Blizzard Watch Weekly: realism in video games

While there are several things that are amusingly unrealistic in video games, none of them are quite as enviable as the ability of my character to stand over a fire, rub her hands together for a few seconds, and pop out a fully cooked whatever with zero cleanup or additional hassle.

I’m taking a quick break from scouring perhaps every dish I own to bring you this week’s rundown of all the things that you may have missed this week.

What Happened This Week?

• This week’s Hearthstone Tavern Brawl: The Fury of Kael’thas Wild Brawl
• This week’s WoW World Boss: Kormac, the Dormant Protector
• Active Twitch Drop campaigns

After the WoW Classic launches the week before, we saw an influx of questions which are relatively basic to Classic gameplay which simply aren’t a part of Retail anymore. For example, where you train your weapon skills. However, one thing which is new for the fresh start Classic Classic realms is the inclusion of an LFG tool right off the bat, which also took a little getting used to. For some, info like this makes them relieved they play Retail, while for others this kind of journey is exactly what drew them to Classic in the first place. Potato, potahto.

Speaking of old content and streamlining, a few raid encounters in Dragon Soul which were kind of a pain to deal with solo even several expansions later have now been updated, especially the Spine of Deathwing.

An Armory feature has, at long last, been introduced as a new feature for the upcoming Diablo 4 season 7. It’s currently on the PTR, and we’re pretty excited to see it.

Also, people have been kinda losing it a little over the Secret search during the WoW Anniversary? Like, a huge part of the community spent the better part of a week looking for a muffin? It’s fine, we’re all punchy this time of year.

What’s Happening Next Week (and beyond)

• Hearthstone Battlegrounds season 9 starts December 3
• Diablo 2: Resurrected Ladder resets December 6
• Pilgrim’s Bounty in WoW through December 1
• Overwatch Classic event through December 2
• Diablo 4 Midwinter Blight through December 3
• World of Warcraft 20th Anniversary Event through January 6, 2025

Podcasts

• Blizzard Watch Podcast: Ah, the traditional 20th anniversary gift of … more classic realms
• Lore Watch Podcast: What’s up with that giant glowing crystal in The War Within?

This week on Lore Watch, we discussed that weird crystal which is really kinda becoming the elephant in the room these days, much like a particular sword. In the Blizzard Watch podcast, we talked about Classic Classic realms, with Classic on top, plus some talk about Path of Exile 2 (which looks really good!)

If you’d like to listen to the podcast early, Tier 2 Patreon patrons get access two days before the shows are posted here on the main page. Plus, you get our eternal gratitude for your support.

Reminders, to-dos, and ICYMIs

It’s Friday, Friday, but specifically Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, so get your holiday shopping out of the way now. We’ve highlighted some deals for you in both TTRPGs, and some of our favorite nerd-themed nail polishes. We’ll also point out that the Steam Autumn Sale just started, and we have our weekly games highlight post just for such an occasion, if your wishlist alone doesn’t cut it.

Personally, I’ve been looking into washing machine and dryer sales because being an adult sometimes means boundless disappointment.

See you next week, Watchers.