WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Tom Chilton chats about what's coming in patch 5.3http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/tom-chilton-chats-about-whats-coming-in-patch-5-3/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/tom-chilton-chats-about-whats-coming-in-patch-5-3/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/tom-chilton-chats-about-whats-coming-in-patch-5-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

blizz tom chilton interview wip
We know Blizzard has a lot planned for patch 5.3, which could go live any time now. But to keep us busy while we wait for the next batch of new WoW content, Blizzard Insider has posted an interview with Game Director Tom Chilton. Though the interview mostly summarizes what we already know about the upcoming patch, it provides a great overview of what's coming with a bit of added insight Blizzard's development thought process. Covered in the interview are how the devs felt patch 5.2 performed, the storyline of patch 5.3, PvP changes and the new battleground, new scenarios (and heroic scenarios), gear and the ability to choose which spec you'd like gear for, and visible pet battles.

The patches are certainly coming our way quickly. Are you looking forward to patch 5.3 or still working on patch 5.2?

WoW InsiderTom Chilton chats about what's coming in patch 5.3 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>5.35.3-escalationchiltoninterviewpatch-5.3patch-5.3-escalationtom-chiltontom-chilton-interviewwow-5.3wow-escalationwow-patchwow-patch-5.3wow-patch-5.3-escalationElizabeth HarperFri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 ESTConvert to Raid interviews Ion Hazzikostashttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/convert-to-raid-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/convert-to-raid-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/convert-to-raid-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Convert to Raid, the podcast for raiders in the World of Warcraft, recently interviewed Blizzard's Lead Encounter Designer Ion Hazzikostas. You can listen to the full interview over on their site, and in the video above, but we've plucked some of the best bits out for your convenience.

Pat started off by asking Ion how he felt the raid tier, Throne of Thunder, had worked out, what he was happy with, what could possibly be improved for future tiers and so on. Ion responded that they were very happy with the tier, the structure and feel of the dungeon, and particularly the progression of the World First race. He spoke about the Lei Shen encounter really delivering on what a heroic end-boss should be, in terms of difficulty and fight construction. However, when Pat asked about learning points, Ion had plenty to say.

Continue reading Convert to Raid interviews Ion Hazzikostas

WoW InsiderConvert to Raid interviews Ion Hazzikostas originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ion-hazzikostaspatch-5.3patch-5.4throne-of-thunderOlivia GraceThu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 ESTWowcrendor: The nice guy behind the biting machinimahttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wowcrendor-the-nice-guy-behind-the-biting-machinima/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wowcrendor-the-nice-guy-behind-the-biting-machinima/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wowcrendor-the-nice-guy-behind-the-biting-machinima/#commentsFiled under: ,

One might expect a machinimist to be come at you with a rather snarky, biting personality, especially a creator who's known for poking fun at WoW player stereotypes. Not so Wowcrendor. Wowcrednor's a nice guy in the true sense of the word. He also happens to be funny -- funny enough, in fact, that the list of posts of his WoW machinima here at WoW Insider goes on for pages and pages.

So how does a nice guy who has fun making video game machinima end up making a living at it? We wondered, too, so we asked -- and nice guy that he is, Wowcrendor spilled all the beans.

WoW Insider: So you're living the dream, making a living making WoW videos. Congrats! How has that changed the way you play the game? Things must be quite different now.

Wowcrendor: It is really a dream come true. One day you're sitting in a college math class writing scripts about Mankrik's wife, and the next you're making a living off it. I don't think I ever saw it growing to the point it's grown to, but I'm thankful for it nonetheless.

As for how it's changed the way I play the game, I think it's actually impacted me negatively, as odd as that sounds. Before I made videos about the game, my sole focus was just having fun or getting involved in the virtual world of Azeroth. Now that I do this as a living, it really shifts your mindset. If I'm playing the game, I'm constantly thinking if something could be made into a video instead of actually focusing on enjoying the game. For example, before I started making videos, I raided in every expansion. I enjoyed raiding and even got to raid with the guy who inspired me to start making WoW videos, a surreal experience at the time.

Continue reading Wowcrendor: The nice guy behind the biting machinima

WoW InsiderWowcrendor: The nice guy behind the biting machinima originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>crendorfacebookfeedfeaturedmachinimaworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peoplewowcrendorLisa PoissoThu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 ESTAll-orc clan leader offers fierce perspectives on RP, world PvP, and Garroshhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/all-orc-clan-leader-offers-fierce-perspectives-on-rp-world-pvp/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/all-orc-clan-leader-offers-fierce-perspectives-on-rp-world-pvp/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/all-orc-clan-leader-offers-fierce-perspectives-on-rp-world-pvp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Allorc clan leader offers fierce perspectives on RP, world PvP, and Garrosh
Leave it to a player who attacks WoW with the ferocity and passion of his orcish character to rationally and objectively dissect the pros and cons of making a guild home in a racially exclusive guild.

"Pros of a one-race clan, tribe or house: Focus, intensity, and real sense of being dedicated and set apart, as well as shared lore that becomes a motivating force in itself," enumerates Stonzgrinda, the GM of what might be the game's only orc-exclusive guild on an RP-PvP realm. "The immersion is much more credible and intense for roleplaying purposes. Cons of a one-race clan, tribe or house: Some classes are unavailable for specific purposes -- for instance, a stealthing druid healer for a team of rogues. Some achievements are not obtainable. The narrow niche makes recruiting difficult. ... Players have to know some lore and be able to present it to a standard."

So what makes it worthwhile for the Bloodfury Clan of orcs? "Our sense of camaraderie, shared culture and purpose gives our roleplayers something that no general RP guild could ever attain," Stonzgrinda answers without hesitation. "When we say 'Strength and honor,' it means something. When we mourn the passing of a player who has quit the game, we truly mourn them and remember their contributions and the unique light they brought to our warband."

Ready for some industrial, orc-strength opinions of Garrosh Hellscream, Thrall, and more? Read on.

Continue reading All-orc clan leader offers fierce perspectives on RP, world PvP, and Garrosh

WoW InsiderAll-orc clan leader offers fierce perspectives on RP, world PvP, and Garrosh originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>facebookfeedfeaturedworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 ESTInside the fabulous world of blood elf roleplayinghttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/inside-the-fabulous-world-of-blood-elf-roleplaying/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/inside-the-fabulous-world-of-blood-elf-roleplaying/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/inside-the-fabulous-world-of-blood-elf-roleplaying/#commentsFiled under: ,

Inside the fabulous world of blood elf roleplaying
Whew, we got the snark over with right up front in the headline -- because now it's time to get down to business. Sin'dorei-exclusive guild Selama Ashalanore spins Azerothian lore as tautly as any of the most stringent of the racial guilds we've profiled in recent weeks. "Out of character, Selama Ashalanore is a 'safe place' for lore-compliant blood elf roleplay," notes GM Tholmai Lightbreaker. "In many, many roleplay communities, blood elves are traditionally seen in a very negative light. In our guild, we are working hard to undo that image."

In character, members act out the lives of a group of like-minded blood elves devoted to the restoration of their people since their near extinction during the Third War. "Following the Third War, the blood elves have been caught up in Horde affairs in Outland, the Northrend campaign, the cataclysm, and, most recently, the events in Pandaria," Tholmai explains. "They've barely had a chance to recover. Our group acknowledges this and works round the clock for the Horde agenda, as well as to restore glory to their ancient people."

Can Selama Ashalanore members manage to maintain a sense of levity about the notorious reputation of their race while remaining focused on their compelling racial lore? Oh yes, they can -- and then some.

Continue reading Inside the fabulous world of blood elf roleplaying

WoW InsiderInside the fabulous world of blood elf roleplaying originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blood-elffacebookfeedfeaturedselama-ashalanoresindoreiworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 ESTSuperman star Henry Cavill enjoys Skyrim, World of Warcrafthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/superman-star-henry-cavill-enjoys-skyrim-world-of-warcraft/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/superman-star-henry-cavill-enjoys-skyrim-world-of-warcraft/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/superman-star-henry-cavill-enjoys-skyrim-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sure, we know lots of people who play WoW -- like all of our co-workers -- but we don't expect Hollywood A-listers to be by our side in dungeons and raids. While we'd already heard that now Superman star Henry Cavill played WoW, he recently spoke to British GQ about his love of the game and Bethesda's equally addictive Skyrim. In fact, he enjoys the game so much that he missed director Zack Snyder's call offering him the part. "I saw it was him [calling]," Cavill told GQ, "but the thing is, you can't save World of Warcraft, you can't pause it. It's live." We have that problem all the time, but at least we aren't the only ones. (Though Cavill is clearly up on his WoW etiquette, as it's definitely rude to pick up the phone while you're in a group.)

If you want more of the interview, IGN covers Cavill talking games or you can find the British version of GQ available digitally on iPad, Android, or Kindle. (Sorry, Man of Steel, but Iron Man 3's Robert Downey Jr. is currently on the cover of GQ stateside.)

WoW InsiderSuperman star Henry Cavill enjoys Skyrim, World of Warcraft originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cavillcavill-world-of-warcraftcavill-wowcelebritiescelebrityhenry-cavillhenry-cavill-world-of-warcrafthenry-cavill-wowman-of-steelsupermanwow-celebritieswow-celebrityElizabeth HarperTue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 ESTBeast master catalogs the biological diversity of Azerothhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/beast-master-catalogs-the-biological-diversity-of-azeroth/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/beast-master-catalogs-the-biological-diversity-of-azeroth/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/beast-master-catalogs-the-biological-diversity-of-azeroth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hunter catalogs the biological taxonomy of Azeroth
A fantasy game like World of Warcraft doesn't have to stick too closely (or even at all) to the laws of science -- but oh, when the two worlds collide, players who love both can discover a true thing of beauty. That's how it came to pass that a zookeeper from Florida has created a taxinomical website outlining the biology of the wildlife of Azeroth. WoW Biology 101 offers curious players a scientifically grounded look at the creatures of WoW, both fantastical and based on reality.

"I think when we see these connections, it brings these worlds a little closer together and, for me at least, increases my enjoyment of both," notes Banya, a beast master hunter (because you knew that's what she'd play, right?) on Drenden (US). "My site is truly just flavor and a potentially different way to look at the game. When you're running around and see one of the awesome animals in game, my site would let you know how closely it is based off of a real-life animal. "

Continue reading Beast master catalogs the biological diversity of Azeroth

WoW InsiderBeast master catalogs the biological diversity of Azeroth originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>facebookfeedfeaturedworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 ESTThe Legion of Vengeance: Forsaken having the time of their unliveshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/the-hand-of-vengeance-forsaken-having-the-time-of-their-unlives/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/the-hand-of-vengeance-forsaken-having-the-time-of-their-unlives/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/the-hand-of-vengeance-forsaken-having-the-time-of-their-unlives/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Hand of Vengeance Forsaken having the time of their unlives
Of all the cities in Azeroth, the one that seems to me most like a living, breathing city is coincidentally the one that's undead. The Undercity huddles beneath the ruins of Lordaeron, drenched in atmospheric detail: its hidden underground tunnel, an oft-confusing pinwheel layout and dangerous elevators that confound new visitors, the eerie ruins above with their invisible ghosts, the throne room with all its power struggles and heart-wrenching beauty -- and the Royal Apothecary Society. Who hasn't spent time cautiously exploring the Apothecarium, with its cages of groaning test subjects and burbling vats of green plague?

Many players haven't given much thought to the cadre of Forsaken apothecaries in an expansion or more, but you'd be a fool if you assumed they hadn't been busy. Their story has captured the imaginations of a group of players on Moon Guard (US), the all-Forsaken guild The Legion of Vengeance (formerly Hand of Vengeance). Named for the Forsaken forces sent to Northrend by Sylvanas Windrunner to wreak plague and vengeance upon the Lich King, this roleplaying group functions within the context of the Royal Apothecary Society itself, continuing its evil work in a fascinating adventure that's captivated its all-undead player roster.

Continue reading The Legion of Vengeance: Forsaken having the time of their unlives

WoW InsiderThe Legion of Vengeance: Forsaken having the time of their unlives originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all-forsakenfacebookfeedfeaturedforsakenhand-of-vengeanceselesteundeadworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoWed, 17 Apr 2013 16:00:00 ESTSavage trolls roleplay the revenge of the Zandalarihttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/savage-trolls-roleplay-the-revenge-of-the-zandalari/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/savage-trolls-roleplay-the-revenge-of-the-zandalari/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/savage-trolls-roleplay-the-revenge-of-the-zandalari/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Savage troll guild roleplays the revenge of the Zandalari
Deep in the heart of steamy Stranglethorn Vale, within the golden city of Zul'Gurub, gathers a savage band of Zandalari trolls. Loyal to neither the Horde nor the Alliance, these players embrace a fierce roleplaying ethic that can be both fascinating and intimidating to newcomers. Yet Atal Zanza Aka is esteemed by other guilds on Argent Dawn (RP-EU) and has become a vital (if quantitatively small) ingredient in the roleplaying community.

We visited with guild leader Zazajin to explore this niche of WoW roleplaying and find out how this guild manages to thrive in as antagonistic role that sweeps it away from the well-traveled paths and populated city centers of Azeroth.

WoW Insider: It would appear that making a troll character for Atal Zanza Aka is full-throttle roleplaying not for the faint of heart, would you agree?

Zazajin: Our guild is indeed first and foremost a roleplaying guild. We formed as a breakaway from the Loa Atal Ai (a Darkspear-based trollish guild which serves the Horde but includes different troll tribes) during the occupation of the Echo Isles, and abandoned the Horde to serve the Zandalari and preserve trollish culture, which our characters felt was threatened under the Horde's regime and thus moved to Zul'Gurub to try to preserve that culture. We're made up of various troll tribes, much like the Zandalari themselves. We've members from the Amani (forest trolls), Drakkari (frost trolls), farraki (sand trolls), Gurubashi (jungle trolls), and Zandalari (those trolls that stand up straight, haha).

Continue reading Savage trolls roleplay the revenge of the Zandalari

WoW InsiderSavage trolls roleplay the revenge of the Zandalari originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all-trollatal-zanza-akafacebookfeedfeaturedtrollworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peoplezazajinLisa PoissoThu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 ESTAll Things Azeroth interviews Hearthstone developershttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/all-things-azeroth-interviews-hearthstone-developers/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/all-things-azeroth-interviews-hearthstone-developers/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/all-things-azeroth-interviews-hearthstone-developers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hearthstone header
Since the announcement of Hearthstone at PAX East, many developer interviews have been circulating (including our own!). This week the All Things Azeroth podcast featured Hearthstone production director Jason Chayes and game designer Ben Brode, and there are a few interesting tidbits to take away from the interview that you might not have heard before. In particular, they detail an example of the types of fun cards they're developing to keep gamers on their toes. The example they discuss is King Mukla. You might be familiar with King Mukla if you've quested through The Cape of Stranglethorn, he's the enormous gorilla you need to kill to complete the Princess Poobah questline. In Hearthstone, Mukla is a cheap card to play that packs a punch, but the catch is that he'll give your opponent bananas which allows them some extra abilities, so you've got to think carefully about when you play him!

Other topics covered during the interview include some more details about card crafting and the rationale behind it, the Golden Card upgrades, and some of the developers' thoughts on things like a client for Hearthstone in WoW to ease the pain on those long DPS dungeon queues. I must say, the more I hear about Hearthstone, the more fun it sounds. I've got high hopes for this game, not least because I think there's a good chance that it might be the magic video-game bullet that finally piques my boyfriend's interest. Hey, he's resisted all my attempts to get him into WoW so far, I'm getting desperate!

You can check out All Thing's Azeroth's conversation with Jason Chayes and Ben Brode in episode 339. Happy listening!

WoW InsiderAll Things Azeroth interviews Hearthstone developers originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all-things-azerothall-things-azeroth-podcastdeveloper-interviewhearthstonehearthstone-developer-interviewhearthstone-informationInterviewspodcastswow-podcastsSarah PineFri, 05 Apr 2013 14:00:00 ESTMassive cross-realm gathering successfully unites players from 11 realmshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massive-cross-realm-gathering-successfully-unites-players-from-a/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massive-cross-realm-gathering-successfully-unites-players-from-a/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massive-cross-realm-gathering-successfully-unites-players-from-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massive crossrealm gathering successfully unites players from a halfdozen realms
It was a massive multiplayer success for this massively multiplayer game: On March 20, the Thundering Hammer Clan of Feathermoon (US-Horde) successfully brought together more than 120 players from multiple roleplay realms in what might have been WoW's first large-scale, player-run cross-realm event. In bringing together three full raid groups from half a dozen realms, the Kosh'harg roleplay gathering of Horde clans helped demonstrate how to pull off a major cross-realm event and explore the possibilities and limitations of CRZ (cross-realm zone) mechanics.

What can other players learn from the Kosh'harg about organizing a CRZ event? We went behind the scenes with Kosh'harg organizer Thorgrun (GM of the Thundering Hammer Clan).

WoW Insider: It sounds like the event was a smash success. Congratulations!

Thorgrun: The Kosh'harg was an amazing success. At the peak of the event we had three full raid groups and a number of ungrouped local attendees, bringing us up over 120 players from a dozen different realms who joined us in Nagrand for the festivities.

How much did you and other organizers know beforehand about realm and zone loads with regard to cross-realm mechanics?

We only knew what has been published and widely publicized, namely that the CRZ mechanic is designed to populate low-pop zones with players from associated realms and when population grows to a certain point to split those players off into separate zones. We also knew that players from any North American realm could be brought into any zone on a host realm just by being grouped with a majority of members from that realm - i.e., two Feathermoon players can host a third player from say, Farstriders, in their version of the zone, or alternatively a 5-man group of Feathermoon players could host an entire raid of CRZ players, provided no more than four of them were from the same realm in that particular raid. This is the mechanic that we used to "anchor" our event firmly on one server's seed of the Nagrand zone.

Continue reading Massive cross-realm gathering successfully unites players from 11 realms

WoW InsiderMassive cross-realm gathering successfully unites players from 11 realms originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cross-realmcross-realm-zonescrzfacebookfeedfeaturedkosh-hargkoshhargroleplaythorgrunworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 ESTGoing Large: All-tauren guild stampedes beyond roleplayinghttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/going-large-all-tauren-guild-stampedes-beyond-roleplaying/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/going-large-all-tauren-guild-stampedes-beyond-roleplaying/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/going-large-all-tauren-guild-stampedes-beyond-roleplaying/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's a fairly safe assumption that a guild composed exclusively of members of one Azerothian race will be a roleplaying guild. If you made that assumption about The Venture Co.'s Thunderhoof Clan -- and yes, the guild is exclusively tauren -- you'd be missing most of what this guild is all about. Of course they roleplay; one glance at the guild Tumblr or website makes their love of the shu'halo life abundantly clear. But as a self-described casual guild, TC also enjoys light raiding and organized and world PvP as well as light RP. It's a fairly unique approach among race-specific groups, which usually core into racial lore and rarely engage in organized raiding or PvP.

We interviewed GM Ravkha to find out how such a specialized guild swings easily with such a wide-ranging approach to the game. For the herd!

Continue reading Going Large: All-tauren guild stampedes beyond roleplaying

WoW InsiderGoing Large: All-tauren guild stampedes beyond roleplaying originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all-taurenfacebookfeedfeaturedravkhashuhalothunderhoof-clanworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:00 ESTPlayers rave to underground goblin techno at Wyrmrest Accord's Club Trixhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/players-rave-to-underground-goblin-techno-at-wyrmrest-accords-c/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/players-rave-to-underground-goblin-techno-at-wyrmrest-accords-c/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/players-rave-to-underground-goblin-techno-at-wyrmrest-accords-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey baby, what are you doing this Friday night? Let's party at Club Trix in Gadgetzan (Wyrmrest Accord-RP-US). They've got a real DJ, a goblin named Trixxiz, and his crew spinning goblin-engineered techno on Radio Trix. There's a featured drink menu (Hordeside, at least), regular special events, and a chill crowd enjoying the goblin groove. Originally from Bilgewater in Azshara, Club Trix has moved through Dalaran and now runs out of Gadgetzan, where the underground vibe is hot and there's plenty of room outside for enterprising goblins to get their profit on.

WoW Insider interviewed DJ Trixxiz to find out more about the hottest new club on Azeroth's scene.

WoW Insider: Trixxiz, you're a DJ out in the real world, aren't you?

DJ Trixxiz: I am and have been a DJ since around 2004, I think. I had a few gigs over the years but not many, because within the already limited audience of electronic dance music, I was playing one of the lesser-popular genres of trance in an area dominated by house and techno. (I live halfway between Chicago and Detroit, the birthplaces of each, respectively.) However, the past couple years, trance has been exploding in popularity and I'm looking to break back into the scene this summer. Otherwise, I've mostly been an online presence throughout the years with shows on online radio stations, generally pulling in around 300 listeners, and several labels send me tracks to promote before they're released to the public.

Even though I've got these other radio shows that pull in way more listeners, Club Trix is by far my favorite. With most internet radio shows -- even local radio antenna FM shows which I've also done in the past -- the amount of community feedback and interaction is very minimal. It airs, you hope that someone enjoyed it, and that's that.

With Club Trix, there's this whole level of interaction with the listeners happening in real time through the IRC chat and the game, and they make it all come alive -- which makes it probably the most rewarding radio show on the internet save for a few run by the giants in the industry who can make that happen without the aid of roleplay environment.

Continue reading Players rave to underground goblin techno at Wyrmrest Accord's Club Trix

WoW InsiderPlayers rave to underground goblin techno at Wyrmrest Accord's Club Trix originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>club-trixdance-clubdjfacebookfeedfeaturedgoblin-dance-clubtrixxizworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 ESTAll-worgen guild runs wild across Azerothhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/all-worgen-guild-runs-wild-across-azeroth/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/all-worgen-guild-runs-wild-across-azeroth/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/all-worgen-guild-runs-wild-across-azeroth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Among the ruins of Gilneas, we found the worgen. Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that for some time now, I've been searching WoW's nooks and crannies for players in class- and race-specific guilds. Frustratingly, what seems like one of the most natural race-specific groups, the worgen, has eluded me. But now, from the shadows of Emerald Dream (US-Alliance), I present The Päck, a guild composed entirely of Gilnean worgen. Primarily a roleplaying guild, The Päck takes an active part in the realm's RP and world PvP events and raids solo and with the friendly assistance of the realm's all-dwarf guild.

We talked with GM Nymaway to sniff out what keeps a pack of feral shapechangers thriving in an active roleplaying community.

WoW Insider: I think even non-roleplaying WoW players can recognize the immediate roleplaying potential of a worgen character, especially if they've run a new worgen through the atmospheric Gilneas starting experience. What drew you to the worgen concept?

Nymaway: The thought of roleplaying a character that once lived a normal human life, to have it all taken away by a single bite, intrigued me. There is so much you can do with your character in regards to emotions. One moment your character seems perfectly fine. She is in her human form, but something has set her off. She loses her temper, and the next thing you know she has turned into a werewolf-type creature throwing a table across a room of a tavern.

Also, what could be more intimidating than seeing some one coming at you as a human, then shifting into a giant beast on the battlefield?

Continue reading All-worgen guild runs wild across Azeroth

WoW InsiderAll-worgen guild runs wild across Azeroth originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all-worgenall-worgen-guildfacebookfeedfeaturednymawaythe-packworgenworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 14 Mar 2013 09:00:00 ESTBlind player Ben Shaw on raiding and WoW for the sightlesshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/blind-player-ben-shaw-on-raiding-and-wow-for-the-sightless/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/blind-player-ben-shaw-on-raiding-and-wow-for-the-sightless/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/blind-player-ben-shaw-on-raiding-and-wow-for-the-sightless/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blind player Ben Shaw on raiding and WoW for the sightless THUHOLD FOR IMAGES
It was World of Warcraft's feel-good people story of last year: Ben Shaw, the energetic young British serviceman who, astonishingly, continues to perform at peak efficiency in endgame raiding with the help of a "guide dog" guildmate. Our interview with Davidian, Ben's in-game guide, went viral and was seen on gaming websites and general news publications across the globe. Blizzard took notice, commemorating the duo's partnership with a set of in-game helms.

But after attacking Mists with a new pandaren rogue, Ben said he found himself craving more WoW than ever. By the end of the year, he was ready to reach out for a new guild home, where he's now Shadowstepping into heroics with the best of them.

How does a blind WoW player maintain competitive DPS and utility in endgame content? In an era when making a jump to a new raiding guild can be a challenging proposition for any player, how does a guy who can't see bump to the front of the line? (Hint: It's not PR power.) Ben and I pulled up a virtual chair in a phone conversation across the ocean to talk about the challenges of playing a video game when you're completely blind.

Visually impaired gamers: Check the end of this interview to learn how to connect with Ben's new initiative to share his experience and resources with other blind players.

Continue reading Blind player Ben Shaw on raiding and WoW for the sightless

WoW InsiderBlind player Ben Shaw on raiding and WoW for the sightless originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ben-shawblindblind-wow-playerdirtypawzdisableddisabled-gamersfacebookfeedfeaturedvisually-impairedworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 ESTBlizzard developers discuss patch 5.2 and morehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/blizzard-developers-discuss-patch-5-2-and-more/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/blizzard-developers-discuss-patch-5-2-and-more/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/blizzard-developers-discuss-patch-5-2-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Patch 52 Developer fansite interviews
Last week was a flurry of preparation for patch 5.2's launch, including a whole host of developer interviews. WoW Insider had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Lead Quest Designer Dave Kosak, but there were plenty more interviews to be had as the week progressed. And just in case you happened to miss any of that developer excitement, we've put together a roundup of all the fan site interviews in one handy spot.
While the same developers may have done multiple interviews, each interview offers a different look at what's in store for patch 5.2 and beyond. It's certainly nice to see the developers out and about in the community and talking content -- and one thing's for certain, everyone is pumped for patch 5.2's release. Be sure to check out all of the interviews for the most in-depth look at patch 5.2 you can get.

WoW InsiderBlizzard developers discuss patch 5.2 and more originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>battlecraftblizzplanetcory-stocktondave-kosakdevelopersepic-podcastgame-developmentgamebreaker-tvgreg-streetguildoxion-hazzikostasjudgehypelegendarypatch-5.2patch-5.2-developmentpatch-5.2-interviewsthe-instancetom-chiltontotemspottwizzcastvanionwarcraft-petswow-insiderwowheadAnne StickneyMon, 04 Mar 2013 19:00:00 ESTWowhead interviews Lead Encounter Designer Ion "Watcher" Hazzikostashttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/wowhead-interviews-lead-encounter-designer-ion-watcher-hazziko/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/wowhead-interviews-lead-encounter-designer-ion-watcher-hazziko/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/wowhead-interviews-lead-encounter-designer-ion-watcher-hazziko/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wowhead interviews Lead Encounter Designer Ion 'Watcher' Hazzikostas
The slew of developer interviews continues! Wowhead guru Perculia interviewed Lead Encounter Designer Ion "Watcher" Hazzikostas earlier this week, quizzing him about all things patch 5.2. Included in the discussion was the Ra'den encounter, which is not only hidden behind a heroic kill of the final boss of the raid, but also features limited attempts. Also included were plenty of questions about Tier 14 content and how the developers felt it worked out, as well as the question of just what kinds of progression paths are in store for raiders that have yet to complete Tier 14 content.

Perhaps most interesting to me, however, was a discussion regarding Challenge Modes and the lack of new 5-man content. So far we're at the second patch for Mists of Pandaria, and while we've gotten plenty of scenarios, we have yet to see any new dungeons added to the game. While Hazzikostas stated that no details were set in stone as of yet, there were plenty of dungeons that Blizzard has done in the past that would be fun to revisit.

The idea of suddenly making old dungeons relevant to players is honestly something I think could be really fun. There have been plenty of dungeons over the years that I've completely fallen in love with -- but as the game wends on and new expansions are launched, there's little reason to visit any of those prior dungeons. And while transmogrification usually leads me back, the dungeons themselves are easily soloed at this point in the game. What would it look like if the dungeons of old were suddenly a challenge all over again?

Check out Wowhead for more from Hazzikostas, including discussion on Feats of Strength, legendary weapons, those intriguing new Thunderforged items and much more.

WoW InsiderWowhead interviews Lead Encounter Designer Ion "Watcher" Hazzikostas originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>challenge-modesdungeonsion-hazzikostaslead-encounter-designerlimited-attemptspatch-5.2perculiaraid-encounterraidsthrone-of-thundertier-14tier-15wowheadwowheadnewsAnne StickneyFri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:00 ESTGuildOx interviews Ion Hazzikostashttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/guildox-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/guildox-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/guildox-interviews-ion-hazzikostas/#commentsFiled under:

GuildOx interviews Ion Hazzikostas
As patch 5.2 looms ever closer, Blizzard has opened their doors, offering insights into the ideas, plans and processes behind the upcoming patch. WoW Insider's Anne Stickney interviewed Lead Quest Designer Dave Kosak yesterday, and now GuildOx has published their interview with Lead Encounter Designer Ion Hazzikostas.

The GuildOx interview brings up many interesting insights into the new raid, from the man leading the team who designed it. WoW Insider found several of Ion's answers particularly interesting, for example, he indicated that the Dark Animus fight, as pictured above, is probably the most innovative, and we certainly agree.

Ion also has some tips for guilds tackling the new raid:
Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy the variety of the tier. It's a large one. There are fights that focus on different skills, and if you're struggling with one encounter, it's quite possible that a fight that plays to your group's strengths, and which you'll have a much easier time with, lies just over that hill.

If your guild runs into a roadblock on Normal mode, consider revisiting any 5.0 raids that you never finished, or trying some of the 5.0 Heroics for more gear upgrades to complement the ilvl-522 and -528 gear you'll be getting from your Throne of Thunder kills each week.

Continue reading GuildOx interviews Ion Hazzikostas

WoW InsiderGuildOx interviews Ion Hazzikostas originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingfeaturedguideguide-to-raid-leadingguildoxinterviewion-hazzikostasleadershipraid-guideraid-leaderraid-leader-guideraiding-guideraidswow-guidewow-guide-to-raid-leadingwow-raid-leaderwow-raidingwow-raidsOlivia GraceThu, 28 Feb 2013 15:00:00 ESTChallenge mode whiz kids spill their strategieshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/challenge-mode-whiz-kids-spill-their-strategies/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/challenge-mode-whiz-kids-spill-their-strategies/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/challenge-mode-whiz-kids-spill-their-strategies/#commentsFiled under: ,

Taking your challenge modes from gold medal range to world record status represents a whole different mindset and approach. We continue our two-part interview with two young players from Montreal, Canada, the US region realm champs Nerthfu and Bouleau, to explore their speed-demon strategies for challenge mode tanking and healing.

WoW Insider: Bouleau, what class and what qualities do you feel make the best healer for CMs?

Bouleau: Looking at the current worldwide leaderboards, I suppose most would be inclined to name the priest class, which I think is an accurate guess. Priests -- more specifically, discipline priests -- excel more than any other class at dealing damage reliably while healing, and this matters a great deal when pushing for times, both for gold ratings and beyond. And yet game balance always fluctuates over time, and I recently learned that Blizzard has Atonement under the radar. With 5.2 not out yet and class changes still being announced regularly, it's not impossible that we see a shift in favor of another class in a not-so-distant future.

For those that may be wondering why discipline is superior to holy (which doesn't mean holy isn't viable for gold times), here's my view. As a healer, you ideally want to achieve two things: Keep your group alive, and deal damage. It seems simple enough on paper, at least until you start improving your times beyond the gold milestones.

Continue reading Challenge mode whiz kids spill their strategies

WoW InsiderChallenge mode whiz kids spill their strategies originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bouleauchallenge-modechallenge-mode-tipschallenge-mode-world-recordfacebookfeedfeaturednerthfuworld-of-warcraft-interviewswow-communitywow-interviewswow-peopleLisa PoissoThu, 28 Feb 2013 13:00:00 ESTPatch 5.2 and beyond with Dave Kosakhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/patch-5-2-and-beyond-with-dave-kosak/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/patch-5-2-and-beyond-with-dave-kosak/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/patch-5-2-and-beyond-with-dave-kosak/#commentsFiled under: ,

Patch 52 and beyond with Dave Kosak
Hot on the heels of the official patch 5.2 trailer, we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with one of the developers behind it all. While chatting with Lead Quest Designer Dave Kosak about patch 5.2 and its development, one thing became incredibly clear -- 5.2 is definitely not just a raid and a few dailies. There is far, far more to be seen and experienced in the new patch.

Read on for some of the details behind the trailer released earlier today, the story in the new patch, daily quest development, scenarios, and even a few hints at what's in store for patch 5.3.

Please note: There are a couple of minor spoilers for 5.2 content in the interview. Nothing huge, we promise!

Continue reading Patch 5.2 and beyond with Dave Kosak

WoW InsiderPatch 5.2 and beyond with Dave Kosak originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>anduin-wrynndaily-questsdave-kosakjaina-proudmoorelead-quest-designerlei-shenlorewalker-cholorewalkerslorthemar-theronpatch-5.2patch-5.2-thunder-kingpatch-5.2-trailerpvepve-contentpvppvp-contentquest-designquest-developmentscenariosstory-developmentsylvanas-windrunnerthe-thunder-kingthunder-kingwrathionzandalarzandalariAnne StickneyWed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST