Originally posted by Faelan

Originally posted by Ceridith

Originally posted by Zenjinx

Originally posted by fivoroth

Originally posted by cheyane

I noticed one thing this panda thing has really sprouted so many threads that the SWTOR press NDA lift  has been pushed off the front pages.

Blizzard definitely accomplished one thing. Everybody's talking about their panda expansion now.

And here lies the genius of marketing.

I spoke with a few co-workers about the next WoW expansion today. Two of the three of them had already heard the announcement and seen the video, they thought it was a joke. After convincing all three of them that it was serious and that really was what the next expansion is going to be, all three of them couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous it is.

Needless to say, none of them will be buying the expansion.

Yup, great marketing.

Don't buy it if you don't like it. Fair enough. However, the poll over at MMO-Champion (http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/1005712-Mist-of-Pandaria-Opinion-Poll) indicates that you and your co-workers are in the minority (some 16%) and that minority can easily be made up for by people who have already left the game, but end up being drawn back into it because of the expansion.

Again, If you, your co-workers, friends, family, whatever dislike it with a passion and thus won't buy it, fine. Just don't pretend that you speak for the majority.

Actually, myself and my co-workers aren't represented in that poll. The sample size is not indicative of all WoW players, past and present, only of those who frequent MMO-champion.

And where did I ever imply I spoke for the majority? I didn't. I simply stated that a lot of people dislike the idea of the expansion, and going by number of negative responses concerning the expansion scattered across several MMO and gaming related sites, I don't think my statement is inaccurate, even if it's not explicitly quantified.

Originally posted by Ceridith

It's about as useful as all of the people claiming that Pandaren were one of the most requested additions to the game by the playerbase.

EIther way it doesn't change the fact that a lot of people think the next expansion is, for lack of a better term, "lol worthy". That's not anecdotal, that's going by the number of responses being posted over the Internet over various sites by people who think the next expansion might as well be a belated April Fools joke.

But "haters gonna hate" right? God forbid someone not like something Blizzard squeezes out. Have fun with Pandaren, hopefully the "World of Warcraft: My little pony friendship is magic" expansion will also sit well with you.

Who is calling you a hater? It is just a stupid overly used term anyway.

Read all the negative posts you want. It doesn't change the fact that the game will remain profitable many years after you have left.

My Little Pony is a different IP.

You need to seperate your emotional attachment to the game.

Tbh, I hate WoW. The expansion will bring me back though. The class' and the new races they added were not all that interesting. The panda expansion, for me, should bring new life to the game. Love the idea of allowing the Panda's to choose which side they want to help. Don't care if it's not a fresh new idea. It's a good move on Blizzards part. Evolve with the gaming market. Definetely will try it on release but will only play a month.. 

Originally posted by Ceridith

Originally posted by Faelan

Originally posted by Ceridith

Originally posted by Zenjinx

Originally posted by fivoroth

Originally posted by cheyane

I noticed one thing this panda thing has really sprouted so many threads that the SWTOR press NDA lift  has been pushed off the front pages.

Blizzard definitely accomplished one thing. Everybody's talking about their panda expansion now.

And here lies the genius of marketing.

I spoke with a few co-workers about the next WoW expansion today. Two of the three of them had already heard the announcement and seen the video, they thought it was a joke. After convincing all three of them that it was serious and that really was what the next expansion is going to be, all three of them couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous it is.

Needless to say, none of them will be buying the expansion.

Yup, great marketing.

Don't buy it if you don't like it. Fair enough. However, the poll over at MMO-Champion (http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/1005712-Mist-of-Pandaria-Opinion-Poll) indicates that you and your co-workers are in the minority (some 16%) and that minority can easily be made up for by people who have already left the game, but end up being drawn back into it because of the expansion.

Again, If you, your co-workers, friends, family, whatever dislike it with a passion and thus won't buy it, fine. Just don't pretend that you speak for the majority.

Actually, myself and my co-workers aren't represented in that poll. The sample size is not indicative of all WoW players, past and present, only of those who frequent MMO-champion.

And where did I ever imply I spoke for the majority? I didn't. I simply stated that a lot of people dislike the idea of the expansion, and going by number of negative responses concerning the expansion scattered across several MMO and gaming related sites, I don't think my statement is inaccurate, even if it's not explicitly quantified.

What I'd like to know is where your information comes from. In any case, that poll is a better representation of the players as well as non-players than any evidence so far.

[Mod Edit]

No, he's wrong about that one, Panderans most certainly are a joke. They may not be a joke by Blizzard on WoW players, but they ARE a joke by Blizzard on themselves.

Originally posted by mymmo

Originally posted by Paradigm68

I agree, I'm sure Blizzard takes their targeting of Asian markets and younger children very seriously.

 

2nd that.

3rd that ^^

WoW player: How could blizzard be so stupid to bring a JOKE RACE like Pandarens into this setting?! They're totally killing the immersion!!

*rides away through a medieval themed town on a motorcycle that reads "PWN" on the license plate*

*stops by the haris pilton NPC to vendor "the one ring" and other pop culture references*

Originally posted by Alalala
If a major Asian MMO put a bald eagle race in their game, would thousands of us drop our current games and go play it?

As a Canadian I have to say that if they added a Polar Bear race to the game I would be so on that.

However unlike Pandas, which can be vicious but are mostly known for their oh so cute sneezes nowadays, Polar Bears are the most dangerous and deadly mammals on earth (aside from humans.)

Originally posted by Zzad

Originally posted by mymmo

Originally posted by Paradigm68

 I agree, I'm sure Blizzard takes their targeting of Asian markets and younger children very seriously.

2nd that.

3rd that ^^

I'm honestly surprised that most people aren't seeing this. At this point in WoW's lifespan it should be crystal fucking clear what is goin on here.

Originally posted by Asamof

WoW player: How could blizzard be so stupid to bring a JOKE RACE like Pandarens into this setting?! They're totally killing the immersion!!

 

*rides away through a medieval themed town on a motorcycle that reads "PWN" on the license plate*

 

*stops by the haris pilton NPC to vendor "the one ring" and other pop culture references*

No, you're right Sparky, there have been childish elements in WoW ever since its inception. However, perhaps the Panderan race is a bridge too far, a point where the magic spell known as "immersion" has finally worn off a huge portion of the playerbase.

For me that point was the goblin race in the last expansion. I looked at the goblin city starting areas and mounts and everything about them and my suspension of disbelief went *poof* and I knew I'd probably never find WoW fun ever again.

Suspension of disbelief is important in any work of entertainment or escapism, and every player has a different point where they can no longer willingly suspend thair disbelief that they are not playing in a moderately realistic or reality based game. And being able to immerse youself in the world is really important for an MMO, wouldn't you agree Buckwheat?

Originally posted by Ceridith

Originally posted by Zenjinx

Originally posted by fivoroth

Originally posted by cheyane

I noticed one thing this panda thing has really sprouted so many threads that the SWTOR press NDA lift  has been pushed off the front pages.

Blizzard definitely accomplished one thing. Everybody's talking about their panda expansion now.

And here lies the genius of marketing.

I spoke with a few co-workers about the next WoW expansion today. Two of the three of them had already heard the announcement and seen the video, they thought it was a joke. After convincing all three of them that it was serious and that really was what the next expansion is going to be, all three of them couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous it is.

Needless to say, none of them will be buying the expansion.

Yup, great marketing.

I spoke with a few co-workers about the next WoW expansion yesterday. Both of them had already heard the announcement and seen the video, they thought it was awesome. After me trying to convince them that it looks like a joke of an expansion, they both thought I was being ridiculous.

Needless to say, both of them will be buying the expansion.

Yup, great marketing.

EDIT: FWIW I work with a total of six regular WoW players. All six of them love this. All six of them play Pokemon, FreeRealms,D&D and dream of My Little Ponies at night also. So there is that...

Originally posted by Xondar123

No, you're right Sparky, there have been childish elements in WoW ever since its inception. However, perhaps the Panderan race is a bridge too far, a point where the magic spell known as "immersion" has finally worn off a huge portion of the playerbase.

For me that point was the goblin race in the last expansion. I looked at the goblin city starting areas and mounts and everything about them and my suspension of disbelief went *poof* and I knew I'd probably never find WoW fun ever again.

Suspension of disbelief is important in any work of entertainment or escapism, and every player has a different point where they can no longer willingly suspend thair disbelief that they are not playing in a moderately realistic or reality based game. And being able to immerse youself in the world is really important for an MMO, wouldn't you agree Buckwheat?

It's just my opinion, but I think maybe you are confusing the lack of suspension of disbelief with overall boredom with the game. I can't see how a panda could remove the suspension of disbelief any more than the current content in the game.

Immersion is indeed relative to the indiviual.

I saw the anouncement and thought they were recycling April Fools jokes.  Then I looked at the calendar, did a double take and realized that this might be a serious anouncement.

If the Indiana Jones references weren't a jump the shark moment in Cataclysm, Panderans and Pokemon mini-games certainly were.

I normally just come onto mmorpg.com for the news and don't get involved in forums but I felt this is something I had to comment about . I started playing World of Warcraft 7 years ago but in recent years I've become more and more concerned as to the direction the game was going . I wasn't overly impressed by the last expansion to me it felt rushed and substandard but when I heard about this new one I really did think it must be some sort of joke . While the game has always been tounge in cheek this just seams to me as Blizzard have crossed a line in leading the game to a place I don't want to follow .

The impression I'm getting from in game chat is the playerbase is split right down the middle over the issue of this expansion which is something I've never seen before in WoW in the past its been pretty much the majority looking forward to the next one . I still have two months left on my subscription left so I will play out the time I have left but after that I intend to try another game . StarWars the Old Republic sounds like it could be something I will enjoy . I'm sure many people will enjoy it but to me Panderans are far to reminisant of Kung Fu Panda and a real indication as to which way Blizzard intend the future direction of the game will be .

Originally posted by HurricanePip

I saw the anouncement and thought they were recycling April Fools jokes.  Then I looked at the calendar, did a double take and realized that this might be a serious anouncement.

If the Indiana Jones references weren't a jump the shark moment in Cataclysm, Panderans and Pokemon mini-games certainly were.

According to the whiners, WoW has jumped the shark countless times. Before it even launched people thought gnomes as a playable race was stupid and childish. BC it was the retconned space goats. WotLK we had non stop complaining about how overpowered emo knights were. Cataclysm it was OMG the game has been dumbed down and they're just handing out free epics! Now it's people who apparently take issue with pandas. But are okay with cows and dogs as playable races.

So keep jumping that shark, Blizzard. I predict they will jump it all the way to record subscription numbers with the launch of MoP.

Its true what the trolls are saying. Everything post-vanilla WoW has been stupider and stupider. 

Originally posted by OgreRaper

Originally posted by HurricanePip

I saw the anouncement and thought they were recycling April Fools jokes.  Then I looked at the calendar, did a double take and realized that this might be a serious anouncement.

If the Indiana Jones references weren't a jump the shark moment in Cataclysm, Panderans and Pokemon mini-games certainly were.

 

According to the whiners, WoW has jumped the shark countless times. Before it even launched people thought gnomes as a playable race was stupid and childish. BC it was the retconned space goats. WotLK we had non stop complaining about how overpowered emo knights were. Cataclysm it was OMG the game has been dumbed down and they're just handing out free epics! Now it's people who apparently take issue with pandas. But are okay with cows and dogs as playable races.

 

So keep jumping that shark, Blizzard. I predict they will jump it all the way to record subscription numbers with the launch of MoP.

Don't forget that WoW is dead. It's been dead since burning crusade or possibly earlier, and the dead WoW has died again and again with the release of such incredibly successful titles as Rift, GW1, AION, and Warhammer Online. I imagine it'll die again with the release of TOR, and again with the release of GW2, and then yet again with the release of MoP.

If only the millions of players who are going to buy the expansion, and the millions who are already playing would realize that they are playing a dead game.

Originally posted by OgreRaper

Originally posted by HurricanePip

I saw the anouncement and thought they were recycling April Fools jokes.  Then I looked at the calendar, did a double take and realized that this might be a serious anouncement.

If the Indiana Jones references weren't a jump the shark moment in Cataclysm, Panderans and Pokemon mini-games certainly were.

 

According to the whiners, WoW has jumped the shark countless times. Before it even launched people thought gnomes as a playable race was stupid and childish. BC it was the retconned space goats. WotLK we had non stop complaining about how overpowered emo knights were. Cataclysm it was OMG the game has been dumbed down and they're just handing out free epics! Now it's people who apparently take issue with pandas. But are okay with cows and dogs as playable races.

 

So keep jumping that shark, Blizzard. I predict they will jump it all the way to record subscription numbers with the launch of MoP.

I'm sure it will.  They are obviously selling out to their biggest demographic, the Asian market.  As long as the Chinese are ok with playing a panda, they will have huge jumps in that area.  North America... that could be a different story, unless you count the pre-teens that will be begging Mom and Dad to play now.

Originally posted by Latronus

Originally posted by OgreRaper

Originally posted by HurricanePip

I saw the anouncement and thought they were recycling April Fools jokes.  Then I looked at the calendar, did a double take and realized that this might be a serious anouncement.

If the Indiana Jones references weren't a jump the shark moment in Cataclysm, Panderans and Pokemon mini-games certainly were.

 

According to the whiners, WoW has jumped the shark countless times. Before it even launched people thought gnomes as a playable race was stupid and childish. BC it was the retconned space goats. WotLK we had non stop complaining about how overpowered emo knights were. Cataclysm it was OMG the game has been dumbed down and they're just handing out free epics! Now it's people who apparently take issue with pandas. But are okay with cows and dogs as playable races.

 

So keep jumping that shark, Blizzard. I predict they will jump it all the way to record subscription numbers with the launch of MoP.

I'm sure it will.  They are obviously selling out to their biggest demographic, the Asian market.  As long as the Chinese are ok with playing a panda, they will have huge jumps in that area.  North America... that could be a different story, unless you count the pre-teens that will be begging Mom and Dad to play now.

Pre-teens beg to play call of duty and other "cool" games. Just listen for 30 seconds on x-box live for proof.

Adults play what's fun, so as long as the game is fun, it'll sell like crazy.