What happened with Blizzard’s cancelled untitled survival game?
Join us as we discuss Diablo 4 coming to the Xbox Game Pass soon, the Nintendo Direct event this week, the launch of the latest ARPG competitor to Diablo, Last Epoch, and what we’ve learned about Blizzard’s ill-fated untitled survival game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/23/2024 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
Should every race be open to every class in WoW?
Join us as we discuss the new “no trading/no auction house” mechanic coming to WoW Classic Hardcore, Hearthstone’s 10th anniversary along with its just announced Whizbang’s Workshop expansion, and why all the race/class restrictions should be lifted from WoW. Spoiler: because Liz wants a gnome druid that could shapeshift into a kitten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/16/2024 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 35 seconds
Why no PTR for WoW patch 10.2.6?
Join us as we discuss Blizzard’s efforts to maintain the secrets of WoW patch 10.2.6 by not hosting it on the PTR, why we approve Diablo 4’s delay in its new gauntlet and leaderboard feature, the new dragon riding mount armor in WoW’s current seasonal content, and why we love our transmog a little too much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/9/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 44 seconds
Record profits and record layoffs at Blizzard
Join us as we discuss the devastating layoffs that hit Blizzard while Activision leadership exits with mind boggling payouts. We also cover WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery phase 2 starting next week and Diablo 4’s upcoming Lunar Awakening event as well how the Diablo 4 dev team quickly addressed concerns about Season 3 mechanics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/2/2024 • 59 minutes, 11 seconds
The glory of respecs and robots in Diablo 4’s Season 3
Join us as we discuss the new features that have rolled out in Diablo 4 with the launch of Season 3 including the revamped respec system and the new robot companion. We also cover the new Gnomeregan raid coming WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery level cap raise, and our favorite superhero teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/26/2024 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 13 seconds
Should WoW have romanceable characters?
Join us as we discuss the charm and challenges of implementing a Bioware/Baldur’s Gate romanceable companion feature in WoW (and how Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO pulled it off.) We also cover Diablo 4’s upcoming Season 3 that grants you a robot companion, if WoW ’s patch 10.2.5 Gilneas storyline redeems Genn Greymane’s cowardice during the Third War, and which Warcraft character would be which superhero in a Warcraft/DC/Marvel mashup. Plus an update on the state of the site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/19/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 2 seconds
The age of community driven raid tier sets is upon us
Join us as we discuss the insane announcement that WoW players can vote on tier set bonuses and appearances for Dragonflight Season 4, the launch of the last Wrath Classic phase, Diablo 3 Season 30 mixing the three previous season themes together, and the winding down of Hearthstone’s Duels mode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/12/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 28 seconds
All about that WoW patch 10.2.5
Join us as we discuss all the features coming to WoW with patch 10.2.5 including new AI-party dungeon running, the new Azerothian Archives public event, an epilogue to the Dragonflight storyline, and a quest line to reclaim Gilneas. We also cover Overwatch 2’s new Hero Mastery courses, the new WoW goldsink vendor items, and our favorite in-game toys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/5/2024 • 58 minutes, 49 seconds
The trouble with transmog
Join us as we discuss all the winter holiday events coming to an end for Blizzard titles, our frustration with the WoW January Trading Post transmog reward, how WoW should let us put our pets in a cosmetic backpack, and how the curse of flesh would affect inanimate objects in game. Because who doesn’t want a version of Pee-Wee’s playhouse courtesy of the Old Gods? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/29/2023 • 57 minutes, 56 seconds
All about that WoW 2024 Roadmap
Join us as we discuss the newly released 2024 content roadmaps for WoW and WoW Classic from Blizzard. With 10.2.5 Seeds of Renewal, a mystery 10.2.6 possibly pirate-themed mini content drop, Season 4 of Dragonflight, 10.2.7 Dark Heart, then 11.0.1 The War Within pre-patch, the expansion launch, and 11.0.5 the first expansion patch all rolling out next year we’re in for a helluva ride. Not to mention The War Within alpha and beta, the Hearthstone anniversary event, and the WoW 20th anniversary event. And then there is the WoW Classic roadmap! Also, what is the future of StarCraft? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/22/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 22 seconds
All I want for Christmas is an armor dye system
Join us as we discuss the benefits of the faster LFR rollout for both casual and hardcore raiders, the avalanche (zing!) of winter seasonal content we are buried under, and how the Trading Post transmog items put a spotlight on how difficult it is to color coordinate outfits without an armor dye system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/15/2023 • 1 hour, 53 seconds
All I want for Christmas is an armor dye system
Join us as we discuss the benefits of the faster LFR rollout for both casual and hardcore raiders, the avalanche (zing!) of winter seasonal content we are buried under, and how the Trading Post transmog items put a spotlight on how difficult it is to color coordinate outfits without an armor dye system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/15/2023 • 1 hour, 53 seconds
Tis the season…for a massive amount of new content
Join us as we discuss the roll out of, deep breath, Hearthstone Battlegrounds Season 6, Overwatch 2 Season 8 with Mauga, Diablo 4’s Abattoir of Zir, Diablo 3’s Season 30 PTR, and WoW Dragonflight’s Amirdrassil LFR Wing 4 next week as well as Warcraft Rumble Season 2. If that weren’t enough presents under your tree, we also cover the Rune controversy of WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery, if Microsoft will revive old Blizzard titles, and possible racial abilities for the upcoming Earthen race in The War Within expansion. Whew. Santa’s gotta go lay down now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/8/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 40 seconds
WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery is upon us
Join us as we discuss the new features coming with the launch of WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery on November 30th including crazy new class abilities, lower initial level cap, new custom raids, and more. We also explore Diablo 4’s upcoming Abattoir of Zir and Midwinter Blight events, the Race to World First Mythic Fyrakk kill, and what makes an MMO an MMO.Music track:"Vibing Over Venus"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/1/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 13 seconds
What you need to know before returning to WoW
Join us as we discuss changes to the talent system and professions as well new accessibility options for those looking to return to Azeroth. We also cover the Race to World First for the new Amirdrassil raid content, WoW’s 19th anniversary, Diablo 4’s Mother’s Blessing buff, and the surprise patch to Heroes of the Storm. We also give an update on the state of the site.
11/24/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 11 seconds
Blizzard Watch needs your help
In this episode, Liz Harper explains our need for additional Patreon revenue to keep the site going. The team also discuss the launch of Dragonflight Season 3 the Amirdrassil raid (including the LFR tier!), the very grumpy new world boss, the launch of the Hearthstone: Showdown in the Badlands expansion, the newly announced Diablo TTRPG, and the new MMORPG announced by the Fantastic Pixel Castle studio led by former WoW dev Greg “Ghostcrawler” Street. And of course, what's a gaming podcast without a debate on the pros and cons of player housing!?
11/17/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 59 seconds
Diving deeper into the BlizzCon 2023 announcements
Join us as we discuss the many, many, many announcements from BlizzCon 2023 including Warcraft Rumble, Hearthstone Battleground Duos, the new Overwatch hero, the Diablo 4 expansion, WoW Worldsoul Saga delves, warbands, and hero talents, and WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery plus Cataclysm Classic. Let the games begin!
11/10/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 54 seconds
Our BlizzCon 2023 impressions with special guests
In this special post-BlizzCon podcast, we discuss the surprising and not-so-surprising news from BlizzCon 2023 this weekend. From a triple expansion announcement for WoW to a holiday Diablo 4 event and expansion to WoW Classic Cataclysm to a new Classic server with a twist dubbed Season of Discovery and more! Joining Matt, Joe, and Liz are Blizzard Watch staffers Rachelle, Sara, Flan, Cory, and Nick, many of whom were on the ground at the con.
11/5/2023 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 3 seconds
Our BlizzCon 2023 hopes, dreams, and suspicions
We're rolling out the weekly podcast early this week to discuss our expectations for BlizzCon 2023. Will there be a WoW expansion announcement? Another Dragonflight patch after 10.2? A Diablo 4 expansion announcement with a new class? And is that second big Overwatch hall at the Anaheim Convention Center a cover for something bigger?
11/1/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 50 seconds
The pre-pre-BlizzCon 2023 episode
Join us as we discuss what we know about BlizzCon 2023 coming next weekend, the WoW Armored Bloodwing flying mount available as the new Amazon Prime Gaming reward, the revamped Hallow’s End event in WoW, and how we are continuing to enjoy Diablo 4 Season 2. Plus Q&A!
10/27/2023 • 59 minutes, 36 seconds
What is the future of Blizzard games under Microsoft?
Join us as we discuss our hopes and fears about the future of Blizzard games now that the Microsoft/ActiBlizzard merger is a go, the new wild-west themed Showdown in the Badlands Hearthstone expansion, all the wonderfully druid-centric features in WoW’s upcoming patch 10.2, and how Diablo 4’s new Season 2 is much more engaging than the disappointing Season 1 content.
10/20/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 43 seconds
Our impressions of Warcraft Rumble
Join us with special guest Blizzard Watch writer Cory Taylor as we discuss the upcoming Blizzard mobile game, Warcraft Rumble, the new pricy BlizzCon Collection bundles, the possible future of Wrath Classic when it runs out of original content, how Diablo 4 is changing Resistances, and the significance of Blizzard releasing 3D printing files.
10/13/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 2 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Runelords 00: Our Pathfinder 2e adventure (almost) begins!
The Tavern Watch crew are back with another TTRPG podcasting adventure. GM Matt Rossi has modified Rise of the Runelords to Pathfinder 2e rules and is ready for Joe, Nick, Phil, Anne, and Liz to begin their journey.
But before the RPGing begins, we wanted to start with a podcast episode that lays the ground work for the upcoming adventure. We cover character creation, the world we will be exploring, and the type and tone of the game for those not familiar with Pathfinder 2e.
Join us as we kick off our latest adventure!
10/6/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 41 seconds
Is it worth it to attend BlizzCon in 2023?
Join us as we discuss the mounting obstacles to attend BlizzCon in person this year including cost, travel, and time off for an event that we still don’t even have a schedule for. We also examine Blizzard’s decision to launch its new mobile game, Warcraft Rumble, during BlizzCon and the company's shift to livestreams over blogs to communicate game announcements like this week’s Diablo 4 Season 2 event.
10/6/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 16 seconds
Is Chris Metzen’s return to Blizzard good for WoW?
Join us as we discuss the surprising news that Blizzard OG Chris Metzen is returning to the company to oversee the Warcraft universe. Will he drag WoW back to what it was or push it forward into the new territories it's been exploring in the last few expansions? Also, how the recent controversial decisions by Unity may affect Hearthstone which uses the game engine, our enjoyment of the Turbulent Timeways events in WoW, and what games reinvented themselves successfully…and which did not.
9/29/2023 • 59 minutes, 49 seconds
Our love/hate relationship with Diablo
Join us as we discuss how Diablo Immortal is the Diablo MMO we all wanted if it weren’t for the monetization and rapid seasons rollouts, how Hearthstone’s latest mini-set release is really just The Great Muppet Caper with Yogg-Saron (and we mean that in the best way possible), and how Wrath Classic’s new Titan Rune dungeons could have been the template for how WoW was developed. Plus, our favorite gaming snacks.
9/22/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 13 seconds
Is it the end of raid healing as we know it?
Join us as we discuss the massive healing changes coming to the 10.2 PTR, the pros and cons of restricting legendary weapons to certain classes, and the big news that we are finally going to the Emerald Dream!
9/15/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 27 seconds
Is it possible that there is too much content to enjoy?
Join us as we discuss how there is just so much going on right now including WoW patch 10.1.7 launching this week, the upcoming WoW patch 10.2, Wrath Classic patch 3.4.3 on the PTR, the on-going Secrets of Azeroth event, the upcoming Eastern Kingdoms Cup Dragonriding races, Diablo 3 Season 29 in just a few weeks, and word that Diablo 4 will be getting annual expansions. Oh, plus Starfield launched and we haven't even finished Baldur's Gate 3. Send help.
9/8/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 29 seconds
The progress rollback problem of Diablo 4 Seasons
Join us as we discuss how rerolling new characters for Diablo 4 Season 1 feels like a setback given the story-driven nature of the early game, how much we’re loving the new Anomalies in Hearthstone Battlegrounds Season 5, and what it could mean if WoW patch 10.2 lands about the same time as BlizzCon.
9/1/2023 • 57 minutes, 29 seconds
Lockouts, restrictions, and ghost talk on WoW Classic Hardcore servers
Join us as we discuss the rules and risks of the WoW Classic Hardcore servers, the new Diablo 4 Season 2 that’s arriving in October, and the upcoming Hearthstone Caverns of Time expansion that is designed purely for Wild mode.
8/25/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
Are Diablo 3-style Seasons working for Diablo 4?
Join us as we discuss how Blizzard has been applying systems and features from Diablo 3 to Diablo 4 as well as the other way around, the pros and cons of Diablo 4’s leveling experience running out of story, and the start of Hearthstone Battlegrounds Season 5 that adds a new element of randomness to the game.
8/18/2023 • 1 hour, 50 seconds
Can players keep up with the rapid pace of WoW content?
Join us as we discuss the class buffs of Diablo 4 patch 1.1.1, Kalimdor Grand Prix dragon racing, and the fast-approaching WoW patch 10.1.7 with its Dreamsurge event, new megadungeon, and holiday updates. Also, which older games we thought would benefit from a modern day reboot.
8/11/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 19 seconds
Do we need another class-focused WoW expansion like Legion?
Join us as we discuss how the much-loved class stories from WoW Legion could evolve for a future expansion, the upcoming WoW Classic Hardcore servers, and the role of music in our favorite games.
8/4/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 44 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast
Join us as we discuss how WoW’s faction conflict could be replaced with more interesting, less divisive storytelling mechanics, the WoW lore contribution of the new Hearthstone Titans expansion coming out in August, and our impressions of Diablo 4’s Season 1.
7/28/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 24 seconds
Are support classes doomed in WoW?
Join us as we discuss if support classes in WoW are unpopular due to damage meter metrics, Overwatch 2’s upcoming PVE missions, and Diablo 4’s massive patch 1.1.0a as well as the launch of Season 1 and the story content locked behind it.
7/21/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 32 seconds
WoW Patch 10.1.5 and Augmentation Evokers
Join us as we discuss all the features in WoW Patch 10.1.5 including the new Augmentation support spec for Evokers, the new Blood Knight class in Diablo Immortal, Diablo 4’s Season 1 starting next week as well as the battle pass that comes with it, and our concerns about Microsoft’s imminent acquisition of Activision-Blizzard.
7/14/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 56 seconds
The rising cost of attending BlizzCon
Join us as we discuss the new Overwatch Genesis series, the Diablo dev livestream (this was recorded before livestream), and how the prices are up up up for BlizzCon from tickets to travel.
7/7/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 20 seconds
What the new Titans Hearthstone expansion tells us about WoW’s Titans
Join us as we discuss the lore implications for WoW from Hearthstone’s newly announced Titans expansion, the special rewards from the past available at the WoW Trading Post in July, and the newly dropped Diablo 4 patch that was all buffs and no nerfs.
6/30/2023 • 56 minutes, 55 seconds
Should Diablo 4 have more difficulty levels?
Join us as we discuss which NPC races we’d like to see playable in WoW, our thoughts on Hearthstone’s new Twist game mode, and if the big jump between difficulty levels in Diablo 4 could benefit from additional levels added in between.
6/23/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 6 seconds
Can WoW ever top Mists of Pandaria?
Join us as we discuss what our favorite expansion is and why it’s Mists of Pandaria (mostly), Overwatch 2’s new PVE story missions and its monetization tactics, and the future of Diablo 4 as well some recent hotfixes to the game.
6/16/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes
Are Blizzard’s efforts to help casual players in WoW enough?
Join us as we discuss if the impact of the Revival Catalyst to complete raid tier sets and a more aggressive LFR release schedule is enough for casual raiders, if trashless raids like Trial of the Crusader in the upcoming Wrath Classic Phase 3 are enjoyable, and how great it is to watch Summer Games Done Quick, but not so great to attempt speedruns yourself. Plus, more on a little-known game called Diablo 4.
6/9/2023 • 59 minutes, 45 seconds
What to expect (and not expect) from Diablo 4
Join us as we discuss our experiences in the Diablo 4 beta including exploration of the vast open world of Sanctuary, instanced content, legendary drops, world bosses, and a spoiler-free look at the game’s storyline.
6/2/2023 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 42 seconds
What we know about the Augmentation support spec for Evokers
Join us as we discuss hardcore servers coming to WoW Classic, how we hope the BlizzCon experience this year will improve, and what we expect to see in the upcoming WoW patch 10.1.5 including the announced Augmentation Evoker spec.
5/26/2023 • 58 minutes, 7 seconds
Our hopes and dreams for BlizzCon 2023
Join us as we discuss what announcements we expect to see at BlizzCon this year, our disappointment with Overwatch 2 killing off its big PvE mode, and the surprising quickness in which Liquid claimed the latest World First title with Mythic Scalecommander Sarkareth.
5/19/2023 • 1 hour, 23 seconds
The race to World First with the new Aberrus raid
Join us as we discuss all the new features arriving with Dragonflight Season 2 including the race to World First, the big change to Battlegrounds in Season 4 of Hearthstone, and our hopes and fears for the future of Diablo 4 development.
5/12/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 12 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 12: Wrapping it all up with a dragon-shaped bow
In the final episode of Into The Weirs: mysteries are revealed, dragons are fought, pirates are recruited, and lava is hot. Who lived? Who died? Who cried a little inside? The story may be ending, but the friendships are unbending. Hey, this rhyming ain’t hard. Can I play a bard?
5/9/2023 • 2 hours, 18 minutes, 54 seconds
Are you ready for 150+ hours of Diablo 4?
Join us as we discuss the long leveling process to expect in Diablo 4, all the features in WoW Patch 10.1, and if there will be a WoW patch 10.3. All that plus plus changes to Mythic +, the upcoming Aberrus raid, and the burning question on all our minds: why don’t the Tuskarr have a wheel of fish?
5/5/2023 • 59 minutes, 25 seconds
Interview with former WoW Lead Software Engineer Kurtis McCathern
Special guest Kurtis McCathern joins us this week to discuss breaking servers, elusive bugs, the pros and cons of the game’s stock UI, emergent gameplay, and what he’s playing these days.
4/28/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 57 seconds
Our hopes and dreams for cross-faction guild features in WoW
Join us as we discuss our concern about the lack of features in WoW's cross-faction guild functionality, what feedback we hope the Diablo 4 developers will address from the open beta, and if we will ever see normal flying in the Dragon Isles for those that have accessibility issues with dragon riding.
4/21/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 21 seconds
Rock on with Hearthstone’s Festival of Legends
Join us as we discuss the new music-themed Hearthstone Festival of Legends expansion, the new space-opera-themed Overwatch reward track that arrives with the new hero, Lifeweaver, and hunting eggs during Noblegarden for a new toy for our dragonriding mount.
4/14/2023 • 58 minutes, 29 seconds
How the Zskera Vaults zone is breathing new life into WoW
Join us as we discuss our experiences playing through the delightful new Zskera Vaults zone in WoW’s patch 10.0.7, our thoughts on the new Turbulent Timeways event which offers six weeks of Timewalking challenges with Heroic level rewards, and our additional impressions of Diablo 4 after participating in the open beta weekend.
3/31/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 33 seconds
Our impressions of Diablo 4’s Early Access Weekend
This week we discuss Diablo 4 after having played through the Early Access Weekend, the big Paladin rework coming in WoW patch 10.0.7., and going back to the Forbidden Reach.
3/24/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 19 seconds
Will Dracthyr get a new support spec or a new class?
This week we discuss the news that Dracthyr may get a support spec as well as new class choices in the future, our excitement for the Diablo 4 early access beta weekend, and the music-themed Festival of Legends Hearthstone expansion announcement that just dropped (the bass). Sorry, couldn’t resist.
3/17/2023 • 57 minutes, 39 seconds
The avalanche of patch 10.1 news
This week we discuss the many, many new features coming to Dragonflight with the just announced 10.1 feature set, the 10.0.7 patch coming March 21 with its own new content, and let’s not forget the upcoming the Diablo 4 beta weekends!
3/10/2023 • 57 minutes, 26 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 11: And one magical orb to rule them all
In the penultimate episode of Into The Weirs, the party does the body swapping dance courtesy of a magical orb. Is there a better way to get through a combat encounter with a red dragon? We think not.
3/7/2023 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 49 seconds
What new specs should Blizzard add to WoW classes?
This week we discuss what rewards we’re looking forward to from this month’s Trading Post, the Diablo 4 beta announcement (plus the fact that you can pet the dogs), and different specs we would like to see in WoW. Seriously, how much fun would a healing hunter, tanking shaman, or ranged rogue be??
3/3/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 4 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 10: The undead baby dragon amalgamation of your nightmares
As we begin to wrap up our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party faces down a monstrosity composed of undead dragon babies, enters the dragon citadel that may hold the answers to all their questions, and encounters a foe whose slogan is “we bring death.”
3/3/2023 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 8 seconds
The Diablo 4 beta is nigh
This week we discuss the two announced beta weekends for Diablo 4 coming up in March, the new talent system in Diablo 3 Season 28, and the Diablo Immortal patch that finally adds what the game has been missing all along: fishing. Also, WoW patch 10.0.7's possible release dates and the many wonderful cosmetics datamined for the Trading Post.
2/24/2023 • 1 hour, 17 seconds
Is the upcoming Season 28 Diablo 3’s last major content update?
This week, we discuss the possible future of major content updates to Diablo 3 after Diablo 4 launches in June, what the closure of the WoW Classic Season of Mastery realms could mean, and the impact of WoW’s removal of the Valor and Conquest caps.
2/17/2023 • 59 minutes, 54 seconds
The aftermath of Wizard’s OGL debacle
In this month’s episode, though Wizards of the Coast has backed off on its controversial OGL changes, the damage is done. We discuss the ramifications as well as the response from content creators, TTRPG producers, and the TTRPG community.
2/14/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 58 seconds
Blizzard’s mobile monetization misadventures continue
This week, we discuss how the monetization strategy behind Hearthstone’s Mercenaries might be the blueprint for the upcoming Blizzard mobile title, Warcraft Arclight Rumble. Also, will Diablo 2 & 3 continue to see development after the release of Diablo 4, the bugs in Overwatch 2, and the changes to the X-45 Heartbreaker mount in this year’s Love is the Air event.
2/10/2023 • 59 minutes, 9 seconds
The overwhelming creep of multiple and confusing reward currencies
This week, we discuss Overwatch 2 reviving a retired reward currency as a new way for players to acquire Legendary skins, WoW’s new reward currency for the Trading Post feature, and the new talent tree system coming in Diablo 3’s Season 28 where, to the surprise of no one, the currency to unlock it is sacrifice.
2/3/2023 • 58 minutes, 25 seconds
What happened with Blizzard games in China?
This week, we discuss how many of Blizzard’s games are no longer available in China, the introduction of the Revival Catalyst in Dragonflight with patch 10.0.5 to upgrade gear, and which healing specs is the best (and worst) in today’s game.
1/27/2023 • 58 minutes, 29 seconds
What WotC’s draconian OGL proposal means for players
In this month’s episode, we dive into the details of Wizard of the Coast’s controversial proposed update to its Open Gaming License that would allow it to control, prohibit, and seize the rights to third-party published content compatible with Dungeons & Dragons. Yep, the same content that has been fueling the game’s popularity over the last decade.
1/23/2023 • 1 hour, 53 seconds
Are we leveling too quick in Dragonflight?
This week, we discuss if the speed of leveling in Dragonflight discourages exploration, the best addons for healers, and what we are looking forward to with next week’s 10.0.5 patch.
1/20/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 49 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 09: The pros and cons of adopting a dragon
As we enter into the home stretch of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party sets off for an ancient citadel, but along the way meet a childlike dragon that may or may not be responsible for massive carnage. Now they must decide whether they are going to love it or leave it. Also, Creo gets a pegasus.
Miss our earlier podcast kicking off the campaign or want a refresher of what has gone on before? You can find it on our playlist.
https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-weirs
1/19/2023 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 16 seconds
Is the Dragonflight renown system too restrictive or too fast?
This week, we discuss our thoughts on the renown system in Dragonflight, our feelings on the new content coming for Wrath Classic, and our prayers for those playing Diablo 1 in Diablo 3’s annual Darkening of Tristram event.
1/13/2023 • 57 minutes, 12 seconds
Lessons to be learned from Blizzard’s battle pass offerings
This week, we discuss the pros and cons of the Diablo Immortal, Overwatch 2, and Hearthstone battle passes, the shift to “some changes” with the launch of Wrath Classic, and the World of Warcraft 2023 Dragonflight road map of more frequent content updates to the game.
1/6/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 33 seconds
Deep diving into the 2023 WoW development roadmap
This week, we discuss the ramped up content roll out for WoW promised by Blizzard for 2023, why we are enjoying Dragonflight so much, and, most importantly, the discovery of the otter mount earned through fishing that wears sunglasses.
12/30/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 14 seconds
The first post-launch Dragonflight patch brings more QOL changes
This week, we discuss the 10.0.5 patch on the WoW PTR that includes the new Trading Post as an alternate way of earning cosmetics (and more!), our take on how the new crafting system is playing out since launch, and a deep dive into the highlights and challenges of the still in-progress Race to World First.
12/23/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 41 seconds
The content deluge of Dragonflight Season 1
This week, we discuss the sheer amount of content that has arrived in Dragonflight with the start of Season 1. From the new Vault of the Incarnates raid to Primal Storms and their rewards to new World Bosses to a new dungeon rotation to new seasonal affix to a new PvP season. Oh yeah, did we mention the Race to World First?
12/16/2022 • 57 minutes, 46 seconds
Celebrate our 400th episode with the Blizzard Watch team
In honor of recording the 400th episode of the Blizzard Watch Podcast, Matt, Joe, and Liz are joined by Mitch, Rachelle, Dan, Flan, and our two newest writers, Nick and Renee to discuss the history of the site (just how did it end up as wow.com?), our favorite moments from our time with the site, and how Liz tried to fire pretty much everyone at one point or another. Also Dragonflight something something, Overwatch 2 yadda yadda.
12/9/2022 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 52 seconds
Dragonflight launches with a surprising amount of delightful content
This week we discuss our first few days in the Dragonflight expansion including the shift in tone towards the factions working together again, as well as the pros and cons of Dragonriding. Plus, Happy Duck!
12/2/2022 • 57 minutes, 27 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays One Shot: Serving gods and looks in the Exalted TTRPG
In this single session TTRPG adventure, DM Matt Rossi takes Liz Harper, Liz Patt, Joe Perez, and Nick Marino into a world of high mythic fantasy where they role play champions of the Unconquered Sun, the peerless warrior kings and queens of Creation itself. As you can imagine with this bunch, hilarity ensues.
11/29/2022 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 17 seconds
Will Blizzard pull out of the Chinese gaming market?
This week we discuss Blizzard’s announcement that it will be pulling almost all of its games off the Chinese market in January, the new hero Ramattra arriving with Overwatch 2’s Season 2, and how we didn't get invited to Lor'themar and Thalyssra's wedding.
11/25/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 34 seconds
Dragonflight prepatch phase 2 brings Dracthyr, invasions, and catch up equipment
This week we discuss all the new features that have arrived with phase 2 of the Dragonflight prepatch including the new playable race/class, the Dracthyr.
11/18/2022 • 59 minutes, 39 seconds
WoW’s 18th birthday is a party for your neglected alts
This week we discuss the easy gear drops and generous experience buffs that are available with the WoW Anniversary event, the second phase of the Dragonflight pre-patch event kicking off on November 15th, and our favorite games for destressing.
11/11/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 27 seconds
Buffs and nerfs hit the Dragonflight prepatch
This week we discuss balance changes to classes in Dragonflight, the new Death Knight-focused Hearthstone expansion, and ridable murlocs. You heard me right.
11/4/2022 • 58 minutes, 17 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 10: This cave of gold coins couldn’t possibly be a trap
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as our intrepid adventurers enter the realm of the hag Skabatha Nightshade to face curses, ghosts, and a disastrous encounter of dragon vs. hot air balloon.
Keep up on all the episodes as they air or catch up on earlier sessions with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-witchlight
11/1/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 40 seconds
The great talent revamp of the Dragonflight prepatch
This week we discuss that massive talent system revamp that arrived with this week’s Dragonflight prepatch, the implications of the new Galakrond animated short, and if the Classic servers have become the “what if” version of original WoW.
10/28/2022 • 1 hour, 32 seconds
When is the Dragonflight prepatch launch date and what’s included?
This week we discuss the two-part Dragonflight prepatch that rolls out on October 25, the launch of the new digital card battler Marvel SNAP, and which games stay in beta/early access too long.
10/21/2022 • 57 minutes, 42 seconds
One D&D play testing brings welcome changes
In this month's episode, we discuss the recent One D&D playtest changes to Bards, Rangers, and Rogues, as well as the addition of rules for handling more social, less combat oriented campaigns. We also cover Vox Machina, the Critical Role Campaign 1 animated series that is debuting its second season in January and the Avatar TTRPG that is now shipping to Kickstarter backers.
10/20/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 54 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 09: In which Anne Stickney joins the crew
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as ex-Blizzard Watch lore master extraordinaire Anne Stickney hops aboard the crazy train playing the violence-prone Fairy Key. The band of adventurers then incite a Bullywug civil war, recover a sack full of ponies, and pit King Gallup XIX and Illig, Baron of Muckstump against each other. And it only gets weirder from there.
Keep up on all the episodes as they air or catch up on earlier sessions with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-witchlight
10/20/2022 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 3 seconds
What WoW could learn from Diablo Immortal’s battle pass system
This week we discuss the probably launch date of the Dragonflight prepatch, Overwatch 2’s launch still being super buggy, and the implications of tagging mobs no longer being faction restricted. Plus, what games we want to play during spooky system.
10/14/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Will every game get a battle pass now?
This week we discuss the Overwatch 2 launch, Dragonflight’s newly announced release date, the return of the need/greed looting system to WoW, and the problem of battle passes.
10/7/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 39 seconds
Wrath Classic launch and what’s next for Classic servers
This week we discuss the Wrath Classic launch as well as ideas for future Classic servers, the new Hearthstone mini-set allowing ranked play against AI opponents, the new leveling-friendly Terror Zones in Diablo 2 Resurrected, the Legendary Crest update in Diablo Immortal, and the upcoming launch of Overwatch 2 that comes with a new anti-toxicity feature.
9/30/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 5 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 08: Battling an Elder Brain Dragon for fun and profit
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party gets an unpleasant surprise courtesy of the Deck of Many Things leading to a battle against an Elder Brain Dragon, a horrible aberration that spews tadpoles that can turn you into a mind flayer. No, really.
9/23/2022 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 26 seconds
Ben Brode talks card apps, catchy rap, and Marvel Snap
This week we sit down with ex-Hearthstone Game Director Ben Brode to talk about his new mobile card game, Marvel Snap, how to make a great grilled cheese sandwich, and, most importantly, when his next rap will be released.
9/23/2022 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 9 seconds
What to expect from One D&D
In this month's episode, we deep dive into One D&D, the upcoming massive update coming to our favorite RPG. We explore the changes to character backgrounds, feats, and more from the current playtests.
9/23/2022 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 28 seconds
Is Wrath Classic’s massive mega-realm migration working?
This week we discuss Blizzard’s efforts to break up its overwhelming server populations for Wrath Classic, Diablo 2 Resurrected adding new features, and the frustrations of deck building in Hearthstone.
9/16/2022 • 57 minutes, 29 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 07: Missing vital organs is never a good sign
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party find a local whose innards have been harvested and this leads them down a trail to an unexpected confrontation.
9/15/2022 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 43 seconds
Activision-Blizzard titles are coming to Xbox Game Pass
This week we discuss the announcement of select Activision-Blizzard games being added to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, the zombie pre-patch event in Wrath Classic, and if beta players have an unfair advantage when an expansion launches.
9/9/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 12 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 06: Getting into a jam with Ochre Jellies
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party escorts a magical fountain to a new town, but not before there’s news of some no-good ooze.
9/6/2022 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 27 seconds
Winter is coming with the launch of the Wrath Classic pre-patch
This week we discuss the many launches this week including Hearthstone’s Battlegrounds Season 2, Diablo 3’s Season 27, and the Wrath Classic’s pre-patch. Plus must-have healing add-ons, zone scaling pros and cons, and our favorite announcements from Gamescom.
9/2/2022 • 1 hour, 7 seconds
Wizards of the Coast announces One D&D and we lose our minds
Usually we would save a TTRPG-related discussion for our monthly Tavern Watch podcast, but the WOTC announcement of One D&D was too big to wait! We also discuss the Dragonflight time skip, Diablo 4’s seasonal format, and Hearthstone’s overhaul of the Battlegrounds rewards system.
8/25/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 59 seconds
Singing the WoW Mobile Auction House blues
This week we discuss the launch, then crash, then relaunch of the revamped WoW Mobile Auction House, cross-progression play coming to Overwatch 2, and class balance changes in Hearthstone.
8/19/2022 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
New Dragonflight talents, the Wrath Classic launch, and D&D in outer space
This week we discuss the new talent trees that just dropped in the Dragonflight alpha for Holy Paladins and Warlocks, the changes to WoW Classic with Wrath Classic launching next month, and the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition update to the futuristic Spelljammer campaign.
8/12/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 25 seconds
Our hopes and fears for the new Dragonflight talent system
This week we discuss our experiences with the new talent system in the Dragonflight alpha, Diablo Immortal’s rapid content rollout, and how to find a guild or group to help you get the raids for the jellycat mount.
8/5/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 42 seconds
Dragonflight alpha phase 3 brings new content and talent trees
This week we discuss the new content that just dropped in the Dragonflight alpha, the release date of Wrath Classic, and the Hearthstone pre-patch that introduces none other than Heistmaster Toggwaggle.
7/29/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 33 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 05: How to train your Kobold in three easy steps
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, the party goes from house owners to shopaholics dragging their adopted Kobold buddy with them along the way.
7/28/2022 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 48 seconds
WotC’s Greg Tito on Radiant Citadel, diversity, and the new D&D movie
In this month's episode, we sit down with Wizards of the Coast’s Greg Tito to talk about adding diverse voices to D&D in the new Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel book, the speedy pace of new D&D books, bringing D&D Beyond's digital toolset in-house, and how the upcoming D&D movie, Honor Amongst Thieves, seems to capture a true D&D experience.
7/25/2022 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 29 seconds
All about that WoW Dragonflight alpha
This week we discuss our experiences so far in the Dragonflight alpha, the upcoming Hearthstone’s Murder at Castle Nathria expansion preview, and the cat video game that has taken over our lives, Stray.
7/22/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 25 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 08: In which a Patreon supporter crashes the campaign
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as longtime Patreon supporter of the site, 6k, joins the party as a Changeling Warlock, the group are appointed Croaking Sages (that’s good, right?), and they all make a deal with the devi- uh bog witch. What could go wrong?
7/19/2022 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 40 seconds
How could WoW implement a successful dual-class system?
This week we discuss Heroes of the Storm going into maintenance mode, the lackluster Diablo Immortal Season 2 Battle Pass, news on BlizzCon 2023, the Dracthyr customization preview, and what WoW could learn from the dual-class systems of rival MMORPGs Star Wars: The Old Republic and City of Heroes.
7/15/2022 • 59 minutes, 5 seconds
How will Blizzard’s new game studio acquisition impact Dragonflight?
This week we discuss the arrival of Shadowlands Season 4, the end of Diablo Immortal’s first season, Hearthstone’s murder-mystery expansion that includes an actual murder-mystery story, and the possible impact of Blizzard absorbing Proletariat game studio.
7/8/2022 • 1 hour, 48 seconds
Are changes to Wrath Classic making it not so classic?
This week we discuss Wrath Classic going from “no changes” to “some changes”, Hearthstone unveiling a deadly new expansion, Murder at Castle Nathria, and Overwatch 2 beta kicking off with a new Junker Queen hero, but no PvE gameplay yet.
7/1/2022 • 1 hour, 3 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 07: Seeking sanctuary in the Soggy Court
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as the party struggles to recover from their recent defeat in a town of humanoid talking frogs ruled by King Gullop XIX of the Soggy Court. As one does.
Keep up on all the episodes as they air or catch up on earlier sessions with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-witchlight
6/24/2022 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 21 seconds
Dragonflight pre-order, price increase, and 2022 release date
This week we discuss the new announcements surrounding the Dragonflight expansion, the Season format for Overwatch 2, Arclight Rumble’s concerning pay-to-advance monetization vibe, and the details of the new Necromancer class for Diablo IV.
6/24/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 29 seconds
Our favorite games announced at Summer Game Fest 2022
This week we discuss Overwatch 2’s new playable hero Junker Queen, the Necromancer class announced for Diablo 4, and which games we are most excited for from this week’s Summer Game Fest 2022 event.
6/17/2022 • 58 minutes, 40 seconds
Dragonflight talents, Diablo Immortal impressions, and Star Trek debates
This week we discuss the new talent system recently announced for Dragonflight, our thoughts about the just-released Diablo Immortal, and, by patron request, who is our favorite Star Trek character.
6/10/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 22 seconds
WoW patch 9.2.5 brings cross-faction play
This week we discuss the long-asked-for cross-faction play that arrives with this week’s WoW patch 9.2.5, Hearthstone’s new tentalicious patch 23.4, and our experiences in the Diablo Immortal and Warcraft Arclight Rumble betas.
6/3/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 31 seconds
How to make combat encounters fun for everyone in your TTRPG
In this month's episode, we discuss how many games are getting delayed launches due to supply chain issues, a new Giant-themed subclass currently being play tested, and how a DM can alter combat encounters on the fly to keep their players engaged.
5/31/2022 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 45 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 06: In which our intrepid party raid wipes to the sound of bagpipes
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as the party encounters a boss fight involving blue scarves, bagpipes, and bondage. No, not that kind.
5/30/2022 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 48 seconds
We welcome our new mobile game overlords
This week we discuss our first impressions of the new Warcraft: Arclight Rumble beta, Hearthstone’s future plans, and Marvel Snap, the new mobile game announced by former-Hearthstone devs at Second Dinner.
5/27/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 29 seconds
Where does WoW Classic's Season of Mastery go from here?
This week we explore if WoW Classic needs to adopt the Diablo 3 Seasons concept, the unforeseen ramifications of removing Master Looting in WoW, and the very important and scientific question of just how orcs and trolls kiss with those big tusks in the way.
5/20/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 13 seconds
That Warcraft Arclight Rumble mobile game announcement
This week we discuss the new Blizzard mobile game reveal, Azshara and her Naga minions coming to Hearthstone Battlegrounds, the start of Burning Crusade Classic Phase 5 with the Sunwell Plateau launch, and more.
5/13/2022 • 56 minutes, 13 seconds
What exactly is a mid-range class in WoW?
This week we discuss the role of a mid-range caster as described by the new Evoker class, if Diablo 4 is going to launch sooner than Soon(tm), and the upcoming launch of Diablo Immortal on mobile as well as the surprise announcement of a PC version going into beta.
4/29/2022 • 56 minutes, 34 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 05: Bavlorna Blightstraw’s bog, bullying brigands, and busted balloons
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as our intrepid party navigate a treacherous swamp ruled by a cruel hag, aid a faerie dragon trapped after a hot air balloon crash, and chase after mercenaries harassing the locals all in search of things they’ve lost that still remain hidden somewhere in the feywild.
4/22/2022 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 29 seconds
All about that WoW: Dragonflight expansion announcement
This week we discuss the newly announced expansion, WoW: Dragonflight, including the new Dracthyr Evoker race/class, the dragon riding feature, the UI update, the talent overhaul, and more.
4/22/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 20 seconds
Did we leave the Shadowlands better than we found it?
This week we discuss how our characters impact the game world for better or worse, the high cost of raiding, and which TTRPG system to use to run a Warcraft-themed game.
4/15/2022 • 1 hour, 58 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 04: The great baby emerald dragon rescue operation
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, Delver gets his soul sucked into a magic skull, Creo makes a lifelong enemy of a demon, and the team must fight off a giant brain. With teeth. And they must save baby emerald dragons who hopefully won’t eat them. Hopefully.
4/13/2022 • 2 hours, 58 minutes, 1 second
Game recommendations for your WoW breaks
This week we discuss Hearthstone’s Year of the Hydra, Overwatch’s event remixing, and our favorite games to play when we need a break from WoW. Plus our continuing conversation about negativity in the gaming player base.
4/8/2022 • 57 minutes, 45 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 03: This is what happens when you deck many things
In the latest play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, our intrepid adventurers embark on ye olde dungeon crawl where they encounter brain-eating brains, fight statue guardians, and end up getting carded, but in a good way.
Miss our earlier podcast kicking off the campaign? You can find it on our playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-weirs
4/6/2022 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 55 seconds
Diving into WOTC’s new BIPOC-written adventure announcement
In this month's episode, we discuss the implications of WOTC’s new direction with feats, the new Dungeon Alchemist software for AI-powered dungeon building, and Journeys to the Radiant Citadel, an upcoming compilations of adventures written by BIPOC creators.
4/5/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 8 seconds
The neverending struggle for game/life balance
This week we discuss Diablo Immortals’ character class swapping feature, Liquid bowing out of the WoW World First race for their own health, Shadowlands patch 9.2 catch up mechanics, and how this all reminds us to prioritize a better game/life balance.
4/1/2022 • 56 minutes, 53 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 04: Mr. Witch’s watch and the mirthless Witchlight Monarch
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as our intrepid party embarks on a chaotic heist involving giant swans, discover a new use for Mr. Witch’s magical watch, and witness the crowning of the grumpiest Witchlight Monarch to ever hold the title.
Keep up on all the episodes as they air or catch up on earlier sessions with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-witchlight
3/29/2022 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 21 seconds
The future of the World of Warcraft
This week we discuss the Sylvanas book coming out next week after months of delays, the idea of returning to the old talent tree system in WoW, and what we expect (and hope) to hear from next month’s Warcraft franchise announcement.
3/25/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 50 seconds
What can be done with the jaded WoW fanbase?
This week we discuss the negativity of a big portion of the WoW community, the continuing Race to World First for the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid, and if the announced Overwatch 2 beta is ready for prime time.
3/18/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 12 seconds
The race to world’s first in the patch 9.2 raid
This week we discuss the race to claim the title of World First for the just released Mythic Sepulcher of the First Ones raid, Diablo 3 Season 26 testing reveals a new end-game mechanic, and the chances for our long-asked-for pumpkin farming mechanic in the upcoming WoW expansion reveal.
3/11/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 8 seconds
What game genres should Blizzard explore next?
This week we discuss the lore you need to know going into WoW patch 9.2, our continuing impressions of Horizon Forbidden West, and with the news of a new survival game being developed by Blizzard, what other genres should they explore next?
3/4/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 41 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 02: When three kobolds in a trench coat is the least of your problems
In the 2nd play session of our homebrew D&D campaign, Into The Weirs, our intrepid adventurers discover that their new mansion, like any good fixer-upper, comes with ghostly sounds, a pirate invasion, and a kobold in a parrot costume. And we're not supposed to talk about what lies beneath the house, right? RIGHT?!
Miss our earlier podcast kicking off the campaign? You can find it on our playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-weirs
3/1/2022 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 3 seconds
WoW patch 9.2 Eternity’s End launches
This week we discuss the features that went live with WoW Patch 9.2 Eternity’s End including the double legendary system, the new currency Cosmic Flux, and unlocking flying in Zereth Mortis in week 3.
2/25/2022 • 1 hour, 34 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 01: Defying the gods, character introductions, and home ownership
In the first play session of our new homebrew D&D campaign set in the Weirs, we get to know our intrepid adventurers as they battle the Two-Horned God, reward themselves with fast food, and are surprised to discover they are now roommates.
Miss our earlier podcast detailing the setting and cast? You can find it here: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/tavern-watch-plays-weirs-00-introducing-our-new-homebrew-dd-campaign
2/24/2022 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 45 seconds
The mystery of Warcraft’s upcoming mobile game
This week we discuss the possibilities of what kind of mobile game Blizzard is developing for the Warcraft franchise, where you should start playing if you are new to Diablo, the new Hearthstone mini-set Onyxia’s Lair, the class revamp for the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, and what elements from WoW we would like to see in D&D.
2/18/2022 • 57 minutes, 50 seconds
WoW Classic's Blackwing Lair levels up
This week we discuss the announcement to make Blackwing Lair in WoW Classic’s Season of Mastery a lot tougher, how the introduction of Buddies has changed Hearthstone, and the ramifications of Diablo 2 Resurrected prepping to introduce the ladder scoreboard system.
2/11/2022 • 1 hour, 23 seconds
The importance of character concept in TTRPGs
In this month's episode, we discuss the streamlining of spell casting for monsters in D&D, the controversy surrounding upcoming Monsters of the Multiverse bestiary, and why players should start with character concept before they dive into classes and stats.
2/8/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 4 seconds
Blizzard announces WoW cross-faction raids and dungeons
This week we discuss the cross-faction gameplay announcement coming in patch 9.2.5, Sony's acquisition of Bungie, and our site's 7th anniversary this week.
2/4/2022 • 1 hour, 30 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 03: The perils of custard-related saving throws
DM Liz Harper's Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as our intrepid party finally encounters the carnival's enigmatic owners only to have some carousel unicorns reveal the true danger behind the scenes. And somewhere along the way, they also meet a clown suspiciously named Mr. Thaco and face their most challenging challenge yet: a cupcake eating contest.
Keep up on all the episodes as they air or catch up on earlier sessions with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-witchlight
1/31/2022 • 2 hours, 11 seconds
Is it time for the game industry to unionize?
This week, we discuss the union that Activision Blizzard subsidiary Raven Software is trying to form as well as the new survival game that Blizzard is working on which will be based on a brand new IP.
1/28/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 57 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Weirs 00: Introducing our new homebrew D&D campaign
Tavern Watch kicks off a new monthly D&D play session podcast, "Into the Weirs"!
Our game is set in the Weirs, a trading town on the River Danae. But dams along the river have led to rapid industrialization and growth, and this small town is struggling to hold its own against beasts and nature spirits that have been displaced by the town's growth; avaricious eyes keen on getting their share of the town's newfound wealth; rumors of restless dead in the ruins of the Cenotaph Gardens; dragons roaming the Skyhome Mountains; and the ever-present threat of the Goranth Empire to the east.
Matt Rossi and Joe Perez will co-DM this game set in an original homebrew world. Elizabeth Harper, Anne Stickney, and Andrew Powers join as players, plus Joe or Matt depending on who's DMing.
In this "Session Zero" for our new campaign, we discuss our new game world, the kind of gameplay everyone wants to see, and explore some world building — plus, why all games should have a "session zero."
Keep up on all the episodes as they air with this playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/tavern-watch-plays-weirs
1/26/2022 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 24 seconds
The Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard
This week we discuss the surprise announcement by Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard, what it could mean for World of Warcraft, and how it could affect ABK CEO Bobby Kotick.
1/21/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 26 seconds
What would a Void vs. Light WoW expansion look like?
This week, we discuss our favorite pop culture references in WoW, the short-lived Shards of Domination feature, and how we would like to see a Void vs. Light expansion play out.
1/14/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Our gaming 2022 wish list
This week we discuss what we would like to see from Blizzard and gaming in general in 2022. Also, we talk about the WoW 9.2 PTR updates, the Diablo 3 anniversary event, and our appreciation for Cyberpunk 2077.
1/7/2022 • 58 minutes, 53 seconds
2021 TTRPG year in review
We look back at TTRPGs in 2021 including major releases and indie ones as well. We also discuss the importance of Kickstarter, our favorite TTRPGs of the year, and highlights from our first year recording the podcast.
1/4/2022 • 1 hour, 8 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 352: 2021 year in review
This week we look back at the major stories we covered in 2021 on the podcast from the Activision Blizzard lawsuit and unionization push to the WoW Shadowlands content patches to the continuing development of Diablo 3, 4, as well as Diablo Immortal to the future of our site as we explore tabletop roleplaying games and other off-topic content under our Tavern Watch brand.
12/31/2021 • 57 minutes, 1 second
Blizzard Watch Podcast 351: Does the RTS genre need a renaissance?
This week we discuss the announcement of the Diablo 4 Paragon Board, Diablo 2: Resurrected's Patch 2.4 update, and the current state of the real time strategy (RTS) genre of games.
This week we discuss the extension of Legion Timewalking for tweaks to the Mage Tower challenges. Also, we chat about the stories that made WoW feel real to us as well as the most memorable stories in other games.
12/17/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 30 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 349: Our top five games from the last decade
This week, we discuss the 11th anniversary of the Cataclysm expansion, Diablo 3 Season 25, Hearthstone's Alterac Valley expansion, the return of the Mage Tower, and a larger discussion about the best games in the last 10 years.
12/10/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 32 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 006: A look back at Rossi's Riatan D&D campaign
This week, we go behind the scenes of our just finished two-year Riatan D&D campaign to talk about how the game evolved over the course of the campaign. Matt talks about the pivot he had to make when the party decided to avoid the magical city he'd constructed, instead sending us off on an adventure with undead pirates. We also learn a little more about the stories we didn't explore and the characters we wish we'd seen more of.
If you missed any of the play session episodes, you can catch up any time with this podcast playlist: https://soundcloud.com/blizzardwatch/sets/rossis-d-d-spectacular
12/9/2021 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 41 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 348: The return of the Mage Tower with Legion Timewalking
This week, we discuss the quick clearing of Molten Core in WoW Classic Season of Mastery, the ending of Diablo 3's Season 24, and reactions to Hearthstone's Top 2 Tavern Brawl.
12/3/2021 • 58 minutes, 8 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 347: WoW Patch 9.2 PTR class sets and story spoilers
It's WoW's 17th birthday, and we talk about some of our favorite memories from the game — mostly involving wild raid night antics from the early days of Warcraft. Also, we dig into the early patch 9.2 and discuss Diablo 3's Season 25 that is on the horizon.
11/26/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 55 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 19: In which the final battle goes sideways
Wrapping up his two-year Riatan D&D campaign, DM Matt Rossi throws everything but the kitchen at our hapless adventurers as they battle the final boss with the only weapon they have left: wild magic!
Plus, Mitch announces his intention to start a club for misunderstood villains in need of a friend that is definitely not a cult.
11/24/2021 • 2 hours, 32 minutes, 48 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 005: Interview with Greg Tito from Wizards of the Coast
In our interview with Wizard of the Coast's Senior Communication Manager Greg Tito we talk about growing up with D&D, how Critical Role has introduced new fans to the game, and the new release of The Wild Beyond The Witchlight as well as the upcoming Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos.
11/23/2021 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 57 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 346: New Bobby Kotick allegations dominate the news
This week, the new Hearthstone expansion announcement, WoW Classic Season of Mastery launch, and WoW's 17th anniversary are overshadowed by the latest round of allegations against Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
11/19/2021 • 55 minutes, 36 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 02: How to get kicked out of a feywild carnival in three easy steps
Our Wild Beyond The Witchlight D&D adventure continues as our intrepid party realizes strange things are disappearing from the Witchlight Carnival, but now giant snails and monstrous dragonflies have vanished as well. Could a kenku troublemaker who's been plaguing the carnival be to blame? Featuring special guest star Mitch!
Tavern Watch is our new podcast dedicated to tabletop roleplaying games including news, interviews, and play sessions with our staff. Join us as we dive into new games set in magical realms.
11/15/2021 • 2 hours, 21 minutes, 55 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 345: Did WoW Patch 9.1.5 deliver?
This week, Blizzard finally makes inroads to improve working conditions for temporary and contract workers, and we chat about Covenant swapping in 9.1.5, the transmog changes we want most, and the ever-present question of where World of Warcraft is going next.
11/12/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 17 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 344: Patch 9.1.5 and the future of WoW
This week, patch 9.1.5 lands in WoW with a pile of quality of life improvements, the Deadmines comes to Hearthstone with new cards and characters, and we got a sneak peak at Diablo 3 Season 20, which celebrates the franchise's 25th anniversary with demonically-charged Soul Shards. Also Blizzard continues efforts to address harassment problems, while newly-hired co-lead Jen Oneal steps down.
11/5/2021 • 1 hour, 42 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 343: The uncertain future of BlizzCon
This week, we learn BlizzConline 2022 is off, and the future of in-person BlizzCons is in doubt. Plus patch 9.1.5 is just on the horizon, Hearthstone Mercenaries makes it harder to earn coins, and we all have a lot of thoughts about hybrid classes.
10/29/2021 • 59 minutes, 56 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 004: Setting player expectations for successful D&D campaigns
In our latest monthly podcast covering news in the world of tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs) we discuss the release of Fizban's Treasury of Dragons D&D sourcebook, TTRPG company Paizo recognizing its new employee union, and the start of Critical Role Campaign 3. We also explore best practices to setting expectations with your D&D group for a successful campaign aka session zero.
10/26/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 17 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 342: Diablo 2 Resurrected's server woes
This week in Blizzard gaming news, Hearthstone Mercenaries still has some rough edges that make it less fun than it could be, Diablo 2: Resurrected is dealing with server downtime due to legacy code, and Hallow's End has returned to WoW. Plus our thoughts on WoW crafting, artifact weapons returning, and the gulf between developer intent and player perception.
10/22/2021 • 1 hour, 54 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 18: In which the dragon god of destruction makes a friend
In this penultimate episode of DM Matt Rossi's Riatan D&D adventure, our hapless crew continue the chase after a soul-stealing chain devil, discover a crate of modern firearms, and befriend the aptly named Verth the Destroyer.
10/19/2021 • 2 hours, 17 minutes, 59 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 341: Deep dive into Hearthstone's new Mercenaries game mode
Mercenaries arrive to add turn-based RPG gameplay to Hearthstone, and we give the game mode mixed reviews. Also WoW Classic Seasons of Mastery hits the PTR, Halloween Terror hits Overwatch, and there's yet another complicated twist to Blizzard's legal troubles.
10/15/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 50 seconds
Tavern Watch Plays Witchlight 01: A new adventure begins at the Witchlight Carnival
DM Liz Harper takes a new adventuring party to the Witchlight Carnival, where they meet displacer beasts, mimes, and other mysterious creatures as we explore the Wild Beyond the Witchlight D&D adventure.
Tavern Watch is our new podcast dedicated to tabletop roleplaying games including news, interviews, and play sessions with our staff. Join us as we dive into new games set in magical realms.
WoW is adding Incubus models — and a lot of changes to quest names, NPC names, and more — in patch 9.1.5, WoW Classic's Season of Mastery gives us a new reason to jump into the same old game, and Amazon's New World MMO gets off to a rocky start with long queue times. Plus Matt thinks C'thun deserves to feel pretty, too.
10/8/2021 • 57 minutes, 28 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 339: Diablo 2 rises once again
The return of Diablo 2 (and whether this was all Marius' fault), if you need to pay to play Hearthstone Mercenaries, why transmog restrictions need to be removed, and the latest lawsuit against Activision Blizzard are this week's topics of discussion.
10/1/2021 • 54 minutes, 53 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 003: Exploring The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
In our monthly podcast covering news in the world of tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs) we discuss The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, WOTC's new Feywild adventure book; Call of Cthulhu and other brutal TTRPGs; and offer tips for DMs on handling flying players.
9/28/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 56 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 338: The return of the Mage Tower
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss the return of the Mage Tower and its new armor rewards, the content we're looking forward to in patch 9.1.5, and whether the Void is secretly some kind of pyramid scheme.
9/24/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 337: Which WoW character should get their own TV show?
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss the newest lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, how Hearthstone's upcoming Mercenaries mode will be a brand new game inside a game, and which WoW character should get its own TV show.
9/17/2021 • 59 minutes, 50 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 17: The tragedy of the talking axe
DM extraordinaire Matt Rossi continues his D&D campaign leading our hapless adventurers through the Infinite Battlefields of Acheron, befriending a draconic chaos god, and helping a talking axe get its body back.
9/13/2021 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 10 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 336: What if Disney bought Blizzard?
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss the removal of the AOE cap in patch 9.1.5, Blizzard stripping the names of former developers from its games, talk a lot about transmog, and muse on what would happen if Disney bought Blizzard.
9/10/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 1 second
Blizzard Watch Podcast 335: More on patch 9.1.5's quality of life improvements
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss all of the quality of life improvements coming in patch 9.1.5, the upcoming Hearthstone Mercenaries game mode (which is barely Hearthstone at all), and how much we enjoy Blizzard's smaller storylines — and hope for an expansion that doesn't just give us another world-ending catastrophe to solve.
9/3/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 29 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 002: Interview with Avatar Legends TTRPG Lead Designer Brendan Conway
Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper sit down with the Lead Designer behind the upcoming Avatar Legends tabletop role-playing game, Brendan Conway of Magpie Games. Based on both the popular Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra animated series, this game has quickly become the biggest RPG to be funded in the history of Kickstarter.
Please note that we accidentally referred to one of the Avatar Legends designers as Clio Davis. Their actual name is Yeonsoo Julian Kim.
8/30/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 27 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 334: The quality of life improvements coming in WoW patch 9.1.5
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper cover cool customization options coming in WoW patch 9.1.5, decks to play in today's super speedy Hearthstone meta, and the current state of the Activision Blizzard sexual harassment lawsuit. And beyond the news, they wonder: what is the purpose of the Shadowlands... and what will eventually replace the Arbiter?
8/27/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 333: The heady nostalgia hit of the Diablo 2 beta
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss the joyful nostalgia of the Diablo 2: Resurrected beta, the cutest version of C'thun (otherwise known as Cute'thun), and the ongoing fallout over the sexual harassment lawsuit at Activision Blizzard.
8/20/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 33 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 07: The enormously entertaining ending
DM Joe Perez wraps up his 7-part D&D Otherweald campaign as Anne, Deb, Liz, Cory, Andrew, and Matt must escape a collapsing ziggurat with their lives.
8/16/2021 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 59 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 332: The Activision-Blizzard shareholders response to the lawsuit
This week, Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper discuss the latest developments in the Activision-Blizzard lawsuit, the upcoming Diablo II Resurrected beta, and the weirdest cards in Hearthstone's United in Stormwind expansion.
8/13/2021 • 57 minutes, 58 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 331: The on-going fallout of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez and joined by their new co-host, Blizzard Watch Editorial Director Liz Harper, to discuss the latest developments from the Activision Blizzard lawsuit. They touch on J. Allen Brack's departure, Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra's promotion, and how none of the actions of ABK have addressed the concerns laid out by their employees.
8/6/2021 • 58 minutes, 36 seconds
Tavern Watch Podcast 001: Welcome to our TTRPG podcast
We are excited to announce that we have just launched a brand new podcast. In this debut episode of the monthly Tavern Watch podcast Matt Rossi, Joe Perez, and Liz Harper make their introductions and delve into the focus of this new show: the wonderful world of table top role playing games.
They will cover everything TTRPG related, from their on-going D&D play session podcasts to the trials and tribulations faced by both DMs and players to the latest news across a multitude of TTRPGs. Pull up a seat and join us!
Note that this podcast will be getting its own RSS feed and until then will be featured on the Blizzard Watch Podcast feed.
8/4/2021 • 56 minutes, 34 seconds
Lore Watch Podcast 200: Interview with Blizzard Associate Narrative Designer Anne Stickney
In honor of the 200th episode of the Lore Watch Podcast, we are including this very special episode in this week's Blizzard Watch Podcast feed.
Matt Rossi and Joe Perez are joined by a very special guest: Associate Narrative Designer (and former Blizzard Watch writer) Anne Stickney! They talk about her launching the Lore Watch podcast for us back in the day, writing for video games, and her transition from freelance historian for Blizzard to full time narrative designer.
You can find the Lore Watch Podcast on Spotify, Libsyn, iTunes, and many of your favorite podcast apps.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CIJRbwbEVQfCg8r94HCwO
Libsyn: https://lorewatch.libsyn.com/rss
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lore-watch/id1023224738
8/4/2021 • 59 minutes, 50 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 330: The Activision Blizzard sexual harassment lawsuit
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez are joined by Liz Harper to discuss the Activision Blizzard sexual harassment lawsuit, the company's tone deaf response, and what this means for Blizzard Watch and the gaming community.
Note that due to the nature of the discussion, we are releasing this podcast ahead of schedule for the week.
7/28/2021 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 5 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 06: Did anyone order a zombie T-rex?
DM Joe Perez continues his Otherweald D&D campaign as our intrepid crew face off against an undead dinosaur on their journey to confront the goddess Lillith.
Music Credits:
Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-virtutes-instrumenti
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
7/27/2021 • 2 hours, 31 minutes, 22 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 329: The defeat of Sylvanas in the race for world's first
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss Echo's success as the first guild to down Mythic Sylvanas, the pros and cons of switching to a more popular spec, and if weapon restrictions should be eliminated.
7/23/2021 • 58 minutes, 5 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 328: Is it time to retire fear mechanics?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the perils of being an advocate for Thrall, the possible reasons behind the Jailer's interest in Helya, and if the frustrating player experience of fear mechanics should be removed from the game.
7/16/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 50 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 327: The ever-twisting fate of Sylvanas
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the possible story directions for Sylvanas (note: this was recorded shortly before her raid cinematic was datamined), the idea of a Tauren-themed raid, and the possibility of an expansion where the player is the big bad.
7/12/2021 • 56 minutes, 52 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 326: Are WoW encounter mechanics unfair to melee classes?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the long-awaited launch of patch 9.1, the concept of Night Elf paladins, and how M+ and raid mechanics disproportionately impact melee classes.
7/2/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 33 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 05: Vegepygmies, jungle pyramids, and sacrificial pits. Oh my!
DM Joe Perez continues his Otherweald D&D campaign as our intrepid crew set off through the jungle in search of a temple to the goddess Lilith. Unfortunately, they find it.
Music Credits:
Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-virtutes-instrumenti
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
6/28/2021 • 2 hours, 41 minutes, 6 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 325: All about that patch 9.1
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez are joined by Blizzard Watch writer Cory Taylor to discuss next week's launch of patch 9.1.
6/25/2021 • 1 hour, 2 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 324: Alternatives to the end game grind in WoW
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss ideas for meaningful character progression at the level cap, the newly announced launch date of Diablo 2: Resurrected, and the long development cycle of WoW patch 9.1.
6/18/2021 • 1 hour, 10 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 323: The biggest missed opportunity in the history of WoW
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the evolution of the Drust storyline across expansions, what story they would like to be told if a Warcraft 2 movie was made, and the one thing they wished WoW hadn't fumbled the ball on.
6/11/2021 • 56 minutes, 46 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 322: Set nostalgia feels to maximum for Burning Crusade Classic launch
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez are joined by Blizzard Watch writer Phil "Red" Xavier to discuss the long-awaited launch of Burning Crusade Classic, the state-of-the-game of Hearthstone, and the idea of reputation becoming account bound.
6/4/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 39 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 321: The problem of power escalation
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss next Tuesday's launch of Burning Crusade Classic, the Overwatch 2 5v5 announcement, and the pros and cons of power creep as new content patches drop during an expansion.
5/28/2021 • 54 minutes, 2 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 320: Burning Crusade Classic launch is on the horizon
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the upcoming launch of Burning Crusade Classic, the Overwatch 5th anniversary, and this week's Overwatch 2 reveal.
5/21/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 8 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Mass Effect TTRPG: Love (and death) in an elevator
In this special one-shot TTRPG play session, DM Matt Rossi leads our crew into an adventure-horror trap set in the Mass Effect universe.
5/18/2021 • 2 hours, 9 minutes, 7 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 319: What new games should Blizzard create next?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the clean up crew for Sargeras' sword, the missing time of Gul'dan's skull, and what other game genres Blizzard titles should explore.
5/7/2021 • 59 minutes, 5 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 318: The future of legendaries in patch 9.1
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the latest patch 9.1 PTR news about the evolution of the legendary item system, the release of Daisy, the new charity sloth pet , and news from the Heroes of the Storm dev team
4/30/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 04: The questionable quest quandry
DM Joe Perez continues his Otherweald D&D campaign as our intrepid crew recover from their encounter with the Grinning God just in time to be sent on a quest to a far away land.
Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-vi…-instrumenti
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
4/27/2021 • 2 hours, 41 minutes, 3 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 317: Tigole Bitties has left the building
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the surprise departure of longtime Blizzard game dev Jeff "Tigole Bitties" Kaplan, the emotional cost of spoilers, and the possible special role of the Forsaken in the fight against The Jailer.
4/23/2021 • 55 minutes, 8 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 316: Deep diving into WoW PTR patch 9.1 datamining
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the datamined information coming out about patch 9.1 on the PTR, why Hearthstone has deeper lore than WoW in some areas, and the state of legendaries in the Shadowlands expansion.
4/16/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 28 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 315: Hopes and dreams for WoW Patch 9.1
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the updates they'd like to see for WoW legendaries, the changes Blizzard has made to Burning Crusade Classic, and the upcoming Diablo 2 Resurrected limited alpha test.
4/9/2021 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 314: Singing the Shadowlands mission table blues
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss what WoW could learn from recent popular games, the upcoming 9.1 PTR, and the ins and outs of the Shadowlands mission table.
4/2/2021 • 56 minutes, 4 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 03: The not totally sane clown posse
DM Joe Perez continues his Otherweald D&D campaign as our intrepid crew find themselves in the big tent of the interplanetary circus where they must confront the mysterious Grinning God and his minions to get out alive.
Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-vi…-instrumenti
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
3/29/2021 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 21 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 313: What's a solo player to do in Shadowlands?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss what class they would like to see next for Diablo 4, the free 58 boost for Burning Crusade Classic launch, and activities for a WoW solo player maxed out on Covenant gear.
3/26/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 312: Should every expansion have faction based storytelling?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss how addons may have slowed development of new UI features, the idea of Animamancer class, and if faction-based storylines should be in every expansion.
3/19/2021 • 58 minutes, 11 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 311: Patch, patch, demon
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss WoW Patch 9.0.5 that just dropped, Diablo 3 PTR patch 2.7.0 for Season 23, and just who the heck is Diablo 4's big bad, Lilith
3/12/2021 • 54 minutes, 19 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 310: Burning Crusade Classic class balance revelations
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the news of how class balance will be addressed when The Burning Crusade Classic servers launch, the Diablo 3 patch 2.7.0 Follower changes, and the missing pieces of the Covenant campaigns.
3/5/2021 • 1 hour, 54 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 309: BlizzConline 2021 in review
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss more of their impressions of the BlizzConline 2021 announcements.
2/26/2021 • 56 minutes, 3 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 02: The magical menagerie mystery
DM Joe Perez continues his Otherweald D&D campaign by leading our hapless crew through a realm-spanning circus with a dark secret. No, not the revelation that Marisy loves corn dogs. The *other* dark secret.
Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-virtutes-instrumenti
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
2/22/2021 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 35 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 308: Impressions of BlizzConline 2021
In this special edition of the Blizzard Watch Podcast, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez are joined by site staff Cory, Ted, Liz Patt, and Liz Harper to talk about their impressions of the just finished BlizzConline 2021.
2/21/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 54 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 307: How to fix loot drops in WoW Shadowlands
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore Patch 9.0.5 currently on the PTR, what BlizzConline panels they are looking forward to, and how they think loot can be improved in WoW Shadowlands.
2/18/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 306: Are we getting Burning Crusade Classic at BlizzConline?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the announcements from Blizzard earnings call, what other mobile games could Blizzard be working on, and if the long-awaited WoW Classic Burning Crusade expansion will be announced at next week's BlizzConline.
2/12/2021 • 1 hour, 39 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 305: Should there be a November 2021 BlizzCon?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss what announcements they want and don't want from BlizzConline 2021, how the game could create better customizations for each spec, and are we seeing the end of the storylines created by the team led by Chris Metzen in Warcraft III?
2/5/2021 • 54 minutes, 46 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Otherweald 01: The interplanetary circus surprise
DM Joe Perez kicks off his D&D campaign by throwing our hapless adventurers, played by Liz, Rossi, Deb, and Andrew, into Otherweald, a land sitting at a crossroads of multiple realms that hides quite a few surprises, both merry and murderous.
Music: Virtutes Instrumenti by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4590-virtutes-instrumenti
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
2/1/2021 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 19 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 304: Which WoW expansion is neither the best or the worst?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Blizzard acquisition of the Vicarious Visions game studio, the possible role of the Nephalem in Diablo 4, and which WoW expansion didn't succeed, but didn't fail.
1/29/2021 • 47 minutes, 54 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 303: Is it ever too early for BlizzConline predictions?
This week on the Blizzard Watch Podcast, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss what announcements they expect to see at next month's BlizzConline 2021, if skipping the leveling campaign in WoW Shadowlands for an alt is worth it, and what to do with all of those Blizzard CDs, figurines, and books piling up at home.
1/22/2021 • 57 minutes, 27 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 302: What was your first Blizzard game?
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez talk about the new Twisting Corridors wing of Torghast, the Overwatch Kanezaka Challenge, and which Blizzard game experience that hooked them.
1/15/2021 • 59 minutes, 41 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 301: Unraveling the thread of alternate universe heroes in Azeroth
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the problems with World Quest gear scaling in the Shadowlands, the Diablo 3 anniversary event, and how different versions of Azeroth heroes can exist together.
1/8/2021 • 55 minutes, 20 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 300: The return of MattMat the two-headed ogre
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez celebrate the 300th episode of the podcast with a special guest appearance by site alumni Mat McCurley. They talk about the year in gaming and what they've been playing.
1/1/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 39 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 16: Disaster hobos ahoy!
DM extraordinaire Matt Rossi leads our hapless adventurers through assassination attempts, chain demon encounters, and an alternate dimension that might or might not be Hell.
12/28/2020 • 2 hours, 49 minutes, 3 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 299: Sire Denathrius' days are numbered
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss recent Blizzard news including the Mythic race to be first to complete the Castle Nathria raid, the new item system coming to Diablo 4, and the alpha test kick off for Diablo Immortal.
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the new mechanics announced in the latest Diablo 4 dev blog, the swift fall of Naxxramas in WoW Classic, and the updated rewards from this year's Overwatch Winter Wonderland event.
12/18/2020 • 58 minutes, 43 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 297: Castle Nathria and the politics of LFG
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the opening of the first Shadowlands raid, Castle Nathria, the lack of gnomes in The Maw, and how not to be a jerk in LFG dungeons (spoiler alert: it's not that hard).
12/11/2020 • 57 minutes, 36 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 296: Who attacked the Arbiter?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez talk about their experiences in the second week of the WoW Shadowlands release. They also explore possible culprits of the Arbiter attack as well as which Shadowlands creatures are native to the realm.
12/4/2020 • 53 minutes, 5 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 295: WoW Shadowlands first impressions
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez give their first impressions of the new WoW Shadowlands expansion. Also, they explore the story of Bolvar Fordragon's secret daughter and the Jailer's possible motivations.
11/27/2020 • 54 minutes, 57 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 294: You should see me in an Icecrown
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez cover the top stories of the week including the end of Battle for Azeroth, the Shadowlands Icecrown pre-patch event, and the upcoming Season 22 for Diablo 3.
11/20/2020 • 51 minutes, 37 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 15: Shopping with pirates
DM extraordinaire Matt Rossi continues to lead our hapless adventures on a demonic pirate ship headed to a notorious hive of scum and villainy. Plus, shopping! Also, Zellan REALLY hates pirates.
11/20/2020 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 56 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 293: WoW Shadowlands vs Diablo 3
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the joys of killing Nathanos Blightcaller, the on-going WoW 16th anniversary, and what to do when Diablo 3 Season 22 starts 3 days before WoW Shadowlands launches.
11/13/2020 • 49 minutes, 57 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 292: The WoW Shadowlands release date ruckus
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez talk about the new Diablo Immortal hype, the J. Allen Brack fireside chat, and the announcement of the new release date for WoW Shadowlands.
11/6/2020 • 52 minutes
Blizzard Watch Podcast 291: The Blizzard developer exodus marches on
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the departure of many Blizzard developers over the past few years and what surprising new ventures they have announced, plus the secret structure of Exile's Reach and the lore behind Allied Races.
10/30/2020 • 54 minutes, 52 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 290: The new character customization quandry
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore questions surrounding the new character customizations in WoW, plus changes to the crafting system, and the latest Sylvanas theories
10/23/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 42 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 14: The flying demon ship of doom
DM extraordinaire Matt Rossi continues to lead our hapless adventures into even more trouble, this time aboard a flying demon ship where they must face a devious dwarven pirate and hold full of ravenous undead.
10/21/2020 • 2 hours, 30 minutes, 51 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 289: The Shadowlands Pre-patch Pandemonium
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the features and updates of the WoW Shadowlands 9.01 pre-patch that landed this week.
10/16/2020 • 1 hour, 50 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 288: WoW Shadowlands delay and prepatch announcement
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Blizzard announcement of the delay of the WoW Shadowlands release as well as the date for the 9.0.1 prepatch. Plus, what class they would add to Diablo IV and more.
10/7/2020 • 58 minutes, 42 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 287: The Diablo 4 Skill Tree revamp revelation
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the latest Diablo 4 update including the skill tree update and the Sorceress Enchantment system. They also discuss the future of crafting in WoW, the early bug fixes in WoW Classic, and more.
10/2/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 18 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 286: The question of Covenants
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the lineage of Azeroth's imps, the timeline between Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, and their thoughts on WoW Shadowland's Covenants now that all the Afterlives shorts have been released.
9/25/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 49 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 285: AQ40, Diablo Immortal, and the last Afterlives short
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the clearing of AQ40 in 40 minutes on WoW Classic, the lack of a release date for Diablo Immortal, and their expectations for the Revendreth Afterlives short.
9/18/2020 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Mythic Odyssey of Theros Ep 1: Shadow pigs, collapsing tombs, and boss loots
Joe Perez DMs our crew through a new adventure in the RPG world of Mythic Odyssey of Theros, a world of magic, minotaurs, and meddling gods.
9/14/2020 • 3 hours, 51 minutes, 3 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 284: The butterfly effect of changing Azeroth's history
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the new revelations about the creation of the legendary blade Frostmourne, the current leveling experience on the Shadowlands beta, and how would today's game would look if Thrall had killed Garrosh at the Siege of Orgrimmar.
9/11/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 24 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 283: What new class should be added in WoW Shadowlands?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the 2-handed vs. two 1-handed weapon conundrum, how Tauren Paladin are connected to the holy light, and if they could add any new class to WoW Shadowlands, what would it be and why.
8/28/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 28 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Shadowrun: The case of the missing minotaur
Joe Perez takes the Blizzard Watch crew on another one-shot RPG adventure in the magic meets cyberpunk world of Shadowrun.
In the year 2088, our hapless adventurers are called upon by an ancient witch to save her son, Vinnie the minotaur, from the AztecCorp security facility in the middle of Nickel City, in broad daylight. Hilarity ensues.
8/26/2020 • 3 hours, 28 minutes, 13 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 282: The WoW Shadowlands leveling-palooza edition
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez answer the landslide of questions about how different leveling mechanics work when WoW Shadowlands launches in the fall, the logic behind ranking expansions, and the feel of the new spec changes introduced in beta.
8/21/2020 • 1 hour, 55 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 281: WoW Shadowlands Heirlooms, new Hunter tames, and Diablo Immortal update
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the changes to Heirlooms in the WoW Shadowlands beta as well as the new Hunter tames coming in the expansion. Also, the Diablo Immortal non-update update.
8/14/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 280: Should Alliance and Horde raid together?
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the possibility of ending the Alliance/Horde faction split and what it would mean across the game.
8/7/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 30 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 279: The Shadowlands Covenant conundrum
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore whether the Battle for Azeroth Azerite storyline has been wrapped up, what's missing in the new leveling experience coming with the expansion, and how they are going to determine their Shadowlands Convenant of choice.
7/31/2020 • 53 minutes, 33 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 278: The influence of King Arthur and Superman in WoW
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the on-going issues with the Diablo 3 Season 21 buff, how to balance lore vs progression play in a WoW group, and what popular myths and stories the Blizzard team pulled from to create major WoW lore characters.
7/24/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 277: Deep dive into the WoW Shadowlands beta revelations
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez dig into the massive amount of WoW Shadowlands beta info recently released to the community.
7/17/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 15 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Deadlands Noir: A one shot TTRPG adventure of detectives and demons
Joe Perez GMs a one-shot adventure set in 1930s New Orleans. As detectives, the Blizzard Watch RPG crew must solve a murder that leads to supernatural shenanigans.
Deadlands Noir is a roleplaying game using the Savage Worlds TTRPG system that takes place in the Deadlands universe of the 1930s in New Orleans.
Music credit:
Hard Boiled by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3857-hard-boiled
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
7/16/2020 • 2 hours, 25 minutes, 57 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 276: Representation in WoW takes a step forward
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore how to engage a new player with the vast lore of WoW, how Tyrande and the Night Elves could play into the pre-expansion event, and the importance of Blizzard acknowledging a transgender NPC in the Shadowlands alpha.
7/10/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 41 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 275: The WoW community confronts its abusive members
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the upcoming Phase 5 roll out in WoW Classic, the quarterly update from the Diablo 4 devs, and the recent accusations of abusive behavior against WoW guilds and popular streamers.
7/3/2020 • 59 minutes, 27 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 274: What could the Shadowlands pre-expansion event look like?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the CurseForge WoW add-on service moving from Twitch to Overwolf, filling in the lore gaps when you take a break from the game, and what they would like to see in the Shadowlands pre-expansion event.
6/26/2020 • 59 minutes
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 13: A new player, an old evil, and a demon horde
DM extraordinaire Matt Rossi continues to lead our hapless adventures into even more trouble including a rapier that grants wishes, a lightning storm that summons the undead, and a severed eye that may or may not be promising power. Also, new Blizzard Watch writer Andrew Powers joins the madness.
6/23/2020 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 273: Death to rez sickness
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the idea of eliminating rez sickness from WoW, crafting hopes in Diablo 4, and what makes the Lich King the Lich King?
6/19/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 40 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 272: What is your WoW /played time?
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Shadowlands preview delay, the end of Season 20 in Diablo, and their WoW /played time.
6/12/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 1 second
Blizzard Watch Podcast 271: High Elves for everyone!
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the lore implications of the High Elves rejoining the Blood Elves and Void Elves, if the Paladins and Death Knights should be in open war with each other, and what NPC abilities they would like to see for players.
6/5/2020 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 15 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 270: The implications of a virtual BlizzCon in 2021
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the news of the BlizzCon 2020 cancellation and possible move to Spring 2021 as a virtual event, what a cinematic TV show based on WoW could be like, and can Blizzard continue to attract new players to WoW 15 years after its initial launch.
6/1/2020 • 1 hour, 42 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 270: The implications of a virtual BlizzCon in 2021
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the news of the BlizzCon 2020 cancellation and possible move to Spring 2021 as a virtual event, what a cinematic TV show based on WoW could be like, and can Blizzard continue to attract new players to WoW 15 years after its initial launch.
5/29/2020 • 1 hour, 42 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 269: Does Blizzard need to move away from the tank/healer/dps model?
This week Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the future of the tank/healer/dps holy trinity, Diablo 3's upcoming Season 21, and the new targeted Corruption mechanic coming to WoW.
5/22/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 6 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 12: There and back again - volcano lair edition
Andrew Powers joins our merry band of D&D misadventurers as DM Extraordinaire Matthew Rossi takes them back to the place where it all began.
5/21/2020 • 2 hours, 9 minutes, 26 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast 268: Will we get a virtual-only BlizzCon this year?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the possibility of BlizzCon only happening virutally, if we will get a Diablo 2 remaster this year, and if WoW should adopt the Overwatch feature of groups without a mandatory tank and healer.
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe "Lodur" Perez explore the Revendreth zone in the WoW Shadowlands alpha, if Vrykul should be a playable race, and Joe is given a choice between his two most wished for features in the game.
5/8/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 266: Which Classic WoW dungeons should get a revamp in Shadowlands?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the ramifications of the Shadowlands expansion being delayed by the pandemic, the idea of the Nephalem being quest NPCs in Diablo 4, and which Classic WoW dungeons they would like to see revamped.
5/1/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 56 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays: A D&D One Shot
Joe Perez GMs a D&D one shot adventure with Liz, Cory, Matt, and Anna. Invited to a noble's estate for a once-every-five-year gala. But soon they discover something evil is afoot and they have to stop it before it's too late.
4/28/2020 • 2 hours, 51 minutes, 20 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 265: When will WoW Shadowlands launch?
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore possible launch dates for WoW Shadowlands, Murlocs as a playable race, and what end game systems keep players engaged until the next content drop.
4/24/2020 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 38 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 11: A very dramatic doppleganger dilemma
DM Extraordinaire Matthew Rossi confronts our merry adventurers with their evil dopplegangers, the argument about pirates continues, and Mitch gets used as a stuffed animal by a bear.
4/20/2020 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 56 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 264: The new player experience in WoW: Shadowlands Alpha
This week, Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Isle of Exiles new player experience in alpha, new character customization options, and the eternal debate about flying in-game.
4/17/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 57 seconds
Blizzard Watch Plays Shadowrun: A One Shot RPG Adventure
Joe Perez takes the Blizzard Watch crew on a one-shot RPG adventure in the magic meets cyberpunk world of Shadowrun.
In the year 2088, a Minotaur working for the Mob sends our team to investigate an unearthed ancient vault in Nickel City. What follows includes shag carpeting, birds with human hands for feet, and a Necromatic dragon.
4/12/2020 • 2 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 263: To prune or unprune - Shadowlands Alpha class changes
This week, Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the newly announced class changes in the upcoming Shadowlands Alpha, the Fragments of the Dark Nexus event on the Heroes of the Storm PTR, and the Ashes of Outland expansion launching in Hearthstone.
4/10/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 30 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 10: The curious case of the counterspell conundrum
DM Extraordinaire Matthew Rossi lures the our hapless adventurers into a demon fight, an evil dream, and a counterspell encounter with a surprise ending.
4/6/2020 • 2 hours, 42 minutes, 40 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 262: Should there be a virtual BlizzCon this year?
This week, Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Legion legacy loot announcement, hybrid races in WoW, and if Blizzard should pivot to a virtual BlizzCon for 2020.
4/3/2020 • 1 hour, 46 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 261: The perplexing problem of Azerite Essences
This week Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Azerite Essence update in WoW, the duplication protection feature in Hearthstone, and debate whether Malthael is really dead in the Diablo universe.
3/27/2020 • 55 minutes, 23 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 260: Should WoW race/class restrictions be eliminated?
This week, Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the idea of race/class restrictions being eliminated, recent Azerite changes, and professions as a subclass.
3/20/2020 • 55 minutes, 7 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 09: The twist you didn't see coming
DM Extraordinairre Matthew Rossi has some surprising revelations for his band of not-so-merry adventurers.
3/15/2020 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 52 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 258: Pre-Shadowlands invasions - yay or nay?
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the idea of Legion-style invasions leading up to Shadowlands, how to choose transmog, and better systems to encourage alt play in WoW.
Matt Rossi and Joe Perez explore the recent changes to Horrific Visions, then question of level squish in every expansion, and the very important question of Kiss, Marry, Kill: WoW Edition.
2/28/2020 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 9 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 256: Does WoW need a subclass feature?
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the rumored Overwatch and Diablo animated series, the state of WoW classes as well as the idea of introducing a subclass, and the speed clearing of the Blackwing Lair on the Classic Servers.
2/21/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 21 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 255: The Corruption Gear Blues
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Mythic world first race, dealing with Corrupted gear, and if Diablo's legendaries should be brought to WoW as a feature.
2/14/2020 • 54 minutes, 26 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 08: Here be dragons (and gith and portals, oh my!)
Matthew Rossi DM's our intrepid crew as they negotiate with a dragon, outwith the gith, and learn the value of playing with portals. Plus, Mitch is up to his usual shenanigans.
2/10/2020 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 14 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 254: The Warcraft 3 Reforged Misfire
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez discuss the rough launch of Warcraft 3 Reforged as well as the Overwatch League hero pool changes and the future of professions in World of Warcraft.
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the Darkshore cinematic, Nyalotha changes to corrupted gear, and the question of other races being able to roll as Demon Hunters.
1/31/2020 • 58 minutes, 8 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 252: The Hot Pants Transmog Dilemma
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez talk WoW Patch 8.3 bugs, take reader questions about transmog issues, and debate the playable race that is the least playable for them.
1/24/2020 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 48 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 251: Should Blizzard get into Tabletop Games?
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the growing world of tabletop games and the possibilities as well as pitfalls for Blizzard diving into it.
1/17/2020 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 47 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 250: Visions of Patch 8.3
Matthew Rossi and Joe Perez explore the upcoming WoW 8.3 patch, answer reader questions, and dig into Diablo druid lore.
1/10/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 19 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 07: The Kenku of Chaos
Mattew Rossi leads the Blizzard Watch crew deeper into their adventure. But he didn't plan on the Kenku of Chaos.
1/6/2020 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 44 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast Episode 249: Are Night Elf Shaman on the menu?
Blizzard Watch Podcast Episode 249: Are Night Elf Shaman on the menu? by Blizzard Watch
1/3/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 52 seconds
Blizzard Watch Podcast Episode 248: WoW Q&A, Warcraft 3 Reforged refunds, and more
Matt Rossi and Joe Perez cover all the Blizzard gaming news for the week in a our last podcast of the year!
12/30/2019 • 58 minutes, 4 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 247: Not a goodbye, but a see you later to Anne
Blizzard Watch Episode 247: Not a goodbye, but a see you later to Anne by Blizzard Watch
12/23/2019 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 06: A Moo-ving Conversation
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 06: A Moo-ving Conversation by Blizzard Watch
12/17/2019 • 2 hours, 12 minutes, 35 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 246: Bans for cheating in Diablo 3 and more
Blizzard Watch Episode 246: Bans for cheating in Diablo 3 and more by Blizzard Watch
12/16/2019 • 58 minutes, 48 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 245: Upcoming systems and features in Diablo 4 and more
Blizzard Watch Episode 245: Upcoming systems and features in Diablo 4 and more by Blizzard Watch
12/9/2019 • 54 minutes, 45 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 244: Shadowlands, raiding in WoW and more from your reader emails
Blizzard Watch Episode 244: Shadowlands, raiding in WoW and more from your reader emails by Blizzard Watch
12/2/2019 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 15 seconds
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 05: Curse of the Dice Bot
Rossi's D&D Spectacular 05: Curse of the Dice Bot by Blizzard Watch
11/26/2019 • 2 hours, 27 minutes, 23 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 243: A WoW mount goes extinct, and will we ever see Diablo 2 remastered?
Blizzard Watch Episode 243: A WoW mount goes extinct, and will we ever see Diablo 2 remastered? by Blizzard Watch
11/25/2019 • 54 minutes, 17 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 242: New WoW Shadowlands details and Hearthstone Battlegrounds arrives
Blizzard Watch Episode 242: New WoW Shadowlands details and Hearthstone Battlegrounds arrives by Blizzard Watch
11/18/2019 • 58 minutes, 31 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 241: Rossi returns with tales from BlizzCon 2019
Blizzard Watch Episode 241: Rossi returns with tales from BlizzCon 2019 by Blizzard Watch
11/11/2019 • 59 minutes, 16 seconds
Blizzard Watch Blizzcon 2019 Day two wrapup
Blizzard Watch Blizzcon 2019 Day two wrapup by Blizzard Watch
11/3/2019 • 54 minutes, 49 seconds
Blizzard Watch: BlizzCon 2019 Day One first impressions and recap
Blizzard Watch: BlizzCon 2019 Day One first impressions and recap by Blizzard Watch
11/2/2019 • 1 hour, 48 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 240: Deathwing hits Heroes and one week til BlizzCon!
Blizzard Watch Episode 240: Deathwing hits Heroes and one week til BlizzCon! by Blizzard Watch
10/28/2019 • 58 minutes, 28 seconds
Blizzard Watch Episode 239: Diablo season 19 details, Dire Maul, and more
Blizzard Watch Episode 239: Diablo season 19 details, Dire Maul, and more by Blizzard Watch