Diablo 3 Beta Coming Soon, Mods for Starcraft 2

While there was no release date announced at BlizzCon 2010, it was announced that a closed Beta would be available for friends and family, like with many other Blizzard games. There was some talk of the games focus on PvE, which isn't surprising as it looks like the PvP is fairly chaotic at this point.

Also it turns out we probably won't hear about Blizzard's next-gen MMO until near 2012. The good news, however, is that in the meantime they are releasing some pretty cool mods for Starcraft 2. (Did we mention the Heart of the Swarm probably won't be seen until late 2011 or later?) Mods include a DOTA style game and three other mods, "Aiur Chef," "Left 2 Die," and "Starjeweled." Pictures for those haven't drifted this way yet, but when they do you'll be the first to know.

In the meantime check out this awesome 15 minute game play trailer Blizzard released for Diablo 3 as well as a PvP preview.

Blizzard Announces Demon Hunter Class, PvP Arenas for Diablo 3

Blizzcon is in full force, and wasting no time Blizzard announced today the new Demon Hunter class for Diablo 3 as well as PvP arenas. Here is the video for the new Demon Hunter class. PvP arena pictures to follow also. For more info hop on over to the Diablo 3 official page.



Blizzard has posted a few images from the PvP arenas as well:

Cataclysm Cinematic Unveiled

Blizzard just unveiled the new cinematic for the Cataclysm expansion. Opinions are mixed but it sure does look pretty.

Federal Court Ruling Could Kill Used Games Industry

A recent federal appeals court ruling could cause serious problems for the used games industry. For the full story check out Digital Trends.

Top 4 Reasons to Play Cataclysm December 7 (And They're Not What You Think)

Blizzard announced today that Cataclysm, the newest and much anticipated expansion for World of Warcraft will be released December 7. That said, some players might need an extra push to renew their account for the third expansion, especially if they are feeling burnt out...


Reason 1: The Guild

No, not the group of unbathed philistines you argue about loot with. The web-based show of the same name has been entertaining fans for 3 seasons now, and it continues to get better. If nothing else watch it for Felicia Day. (Here's a link to the show on MSN and click the thumbnails to the right for more Felicia Day!)

Not only does this show get better, it's the reason more and more WoW players have girlfriends. If there is only one reason WoW players will find more ladies logged in for the release of Cataclysm it would be a safe bet that a lot of them have drawn at least some inspiration from the Guild. Don't be surprised at the influx of "Codex" name spin offs.

Reason 2: It's Socially Acceptable
WoW will not get you a girlfriend, and if that's why you're playing it, then you should probably consider another hobby. But now more than ever WoW has become socially acceptable. Gamers don't need socially acceptable as a reason, but the fact that this stigma is slowly being removed from the gaming world is presenting the gaming community with a whole slew of new people to interact with and a host of new shirts to buy at hot topic!



This is not socially acceptable.




Reason 3: Tauren Paladins! (And other new class combos...)

Taurens everywhere are dancing in a fit of unrelenting joy over their new found affinity to the light. But that doesn't mean the other races of Azeroth aren't celebrating equally hard. Human hunters, Troll Warlocks and Blood Elf warriors (not to mention Worgen everything...) are giving players completely new ways to experience the game. (Or dish up the gold for a race change.)


This Tauren just heard Paladins would
be a playable class in Cataclysm

Reason 4: This Time It's About Content

Blizzard has always done a stand up job of providing content for each expansion, but with Cataclysm even more than any of the others, the bulk of the updates seem to have less to do with the level grind, and more to do with content. Updated graphics that more realistically render things like water and spells, a shortened level cap of 85 and a completely redesigned and revisited Azeroth mean more time exploring and less time worrying about how quickly you can reach the highest tier.