Breakfast Topic: Are you prepared for Virtual Realms?

We mentioned them last night while covering the surprises of patch 5.4, so now I roll around to you this morning. Did you see virtual realms coming? Do you like or hate them? Are they a cool way to avoid forcing players to worry about name changes and server moves or are they just a half step that needs to go further?

Personally I'm really interested because with this, the day comes ever closer that I could pug any raid with any friend I have of the same faction. It's a change I never expected to see, and one I'm very interested in watching. If this eventually leads to, say, one North American virtual realm for all players, I might be okay with that.

But enough about me. This is about you. What do you think? Let us know, we're keen to hear it. Patch 5.4 definitely isn't afraid to shake up the status quo so far. Tags: featured, game-discussion, gamer-discussion, patch-5.4, patch-5.4-PTR, virtual-realms, world-of-warcraft-discussion, world-of-warcraft-topics, wow-discussion, wow-hot-topics, wow-issues, wow-topics

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Blizzard, Breakfast Topics, Mists of Pandaria

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BlizzCon® 2013 Contests—Fortune Favors the Prepared!

For all the long-term planners out there, we wanted to give you a heads up about a few of the contests we’re planning for BlizzCon® 2013. It’s going to be another big year for community creativity—a few of your favorite contests are returning, and a very special prize will be awarded to the top winner of the BlizzCon 2013 Costume Contest.

We’ll have complete rules, guidelines, eligibility information, and submission details in the future . . . but in the meantime, here’s a little bit more about what to expect to help get your imagination going.

Online Contests

BlizzCon 2013 Art Contest
The Art Contest is coming back! We can’t wait to see your always impressive original Blizzard-based artwork. Carpe diem—there’s no time like now to dream up your next masterpiece in the hope of having it displayed at BlizzCon (and winning some great prizes).

BlizzCon 2013 Original Movie Contest
We’re looking forward to screening another brilliant selection of original films based on Blizzard games. Whether it’s live action, animated, wholly digital, or a combination, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Live Contest

BlizzCon 2013 Costume Contest
The Costume Contest makes a triumphant return! Every BlizzCon, you keep upping the ante for amazing costumes, and we’re sure this show will be no exception. As you’re contemplating what you’d like to create, keep in mind that your safety is of paramount importance—that means that any costume you plan to wear should be something that you can easily see out of and safely maneuver in without assistance. In addition, no real weapons, dangerous materials, or large motorized costumes will be allowed.

We’ll have full details on all of the upcoming BlizzCon contests soon—including complete guidelines, rules, and eligibility requirements—so hang tight before busting out your crafting materials. Official sign-ups will start in the coming months, too, so keep an eye on the BlizzCon website.

Any questions? Email BlizzConContest@Blizzard.com.

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