New World launches today, but is it a WoW Killer? For that matter, what is a WoW killer?

Ask social media, most would suggest it's Blizzard itself,

ask a designer, even an armchair one, it's a game with better design,

ask one who cherished WoW as a child, it's an experience that takes them back,

but if you ask me, I say it's the next cultural revolution in geekdom.

And it probably looks nothing like an MMORPG.

After creating World of Warcraft Classic content for 5 years, Melderon is calling it quits. He is a geneticist, research scientist, and guild leader. In this talk, Melderon explains why Burning Crusade is the best version of World of Warcraft, why Vanilla captures general interest in a way that no other expansion can, and answers the question: was anyone able to relive their childhood by playing WoW classic? Also discussed: the revelations of misogyny within Blizzard, and the sickening way we treat each other online.

Games are dramatizations of typical and accepted types of violence within the wider world, or so Marshall McLuhan would have us believe. McLuhan, the philosopher of media who coined the expression "the medium is the message", predicted the world wide web almost 30 years before it was invented. McLuhan contended that nostalgia and violence are powerful methods of forming identity, identities which we tend to merge "at the speed of light".

Enders is a competitive Battlefield 5 player and streamer. He strives to the best at everything he does including violin, accounting, streaming, and of course first person shooters.

In this talk, Enders explains how Battlefield 5's gunplay mechanics frustrate good players, his drive to excellence, and his culture clashes with nay-sayers.

Modern gamers are increasingly confronted by microtransactions and loot in video games. This podcast explores how we should act in a world of temptation by considering the myth of Siddhārtha Gautama, also known as Buddha. This talk is heavily based on a philosophy lecture by John Vervaeke, "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Aristotle's World View and Erich Fromm"

Jebro is a streamer and shoutcaster. He hosts the Lightbringers Podcast, is one of the best-known faces of Guild Wars 2 eSports, and has formed partnerships with developers for numerous games including Guild Wars 2, Elder Scrolls Online, Paragon, Crucible, and New World.

This discussion ranges almost as far as Jebro himself as ranged. Topics include fighting depression, traveling the world, and stumbling into shoutcasting. Very real talk happens about abuse and death threats, the cyclical nature of Twitch negativity, and importance of awareness and inclusivity to bridge the cultural schisms of our day, and how community binds us together. And as a bonus, some insider insights on Amazon's release decisions for Crucible and New World.

AuroraPeachy is a fangirl, creator, gamer, and collector. She is a Twitch and ArenaNet Partner, host of Guild Gab Podcast, and is well-known for her love of Sailor Moon and Guild Wars 2!

In this talk, Peachy talks about growing up a nerd and embracing her inner fangirl. She shares her story of meeting her husband at Dagorhir, a competitive live action role-playing event, as well as how she got into Guild Wars 2 and what it's future looks like. Peachy and Deeg also discuss the nuance and value of streaming communities, fighting burnout, and how to see the best in ourselves and each other.

MightyTeapot is a Guild Wars 2 streamer and leader of the Hardstuck gaming community.

In this discussion, MightyTeapot and Deeg dive deep on the state of Guild Wars 2 and its competition, hopes for End of Dragons, what it takes to become the master of your gaming experiences, and hold spirited debates on giveaways and game studio accountability.

Cameron Rich is a Senior Game Designer at ArenaNet. He has worked on some of Guild Wars 2's most challenging content including its first three raid wings and several fractals with their respective challenge motes. He conceived of the Olmakhan Charr, designed the Drakkar world boss, and designed the climactic Kralkatorrik boss fight and epilogue in the All Or Nothing release.

Cameron is serving as lead for encounter design for Guild Wars 2's upcoming third expansion: End of Dragons.

This discussion dives deep on Cameron's path through game dev beginning as a passionate gamer and talks through the intricacies of designing high quality encounters for MMO's. Deeg and Cameron also discuss the real sacrifices and collaboration that go on behind the scenes that make the magic happen.