The latest sales estimates on Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWtOR) are at three hundred million units – that’s the population of the United States. Compare that number to the roughly 11 million active players of the most successful MMO game so far, World of Warcraft, to get an idea of what an Alderaan-shattering amount of success is expected here.

Cryptozoic Entertainment’s World of Warcraft Trading Card Game will now be available in Japan thanks to a partnership with Konami. The video game publisher – which also produces the Yu-Gi-Oh card game – will be responsible for distributing WoW TCG in Japan. It’s now in 54 countries around the world, giving another dimension to the battle between between the Horde and the Alliance.

The card game features promotions with the famous PC MMO in the form of loot cards that unlock items for online play. In the card game your deck represents one of the heroes or scourges from Azeroth. It’s even possible, with enough evil deeds under your belt, to become the Lich King.

Director Ben Gonyo does a decent job exploring MMORPGs from different angles as he interviews players, psychologists, developers, ex-addicts, and convention attendees. At the same time however, I felt that this documentary was made several years too late.

Gameranx recently released its Top 10 list for best co-op games, to mostly jeers in the comments.

As it happens, I’ve played many of these titles and I tend to agree with the comments and not so much with the list…

World of Warcraft is one of those games that rewards truly dedicated gamers well. You won’t get the most out of it by popping in every once in a while to see what’s different. At the same time, some people want to see all what WoW has to offer, but don’t have the time to put in the necessary effort. This leads to players paying a third-party to level up for them in exchange for real money. Some people also pay others with real money for WoW gold. In addition to this being in violation of the honor code, Blizzard sees it as illegal.

Title: The Shattering: A Prelude to Cataclysm (aka World of Warcraft: The Shattering: A Prelude to Cataclysm) Authors (Editor): Christie Golden Publisher: Simon & Schuster Release Date: October 2010 Price: US $26.00 (Hardcover list price) Rating: One thumb Up, One thumb Sideways; 85/100; B; * * * 1/2 out of five. Pros: Strong characters, great more »

Even a hardened Paladin can’t make it alone through the dangerous world of Azeroth. You need allies, magic and maybe even a pet. One of the keys to World of Warcraft‘s success is the huge amount of character customization. You and I might play the exact same race and class but that doesn’t mean our characters would be identical.

Blizzard’s Pet Store has unveiled sneak previews of two new companions, the Lil’ Ragnaros and the Moonkin Hatchling. Aren’t they cute? Cute in a big-eyed, otherworldly sort of way?

In an unusual turn of events, a woman is being accused of using a videogame to groom a teenage boy into having sex. Angie L. Jenkins from Lowell, MI is said to have traveled to Amherst, NY to meet with a 16-year-old for sex. The two met while playing World of Warcraft.

Well swash my buckle and buckle my swash! International Talk Like a Pirate Day is this Sunday, September 19 2010. Some folks in the real world will celebrate by dressing up and of course, talking like pirates. Meanwhile, gamers can honor this fine occasion by participating in the local festivities planned by their favorite games.

This story will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A group of World of Warcraft players have decided to get together this weekend for a marathon, powerleveling session. Now while that alone doesn’t sound out of the ordinary, these guys are doing it for charity. Specifically, they’re raising money for CURE, an organization focused on eradicating child cancer.