Esteemed World of Warcraft blogger Daniel “BigRedKitty” Howell announced on his blog today his intentions to finally break away from World of Warcraft. He is taking time away from the game and his famous blog to, in his own words “rededicate [himself] to [his] family.”

As a World of Warcraft fan who also played Dan’s favourite class, the Hunter, I wish him the best for the future. His contribution to the game and the fans over the years has been the stuff of geeky legends, and his humorous and unique presentation style was truly distinctive.

Exploring the many corners of Azeroth is an experience that over 12 million of us find engrossing and entertaining. It’s a game so vast in its popularity and reach that it’s become a culture of its own.

But Dan’s words are honest ones that everyone should consider; if that balance of responsible and fun (and this goes for more than just WoW) ever gets thrown off balance, it’s time to take a step back and focus on the things that matter.

Good luck BRK.

A world event has just been triggered in World of Warcraft portraying numerous scripted events across the world of Azeroth, as a prelude to Thursday’s Wrath of the Lich King midnight launch worldwide.

The Orcish capital of Orgrimmar sees itself under attack by the Lich King’s Scourge invasion in an event that repeats every 20-30 minutes. After the scourge forces are beaten back, the reserved leader of the Horde, Thrall and Garrosh Hellscream disagree over the suggestion of invading the Lich King’s home directly, in Northrend.

Thrall urges prudence and paitence, but Garrosh suggets an immediate assault. The argument escalates heated, and the two begin fighting, with Garrosh nearly winning before the Herald of the Lich King announces yet another attack on the city.

The harbour of the human capital of Stormwind has also been reported to be under attack by the Lich King’s forces, with the scorned King Varian Wrynn and other noble heroes of the Alliance attempting to put up their best defence against the oncoming invasion by sea from the bitter frozen wastes of Northrend.

Will you be fighting the good fight?

Blizzard has just released a full listing on its European site of all confirmed midnight shop openings for the launch of Wrath of the Lich King all across Europe tomorrow.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a country that isn’t on the list, to be honest.

In addition, the game itself is gearing up for its launch with the Lich King’s forces currently laying siege to capital cities all across Azeroth. Will you be fighting the good fight?

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King launches at midnight, November 13th.