Research scientists have been studying players of Everquest II, and this week they released the results of their survey-intensive research.  It seems that EQII players (and all MMO players by extension) are full of stereotype-breaking surprises.  It turns out that a lot of players are female, and many are older than researchers had anticipated.  What's more, players are both thinner and more likely than the average person to exercise.

There was a downside, however.  The incidence of depression, mental illness, and substance abuse was higher than the average non-gamer.  So, in a nutshell, we're more female, somewhat older, we're thinner, we exercise more, and we're both drunk and crazy. 
 
If playing 14 hours a day online isn't enough, and you just have to be a tauren in real life, now is your chance.  A company called Costumes Inc is making officially licensed Warcraft themed masks and costume props.  There's a tauren head, an orc mask, the epic sword Thunderfury, several versions of Arcanite Reapers, and both Blood Elf and Night Elf ears.  Halloween won't ever be the same.  Just don't try dressing up for other holidays.  Dressing up as an undead warrior is going to be kind of weird at Christmas.
 
Talk Like a Pirate Day occurred this past week, and Pirates of the Burning Sea didn't miss the occasion.  They licensed the likenesses of Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket (the real life founders of this neo-holiday) and had these piratey heroes appear in the game.  There's unique quests, special prizes, and holiday-themed adventures.  In the words of the developers, “These rum-swiggin’ salts will be taking their rightful place in the Burning Sea as they hand out missions and teach everyone a thing or two about getting booty.”
 
In a very surprising move, Blizzard entertainment announced the contents of their Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition.  (Why did they announce this, along with the launch date of the WotLK, the very week that Warhammer launched?  Could that be paranoia?  Nah....)  So what's in the CE box?
 

• The Art of World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, a 208-page art book with exclusive images.
• An exclusive in-game pet: Frosty, the baby frost wyrm.
• A behind-the-scenes DVD with developer interviews, the Wrath of the Lich King intro cinematic with director’s commentary, and more.
• A 21-track official soundtrack CD, with exclusive bonus tracks.
• A mouse pad featuring a map of the new continent from the expansion, Northrend.
• Two World of Warcraft Trading Card Game starter decks, plush two exclusive cards available only in the Collector’s Edition.

Gotta be honest with you, that doesn't sound like much.  A CE is supposed to contain a handful of things that hardcore players want, and I'm just not sure the mouse pad and some trading card starter decks are gonna cut it.  Of course, just to show how much I know, the CE sold like hotcakes, and most venues are already completely sold out.  This may explain why Blizzard is making a billion dollars a year, and I'm writing articles for forty bucks a pop.  :)
 
And that's all for this week, friends.  If you enjoyed this little romp through the virtual universe, come visit us at WanderingGoblin.com, where we serve up your daily fix of MMO news with a side of snarky humor, each and every day. 

Until next week, ciao!

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