Activision Blizzard just sent out a press release stating that the closed beta for the next major World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm, is happening now. Check your inbox for invites and keep an eye out for stress test weekends if you don't score one.
This ranks as news to us following Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIV release date and new beta phase announcement fromearlier today. Cataclysm doesn't have a release date, yet, so that's one thing FFXIV has going for it -- but we're sure there are gamers out there who will wind up in both the FFXIV beta and the Cataclysm beta and somehow manage to play both. Should be interesting.
Find out more about World of Warcraft: Cataclysmhere.
Blizzard celebrates 10 years of Diablo II today with an intimate look at the game's history and development, plus a nifty piece of artwork. Other notable Cancer birthdays: Tom Cruise, GamePro Reviews Editor Tae Kim, and GamePro News Editor AJ Glasser.
Diablo II is still one of Blizzard's top-ranking games, according to the massively multiplayer online game publisher. Reinforcing their commitment to the title even ahead of a new sequel release, Blizzard patched Diablo II earlier this year.
Internet TV program streaming site Hulu has just announced a subscription-based service called Hulu Plus. The new service, which will run $10 a month, will allow users to stream top programs to devices like the iPhone and iPad, with other systems like the PS3 and Xbox 360 adding compatibility in the coming months.
Netflix will soon have a competitor in the realm of console and handheld video streaming in the form of Hulu, one of the most popular TV show streaming sites. The Hulu Plus service (which will still incorporate advertising) is currently invite-only, with compatibility currently limited to PCs, Macs, Apple's portable devices as well as Samsung internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players. However, in the introductory video and blog post, PlayStation 3 compatibility is promised soon (potentially before the fall, when other products have been slotted for), with an Xbox 360 version coming in 2011. Additionally, the survey required to request an invite asks users if they own a Wii, which may signal a Wii Hulu application in the works.
Microsoft has issued a statement about the addition of Hulu Plus to the Xbox 360, noting that like Netflix before it and ESPN soon, that Hulu's application will be catered to work with the system's strengths. When Hulu Plus does land on the Xbox 360, it will allow users to watch TV programs together in online viewing parties, and without using a remote with Kinect compatibility.
You can learn more about the devices that will support Hulu Plushere, and find out about the currently available Hulu Plus programshere. We will be sure to pass along impressions of the service as soon as we're able to try it. In the meantime, what do you think of Hulu Plus? Do you think it'll be as popular as Netflix Watch Instantly? Which devices would you use Hulu Plus on?
