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Summary: Blizzard Entertainment,
Inc. today announced plans to launch a new type of tournament
competition using the Arena system in World of Warcraft®, its
popular subscription-based massively multiplayer online
role-playing game
IRVINE, Calif. February 14, 2008. Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
today announced plans to launch a new type of tournament
competition using the Arena system in World of Warcraft®, its
popular subscription-based massively multiplayer online
role-playing game. The tournaments will take place on special
realms that allow competitors to instantly create level-70
characters with epic equipment, placing the focus on tactics and
execution rather than normal adventuring.
"eSports is one of the most exciting facets of online gaming
today," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard
Entertainment. "We're pleased to expand World of Warcraft's
tournament options for players who want to focus mainly on the
competitive aspect of the game."
The tournaments are scheduled to start in April with two rounds
of online qualifiers in Europe, South Korea, North America, and
the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Each qualifier
round will have a per-competitor entry fee: 15/12 in Europe;
20,000 won in South Korea; 20 in North America; and NT450 in the
regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau and will run for six
weeks. During this time, teams will play 3-vs.-3 matches on the
tournament realm in their region, with the top four teams from
each round advancing to the regional finals to compete for more
than 27,000 in cash prizes. Winners from each regional will then
be invited to a global championship event to compete for 120,000
in cash prizes, including a 75,000 grand prize.
StStay tuned to http://www.worldofwarcraft.com for further
tournament details.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.r> BeBest known for
blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®,
StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
(www.blizzard.com) , a division of Vivendi Games, is a premier
developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for
creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games.
Blizzard's track record includes ten #1-selling games and
multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming
service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with
millions of active users..!
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