Blizzard Watch

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: The War Within early access anticipation

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Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join us as we discuss the launch of The War Within early access, the new Alleria animated short, the end of our beloved WoW: Remix (for now), the mercenaries coming to Diablo 4, and the release date of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Because it’s been too long without Varric in our lives even if they gave him a bad dye job. But there’s gonna be a mo...

Lore Watch Podcast: How will the World Soul Saga address WoW’s long running storylines?

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

Join us as we explore what we know so far about The War Within storyline to tin foil hat our way through implications for WoW’s larger narrative. Like we do.

Also, we are moving away from Soundcloud and making Patreon the exclusive home of our Uncut and Early Access podcasts. Reach out to us or leave a comment if you have any questions.

As always, let us know what you think and...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: What’s involved in The War Within early access

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Site writer Phil Ulrich joins as we discuss what’s involved, and not involved, in The War Within’s upcoming early access, the balance changes that arrived with patch 11.0.2, and Diablo 4 offering WoW-themed transmog as well as a Sparklepon— uh Celestial Steed. Though, honestly, if they really wanted our money, they should just sell a legendar...

Blizzard Watch Podcast: Haven’t we seen this WoW story before?

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No pre-show this week, but we pulled two site writers in to the podcast to make it up to you. And also to talk about games we know almost nothing about. And you thought PUGs were only for dungeon runs.

Special guests Cory Taylor and Liz Patt join us as we discuss how the story of the newest War Within cinematic feels a little too familiar, where exactly Warcraft Rumble went wrong, and how the Radiant Echoes pre-patch event feels like we’re all doing the time ...

Lore Watch Podcast: Will Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom save the MCU?

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

Join us as we explore Marvel’s recent Comic-Con announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU as iconic villain Doctor Doom for the upcoming “Secret Wars” two-part movie.

Discover why we think Viktor von Doom can be described as a villainous Boy Scout, how his relationship with Tony Stark is the world’s most dangerous and dysfunctional bromance, and how one of his...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: A preponderance of pre-patch problems

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join as we discuss the problematic mob tagging, expensive rewards, and inconvenient boss timers of The War Within Radiant Echoes pre-patch event. Yes Blizzard addressed these issues today, but we recorded this on Tuesday. That’s how time works, Susan.

Also, Hearthstone is totally, definitely not dying (the developers said so), Marvel Rivals...

Lore Watch Podcast: The corrupted Earthen of The War Within

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

Join us as we explore how the Scarred, a corrupted Earthen race in Khaz Algar of The War Within, may be connected to the twisted Dark Iron Dwarves of Grim Batol. Going further down the rabbit hole, we also delve (hehe) into how many underground zones in WoW could be linked through Old God corruption and how this might be a larger narrative in the game. Also Nephalem, Richard Knaak, and the r...

Blizzard Watch Weekly: The War Within looms

It’s been a busy week in Blizzard games with the launch of patch 11.0.1, but let’s start out with the new War Within trailer, a no dialog affair that’s all about the vibes (and maybe the characters, too).

New this week

• World of Warcraft patch 11.0.1 is now live, after a long day of delayed m...

  2024-07-27 21:03:45 +0000 UTC View Post

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: The War Within pre-patch brings the goods and the bads

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join as we discuss the launch of The War Within expansion pre-patch this week including the extended maintenance and weird patch day bugs. We also talk about a possible new Allied race, the upcoming end to WoW Remix, and how the heavily hyped new class to Diablo 4 appears to really be just three monks in a druid trench coat.

In our exclusive ...

Lore Watch Podcast: The role of Magni and Brann Bronzebeard in The War Within

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

Join us as we discuss how we think the story of Magni and Brann Bronzebeard might play out in the upcoming expansion, various interpretations of The Prophecy of The Boy King (spoiler: it may not be about Anduin), and the possible connection between the Nerubians and the underground spider-elf hybrids known as drider-- uh the Fal’dorei of Suramar.

You can enjoy this episode either thr...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: The War Within pre-patch cometh

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join as we discuss the expansion pre-patch arriving next week including the accelerated XP curve, changes to transmog, and the much-anticipated Warbands feature for all your alt-management needs. To balance out all the good stuff, we also take a critical eye to Diablo’s Seasonal cycle. Oh, and Joe has something to say about the state of Shaman. 2024-07-18 22:06:14 +0000 UTC View Post

Tavern Watch Podcast: Exploring the 2024 D&D Handbook updates

Hi there, Patrons! 

Here's the latest Tavern Watch episode, our podcast devoted to news and discussion in the world of tabletop role playing games.

In this episode, we discuss the updated D&D rulebooks rolling out soon, the impact of the recent massive layoffs at Wizards of the Coast on both their own products and the larger industry, the role of AI in game development, and the importance of community trust for TTRPG companies to be successful.

You can enjoy this ep...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: How weekly reward caches are changing in The War Within

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Blizzard Watch writer Cory Taylor joins us as we discuss Blizzard’s announcement on how they will make it easier to get your weekly gear cache in the upcoming WoW expansion, Warcraft Rumble’s Season 7 content delay, Hearthstone’s ban of the most adorable card ever, Overwatch 2’s Summer Games uncharacteristically quiet launch, and how...

Lore Watch Podcast: Will Sylvanas return in The War Within?

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

Join us as we discuss if WoW is a narrative-first game, the evolution of the portrayal of goblins, and if Anduin taking center stage in the upcoming expansion means Sylvanas will also make an appearance. Bonus: Just how old is Dadgar—uh, Khadgar?

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or 2024-07-08 23:35:27 +0000 UTC View Post

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: WoW returns to China with a twist

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join us as we discuss WoW’s return to the Chinese market including the World First cash incentive, Ethereal weapons returning to Diablo 3 with Season 32, our reaction to the latest War Within class changes, and thoughts and prayers for Diablo 4’s Season 5,

In our exclusive pre-show, we discuss what makes a good game good focusing on our f...

Lore Watch Podcast: The unique origins of crafting materials in WoW

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Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch, ad free!

From the Old God-imbued Saronite to the crystalized blood of Azeroth we call Azerite, many of the raw materials we use for crafting in WoW have a deeper connection to myths and legends in the game. Join us as we go waaaay down the rabbit hole of the surprising lore behind many WoW crafting sources. Plus more Xal’atath background and what’s up with that giant abandoned snow covered bird n...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: Is Diablo 4 Season 5 worth playing?

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join us as we discuss how the new features coming with Diablo 4 Season 5 don’t make a compelling argument to play it on a Seasonal realm over an Eternal realm, the bad luck protection with WoW’s Midsummer Fire Festival rare drops, and when we think The War Within prematch will drop this summer. Plus, the upcoming Steam Summer Sale.

In our...

Lore Watch Podcast: The mystery of Xal’atath’s origins and motives

Hi there, Patrons!

Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch.

From Shadow Priest artifact weapon to retconned manipulator of Azeroth’s history to the Old God-adjacent big bad of The War Within, we discuss what we know about the void entity known as Xal’atath. Followed immediately by everyone's favorite part: wild speculation!

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or 2024-06-25 18:54:56 +0000 UTC View Post

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: Falling out of love with World of Warcraft

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join us as we discuss struggling with stepping away from a beloved game, Hearthstone’s new tropical vacation themed expansion, and why Diablo 4 should have an Adventure Mode. And more treasure goblins. Definitely more treasure goblins. Plus the news coming out of Nintendo Direct this week and which Dragon Age you should play ahead of this fall’s Veilguard release.

Lore Watch Podcast: Wrapping it all up with Fallout New Vegas

Hi there, Patrons!

Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch.

Join us as we conclude our deep dive into the narrative of the Fallout video game series with a focus on New Vegas as well as possible story tie-ins with the second season of the Fallout TV show.

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or 2024-06-18 17:13:31 +0000 UTC View Post

Blizzard Watch Podcast: Who’s the goodest boy in all of Diablo 4?

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest Blizzard Watch podcast is now available.

Join us as we discuss the nerfs to dps trinkets for tanks and healers in The War Within, the potential trouble with the new Mythic+ dungeon affixes, the mercenaries, pets, and new class coming to Diablo 4, as well as our highlights from this year’s Summer Game Fest. We’re warily eyeballing you, Dragon Age: Veilguard.

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or...

Blizzard Watch Podcast: Deep delving into The War Within beta

Hi there, Patrons!

Join us as we discuss the launch of The War Within beta, Diablo 4’s anniversary event, and why we need every single murloc floatie offered in WoW’s June Trading Post. Also our anticipation of release dates for The War Within and Diablo 4’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, during this week’s Summer Games Fest.

No preshow this week, but it will return next week!

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or 2024-06-07 14:39:34 +0000 UTC View Post

Lore Watch Podcast: V.A.T.S., Vaults, and Villains: Exploring the story of Fallout 3

Hi there, Patrons!

Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch.

Join us as we continue our Fallout lore exploration with a focus on Fallout 3’s narrative highlights. From the changes made to the series as it moved from Interplay to Bethesda, the journey from Vault 101, how the V.A.T.S. system affected the story, and the unforgettable villains. Also, the lasting impact this title had on the rest of the series. Because as we all know, war never changes.

You...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: Frog farming whack-a-mole continues in WoW Remix

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with the exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

Join us as we discuss our love for WoW Remix despite the many exploits Blizzard has to squash, story mode coming for raids in The War Within, Cataclysm Classic players finally getting a chance to get the amazing Slayer of Stupid, Incompetent and Disappointing Minions title, and Overwatch 2’s weird relationship with esports these days.

In ou...

Blizzard Watch Podcast Uncut: Let's bake a cake (for transmog)

Hi there, Patrons!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with bonus pre-show content is now available.

This week has been displaced by the Infinite Dragonflight and disappeared into Pandaria — which is to say we're all playing WoW Remix: Mists of Pandaria. We discuss the unique gemming system, the extremely fun leveling experience, and, of course, free transmog. (Free transmog!) Plus Cataclysm Classic skipping Deathwing's attack and the important matter of why ...

Lore Watch Podcast: How the story of Fallout 2 evolved

Hi there, Patrons!

Here is your early access to the latest episode of Lore Watch.

Join us as we continue to explore the expanding lore of Fallout 2 including the game sequels as well as the recent Amazon Prime show.

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or over here 2024-05-22 16:16:21 +0000 UTC View Post

Tavern Watch Plays Pathfinder 04: Five adventurers walk into a dungeon...

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We've all been there. A forgotten underground temple full of mysteries, treasures, traps, and more than a few dusty old skulls. (At least we're pretty sure that's dust.) But we're adventurers, and never walk away from danger (in fact, we frequently cause the danger ourselves). In this week's adventure, GM Matt Rossi escorts the hapless Tavern Watch crew to the conclusion of the Pathfinder 2e Rise of the Runelords adventure.

We may be hapless, but we'...

Blizzard Watch Podcast (uncut): How Diablo 4 is maximizing our demon-slaying routine

Hello supporters!

Early access to the latest uncut Blizzard Watch podcast with exclusive bonus pre-show content is now available.

It's time to spend less time sorting through your overflowing inventory and more time killing demons, because Diablo 4 Season 4 is live with massive itemization changes. We discuss the massive 16gb patch, the changes the Diablo 4 team has made to the game since its release, and the lessons they could learn from Diablo 3 and World of Warcraft. Plus soloi...

Lore Watch Podcast: An introduction to the world of Fallout

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We're here with the latest episode of Lore Watch, early and ad-free. Enjoy!

Lore. Lore never changes...

It's October 2077 and a global nuclear war has devastated the world. And that's just the beginning of the story of Fallout. This week we explore the very first Fallout game, and how this sprawling story began.

You can enjoy this episode either through the Patreon audio player or over here 2024-05-13 18:39:39 +0000 UTC View Post

Tavern Watch Plays Pathfinder 03: This is why you don't split the party

Hi there, Patrons!

GM Matt Rossi continues to guide the hapless Tavern Watch crew through a Pathfinder 2e game, based on the classic Rise of the Runelords adventure.

This week, we faced the classic tabletop conundrum: if one of your party members is slower than the rest, should you leave them behind as you sprint ahead into adventure? They'll eventually catch up, right? It'...