323 – So close we can taste it

pilgrims

Scott Johnson has finally come clean and revealed that there never were a “Turpster” and “Dills” in any real sense. Only the byproduct of a fever dream Scott had once in high school and never really could shake from his subconscious  Wendi is working overtime on this one. Scott has since come clean and only one persona will be hosting this episode. Who knows who will show up next week. On this special singularly-hosted episode of the Instance we finally have a date for 5.3, the D3 boosts this week further encourage Scott to pimp out what many perceived to be an average game, there’s a rift in the universe with some pretty significant lay-offs, we get Cryptic with Cryptizoic, and loads more!

Scott solo’d this episode folks and really needs to believe that he’s not talk to computer screen alone. You alone have the power to prevent Scott from going into an oblivion filled with cheesy puffs and middling promises that Diablo 3 will get better. None of what I just said is true. Anywho, how does one simplify the wowiness, how will the talents work in the next expansion, do we remove all addons, and does bind on account items help ruin the game? All of this, and, we have the complete video footage of show for your viewing and listening pleasure. Enjoy:

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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5.3 Not Happening This Week

Sorry folks, but no 5.3 this week. At least according to Bashiok:

I’ll have a complete rundown of what to expect in the upcoming patch soon, but for now, enjoy this Blizzard Q&A that Twitch conducted about the upcoming Hearthstone:


Watch live video from playhearthstone on TwitchTV

322 – A dip in the road

wowontheroad

On this episode of The Instance Turpster claimed that he wanted finally get us crazy colonials what was coming to us and he has not been heard from since, WoW down to 8.3 million subscribers, watch people fight with their pets in real time, why Silvermoon is forever doomed, what Blizzard liked most about MoP (and us all), striking that balance between classes is hard, tri-spec and why blizzard may never do it, why there’s Monster Power in Diablo 3, what about FIVE specs or SIX or TEN, Dark Riders on sale now, and loads more!

Our team has a ton of calls this week and we do our utmost to convey intelligible answers.  Are there folks in AIE or fellow listeners in the community who can tell a Marine what to except when they’re expecting – to be a Marine? Remember that there is (booming voice) MONSTER POWER!!! Will there ever be more hero classes? All of these questions and much more will be answered in the order that they were received. And these show notes were brought to you by listeners like you.

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

tumblr_inline_mhf6czzQgi1qz4rgp1

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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321 – We blame the Witch Doctor

WITCH DOCTOR Top skills used by 25 highest paragon level players

On this demonic-loving episode of The Instance, Marvel does Diablo, Neverwinter has a real connection problem, wow in the crossword, Superman enjoys the WoW, twitter roundup, 5.3 is coming and sooner than you might think, Nerdtacular tickets are growing, deodorant is a must at Blizzcon (or in general really), 20 man content, level boosting helps us all, Children’s Week breeds in-game conflict, what about level 100, and more!

You all have a unique opportunity to incite a riot or, even better, rekindle a war between the US and Great Britain with your contacting our trigger-happy Instance crew. Are there still Nerdtacular tickets to be had? (Answer: Yes!) We answer this all-important question and much more. All of this, and, we have the complete video footage of show for your viewing and listening pleasure. Enjoy:

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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320 – Hot Trash

wow

On this trio-tastic episode of The Instance, 5.3 is coming and XP nerf is not far behind it, Blizzard Twitter Roundup, Blizzard and Twitter, books you should read as a WoW fan, we give away some mega-blocks, and loads more!  As many of you know, the first wave of Blizzcon tickets have come and gone in a matter milliseconds and most (myself included) came up short. The next round of tickets will be available tomorrow, April 27th at 10 am PST. And God be with you all replacing your F5 key for tomorrow. How do you feel about the queuing system? The Instance team discusses.

For some odd reason Scott, Dills, and Turpster have decided to address the unwashed masses directly in an attempt to “engage the community” and “build an audience”… we’ll see how well that works out.  What does one do after you hit 90? (Answer: Dailies) What advice would you give to folks attending Blizzcon for the first time? (Answer: Water) And, embarrassments outside of WoW. All of this, and, we have the complete video footage of show for your viewing and listening pleasure. Enjoy:

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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First Round of Blizzcon Tickets Tonight

blizzconTo serve as a reminder to you all the first round of Blizzcon tickets are going on sale this evening at 7pm PST. Make sure all of your Battle.net information is up to date and ready to go, you can read more via the Ticket Information page and the Ticket Sale Information page. These tickets go fast, like in a matter of seconds, so be sure you show up early and get ready to refresh.

If you aren’t lucky enough for this evening the second round of tickets will be going on sale this Saturady, April 27th at 10am PST. This year’s Blizzcon is a two-day event taking place on November 8th and 9th, and the tickets will cost $175. If you are lucky enough to grab some, consider yourself lucky and enjoy it!

319 – Heroic Less (Is More)

HeroicLessIsMore

On this episode of The Instance, what ever happened to Dungeons and Heroic Scenarios, there are some tweets that shed light on that subject, 5.3 and the Battle of Razor Hill on the PTR, a good gnome movie and loads more! Also, you may recall some debate regarding the world-first 90 character, which Blizzard eventually rebuffed and forced him back down to 87. This week Blizzard overturned that decision with apologies to the player and anyone affected by this, discussion shall be had!

Our listening audience are an inquisitive bunch, and our team pretends to have answers, and this week we will endeavor to continue to fake our knowledge. Shall there be loot cards in Hearthstone? How does one gem a DK (from an actual DK)? What is the 13th floor?! (dun dun dun!) How does one deal with alts and heroics? All of this and lots more!

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

r-WORST-CUSTOMER-SERVICE-large570

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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318 – A Date with Blizzcon

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On this non-April Fools episode of The Instance, Blizzcon Tickets are going up for sale and soon, the Hearthstone roundup from earlier this week, April Fools was a bust at Blizzard, Throne of Thunder gets bigger for LFR players, Titan has a few leaks, why the blood elves are due, and why the others just don’t cut it, and lots more!

The proliferation of “free-to-play” has seeped into all aspects of gaming on any platform. With the addition of Hearthstone, Blizzard would seem to be simply be joining the masses in an attempt to nickle and dime their players, or are they? Are there too many free-to-play games out there? Our team shall give us the answers to these questions from on high, and more!

Do you have questions? Be sure to email us at theinstance at gmail dot com or leave us a voice mail at (801) 471-0462 (Please note that this number has CHANGED)

customer-service

Special thanks to our sponsors this week: Audible.comDoghouse Systems, and Typefrag.com. Get your guild web site going at GuildLaunch.com with the code “theinstance”. Great web hosting provided by ZeHosting! Step Your Geek Up, your number one podcast for all things geek! From Games, to Movies, to Comics, we cover it all! Available in iTunes for FREE. Use Discount code “instance” for 5% off at gametimezone.com

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317 – The Hearthstone Files

The venerable Scott Johnson had the distinctive honor of sitting down with the Game Designer and Production Director of Hearthstone. Scott had put out the request for questions among the Instance community and you have all answered in fine style. Good times are to be had in this interview. If you’re at all interested in the upcoming Hearthstone game from Blizzard, this is a must listen. Enjoy!

Ben Brode

Ben Brode

Game Designer
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

As one of the game designers for Blizzard Entertainment’s Hearthstone™: Heroes of Warcraft™, Ben Brode is involved in all aspects of the design, including core gameplay design, card powers, balance, artwork selection, programming, and writing.

Brode joined Blizzard Entertainment in 2003, and during his tenure has served in numerous roles throughout the company. His first role was as a tester on Warcraft III, followed by a position in quality assurance on World of Warcraft®. Before joining the Hearthstone team, Brode was part of Blizzard’s creative development department, in charge of licensed products.

In his free time, Brode stays true to the rap game as an MC and beatboxer.

 

Jason ChayesJason Chayes

Production Director
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

As Blizzard Entertainment’s production director for Hearthstone™: Heroes of Warcraft™, Jason Chayes is responsible for the management of the development team, including execution strategy, staffing, process development and ordering pizza when the team is hungry. In addition to providing support for the team, Chayes is also responsible for coordinating with other groups at Blizzard to ensure the delivery of the cross-team features necessary to support the launch of Hearthstone.

Chayes joined Blizzard Entertainment in 2008, and worked as a 3D artist in a prior life for The Walt Disney Company and Electronic Arts. Since joining Blizzard, Jason has also acted as lead producer for the Battle.net® team and helped out with the development of key features for StarCraft® II and Diablo® III.

hearthstone

 

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