Blizzard Watch

Watching Blizzard: And also Friday is newsday

Added 2018-01-27 06:32:30 +0000 UTC

The news just can't catch a break this week. Last night, after writing this very roundup, a beta client for Battle for Azeroth hit the official Blizzard servers and the datamining began. There's apparently no rest for Blizzard (or naptime for us) this week, as there's no stopping the runaway train of Battle for Azeroth.

About that beta build...

Yep. There's a beta build. Get a first look at talents, scenarios, items, maps, professions... well, bits and pieces of the whole game, really.
We already want all of these mounts and pets.
Zandalari Troll Druids can shapeshift into dinosaurs. Dinosaurs.
And since I'm sure this is what you've all been waiting for, Wowhead has a rundown of every skill and talent change, plus a talent calculator. Just remember: those numbers take into account a stat squish, so don't panic.

Since it's (probably) almost time for Battle for Azeroth...

We put together everything we know about the expansion so far.
And we expect to hear more soon. Ion Hazzikostas is gracing us with a Q&A on Tuesday, and rumor has it that pre-orders will follow. That could mean we get Allied Races and a beta — one we can play rather than just look at — soon.

And in Overwatch...

Jeff talks about player toxicity. (Does this seem like deja vu? Probably because I mentioned it here yesterday.)
It was quite the night for Overwatch League. Excelsior beat the previously undefeated Dynasty, and the Dragons again showed some serious improvement — not bringing home a win, but tying up the match in map four before losing 2-3. Let's go, Dragons! You can do it!
Overwatch League is back in action on Saturday at 1 p.m. CST before getting its own nap until Wednesday.

Introducing Maeiv!

You know her from Warcraft, but soon you'll be able to meet her in the Nexus. Here's her hero spotlight.
If Overwatch esports aren't your thing, there are HCG matches to watch all weekend.

Today's Know Your Lore veers into Diablo territory

Rossi gives us a tinfoil hat theory about... well, I'll be honest: I don't really understand what it's about. But Rossi doing lore speculation is always a good read.

And now it's time for our weekend hibernation mode. We'll see you again — virtually, that is — on Monday with more. (More of what, we can't say. But definitely more.)