Watch Now on Amazon Prime!
Do you remember the first time you set foot in the Spiral? Was it just yesterday, or have you quested with us since the very beginning? No matter how long you’ve played, everyone in our community continues to be the beating heart of Wizard101.
Moribund Studios has embraced this idea and showcased it in their brand-new documentary series, Long Live the Spiral, now available on Amazon Prime!
The docuseries will be released one episode at a time, on a weekly basis. There will be 4 episodes in total.
About the Docuseries
Long Live the Spiral is a Wizard101 docuseries independently developed by Moribund Studios. It covers how the game was created, how the game has evolved over the years, and gives a glimpse into different aspects of the community. Containing interviews with current and former KingsIsle employees, as well as community members, this docuseries focuses on giving back to the dedicated fans of Wizard101.
If you’d like an inside look into Wizard101’s development and its evolving community, be sure to watch the docuseries now on Amazon Prime!
About Moribund Studios
Moribund Studios is a video production company made up of passionate creatives based in Columbus, Ohio. They believe in telling powerful stories through video to create something you not only watch, but something you truly feel.
There’s always time for story time, especially when it comes to hearing the amazing adventures from our community!
During Wizard101’s 12th birthday celebrations we announced a writing contest where community members could submit a short story about their experiences in the game. They could also write about how the game has impacted their real life. We received so many stories that made us laugh, cry, and mostly brought a smile to our face as we learned how so many of you cherish the game and how closely it ties into each of your lives.
From the many submissions we received, we selected five to showcase on this blog and to receive 30,000 Crowns. It was quite difficult to choose just five among so many great entries! Thanks to everyone who participated and took the time to share their amazing stories with us.
Visit the forums if you wish to share your story with your fellow Wizards!
Amanda DragonFlame
“When I think of Wizard101, it’s hard to tie down the best memories to a specific year. I always assumed I still played to this day due to nostalgia, but I realize now that the updates, community, and all the content the game offers to this day still makes it feel like I’m discovering the wizarding world for the first time.
My most memorable year of Wizard101 is 2010; this is when the features I love to this day were first introduced. I can recall the countless hours I’ve spent at the hatchery chatting with other people, trying to convince them that my blue dragon, Midnight, was worth hatching with. Though Midnight might not have been the best pet stats wise, he’s still one of my favourites and is proudly displayed in my home.
Next is Celestia. I always looked up to Grandmaster wizards and couldn’t wait to get there myself! I had seen every world by then, and was so excited that new content, and worlds to explore we’re being added. It gave me a sense of excitement knowing that my adventure would continue once I finally reached the Grandmaster status I was working towards.
One of the most historic moments in my wizarding career was saving Selena Gomez in Crab Alley. It was such an iconic moment to all of my friends and I, and I couldn’t stop giggling watching the in-game concert. First Doctor Who in Wizard101, now Selena Gomez? Someone was on par with the updates; you bet her painting and statue is still in my bedroom.
Players who are level 12 or higher should speak to Moolinda Wu. This is when we started gardening! I can’t say I’ve always been the best plant-mom (sorry dandelions), but I’ll always remember where my garden started when I look at my couch potatoes that I refuse to let die.
I have to finish with talking about the community. What sets Wizard101 apart from every other MMO is the absolute friendliness, helpful, and memorable players. I’ve made some friends when I first started that I still talk to today. I had players help me quest, gift me mounts, give me tips, encourage me in PVP, and support me throughout the entire adventure.” – Amanda DragonFlame
Autumn Deathwhisper
“At the beginning of this year, 2020, I started playing Wizard101 again as a way to revisit my elementary school days when my friends and I would conference call on our landline phones and quest for hours. Now that we’re older, it’s more difficult to find time to play together; however, there was a little pocket in January where we all made new characters and explored Wizard City like we had so long ago. At the time, I was trying to relieve my winter-break boredom for a day, but I had also reconnected with childhood friends that I hadn’t talked to in years.
Of course, 2020 has been a challenging year in a number of ways. When COVID-19 outbreaks started causing mass lockdowns, I suddenly had to move across the United States away from my close friends. In quarantine, my inability to see people caused me to start slipping into a depression. I felt like I was at my lowest point.
Then, one of my friends suggested we go on Wizard101 again, like the good old days.
We were delighted by all of the new events we had never played before and the beautifully enhanced graphics and designs. A lot had changed, but Wizard101 was still the game we knew and loved.
Wizard101 soon evolved from a nostalgic game into a new source of joy. I bought a membership and began to seriously play again, now able to go further in the game than I had in elementary school. I kept in touch with my old friends, but also made new ones– mostly just by happening into the same quests.
Wizard101 has the magical ability to bring people together, even in the most confusing and challenging of times. This year, playing Wizard101 has enabled me to strengthen friendships and forge new relationships. It has helped me find peace when I was anxious and joy when upset.
Despite all of the terrible events that have occurred in 2020, I can happily say that it’s been my favorite year of Wizard101. Not only have so many wonderful changes taken place in game, but Wizard101 helped me reconnect with lifelong friends, find happiness in difficult times, and, every time I log on, it reminds me that there is magic everywhere.” – Autumn Deathwhisper
Adam Daybreeze
“I would have to say my favorite year so far has been this year by a long shot. When I began Wizard101 in 2010 I was thirteen years old and just looking for a fun game to play after school with people I meet in game. I found Wizard101 on the old Cartoon Network commercials and decided to give it a try. This year I am twenty-three and married to the love of my life, we have been looking for a game that we could play together and I remembered Wizard101 and all the fun I had as a kid. I was hit by a wave of positive nostalgia when I opened this game again, all those late nights questing throughout the spiral with some great people I met in game. I showed my wife and its just what we were looking for, we are having a blast leveling together and I thank you for that.
My wife and I are taking our time listening to the lore, doing side quests and really taking in the game together. So many aspects of the game that I had forgotten reignited my passion for playing again. My favorite part has been all the different ways I can play whether it be gardening, crafting, Beastmoon or questing. My wife absolutely loves the characters that we have come across especially all the play on words characters like Sherlock Bones. This year has definitely been my favorite because this game lets me be a kid again but this time I get to play with my best friend right next to me. We look forward to all the adventures that await us in the spiral.”
– Adam Daybreeze
Keiran
“2014 marked not only my first year as a wizard, but also my life growing up with my character and the many wizard friends that I have made along the way. As my wizard leveled through the wonderful world of Wizard City and beyond, I was also leveling in real life in many ways. While I played often during the summer to gain access to the next new and exciting world of Zafaria, I would soon be entering a new and exciting grade level in real life. While my wizard would be learning new spells at Ravenwood, I would also be learning new things in school. Sometimes I would struggle with a boss, while also having some struggles in school, but wizard101 has taught me a very valuable lesson: if my wizard can do it, so can I! I guess you could say that we are like twins in alternate dimensions!
That year, everything felt so new and exciting. I can even remember having a pit in my stomach at times from anticipation when entering new areas. I had so many questions running through my mind: what would the area look like, where else would it lead to, who would I meet there, and would I have to fight something scary? Many times, I would just stop and observe the serene and awesome new surroundings and think: how did KI think to make this place, and what will the rest of the game be like?
As a new player, my friends list was somewhat short, and many wizards on my list had not advanced yet to where I was questing. Sometimes, I would need help with scary bosses in the new areas and feel so nervous, but ask a random stranger anyway for help. Many of those random strangers were not only very kind and willing to help, but they have become everlasting friends who I still talk to and quest with to this very day!
A lot has happened since my earliest wizarding days, and I have since progressed to the final boss in Mirage, but the awe of the worlds is still as fresh as when I first found them, especially the ones I knew in 2014.” – Keiran
Kristen Ravenheart
“It was 2011, in a biology class when I scribbled these words – Get a membership. I added a few exclamation points and underlined the words for emphasis and then slid my notebook over to my desk-mate, and best friend, Cody. He immediately responded, knowing just what I was referring to.
Tomorrow I get my allowance, so I’ll get it first thing, he wrote back. I drew a happy doodle to show my excitement and then waited patiently for our first morning ever as Wizard101 members.
We started as basic as you could get – we didn’t have any fancy gear, or mounts, or amazing pets you could buy with crowns – we were just two novice pyromancers with a piggle and a firecat each, but we were ready to take on challenges throughout the spiral.
As we battled our way through Wizard City, we shared great laughs, frustrations, and victories together. In every new area we stopped to play our own game of ‘hide and seek’ which always ended up being incredibly fun, and often led to us finding Prospector Zeke’s lost smiths.
Every day Cody and I would visit each other’s houses after school and immediately get online to play as much as we could before my 8 o’clock curfew. We would talk about our adventures over chat, at lunch, and in between classes, always excited for the next quest ahead.
Fast forward to today, and Cody and I are still desk-mates – now in college – and still enjoying every moment we play Wizard101 together. We’ve both become ‘Saviors of the Spiral’ and are looking forward to completing the second arc of the story together as well.
Although it’s been 9 years since we first began playing together, I remember the joy in those early days vividly, which is why 2011 is no doubt my favorite year playing Wizard101 out of all 12 that it has been around.
Every time I log onto my computer and see that spiral symbol on my desktop, all the joy from those early days flood back. Wizard101 has given both me and Cody great memories to last, so of course I want to say: Thank you for making a game that brings people together and creates such wonderful memories. Happy Birthday Wizard101!” – Kristen Ravenheart
Thanks to all participants for submitting wonderful stories of your Wizard101 adventures! Keep watch for even more fun contests and events both from KingsIsle and from around the community!
Every dog has its day, and today is that day! To celebrate National Dog Day, we wanted to share some of KingsIsle’s fluffiest (and underappreciated) employees. Trust us, you’re in for a treat!
Alice, QA Tester
“Even though we’re 900 miles apart, I love my doggo Alice! She loves to play fetch even in her old age (11yrs old in October), chilling on the sofa with my sisters, and fighting with the house cat Archie! I miss her all the time and hope to see her on visits some day!” – Mercedes F.
Corvo, Desktop Support Specialist
“Corvo is my service dog. When he isn’t working he loves getting pets, snuggling, and squeaking his toys in my ear.” – Chris R.
Auty, General Manager (Austin)
“Auty is a mellow fellow who is never too urgent about anything. His hobbies include walks, naps, and quietly standing next to strangers until they give him bum scritches.” – Dave R.
Leo, Sound Designer
“This is Leo, he’s a Plott hound pup currently 15 weeks old (I think..hard to keep track) and loves to chase my son and scour the yard for cicadas, explore any trail we can get him on, and sample the buffet of plants around our neighborhood when he’s not inside napping … which is most of the time!” – Andrew C.
Butters, Senior Environment Artist
“Hi fellas! My name’s Butters! I’m a 1 yr old fluffy Corgi from Austin, TX. I love to swim and play fetch. When I’m not playing I like to snuggle up in my pawrents arms and give ’em kisses! My mom tells me I’m the Best Boy Around!
@soft_butters
instagram.com/soft_butters” – Butters (Owner: Evan F.)
Sadie, Associate Producer
“Sleeping on my 3 different beds (one of them is called a queen like me!) is my favorite hobby, but I have to share it with my human. I have horrible separation anxiety when my human leaves the house, so I’ve destroyed door frames and drywall while they’re away. It doesn’t matter though because they love me and I make sure to remind them of my love.” – Sadie (Owner: Renee W.)
Red, Senior Producer
AKA: Red Beans & Rice, Redford, Reddifer, Roberta Redford, Fuzzy Goblin Baby, Reddington and Reddikins.
“She’s a doggo who does not understand boundaries in any way, and thinks she is small. Her favourite thing to do is get as dirty as possible (expert mud hole finder). If she can’t be dirty, she’d like to nap together (but on top of you) and also to push you off of the bed until she takes up the whole bed. She will also beg for cheese and her skills are 11/10.” – Selena H.
Raider and Paloma, Senior World Builders
“Raider and Paloma are both rescue dogs that rescued our family a few years ago. Both have a very playful nature and enjoy teasing each other with the ball. When it isn’t playtime, snuggling is their favorite.” – Rand F.
Waffles, Senior Accountant
“This is Waffles my mini dachshund. She enjoys naps, riding in the car and is really good at hiding from my small children!” – Michele M.
Woody, Game Designer
“Woody is a 14 year old pupper who is very gentle and sweet. He loves to eat, smelling everything on his walks, and nap!” – Nicholas T.
Addison and Peggy, Marketing Associates
“Meet Addison the Shepherd (bottom) and Miss Peggy Hill (cone of shame)! Addison is the large-Marge-in-charge in the office and makes sure everyone is meeting their deadlines. Peggy is our newest intern-to-hire (foster-to-adopt), and is still learning the ropes but shows great playful promise. She tends to nap a lot on the job, but Addison is doing a great job coaching her to make sure yall still get some great game content.” – Jenny L.
Iroh and Winston, Senior Game Designers
“Iroh and Winston enjoy playing with their kitty sister, begging for all the food, and barking at everything while chillin’ in their watermelon pool. Most importantly, they enjoy helping dad while he is work from home.” – Matthew F.
These adorable pals are all employee of the month in our book! Do you have a cute furry coworker you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
Happy National Dog Day!
FreeKI Games Trivia Quizzes are getting a new home! They are being migrated over to both the Wizard101 and Pirate101 main websites.
This migration is in preparation for the eventual closure of the FreeKI Games portal later this year. Until that closure date arrives, the original trivia quizzes pages will automatically redirect you to the new pages if accessed from the FreeKI Games’s website.
News about Grub Guardian will be announced at a later date.
Free Crowns for Trivia Quizzes
Did you know that completing these trivia quizzes can net you additional Crowns?
Each online trivia quiz you pass will automatically apply 10 Crowns to your KingsIsle account. You can complete 10 free trivia games per day and take each quiz once per day for Crowns. Come back each day to complete more free trivia questions and earn more Crowns!
Crowns can be applied to your Wizard101 and Pirate101 accounts to help you access premium zones and add cool game items to your supply.
Let us know if you have any questions about this update!
Do you hear that steady beat? KingsIsle staff members don’t just keep pace with game development, they also hit the right note in their free time as well! Since today is National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, we thought it’d be rocking to share musical stories and samples from our talented KingsIsle musicians.
Oliver Hudson, Associate QA Analyst
“Many a moon ago there were two close friends of mine. They inspired me with their beatbox talents, one could make a didgeridoo sound with his mouth, the other a solid drumkit, high hats and bass drum included. Since then I practice casual beatboxing, in my own style.”
Dennis Bestafka, Senior Audio Designer
“Being on the Audio Team, it’s safe to say that musical skills play into much of what we do. Of course, this comes in handy for composing in-house music for the games, but additionally, sound design can be very musical by nature, with timing, frequency, and even key. I grew up playing trombone, concert bass and percussion in wind ensembles, orchestras and marching bands, from Jr. high, through high school, and into college. I have also played guitar in Rock bands throughout the years, which led me into studio recording, as well as other instruments such as drums, bass & keyboards. All of these experiences, paired with my love for video games, play direct roles into why I chose game audio as a career; which I knew would be the best job in the world for me (second to rock star, of course).”
His current musical project: Buona Sueno
An older project (he’s playing the guitar):
Justin Meisse, Senior Artist
“This is my modular synth, it’s a lot for me to explain but basically I’m connecting different modules with patch cables to create different sounds and patterns. I started out modifying old electronic toys and keyboards from flea markets and yard sales, this is usually referred to as Circuit Bending. Later I started making inexpensive diy electronic noise makers like the Atari Punk Console and then eventually got into modular synths when I wanted to make more musically pleasing sounds. If you’re interested in modular synthesis, I recommend the 2014 documentary “I Dream of Wires” … it will explain it better than I can!”
Tom Purdue, Game Designer
“In 4th grade my mom had me take a year of Piano lessons, which was great, but I knew it wasn’t really “me.” In 5th grade, I convinced my mom to let me switch to the drums . . . and now we were talking! (Even if the neighbors hated it. 😉)
By my senior year in high school I was first chair in my age group, but playing drums with the big boys in college was a big eye opener. These guys were really good, like insanely good. Since I couldn’t hold a candle to their talent (and didn’t want to be a band teacher), I switched majors, and that’s how I ended up working at KingsIsle in a section that *isn’t* the Audio department.
I still play my drum set from time to time with a couple of dads like me from my neighborhood. Here’s a video of us jamming on a tune in a secret music studio in downtown Austin right off 6th street—the very heartbeat of the live music capital of the world!”
Rachel Ripstra, Lead Software Engineer
“I grew up playing classical upright bass, but I always used the school’s loaner. When I went to college I couldn’t afford an upright, so I bought an electric bass and taught myself jazz walking lines and some improvisation – although that part of my skill-set has gone rusty due to disuse. Even so, when my family gathers for the holidays on occasion, I still play Christmas carols with my sisters who also play various instruments.
Last year I went in the entirely opposite direction and got a tenor Ukulele and started teaching myself some songs and chords. I still practice with it a few hours a week building the muscle memory in my fingers and extending the number of chords I have easily at my fingertips.
What I enjoy most about playing music is how the whole is larger than the parts. One note here or there heard in isolation might mean nothing, it may be noise, but when done with others at the right moment it can add an emotional push just where it needs to be. When we play together, my playing feels bigger and better. Music can also be ironic in the best way: somehow bringing my mind to another place while at the same time being absolutely present in the moment. Magical!
I’ve only recently gotten the bug to compose my own music. Usually I just have bass line running though my head, but I’ve started using the Ukulele to find chord progressions that have the emotional vibe that I’m going for and setting out an 8 or 16 bar loop that I can riff on bass over or pluck out a melody. Right now it’s all amateurish, but once I have something that I like I’ll be looking at investing time and energy in that part of things. Next time Kingsisle does a Game Jam, I aim to contribute some music as well as my engineering ability!
The bass I play right now is a refurbished Vantage VA900B. Some knobs and switches have been replaced over the years, along with some of the internal wiring. It’s just such a lovely instrument! I mean, it LOOKS like the late 70’s/early 80’s, doesn’t it?
My Ukulele is a Cordoba 20TM, which is an ‘affordable’ beginners instrument that has a surprisingly warm tone for such a non-bassy instrument.”
KingsIsle staff members aren’t the only ones who have incredible musical gifts though – the KingsIsle community does too! What kind of instruments do you play when you’re not casting spells or sailing the skyways? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Buy a Musical Instrument Day!
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