 8:00PM

I have to admit it. When I first heard word of Pearl of Pandaria at BlizzCon, I was not expecting it to be anything extraordinary. The artwork was awesome, the panel previews looked top-notch, and I've been a Galloway fan for years. The news that Micky Neilson was writing the title was definitely good news. But I didn't expect the graphic novel to really hold much weight, particularly since it was mentioned that the novel takes place before Cataclysm. It actually takes place somewhere at the beginning of the war in Northrend.

Because of this, I figured it would simply be a standalone piece. It'd be a well-written, fun little tale that would explain where the heck Chen was has been all these years. But when I started playing the Mists beta, I fell in love with Li Li, Chen's precocious niece with a penchant for acrid sarcasm. After meeting Li Li, I was a bit more excited to read the book, because I figured more Li Li would be a good thing. And then I got Pearl of Pandaria and sat down to give it a read, fully expecting a simple lighthearted and fun little piece of work.

I don't think I've ever been quite so delighted to be utterly wrong.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

Li Li's Travel Journal explores the wonders of the Wandering Isle

by Anne Stickney Aug 31st 2012 at 5:00PM

Blizzard has released a new piece of short fiction on the official website. Li Li's Travel Journal follows the tale of Li Li Stormstout, niece to Chen and resident of the Wandering Isle. Although she desperately wants to travel the world like her Uncle Chen, her family insists that she is still too young to make the journey. The journal follows her path on the Wandering Isle, and possibly beyond -- the entry revealed earlier is one out of 11 chapters we'll see over time.

Li Li is also the subject of the graphic novel Pearl of Pandaria, due out Sept. 25, according to Amazon. While Li Li's Travel Journal seems to depict her life on the Wandering Isle, Pearl of Pandaria follows her travels after leaving Shen-zin Su in search of Uncle Chen. While it's currently unclear whether or not Travel Journal is a lead in to what we'll see when Pearl of Pandaria is released, it's still set to be a delightful stand-alone tale.

Li Li is one of my favorite characters from the upcoming Mists expansion. She's a kid, but she's a plucky, sarcasm-addled kid, the kind that's probably too smart for her own good and fearless on top of it. Take a look at Li Li's Travel Journal for the first part of what is sure to be an extraordinary journey -- and don't forget to look for Li Li when Mists of Pandaria launches on Sept. 25.

Filed under: Lore, Mists of Pandaria

WoW Italian language pack, Italian realms now available

by Anne Stickney Aug 30th 2012 at 4:00PM

If you'd been waiting for an Italian version of World of Warcraft, your wait is now over. Blizzard has released an Italian language pack that will convert all text and voice files in game from English to Italian.

In addition to this, Blizzard has also opened two new Italian realms available for Italian-speaking players. If you've been wanting to play WoW in Italian, now's your chance -- you can transfer to either Pozzo dell'Eternità (PvE) or Nemesis (PvP). Because of the new realms, Blizzard is also offering players free character migrations.

Check the official post for details on installation of the Italian language pack as well as the free character migration. And while you're there, you can view the cinematic trailer for Mists of Pandaria in Italian, too.

Filed under: Blizzard, News items

Mike Morhaime confirms BlizzCon is on for 2013

by Anne Stickney Aug 27th 2012 at 7:00PM

President and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment Mike Morhaime has confirmed the news everyone wanted to hear: There will definitely be a BlizzCon in 2013. Morhaime pointed out this year is a big year for Blizzard releases, so resources had to be focused on games rather than conventions. However, next year will see a return of BlizzCon and it should be back with a vengeance, according to Morhaime.

Morhaime appeared on a recent episode of TableTop, Wil Wheaton's board game celebrity poker-style show that's featured on the Geek and Sundry YouTube channel created by Felicia Day. After playing a rousing game of Elder Sign, Morhaime did a quick interview about his history with Blizzard, Warcraft's development, gaming, and heavy metal, as well as the BlizzCon mention.

When you're done watching the interview, pop in and take a look at the full episode of TableTop with Mike Morhaime, Felicia Day, and Bill Prady, co-creator and executive producer for The Big Bang Theory. Sure, it's not Warcraft, but it's a rollicking good time.

[Thanks to Scott for the tip!]

Filed under: Blizzard, News items

World of Warcraft 75% off this week only

by Anne Stickney Aug 21st 2012 at 7:00PM

Do you have a friend interested in World of Warcraft? Would you like a second account to fill with gleeful pandaren come Mists? Now's the time to get your hands on the game. Blizzard just announced that all WoW expansions are on sale this week only. The Battle Chest is $5, Wrath of the Lich King is $5, and to top it off, Cataclysm is only $10. That's $20 for the complete set, making this an excellent time to bring your friends in for the start of Mists of Pandaria -- or for you to stash a set of games for a secondary account.

Keep in mind that recruiting yourself via Recruit-A-Friend will still net you that sweet Obsidian Nightwing mount!

Prepare for Pandaria with epic savings! This week only, you can get the World of Warcraft Battle Chest for $5, Wrath of the Lich King for $5, and Cataclysm for $10 when you buy directly from Blizzard. That's 75% off the regular prices, making this a great time to set yourself up for the imminent launch of Mists of Pandaria... or to invite a friend to join you in Azeroth.

Hurry, this offer ends August 27, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

source

Filed under: News items, The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm

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