Blizzard Launches WoW Armory Facebook Application
Blizzard has updated the World of Warcraft Armory with a Facebook application that lets you share your character feed with your Facebook friends. You can choose up to five characters to follow and customize your Facebook feed to show various achievements you've earned, bosses you've killed, and loot you've obtained. You can even view 3D models through the application.
You will need to generate a security key by linking the app to your Battle.net account, which means Facebook users must have a WoW account to use the application. As far as privacy is concerned, Blizzard suggests that players adjust their Facebook privacy settings to match their level of comfort and be cautious about sharing personal information. For more details on the application and security, check out the FAQ after the jump.
ZAM user dadanox has started a poll in our WoW general forum asking if players will be using the Facebook application. Currently, "No, I don't want to be a Facebook spammer" is in the lead with 11 votes. Eight readers have said they either will definitely use the app or plan on at least checking it out. What about you?
How do I download the World of Warcraft Armory application on Facebook?
The World of Warcraft Armory application can be downloaded from http://apps.facebook.com/wow-armory/. If you have friends with the application, you can also click any post made in their Recent Activity feed to sign up.
From the application page, you will be required to select a region and verify your Battle.net account by generating a security key. To do so, click the "Create Security Key" button and log in using your Battle.net account name and password. Once your account is confirmed, you will be able to select up to five characters for which you wish to generate updates to your Facebook page.
Can anyone on Facebook use this app?
No. In order for the app to function at all, Facebook must verify that you have a World of Warcraft license linked to Battle.net.
If you don't have a World of Warcraft license, you can sign up for a free trial or purchase a digital copy of the game.
Are there any requirements for the use of this app?
Other than having active Facebook and World of Warcraft accounts, your web browser will need to be updated with the most recent version of Java to run the app. To update Java, simply visit the Java website and click "Free Java Download."
Will I need to download an add-on for my World of Warcraft client?
No. The Facebook app runs entirely off of information from the World of Warcraft Armory. The Armory generates an API (application programming interface) and sends it directly to your Facebook account as an update. Level gains, achievements, gear, and many other character changes that are readily available for viewing on the Armory can be communicated to your Facebook friends in the form of a activity update, just like any other interactive or game-based application.
Should I be concerned about the privacy settings on my Facebook account?
Both Blizzard Entertainment and Facebook take the security of personal information very seriously. If you are concerned that more of your profile is more visible than you would like, Facebook offers the following security tips:
- Never share your password with anyone.
- Adjust your privacy settings to match your level of comfort, and review them often.
- Be cautious about posting and sharing personal information, especially information that could be used to identify you or locate you offline, such as your address or telephone number.
- Report users and content that violates the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
- Block and report anyone that sends you unwanted or inappropriate communications.
- Use caution when accepting or sending friend requests, and keep in mind that it is always risky to meet anyone in person whom you don't know through real world friends.
For more information Facebook's privacy and safety guidelines, visit http://www.facebook.com/help/?safety.