Endless Warcraft

As the outside world grows increasingly terrifying, it seems more and more people are turning to the world of gaming in an effort to take their minds off the Damocletian sword that hangs over our heads. No longer just the province of youngsters and the socially uncomfortable, gaming has become a multibillion-dollar industry. As programming and graphics grow more sophisticated, critics are beginning to think of video games in terms of capital-A Art, with the potential to be every bit as complex, thoughtful and deep as the best films, books and music. Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment has enjoyed great success with its World of Warcraft series, dominating the online, multiplayer, role-playing game industry and thoroughly permeating pop culture. This weekend, Blizzard is hosting its annual BlizzCon at the Anaheim Convention Center. Attendees will enjoy all things Warcraft , from discussions and previews of upcoming games to meet-and-greets with fellow fans. We know the sunlight might be a little harsh at first when you pull yourself away from your computer screen and step outside, but it’ll be worth it. The convention is sold out, but if you wield your Beastslayer with skill, you may yet obtain a ticket from the bleeding corpse of a fallen bard, ye mighty mage. Note: The Weekly does not actually endorse the massacre of bards.
Fri., Oct. 10, 10 a.m., 2008