Wizard101

KingsIsle Entertainment has sent us an exclusive Wizard101 image that contains a coded message about mysterious upcoming updates. All we’ve been told is that this is the second image in a set of three, and that all three images will have to be decoded to reveal the full hidden message. We don’t know where or when the next part of the message will appear, so be on the lookout for the remaining images over the next few days.

Click on the screenshot above to see a larger version of the image and the coded message. What do you think KingsIsle is up to?

The second annual Game Developers Choice Online Awards ceremony was held last night at GDC Online, and both Rift and Minecraft took home the top honors with two awards each. Rift earned awards for Best New Online Game and Best Online Technology, while Minecraft received the Best Live Game and Best Community Relations awards. Wizard101 pick up the Audience Award, which is voted on by gamers worldwide.

It's also important to note that EverQuest was inducted into the Choice Online Awards Hall of Fame. The classic MMO is in its 12th year of operation and has a new expansion scheduled to launch next month. Last year's inductee was Ultima Online.

You can view the full list of winners after the jump.

It's time to celebrate Halloween in Wizard101! KingsIsle Entertainment has added three new pets to the Crown Shop: the Night Mare, Zombie Piggle and Ghost Dragon. Also returning this year is the Black Cat pet.

As far as in-game events are concerned, players can find Jack Hallow in the Ravenwood Commons to go on adventures throughout Wizard City. They can also head over to the Shopping District to purchase a special limited edition wand from Sven Stonebreaker or new Halloween Crowns items from Spooky Bob.

Happy birthday, Wizard101! KingsIsle Entertainment announced in today's newsletter that it is celebrating the game's third anniversary with giveaways, contests and other fun stuff throughout the month.

UPDATE: Click this link to receive your Wizard101 birthday gift! It's valid until September 5.

With the recent launch of the Wysteria update, now is the perfect time to dive into Wizard101 and try out the game. We'll see you in Wizard City!

The land of Wysteria is now live in Wizard 101! Today's update features three new zones for Wizards to explore, including a city and two adventure zones for mid-level characters.

Wysteria is the home of a rival magical school, Pigswick Academy, and hosts a magical tournament that attracts contenders from across the Spiral. New content in Wysteria includes:

• New zones: The Pigswick Academy of Magic and two adventuring streets -- Pegasus Place and Tanglewood Way.
• New creatures to encounter and vanquish: Goblins, Hobgoblins, Green Men and Rabbit Guards.
• Dozens of new quests.
• Powerful new equipment, plants, pets and mounts.  
• A new collectable booster pack, "The Wyvern's Hoard," which offers a chance at epic loot, including one of five ultra-rare "Fortune Wyvern" mounts.
• For mighty Wizards, a brand new level 60 epic gauntlet to conquer: The Tower of the Helephant.

The new Wysteria zones are available to purchase individually for 1,000 Crowns each.  As always, current Wizard101 members will gain access to the new areas immediately.