For the last 15 years, one name has been synonymous with massively multiplayer online gaming – World of Warcraft. Having debuted on November 23, 2004, the title expanded upon Blizzard’s existing Warcraft franchise of strategy games in a new way, and has since gone on to become one of the most successful video games of all time.
As in most other MMORPGs, World of Warcraft players control a single avatar character in the game world. In keeping with the existing lore of Warcraft at large, players can choose races from two different opposing factions – the Alliance or the Horde. Many classes are limited to specific races, which can influence the player’s choice in what faction to align themselves with. Once in the game, players build up their character by completing quests assigned to them by non-player characters, group up with other players in order to continue through the game’s storyline, take on raids, and even engage in player versus player combat.
The story is set a few years after Warcraft III’s, with the Horde and Alliance both in danger from the ancient elemental being known as Ragnaros. The story and setting has been expanded several times over the years through Blizzard’s release of various expansion packs, such as Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, and several others.
World of Warcraft was first announced in 2001 before debuting in 2004 as part of the 10th anniversary of the original Warcraft. Having been hotly anticipated before its launch, it initially sold well, and its positive reception upon launch only spurred further player subscriptions. At its peak, World of Warcraft boasted nearly 10 million players; it has since grossed more than $9 billion for Blizzard due to the release of expansion packs and the monthly cost of player subscriptions.
Though the gameplay was a far cry from the real time strategy of the original Warcraft, World of Warcraft has since gone on to become the definitive Warcraft experience. With a new expansion on the way in 2020, the world itself will only continue to expand.
