Hortus, the spinning whirly jig wearing gnome, announced on the forms today that the PTR will be closed until further notice. This closure is in order to encourage more people to test out the TTR, which will remain open for the time being.

This is important news. First, it signifies that Blizzard is at least comfortable in stopping the testing of PvE content. This might not be the best news for those that were still engaged in PTR activities; or for those that think there are still serious concerns regarding the content and class changes. We might be seeing the Druid Cyclone nerf stay.

Secondly, we can infer that the two stress tests they've held might not have been everything they wanted. If they're asking for more testing we can make an educated guess that Blizzard either did not see the kind of numbers they were hoping for, or they have made additional server changes that warrant additional tests. Judging from the lack luster stress test that went on Wednesday night, I'm leaning towards the former as being the reason for the change.

Of course, the good news in all this is that patch 2.4 will probably be coming out sooner rather than later. We've covered the patch extensively and have lots of great information already available for you to digest on how the patch will change the game. If you were able to get in on the guess the patch 2.4 release date contest, a shiny new 60 day game card might be yours soon! While a majority of you thought that March 18th or April 1st would be the release date, my guess of March 24th is looking pretty good right now ? unless of course Blizzard decides to be funny and drop the patch this Tuesday. But I doubt that'll happen.

What do you think of this change? Happy to see the PTR close? Does the TTR need more testing?