Photo by Laughing Squid

Okay, I think I’m done playing the guessing game with these clowns.

As has been stated in various locations across the Internet, Blizzard has thrown out plenty of hints and comments regarding release dates for Patch 4.0.1, as well as Cataclysm itself.  Much of that seemed to revolve around Arena Season 8.  If that’s the case, then Boubouille believes Cataclysm will be released by December 7(?).  He dug up some text that revealed that Season 9 will start on December 14.  Zarhym stated in a blue post that Cataclysm will be released a week before the start of the new Arena Season.

It makes sense.  Blizzard wanted Cata to drop before the end of Q4.  It’d be great if they managed to get it out before Christmas.  You know Bobby Kotick would love those Holiday dollars in his sweaty palms.  But I know, and those who don’t have their head in the sand know as well, that on release day we’re going to be downloading a big patch.  They’re still working on end game mechanics, and probably will be right up until the day Cataclysm goes live.

Patch 4.0 is the one I’m a little more anxious about.  It affects how we play, how we make gold, and how we see the game.  And by “we” I mean “me and my team of alts”.  Early October was supposed to be the day of the Big Patch, but the downloader message has had the date removed.  What does this mean?

At this point, I just want the patch to not screw things up when it comes.  I don’t want a bunch of broken mechanics and bugs stuffed into my computer, just so they can reach a deadline.  I want Patch 4.0, but I want to be able to start working with the content they give me.  There will be minor patches of course, but hopefully they’ve got things “right enough” for me to start playing.  It looks like they’re done with PTR tests with Patch 4.0.1, so October 5th as a patch day seems as likely as anything.

Whatever.  I’m not holding my breath for the patches or expansions anymore.  You can hold your breath, or Blizzard will hold it for you.

Photo by lamazone

Not shown:  Bobby Kotick and a whole lot of plastic wrap.

This is Herculano.  You might as well enjoy the game now.  The changes will be here sooner or later.