Patch 3.3.5 landed on WoW’s US servers yesterday and caused some issues which kept the servers offline until about 5:00pm PST when some became available.   This patch is actually pretty important for WoW.  It introduces the Real ID system which connects all Battle.net games together, granting players the ability to communicate with friends no matter which game they are playing.  We first saw the system in action during StarCraft 2′s beta and it functioned well. 

This patch integrated the Real ID into WoW by enhancing the friends list.  You can now add a friend and choose whether or not to make them just a WoW friend or a “Real ID” aka “Real Life” friend.  It’s important to note that they really should be someone you’re comfortable with because they get your real name.   They also get to see exactly what game you’re playing and what character you are playing on and can view friends of friends. Some people are freaking out over this, but at the same time this information is fully disclosed to you before you make the decision to make someone a “real” friend.

How does it work?  Simply enough, when a friend is added they now appear in your list with a lot more information.  When you message them it appears in your chat window like normal abut with their real name instead of their character.  You can create conversations between you and other friends which creates a new tab for you to chat in.  There is also the option to make a “broadcast” similar to what you would put on your facebook wall — a message like “Eating waffles!” or something stupid like that.  Notifications for when Real ID friends come online, go offline, or make a broadcast appear in the lower left (defaulted there for me).  I like the system and will put it to great use, especially when other Blizzard games release using the feature.

In this patch we also receive the Ruby Sanctum.  Sadly it won’t be available until all regions receive this patch (EU might be next week) because of people wanting a fair opportunity to be the “world first” or something silly like that.  I know that my guild is looking forward to this raid because it’s another activity for us to schedule each week.  It’s also a bunch of dragons and we love us some dragon slaying.  Extra loot doesn’t hurt either.

The K&G WoW Guild (Happy Fun Guyz) is progressing nicely in ICC 10.  Last week we downed the first and second wings + Blood Princes and Valithria.  This week we’ll take down the Blood Queen and hopefully start making attempts on Sindragosa.  The ICC buff which increases damage done, healing done, and gives additional HP has been raised to 25% with this patch as well.  The purpose of the buff is to help ensure that everyone gets to see the ICC content before Cataclysm renders it obsolete.  I love the buff and now that it’s been raised an additional 5% it only means good things for us.  We’ll take what we can get!  We’ll hopefully be able to take down the Lich King within a few weeks time.  It’s great to progress in content with friends and feel that excitement that comes from successful teamwork.

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