Just a quick heads up everyone. Chris is out this next week on vacation so we'll be off a week in recording. We plan to record as soon as he gets back. Just wanted to keep everyone updated. Thanks for listening! 

Hey everyone! In case you haven't heard yet, the opt-in for the beta of Wrath of the Lich King is now available for both US and EU realms. This does not mean that the beta phase of testing has started. However, it does allow you to put yourself in the running for a spot when it does. Visit your account management screen if you wish to sign up. As a word of caution, this will probably mean the beta email scams will start to increase in frequency. Always check the WoW homepage to see if the beta phase has started before clicking on or accessing any beta invite email.

Episode 6 is now live for your enjoyment. We'll have show notes up later this afternoon because my HTML skills are full of fail. Enjoy!

What the Hell Happened To You Guys!?!

Well, it's been over six months since you've heard from us, and we (read Dave) owe you an explanation. Listen in to hear about dead computers, moving, and all that sort of thing.

News:

It's not addiction, it's pathological computer use

Dr. Jerald Block is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon that specializes in treating those who are addicted to computer games. According to Dr. Block, "psychiatry has a lot of catching up in order to understand why people get stuck in games like World of Warcraft." But the money quote (that no doubt piqued the interest of WoW Insider): Block's clients are more ashamed "of playing World of Warcraft than looking at porn."

"As a society," says Dr. Block, "we understand that porn is something people do, and you can see a psychiatrist and get treated for it. But gaming is hard to describe to anyone else. So these people can't explain their situation to friends."

Source: The Boston Globe via WoW Insider

More gear Chris won't earn: Arena Season 4 starts June 24, 2008

The fourth season of the arenas will begin on June 24, 2008. The new season introduces the "Brutal Gladiator" gear sets, and will allow players to purchase Season 2 items using honor points. Season 1, 2, and 3 items will be available in exchange for Tier 4, 5, and 6 tokens on the Isle of Quel'Danas.

In terms of rating requirements, Season 3 item rating requirements will be reduced. Season 4 requirements vary by slot. The off-hand weapon, gloves, belt, necklace and trinket items will have no rating requirement while other items will have requirements from 1550 (legs) to 2200 (shoulders).

Blizzard also introduced some new rules to prevent characters from gaining ratings based on the performance of other members of an arena team. If your character's personal rating is more than 150 points below the team rating, your arena points will be calculated based on your rating. The match algorithms will also change to match teams based on their average personal rating if it is more than 150 points below the team rating.

Source: Eyonix via WoW Insider

Age of Conan sells 500,000 copies in first week, raid leaders scream in agony

Funcom issued a press release on June 2 touting the impressive launch of Age of Conan, in which they sold a half a million copies in the opening week. This puts Age of Conan on a short list of MMORPGs that have topped the half a million subscriber mark, a list that includes World of Warcraft, Lineage, RuneScape, Final Fantasy XI, and Everquest.

Almost everyone knows a few people in their guild that are checking out Age of Conan. Does it have the chops to take on World of Warcraft?

A bigger and better BlizzCon is coming October 10-11, 2008

The third iteration of Blizzard's convention will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Blizzard promises "50% more hall space for your enjoyment," and promises hands-on play time with upcoming releases, discussion panels, tournaments, contests, and more. Tickets will be on sale soon for $100 per person.

Discussion

Reader mail: Hoof

You two really hit a nerve w/me on [In the World] EP1 or EP2 where you talked about how only 10% of the WOW populace will ever get to see the "end game" content before it's obsolete (i.e. like Naxx). I'd really be interested in hearing the two of you get back into that realm of thought in more detail. Here are a few "title" ideas just help describe what topics I'm interested in hearing you two explore...

=======================

- Will only 10% of wow players ever step foot in Hyjal (before it's obsolete)?

- Is WoW end-game content unreasonably out of reach for most players?

- After 30 failed attempts on Aran... your raid group can forget about seeing Black Temple, SSC and Hyjal.

- What are *key* differentiating factors between a raid-group struggling through KZ, and a raid group getting world/server firsts?

- Is Blizzard's unspoken message to non-hardcore players that they don't deserve to see the end-game content?

=======================

If you can't read-between the lines, I am just a TAD passionate about these topics!  

Anyhow, I hope you guys can hit on any of these in EP5 (or whenever). Even though these topics really get me frustrated, it's at least nice to know others share your pain/thoughts when it comes to stuff like this. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only listener who'd really enjoy a show with these topics on deck.

Three Things: Love & Hate

3 Things about our Class

Yes, for those who still care, WE ARE RECORDING TONIGHT! So new episode later this week.

Happy 2008, everyone, and hope the new year is looking good for all of you.

Dave and Chris explore Brewfest and other Blizzard events, and discuss their most memorable and disappointing moments. Complete show notes after the break.<< MORE >>

For those wondering where Episode 4 is, fear not. I've been out of town way too much the last couple of weeks and it's thrown our recording schedule for a loop. However, we'll be getting back to a normal schedule at the end of this week. Thanks again for listening!

Dave and Chris discuss the new build of Dave's mage and whether there is a "perfect" build for raiding. Also, the guys introduce a new segment, "Three Things We Love/Hate" and give their picks for Outlands instances. Complete show notes after the break.<< MORE >>

In the World is now part of the Digg podcast directory. If you like our work, please digg the article!



Thanks to Tarran for setting up the directory entry.