Due to GamesCom and BlizzCon secrecy, and
the Warcraft expansion, there has been very little
to report lately that you can't find through Blizzard's
own press releases. As always, if I do see anything,
I'll continue updating here.
See the Calendar Post
for complete list of events, micro holidays,
tournaments and in game events.
GENERAL BLIZZARD NEWS
Blizzard Publishing Powers Up
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/78253-blizzard-publishing-powers-up.html
This year, the company’s big books will hit shelves just before the November 2 return of BlizzCon, Blizzard’s 12th fan convention (held in Anaheim).
The audiobook series will launch with eight newly produced audio editions of novels from the publisher’s catalogue set in the gaming universes of Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft. Blizzard had already found success with free online audio dramas that tackled key moments in World of Warcraft’s in-game history. With audio alone, “The Tomb of Sargeras” and “A Thousand Years of War” dramas had over three million views on YouTube.
This month, Blizzard Publishing will also release three illustrated books: The Art of Hearthstone, a $45 hardcover that traces the development of Blizzard’s strategy card video game, which has 50 million players around the globe; Book of Adria: A Diablo Bestiary, a $30 hardcover survey of the various monsters players must confront in Blizzard’s Diablo franchise; and Cinematic Art of StarCraft, a $45 hardcover guide to the creation of animation sequences in StarCraft, the company’s science fiction game series.
WORLD OF WARCRAFT
As I have left World of Warcraft I will no longer provide the usual links to all of the standard WoWhead and MMOChampion content you can find everywhere, just any new articles I come across that might be interesting or out of the way.
BlizzCon 2018 November 2-3
You have until July 20 to edit the information on your tickets. The Benefit Dinner will be Thursday, November 1 and tickets are $750. Community Night is undergoing some changes, but there will still be a costume contest.
More info: https://t.co/BlDJnUpfsy https://t.co/yVVSmudS8l
STARCRAFT
SUMMARY
TESPA Collegiate Starcraft Tournament Underway
https://compete.tespa.org/tournament/110
Tespa is a national network of collegiate gaming clubs that work together as a team of students, alumni, organizers, and entrepreneurs. Players will play in 2 weekly matches against similarly skilled opponents. United States or Canada schools only. 236 players currently registered including such future champions as JonSnow, PartinG, Cuddlebear, Astrea, TurkeyDano, Rhizer, Gemini19, and THERIDDLER. Complete Leaderboards at https://compete.tespa.org/tournament/110/leaderboard
2nd Place $500 USD in Scholarships
3rd - 4th Place Gaming Keyboard and Mouse ($150 ARV)
5th - 8th Place $50 in Blizzard Battle.net Balance
KSL Season 2 is in the Round of 16 after some excessively long Qualifiers wherein Stork was taken out of contention and JaeDong gave up his automatic qualification and he and Flash will be focusing on the ASL instead this season. KSL Round of 16 begins Oct 18 through Nov 23.
Afreeca StarLeague Season 6, Round of 16 finishes Oct. 4th with the living God Flash playing nemesis JaeDong. Flash lost and came back up through the Losers bracket to defeat JaeDong knocking him out of the tournament.
Starcraft AI Tournament Season Begins
The longest running Starcraft AI Tournament, SSCAIT, will begin in a few weeks and run through December or January. Kings of the North: Probot Season 2 has already gotten underway however while SC2AI.net, a Starcraft II AI Tournament will begin in October.
And Lastly
And lastly, the TotalBiscuit Commemorative Pack is in the store for a limited time. All proceeds go to his family towards hospital bills for his cancer treatment. There is also the Starcraft War Chest for a limited time, with sweet in game skins, a Heroes of the Storm Probius skin, and loot chests for OverWatch and Hearthstone.
This Week in Kings of the North: Probots
This Week, EnderSword and xkawaiian hosted Season 2, Week 3 - Group A & B on their Twitch channel.
5minBot went full Lambo, fighting to hold onto the last spot on the ProBot Tournament ladder. After losing a 22 minute battle with Spacemen5428 that escalated into roaches, lurkers and hydras vs marines, tanks, marauders and medivacs, on Para Site covered in creep and 9 zerg bases, 5minBot was never able to push through the zerg defense and was eventually overrun when the zerg moved out. 5minBot next fought #1 ranked ThreeWayLover and his proxy on BlueShift just outside of the natural, allowing 5minBot to take the 3rd instead and building up a good econ while ThreeWayLover exhausted itself, and 5minBot eventually pushed out with marines, medivacs and vipers at 13 minutes for the victory.
Spacemen5428 lost to Ceebot in its second match, dropping down into a tiebreaker with 5minBot to end the night. Spacemen5428 proxied a hatch into 5minBot’s main and began spawning Queens. The hatchery blocked an SCV attempting to build a supply depot and as 5minBot continued droning up, supply blocked him with only 1 Reaper. Spacemen5428 advanced with MicroMachine, SeeBot and YoBot.
KotN: ProBots is a StarCraft II Tournament between custom made AIs, held by ESChamp with the support of SC2AI.net community. Help Grow the ProBots. Use Matcherino promo code: ProBots to contribute $1 to next season!
The Pylon Show Live at BlizzCon!
We are excited and proud to announce MO'FUGGIN @ThePylonShow will be featured at BLIZZCON Saturday 11:30am with guests @day9tv and a special guest from SC:R dev team to discuss 25 years of SC , SC:R and more! https://blizzcon.com/en-us/schedule#sat-nov-3
WCS SIGNATURE SERIES 2018 VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoO7D4bvXDI&feature=youtu.be
Maru : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNwnIbdwDt4
SpeCial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ACC4eKmbzFY
Serral: Coming Soon
Rogue: Coming Soon
Throughout 2018, we've witnessed truly incredible StarCraft II journeys. As we approach the conclusion of this epic year, let's pause and take a moment to appreciate the people, the stories, and the wonder behind those shining brightest on the world's biggest StarCraft stage.
Being Good Now or Being Better Overall, The Parting and HerO Example
https://www.vpesports.com/more-esports/starcraft/being-good-now-or-being-better-overall-the-parting-and-hero-analogy/
Go Behind the Scenes During BlizzCon Opening Week
https://wcs.starcraft2.com/en-us/news/22538230/Go-Behind-the-Scenes-During-BlizzCon-Opening-Week/
You’ll explore backstage and learn how Blizzard esports productions come together. Watch top StarCraft II players compete live for a portion of the WCS tournament. Take a photo with the WCS Global Finals’ original Gosu Trophy . Afterward, head across the street for a WCS Global Finals viewing experience at local eatery, Simmzy’s. Toronto’s well-known ESChamp PubCraft will be coming to Burbank to host a crowd of eager WCS supporters (BarCraft will be open to the public and will not require a tour ticket.)”
Blizzard co-founder Mike Morhaime stepping down after 27 years
More Balance Patch changes
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/starcraft-2/537610-balance-mod-update-sep-25-2018
on the highest difficulty levels in full matches — making them the first to do so.
https://thenextweb.com/artificial-intelligence/2018/09/20/tencent-created-ai-agents-that-can-beat-starcraft-2s-cheater-ai/
Tencent’s AI programs defeat Starcraft’s own AI
https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/612188/tencents-ai-programs-defeat-starcrafts-own-ai/
AI researchers at the Chinese tech giant Tencent have posted details of two programs capable of beating the “cheating” AI found in the popular video game Starcraft.
China’s AI push includes an extraordinary commitment from the government, which recently announced a sweeping vision for AI ascendancy. The plan calls for homegrown AI to match that developed in the West within three years, for China’s researchers to be making “major breakthroughs” by 2025, and for Chinese AI to be the envy of the world by 2030.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/609038/chinas-ai-awakening/
The NetEase Esports X Tournament Guangzhou offline finals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3956905
Last year, China began a push to become dominant in eSports, all eSports and the tournament prizes tend to be hefty. Although no foreign talent was mentioned in the article, it is common to see a few at these and so I am including this article.
"A dozen games including Blizzard games StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. In particular, China's top six professional Hearthstone gamers are invited to battle the best amateur gamers. For the first time, the NeXT Overwatch summer tournament has invited a South Korean team to take part in a Chinese offline match. Two well-known seasoned StarCraft gamers, Huang "Poisonous Milk" Xudong and the Chinese King of Zerg, Sun "F91" Yifeng, will be the StarCraft II commentators.
NetEase Esports X Tournament. It is NetEase's first professional multi-franchise eSports tournament, consisting of online qualifiers and offline finals. This is a comprehensive eSports event that offers an experience where eSports enthusiasts can participate, watch, and immerse themselves in gaming culture.
Tournament link: http://next.163.com/ "
Dark Horse, Blizzard Reunite for StarCraft: Soldiers Comic Series
https://www.cbr.com/dark-horse-starcraft-soldiers/
SSCAIT 6
An AI BroodWar tournament on its 6th year.
Submission deadline is October 1st, 2018. Message McRave, aka Fawx#2874 , on the SSCAIT Discord channel.
https://www.twitch.tv/sscait
https://discord.gg/VkhVSnn
WillBot in action : https://clips.twitch.tv/DifferentThirstyOtterPeanutButterJellyTime
Kings of the North: ProBots Season 2
eschamp.com
StarCraft 2 AI tournament. KotN: ProBots is a StarCraft II Tournament between custom made AIs, held by ESChamp with the support of SC2AI.net community.
https://twitter.com/ESChamp/status/1042469930124304384
SC2AI Ladder Season 6
Ladder will be frozen on 12th October. Games will be streamed 20th / 21st October and 27th / 28th October. The top 8 eligible bots will go forward to the Finals, streamed on 4th November.
Full rules and prizes at https://sc2ai.net/Tournament.php
http://sc2ai.net/
https://twitter.com/Sc2Ai/status/1040491788774060034
AITT
A for-fun Tiny Code AI tournament. AITT submissions are due November 1st.
Message McRave, aka Fawx#2874 , on the SSCAIT Discord channel.
https://discord.gg/VkhVSnn
Interview with London Spitfire Head Coach, Coach815, a former Starcraft Coach
https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/6328/interview-with-london-spitfire-head-coach-the-one-who-smiles-at-the-end-is-the-final-winner
The Pylon Show Episode 23, a Starcraft Podcast
https://www.twitch.tv/incontroltv
With Artosis and iNcontroL every Wednesday! Also available on YouTube and as a podcast.
This week's guests, FearDragon and Zhugeliang!
ESPORTS
Ninja Might Very Well Be The Face of Gaming But He Is Not The Face Of Esports
https://www.vpesports.com/more-esports/ninja-might-very-well-be-the-face-of-gaming-but-he-is-not-the-face-of-esports
Korean Esports Network OGN Expands to North America
https://esportsobserver.com/korean-esports-network-ogn-expands-north-america-pubg-league/
OGN is one of the oldest esports event organizers, hosting live matches of the original StarCraft beginning in 2004. The company has organized professional leagues for StarCraft, StarCraft II, League of Legends, Overwatch, and operates a PUBG league in South Korea.
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY PLANS TO BUILD THE LARGEST COLLEGIATE ESPORTS ARENA IN THE U.S
https://cstarleague.com/lol/news_articles/950
Full Sail University is located in Florida and includes Bachelors in several Game related fields
The NetEase Esports X Tournament Guangzhou offline finals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3956905
Last year, China began a push to become dominant in eSports, all eSports and the tournament prizes tend to be hefty. Although no foreign talent was mentioned in the article, it is common to see a few at these and so I am including this article.
"A dozen games including Blizzard games StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. In particular, China's top six professional Hearthstone gamers are invited to battle the best amateur gamers. For the first time, the NeXT Overwatch summer tournament has invited a South Korean team to take part in a Chinese offline match. Two well-known seasoned StarCraft gamers, Huang "Poisonous Milk" Xudong and the Chinese King of Zerg, Sun Yifeng, will be the StarCraft II commentators.
NetEase Esports X Tournament. It is NetEase's first professional multi-franchise eSports tournament, consisting of online qualifiers and offline finals. This is a comprehensive eSports event that offers an experience where eSports enthusiasts can participate, watch, and immerse themselves in gaming culture.
Tournament link: http://next.163.com/ "
DIABLO
Diablo 4 is going to be completely open-world and could be an MMO
https://segmentnext.com/2018/10/12/next-diablo-4-ps5-open-world/
Blizzard Won't Actually Be Adding Cross-Platform Play To Diablo III
http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/10/it_turns_out_blizzard_wont_actually_be_adding_cross-platform_play_to_diablo_iii
‘Reign of Terror’ is not a thing
https://www.slashgear.com/blizzard-clarifies-diablo-leak-says-reign-of-terror-is-not-a-thing-13549885/
Blizzard Giving Away Custom 'Diablo' PS4 Pro
https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/10/11/blizzard-giving-away-custom-diablo-ps4-pro/
Diablo Netflix series confirmed by accident
http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2018/09/22/blizzards-diablo-franchise-is-getting-a-series-on-netflix/
The would-be showrunner let the cat out of the bag. Thanks to a now deleted Tweet sent out, we know that the rumors were accurate. " I guess I can confirm I am indeed in final talks to write and show-run the new DIABLO animated series for Activision and Netflix. It’s very exciting and I hope to the High Heavens it all works out." — Andy Cosby (@andycosby) September 20, 2018
HEROES OF THE STORM
HEROES OF THE DORM https://heroesofthedorm.com/
HEARTHSTONE
The NetEase Esports X Tournament Guangzhou offline finals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3956905
Last year, China began a push to become dominant in eSports, all eSports and the tournament prizes tend to be hefty. Although no foreign talent was mentioned in the article, it is common to see a few at these and so I am including this article.
"A dozen games including Blizzard games StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. In particular, China's top six professional Hearthstone gamers are invited to battle the best amateur gamers. For the first time, the NeXT Overwatch summer tournament has invited a South Korean team to take part in a Chinese offline match. Two well-known seasoned StarCraft gamers, Huang "Poisonous Milk" Xudong and the Chinese King of Zerg, Sun Yifeng, will be the StarCraft II commentators.
NetEase Esports X Tournament. It is NetEase's first professional multi-franchise eSports tournament, consisting of online qualifiers and offline finals. This is a comprehensive eSports event that offers an experience where eSports enthusiasts can participate, watch, and immerse themselves in gaming culture.
Tournament link: http://next.163.com/ "
OVERWATCH
Interview with London Spitfire Head Coach, Coach815, a former Starcraft Coach
https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/6328/interview-with-london-spitfire-head-coach-the-one-who-smiles-at-the-end-is-the-final-winner
The NetEase Esports X Tournament Guangzhou offline finals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3956905
Last year, China began a push to become dominant in eSports, all eSports and the tournament prizes tend to be hefty. Although no foreign talent was mentioned in the article, it is common to see a few at these and so I am including this article.
"A dozen games including Blizzard games StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. In particular, China's top six professional Hearthstone gamers are invited to battle the best amateur gamers. For the first time, the NeXT Overwatch summer tournament has invited a South Korean team to take part in a Chinese offline match. Two well-known seasoned StarCraft gamers, Huang "Poisonous Milk" Xudong and the Chinese King of Zerg, Sun Yifeng, will be the StarCraft II commentators.
NetEase Esports X Tournament. It is NetEase's first professional multi-franchise eSports tournament, consisting of online qualifiers and offline finals. This is a comprehensive eSports event that offers an experience where eSports enthusiasts can participate, watch, and immerse themselves in gaming culture.
Tournament link: http://next.163.com/ "
WARCRAFT III
PTR Balance Changes Coming!
MMorris @Matt23Morris
Replying to @YoanMerlo
@YoanMerlo we love your passion for the game. And appreciate all that you have done for Warcraft III and the community. It's safe to say we are looking to make balance adjustments - We'll roll something out to the PTR this month. Again, we love and appreciate your passion.
Daily and Weekly Tournaments here
https://www.twitch.tv/back2warcraft
The NetEase Esports X Tournament Guangzhou offline finals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3956905
Last year, China began a push to become dominant in eSports, all eSports and the tournament prizes tend to be hefty. Although no foreign talent was mentioned in the article, it is common to see a few at these and so I am including this article.
"A dozen games including Blizzard games StarCraft II, Warcraft III, Hearthstone, and Overwatch. In particular, China's top six professional Hearthstone gamers are invited to battle the best amateur gamers. For the first time, the NeXT Overwatch summer tournament has invited a South Korean team to take part in a Chinese offline match. Two well-known seasoned StarCraft gamers, Huang "Poisonous Milk" Xudong and the Chinese King of Zerg, Sun Yifeng, will be the StarCraft II commentators.
NetEase Esports X Tournament. It is NetEase's first professional multi-franchise eSports tournament, consisting of online qualifiers and offline finals. This is a comprehensive eSports event that offers an experience where eSports enthusiasts can participate, watch, and immerse themselves in gaming culture.
Tournament link: http://next.163.com/ "
WARCRAFT CLASSIC
World of Warcraft Classic At-Home Demo
https://blizzcon.com/en-us/event-info/tickets/virtual
Get access to the BlizzCon 2018 World of Warcraft Classic demo. Normally only available on the show floor, the Virtual Ticket brings this content straight to your home during the event! Only a few starting zones will be available, and only until November 8th. There will be a Warcraft Classic panel at BlizzCon.
More on Classic at BlizzCon
https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22551243/bring-home-the-blizzcon-wow-classic-demo-with-the-virtual-ticket
There will also be a panel on Classic at BlizzCon, and only a few zones will be available to play. The Classic demo will include access to a couple of entry-level zones, with one for Horde and the other for Alliance. It's the original Azeroth and will remain playable until 10am PST on Nov. 8. That way anyone attending BlizzCon and playing it on the show floor also has time to travel home and play it some more.
OTHER BLIZZARD RELATED STUFF
Sources for these news bits include:
https://news.blizzard.com/en-us
http://www.teamliquid.net/
And others.
.
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