WoW: Cataclysm Beta Closer Than You Think

[acosn]

I'd put it at a fall / winter release period. Just a few things to remember kids-

"lol they'll release it based on when something else comes out! (TOR in this case)"

No. Actually, Blizzard has a habit of releasing games when they're ready, not when it'll boost the sales the most. WC3 (or was it TFT?) came out in the middle of the summer, which is effectively a black hole for gaming. WoW: BC came out after Christmas.

"Oh, SC2 will hold back the release date!"

No. Actually SC2 and WoW have two separate development teams. Blizzard has the resources to manage multiple projects now.

"Oh, it'll be out before..."

No. Just no on this one. Blizzard games never come out. Ever. You're merely living in a dream world where they do. I'm still waiting of freakin' Rock n' Roll Racing.



Ok, fine, so maybe I was joking there, but the joke isn't that Blizzard trademarked "soon" for no reason.

 

[Jack and Calumon]

I have no WoW time! I have Exams coming up... MUST...RESIST...AWESOMENESS!

Calumon: Jack, you have starcraft II still, Calm down, and play.

 

[maddawg IAJI]

I've been trying to break away from WoW for a while now. If I end up accidentally catch my brother playing it after Cataclysm is released....well I can throw my efforts right out the window. The Screenshots just look far too cool to resist.

 

[Fenra]

*puts on fake german scientist accent* interesting... very interesting...

*back to normal* ok sillyness aside makes sense if you start to join the dots some, class previews with the last class (paladin) being revealed on the 16th if memory serves, 1 day after the press beta applications, firstly makes sense that once all this info is out in the open that they move into beta phase and secondly once all the press applications are in, gives them 1-2 weeks (i.e the remainder of april) for them to gather them, respond and set up servers, announcing the beta beggining late april/early may, add to that 4 months (going with a long-ish beta period when you factor in how much is to be tested, not just in the redesign of the old world but in class revamps etc.) gives you september-ish release a month prior to blizzcon (optomisticly speaking)

Although that last point puts me in 2 mind sets, do I take the optomists route and think they will release it before blizzcon and go into detail about thier future plans at blizzcon, or the cynics route and assume will they do it after blizzcon and instead reveal the cinematic and release date at blizzcon... either way there is bound to be some crying at blizzcon, either from people not happy with how cataclysm turned out or people angry that its not out yet, you cant win.

Oh and while all this is going on joe everyman like you and me get to be teased by tiny updates on the live servers in this supposed "cataclysm prologue" event *shrugs* really not that bothered but it keeps me logging on so blizzard have already won there, curse them!

 

[Ashbax]

Wait...I cant remember if I applied for the beta...dont think I did...FUCK.I just want the actual game to come out

Edit: hope something new for druids comes out...actually, better check class changes. My 80 drood might have to be put on the shelf to make way for my aspiring pally if druids get nerfed...a shame, a shame