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Blizzards sword and shield employee reward spotted on ebay for 19999 – Blizzard’s Sword and Shield employee reward spotted on eBay for $19,999? Whoa. This isn’t your average loot drop. We’re diving deep into the bizarre world of high-priced gaming memorabilia, uncovering the mystery behind this ridiculously expensive employee gift. Is it a genuine relic, a clever scam, or something else entirely? Buckle up, because this story is wilder than a Diablo IV endgame boss fight.
The listing itself is a treasure trove of intrigue. From the item’s description (which, let’s be honest, needs a serious fact-check) to the seller’s suspiciously vague history, there are more red flags here than in a communist manifesto. We’ll dissect the eBay listing, explore the potential legal ramifications for the seller, and speculate on the damage this could inflict on Blizzard’s already somewhat battered reputation. Plus, we’ll compare this epic fail to other instances of company swag gone rogue.
The Blizzard Sword and Shield Employee Reward Item: Blizzards Sword And Shield Employee Reward Spotted On Ebay For 19999
A rare and highly coveted piece of Blizzard Entertainment memorabilia, a sword and shield reportedly given as an employee reward, recently surfaced on eBay with an asking price of $19,999. This hefty price tag has sparked considerable discussion within the gaming community, prompting questions about its authenticity, historical significance, and overall value. The item’s appearance and the history of similar Blizzard employee gifts provide context for understanding the seller’s ambitious valuation.
Physical Characteristics of the Sword and Shield
The listed item appears to be a substantial, likely metal, sword and shield set. While precise details regarding materials (e.g., type of metal, presence of any inlay or ornamentation) are lacking from the eBay listing, images suggest a fairly large size, possibly suitable for display rather than actual combat use. The design seems to incorporate elements consistent with fantasy aesthetics, potentially aligning with the visual style of Blizzard’s popular game franchises like Warcraft or Diablo. Images show no obvious inscriptions beyond any potential Blizzard logo or branding, but closer examination of high-resolution images might reveal further details. The condition of the item, crucial in determining its value, is described as “used” in the listing, but the extent of any wear and tear remains unclear without a more thorough inspection.
History of Similar Blizzard Employee Rewards
Information regarding the history of similar Blizzard employee rewards is limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Blizzard has, at times, provided unique, high-quality items as rewards or incentives for employees, often reflecting the themes and aesthetics of their games. However, specific details about past rewards and their distribution are largely unavailable to the public, adding to the mystery surrounding this particular sword and shield. The lack of readily available information about similar past rewards makes assessing the rarity of this specific item challenging. This scarcity, however, likely contributes to the high asking price.
Price Comparison and Perceived Value
The $19,999 asking price is undeniably high for a piece of employee-related memorabilia. While the rarity of the item and its potential connection to a beloved gaming company contribute to its value, determining whether the price reflects its true worth is subjective. Comparable items, such as signed game artwork or limited-edition statues, often sell for considerably less, even when in exceptional condition. The ultimate value hinges on a buyer’s willingness to pay a premium for a piece of gaming history, coupled with the item’s perceived authenticity and condition. A thorough authentication process would be necessary before a serious buyer would consider such a substantial investment.
Comparison to Other Rare Gaming Memorabilia
The following table compares the Blizzard sword and shield to other rare gaming memorabilia sold on eBay, highlighting the range of prices and conditions found in the market. Note that the values are approximate and reflect past sales, and prices can vary considerably depending on factors such as condition, provenance, and buyer demand.
| Item Name | Selling Price (USD) | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare Prototype Game Cartridge | 5,000 – 15,000 | Variable, depending on the item | Early versions of unreleased games or highly sought-after titles. |
| Signed Game Artwork by Famous Artist | 1,000 – 5,000 | Good to Excellent | Original artwork from a well-known game artist, often with authentication. |
| Limited Edition Game Console | 500 – 2,000 | New or Near Mint | Special edition consoles released in limited quantities. |
| Blizzard Sword and Shield (eBay Listing) | 19,999 | Used | Employee reward, purportedly from Blizzard Entertainment. |
The eBay Listing and Seller
The appearance of a Blizzard “Sword and Shield” employee reward item on eBay, listed for a staggering $19,999, raises several eyebrows and warrants a closer look at the listing itself and the seller’s background. The exorbitant price, coupled with the unique nature of the item, suggests a potentially complex situation with legal and ethical implications. Let’s delve into the details to understand the possible motivations and risks involved.
The eBay listing’s description, likely crucial in determining its legitimacy, needs careful scrutiny. Inconsistencies, vague language, or a lack of verifiable provenance could indicate an attempt to mislead potential buyers. For instance, a lack of clear photographic evidence showing all sides of the item, or a description that avoids specifics about the item’s origin and authenticity, could be red flags. Similarly, overly enthusiastic language devoid of factual details should be treated with caution. The seller’s use of marketing jargon might attempt to inflate the perceived value beyond its actual worth. A thorough comparison with known Blizzard employee reward items would be essential to validate claims of authenticity.
Seller’s Identity and Motives, Blizzards sword and shield employee reward spotted on ebay for 19999
Determining the seller’s identity and motives is crucial in assessing the listing’s legitimacy. The seller’s eBay profile should be analyzed for any patterns of behavior. Past sales of similar rare or high-value items could suggest a specialized focus on this market niche. Conversely, a lack of prior sales history or a history of negative feedback could raise serious concerns about the seller’s trustworthiness. The seller’s stated reason for selling the item—be it financial need, collection downsizing, or something else—needs to be considered in the context of the high asking price. A plausible explanation would strengthen the listing’s credibility, whereas a vague or unconvincing explanation should spark suspicion. The seller’s communication style and responsiveness to buyer inquiries also provide valuable insight into their intentions. A lack of transparency or evasiveness in answering questions could be a major warning sign.
Potential Legal Implications
The sale of this item could have significant legal implications for the seller. Many companies, including Blizzard, have employee agreements that restrict the sale or transfer of company property, especially limited-edition or promotional items. Violation of such agreements could lead to legal action from Blizzard. Furthermore, depending on the design and branding of the “Sword and Shield,” intellectual property rights could be involved. If the item’s design incorporates copyrighted or trademarked elements, selling it without authorization could result in legal repercussions for the seller. The seller’s potential liability extends beyond contractual obligations to include potential infringement of intellectual property rights. The high value of the item only exacerbates the potential legal consequences.
Seller’s eBay History
A detailed analysis of the seller’s eBay history is critical to understanding their trustworthiness. This would involve reviewing past sales, feedback ratings, and account activity. The following points highlight key areas of focus:
- Past sales of similar items: Were there previous sales of rare Blizzard memorabilia or other high-value collectibles? A pattern of selling such items could indicate a specialized focus on this market, potentially suggesting legitimacy. Conversely, a lack of such sales could be suspicious.
- Negative feedback: The presence of negative feedback, particularly regarding authenticity or delivery issues, would be a significant red flag. A review of the nature of the negative feedback would provide valuable insights into the seller’s business practices.
- Account age: A newly created account selling a high-value item could raise concerns about the seller’s legitimacy and intentions.
- Account activity: Unusual patterns of activity, such as rapid listing and delisting of items, could suggest fraudulent activity.
- Seller’s communication: Was the seller responsive and transparent in their communication with buyers? A history of unresponsiveness or evasiveness could be a cause for concern.
The Implications for Blizzard Entertainment
The appearance of a Blizzard employee reward – a sword and shield – on eBay for a staggering $19,999 represents more than just a lost piece of memorabilia. It’s a significant event with potentially far-reaching consequences for Blizzard Entertainment’s brand reputation and internal security. The incident raises serious questions about the company’s internal controls, employee conduct, and overall security protocols. The high asking price suggests a deliberate attempt to profit from a unique and valuable item, highlighting the potential for further breaches.
The potential damage to Blizzard’s brand reputation is multifaceted. First, it undermines the perception of Blizzard as a company that values its employees and their contributions. The sale suggests a lack of respect for internal rewards programs and potentially a disregard for company property. Secondly, it raises concerns about the security of internal processes. If such a unique and presumably valuable item can be easily leaked and sold, it casts doubt on the security of other confidential information, including intellectual property and sensitive employee data. This could damage investor confidence and potentially invite legal action from those who feel their data might have been compromised. Finally, the incident invites negative media attention, potentially overshadowing positive news and damaging the overall public perception of the company. The sheer novelty of the item and the high price tag will likely generate significant online discussion, potentially leading to negative publicity and memes.
Blizzard’s Internal Communication Strategy
A swift and transparent internal communication strategy is crucial for Blizzard to mitigate the damage. This should begin with an internal memo acknowledging the incident and assuring employees that an investigation is underway. The memo should reiterate the company’s commitment to fair treatment of employees and the importance of protecting company assets. Furthermore, Blizzard should offer resources and training to help employees understand company policies regarding the handling of company property and the importance of data security. This could include workshops, online modules, and regular reminders about ethical conduct. Open communication channels, where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity, should be emphasized. Transparency and a commitment to resolving the issue will be key in rebuilding trust. Failing to address the situation effectively could lead to further internal discontent and erode employee morale.
Preventing Future Incidents
To prevent similar incidents, Blizzard should review and strengthen its internal controls. This includes tightening security around the distribution and handling of employee rewards and other valuable company property. Improved tracking mechanisms, stricter inventory management, and a more robust process for verifying the recipient of such rewards would be necessary. Furthermore, strengthening employee training on ethical conduct and data security is paramount. This should go beyond simple awareness campaigns and incorporate real-life scenarios and practical exercises to ensure employees understand the potential consequences of their actions. Regular audits of security protocols and employee adherence to policies should also be implemented to ensure continued effectiveness. Finally, establishing a clear and easily accessible reporting mechanism for employees to report suspicious activity or potential breaches will encourage proactive identification and mitigation of future risks. This could involve anonymous reporting systems or dedicated ethics hotlines.
Comparison to Similar Incidents
This incident is comparable to other instances of leaked or unauthorized sales of company property. For example, the unauthorized sale of prototype products or confidential documents has damaged the reputation of various companies in the past. The consequences can range from financial losses to significant reputational harm. Just as the sale of the Blizzard sword and shield raises questions about internal security, these previous incidents highlight the importance of robust internal controls and employee training. The high profile nature of Blizzard and the unique nature of the item involved in this incident, however, might amplify the negative consequences compared to some less publicized cases. Learning from these past incidents and implementing proactive measures is crucial for Blizzard to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Visual Representation of the Item
The Blizzard Sword and Shield employee reward, fetching a hefty sum on eBay, is described as a truly impressive piece. While images are absent from the listing, the description paints a vivid picture of a high-quality, potentially bespoke, item. The seller’s detailed account allows for a strong visualization of this unique piece of Blizzard memorabilia.
The sword and shield appear to be crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The description hints at a weighty feel, suggesting the use of substantial materials like metal for the sword and possibly a reinforced composite for the shield. The color scheme is likely dark and imposing, perhaps a deep metallic grey or black for the sword, contrasting with a bolder, possibly weathered, color for the shield – perhaps a dark, aged bronze or even a deep, rich blue reminiscent of Warcraft’s night elf aesthetics. The texture is likely smooth yet subtly detailed, implying fine craftsmanship, possibly hand-painted or etched details on the blade and shield face. Inscriptions or logos, likely subtly incorporated, might include the Blizzard Entertainment logo or a more discreet emblem representing the recipient’s achievements or department within the company. The overall aesthetic probably evokes a sense of power and prestige, befitting a reward for exceptional employee contributions.
Packaging Details
The eBay listing, unfortunately, offers limited information on the packaging. However, given the item’s value and the nature of such an award, it’s highly probable the original packaging was substantial and protective. We can speculate that it would likely have been a high-quality presentation box, perhaps made of sturdy cardboard or even wood, possibly lined with velvet or satin. Dimensions would likely be considerable, considering the size of a sword and shield, perhaps measuring in the range of 30-40 inches in length and 15-20 inches in width and height. The box’s design might have incorporated the Blizzard logo or a more sophisticated design element, mirroring the item’s aesthetic. It is plausible that it was accompanied by official Blizzard documentation or a certificate of authenticity, adding to the overall presentation and value. The use of protective foam or other cushioning materials would be expected to ensure safe transport and storage. Imagine opening such a box, revealing this prestigious piece in all its glory – a true testament to exceptional work and dedication.
So, a $19,999 Blizzard employee gift on eBay? It’s a wild ride, a bizarre blend of corporate blunder, collector’s obsession, and potentially, a hefty lawsuit. While the ultimate fate of this Sword and Shield remains to be seen, one thing’s for sure: this incident serves as a cautionary tale for both companies and collectors alike. The value of gaming memorabilia is soaring, but the line between legitimate acquisition and outright theft is becoming increasingly blurred. Stay tuned – this saga might have more twists than a level in World of Warcraft.