Blizzard Files Trademarks For "Cataclysm"

Nirolak · 01:05 PM

It seems that Blizzard has filed three trademarks related to the name "Cataclysm". I'm assuming this is either for their new MMO or for their fifth game which appeared in their job postings a few months ago.

Originally Posted by superannuation:

Blizzard Entertainment filed a trio of trademark registrations for Cataclysm encompassing computer games, paper-based products, and online games.

Source: http://supererogatory.tumblr.com/pos...o-of-trademark

Computer Game Trademark: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?r...entry=77769006
Paper-Based Products Trademark: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?r...entry=77769019
Online Games Trademark: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?r...entry=77769023

I wonder if this means they'll be showing it off at Blizzcon this year?

Edit:

The post below me raises a very strong possibility as well.

Xyphie · (07-01-2009, 01:01 PM)

Could possibly be the subtitle of WoW Expansion #3 also, it's likely to be debuted at Blizzcon.

Interfectum · (07-01-2009, 01:02 PM)

Originally Posted by Xyphie:

Could possibly be the subtitle of WoW Expansion #3 also, it's likely to be debuted at Blizzcon.

This is probably what it is.

Nirolak · (07-01-2009, 01:04 PM)

Originally Posted by Xyphie:

Could possibly be the subtitle of WoW Expansion #3 also, it's likely to be debuted at Blizzcon.

That's a good point actually.

In light of this, I change my guess to a WoW expansion about the Maelstrom.

Johann · (07-01-2009, 01:12 PM)

Maelstrom's a leading candidate for the next expansion. Although they virtually have an infinite amount of worlds to base expansions off due to the portal mechanics of the universe.

Clandestine · (07-01-2009, 01:22 PM)

while it could be the title of the next WoW expansion, i have a feeling that it isn't.

Yazus · (07-01-2009, 01:24 PM)

While I dont think Blizzard will call their next MMORPG Cataclysm, I really want it to be.
I'm waiting for that fucker to show out for years, I hope they show it at Blizzcon.

Its probably the next WoW expansion tough, it makes sense if it's placed in the Maelstrom.

maniac-kun · (07-02-2009, 05:34 AM)

Quote:

Blizzard trademarks "Cataclysm"
A few days ago Blizzard filed a trademark for "Cataclysm" on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website. Cataclysm was registered for :

* Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line computer games; providing computer games that may be accessed via a global computer network; and providing on-line information in the field of computer gaming entertainment
* Comic books, computer game strategy guides, trading cards, coloring books, adhesive stickers, rub-on transfers, notebooks, stationery-type portfolios, posters, greeting cards, calendars, instructional leaflets in the field of computer games, computer game instruction manuals, catalogs in the field of computer games, advertisement boards of paper or cardboard, photographs, art prints
* Computer game software and related instruction manuals and guides sold together as a unit; downloadable computer game software; interactive multimedia computer game program; mousepads

Below is a small extract of the Latest Status Info on the Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) Website

---------------------------------------------

LAST APPLICANT(S)/OWNER(S) OF RECORD
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
16215 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618
United States

GOODS AND/OR SERVICES
Class Status: Active
Computer game software and related instruction manuals and guides sold together as a unit; downloadable computer game software; interactive multimedia computer game program; mousepads

2009-06-30 - New Application Office Supplied Data Entered In Tram

2009-06-30 - New Application Entered In Tram

---------------------------------------------

So ... What does it mean? Well, Wrath of the Lich King was trademarked a few weeks before the Blizzcon, we're not going to jump to conclusions here but WoWWiki will most likely give you a few things to think about on their Great Sundering article.

The Great Sundering, also known as simply the Sundering or the Cataclysm was a world event which reshaped Azeroth approximately 10,000 years ago at the end of the War of the Ancients. This event was triggered due to the Well of Eternity being destroyed.

Prior to the Sundering, there was only one continent on Azeroth, referred to as Kalimdor. In the catastrophic explosion, eighty percent of the land mass was destroyed leaving behind the major continents and scattered islands that are known today: Northrend, Kezan, the Eastern Kingdoms, and the remnant still referred to as Kalimdor.

The site of the Well of Eternity became a swirling vortex of power known as the Maelstrom.

A few days ago, one of our user also spotted a test server named "Maelstrom 3 Test" in the US server list (it only showed up for a few seconds, see This post). If the expansion is indeed The Maelstrom/Cataclysm, we can expect to see a few things here:

* Sargeras and/or Deathwing
* Azshara
* Goblins!

So its pretty much confirmed: WoW expansion 3 is taking place in the Maelstrom!

maniac-kun · 05:53 AM

the old list is still correct (it surfaced long before the announcement of the burning crusade):

Quote:

- Draenor Set [TBC]

Azuremyst Isle - 1 to 10
Bloodmyrk Isle - 10 to 20

Eversong Forest - 1 to 10
Quel'thalas - 10 to 20
Hellfire Peninsula - 58 to 62
Zangarmarsh - 60 to 64
Terokkar Forest - 61 to 65
The Deadlands - 63 to 67
Nagrand - 64 to 68
Blade's Edge Mountains - 66 to 70
Netherstorm - 67 to 70
Shadowmoon Valley - 69 to 70

- Northrend Set[WOTLK]

Borean Tundra - 67 to 70
Howling Fjord - 67 to 70
Dragonblight - 69 to 72
Grizzly Hills - 70 to 73
Crystalsong Forest - 72 to 75
Zul'drak - 73 to 76
Sholazar Basin - 75 to 79
Storm Peaks - 76 to 80
Icecrown Glacier - 78 to 80

- Maelstrom Set (3 add on)

Gilneas - 77 to 80
Grim Batol - 78 to 81
Kul Tiras - 79 to 82
Kezan - 81 to 86
Tel Abim - 83 to 85
Zandalar - 84 to 87
Plunder Isle - 86 to 88
The Broken Isles - 87 to 90
The Maelstrom - 89 to 90

- Plane Set (4 add on)

Pandaria - 1 to 10
Hiji - 10 to 20

Wolfenhold - 1 to 10
Xorothian Plains - 10 to 20

The Green Lands - 88 to 91
The Dying Paradise - 91 to 94
The Emerald Nightmare - 94 to 97
The Eye of Ysera - 97 to 100

Deephome - 88 to 91
Skywall - 91 to 94
The Abyssal Maw - 94 to 97
The Firelands - 97 to 100

- Legion Set (5 add on )

K'aresh - 96 to 99
Argus Meadowlands - 97 to 100
Mac'Aree - 99 to 100
Maw of Oblivion - 100+
The Burning Citadel - 100+++

speedpop · (07-02-2009, 05:39 AM)

WoW expansion surfaces.

Xabora · (07-02-2009, 05:40 AM)

Popped up a few days ago when logging into the Live Realms.

Maxrpg · (07-02-2009, 05:41 AM)

Esperado · (07-02-2009, 05:42 AM)

It's just ridiculous how much money one game makes for them. I mean, they are already making millions every month without the expansions.

speedpop · (07-02-2009, 05:43 AM)

Yeah, the WoW guys in the Online section have debated about this for the past week but it seems to be pretty spot on. I said months ago that I wanted the Emerald Dream first, but it made sense to pump out the Maelstrom - it's been a long time coming.

Originally Posted by Esperado:

It's just ridiculous how much money one game makes for them. I mean, they are already making millions every month without the expansions.

It's hugely popular for a reason. I'm not one to log on every day and do my raids or smack around in PVP anymore, but I will still buy the expansions and play through the content within the month till I hang it up once again. People laugh over the complicated lore or timesink or whatever, but there's no doubt that it's the best fantasy-based game out there.

laserbeam · (07-02-2009, 05:43 AM)

Maelstrom is probably decently along. They are hauling ass to get Arthas Encounter out. Next year we will see the new expansion for sure.

maniac-kun · (07-02-2009, 05:46 AM)

Originally Posted by laserbeam:

Maelstrom is probably decently along. They are hauling ass to get Arthas Encounter out. Next year we will see the new expansion for sure.

i think they will show the new expansion at blizzcon this year

CcrooK · (07-02-2009, 05:47 AM)

Originally Posted by maniac-kun:

i think they will show the new expansion at blizzcon this year

Would be the best time for it. I hope it's something really excited. Cause after Arthus...meh.

laserbeam · (07-02-2009, 05:48 AM)

Originally Posted by maniac-kun:

i think they will show the new expansion at blizzcon this year

Yeah I should have said see the new expansion released. Burning Crusade was a fluke in time to get made due to members of the WoW team leaving the company and causing delays.

Belfast · (07-02-2009, 05:53 AM)

Originally Posted by Clandestine:

while it could be the title of the next WoW expansion, i have a feeling that it isn't.

Admittedly, Cataclysm seems a lot less flowery than their normal expansion titles.

speedpop · (07-02-2009, 05:56 AM)

Blizzplanet are stating that it's one of two things based upon all three trademarks:

- WoW expansion based upon the South Seas, the lands & islands surrounding it, and of course the Maelstrom.

- Battle.net 2.0 official name, or a Steam-like service.

LAUGHTREY · 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by Johann:

Maelstrom's a leading candidate for the next expansion. Although they virtually have an infinite amount of worlds to base expansions off due to the portal mechanics of the universe.

So far they have only stayed in the Warcraft RTS mythos and haven't really gotten too far from that as source material.

Originally Posted by maniac-kun:

the old list is still correct (it surfaced long before the announcement of the burning crusade):

That's only supposedly that it surfaced before BC was announced. I've heard a lot saying it was around since after Wotlk was announced.

Originally Posted by laserbeam:

Maelstrom is probably decently along. They are hauling ass to get Arthas Encounter out. Next year we will see the new expansion for sure.

Actually Icecrown is probably close, if not all the way done. If the team that was supposed to be on SC2 was on WoW, then they're back on that now and most of the content is in the "fine-tune" stage. They're notorious for having stuff done months and months in advance of it's release.

Icecrown is also going to be the 'Pinnacle' raid of the expansion. Illidan, BCs main boss in a way came out in the first boss and left a huge gap between 25 man raids. They're spacing it out a lot more in this one.

Originally Posted by speedpop:

Blizzplanet are stating that it's one of two things based upon all three trademarks:

- WoW expansion based upon the South Seas, the lands & islands surrounding it, and of course the Maelstrom.

- Battle.net 2.0 official name, or a Steam-like service.

According to WoW.com, Godaddy has "wowcataclysm.com" registered. And godaddy does most of Blizzards sites iirc.

LiK · (07-02-2009, 05:57 AM)

new Warcraft RTS PLEASE!

Maxrpg · (07-02-2009, 05:58 AM)

Originally Posted by LiK:

new Warcraft RTS PLEASE!

It's over. Give up.

Zzoram · (07-02-2009, 05:59 AM)

Originally Posted by speedpop:

Blizzplanet are stating that it's one of two things based upon all three trademarks:

- WoW expansion based upon the South Seas, the lands & islands surrounding it, and of course the Maelstrom.

- Battle.net 2.0 official name, or a Steam-like service.

That makes no sense, talk about wild speculation.

Battle.net 2 will be called Battle.net, and any Steam-like service they would create would also be called Battle.net

LiK · (07-02-2009, 06:00 AM)

Originally Posted by Maxrpg:

It's over. Give up.

never!

speedpop · (07-02-2009, 06:01 AM)

Originally Posted by LAUGHTREY:

According to WoW.com, Godaddy has "wowcataclysm.com" registered. And godaddy does most of Blizzards sites iirc.

Aye, which is why the #1 candidate for it is a WoW expansion. Whilst the name Cataclysm doesn't launch fireworks, it does for WoW lore nuts when it ties directly into The Sundering.

Originally Posted by Zzoram:

That makes no sense, talk about wild speculation.

Battle.net 2 will be called Battle.net, and any Steam-like service they would create would also be called Battle.net

Kill the source, not the messenger. They are merely going off the description of this nugget:

Zzoram · (07-02-2009, 06:02 AM)

Originally Posted by speedpop:

Aye, which is why the #1 candidate for it is a WoW expansion. Whilst the name Cataclysm doesn't launch fireworks, it does for WoW lore nuts when it ties directly into The Sundering.

Kill the source, not the messenger. They are merely going off the description of this nugget:

An MMORPG is an online game service.

speedpop · (07-02-2009, 06:03 AM)

Thanks for the insight, Captain Obvious.

LAUGHTREY · (07-02-2009, 06:04 AM)

Originally Posted by speedpop:

Aye, which is why the #1 candidate for it is a WoW expansion. Whilst the name Cataclysm doesn't launch fireworks, it does for WoW lore nuts when it ties directly into The Sundering.

Kill the source, not the messenger. They are merely going off the description of this nugget:

If I wasn't lazy I might check the other ones, but that could also apply to some new patching method or just be there because the expansion will have patches. It also sounds kinda like it's describing an MMO.

maniac-kun · (07-02-2009, 06:10 AM)

Originally Posted by LAUGHTREY:

That's only supposedly that it surfaced before BC was announced. I've heard a lot saying it was around since after Wotlk was announced.

i have seen the list myself before the burning crusade announcement and it was in exactly this form just the tags for the released addons was added
it was photographed at some blizzard event where they were talking about wow

Sykra · (07-02-2009, 12:44 PM)

It is 99% the "Maelstrom" expansion.

http://www.wowwiki.com/Great_Sundering

The Great Sundering, also known as simply the Sundering or the Cataclysm was a world event which reshaped Azeroth approximately 10,000 years ago at the end of the War of the Ancients. This event was triggered due to the Well of Eternity being destroyed.

Prior to the Sundering, there was only one continent on Azeroth, referred to as Kalimdor. In the catastrophic explosion, eighty percent of the land mass was destroyed leaving behind the major continents and scattered islands that are known today: Northrend, Kezan, the Eastern Kingdoms, and the remnant still referred to as Kalimdor.

The site of the Well of Eternity became a swirling vortex of power known as the Maelstrom.

Probably gonna get announced at blizzcon.

Fantasmo · (07-02-2009, 01:38 PM)

Originally Posted by maniac-kun:

the old list is still correct (it surfaced long before the announcement of the burning crusade):

I remember seeing a list of all of the planned dungeon expansions etc that was pretty much spot on so far. Got leaked (or made up) at the dawn of time.
Wish I still had it bookmarked.

Yazus · (07-02-2009, 01:46 PM)

Ok its pretty much 99% that its a new World of Warcraft Expansion.

I'm seriously thinking that WoW is not going to end anytime soon, they already said that even with their new MMO out, they still want to support WoW, that means if that the new MMO comes out with 4th WoW expansion, WoW will probably get other expansion packs even with the MMO out.

Any info about the new MMO? I'm pretty pumped for it, Blizzard probably learned a lot of stuff with WoW, and I hope they put all their knowledge to make a better game than WoW was. I really hope BlizzCon delivers in terms of WoW Expansion/New MMO. Fuck that, if the new MMO isnt shown at Blizzcon that means WWE or next year. I cant wait another year

SappYoda · (07-02-2009, 01:48 PM)

OMG Blizzard is making another homeworld game? Megaton!

Acidote · (07-02-2009, 01:49 PM)

I really want to see how are they making Gilneas, Grim Batol and Kul Tiras.

Yazus · (07-02-2009, 01:53 PM)

I may restart playing when the next (if there is a next) expansion is relased, only if they add something consistent to the gameplay, not if its the same ol story as always

Pureauthor · (07-02-2009, 01:56 PM)

I just find it odd that the have such a... generic name.

Clandestine · (07-02-2009, 02:28 PM)

Originally Posted by Pureauthor:

I just find it odd that the have such a... generic name.

how is that generic? it's just a word...

is everything generic these days if you just don't like it?