World of WarCraft: Cataclysm gets a date

Activision has confirmed today that the upcoming expansion for ever-popular MMO World of WarCraft, Cataclysm, has a release date of December 7th, 2010.

The expansion will be sold at brick-and-mortar retailers and via digital download through Blizzard's online store.  A Collector's Edition will also be made available for $79.99, but no details on what it contains have been released.

Blizzard boss Mike Morhaime promises a "re-creation" of Azeroth and says that Cataclysm is "not just an expansion," and should please longtime players and new players alike.  The game will see a level cap increase to 85, two new races — the Worgen and Goblins — and loads of new content.

We would like to personally thank Blizzard for ruining family holidays this season.  Those of you who have World of WarCraft players in the house, become familiar with your fuse boxes if you plan to have any sort of togetherness.