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{{for|the classic server option dedicated to emulate the original experience|World of Warcraft: Classic}}
+
{{For|the classic server option dedicated to emulate the original experience|World of Warcraft: Classic}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
| name = World of Warcraft
 
| name = World of Warcraft
| image = WoWlogo.png
+
| image = WoWlogo.png|alt=World of Warcraft logo
 
| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]<br />&emsp;After release: [[Team 2]]
 
| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]<br />&emsp;After release: [[Team 2]]
 
| publisher = Blizzard Entertaiment<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16458|title=The Activision/Blizzard Merger: Five Key Points|publisher=Industry News|date=2007-12-03|accessdate=2018-03-05|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221013844/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16458|archivedate=2008-12-21}}</ref>
 
| publisher = Blizzard Entertaiment<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16458|title=The Activision/Blizzard Merger: Five Key Points|publisher=Industry News|date=2007-12-03|accessdate=2018-03-05|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221013844/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16458|archivedate=2008-12-21}}</ref>
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| genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing]]
 
| genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing]]
 
| modes = Multiplayer
 
| modes = Multiplayer
| retail2 = 1
+
| editions =
  +
*[[World of Warcraft Standard Edition|Standard]]
  +
*[[World of Warcraft Collector's Edition|Collectors]]
 
| this-expansion = 2004
 
| this-expansion = 2004
 
| next-expansion = ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]''<br />(2007)
 
| next-expansion = ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]''<br />(2007)
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==Selected World of Warcraft articles==
 
==Selected World of Warcraft articles==
 
 
<div style="float:left; width:450px;">
 
<div style="float:left; width:450px;">
 
;[[Character|<span class="speciallink">Character</span> &raquo;]]
 
;[[Character|<span class="speciallink">Character</span> &raquo;]]
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; [[Community info|<span class="speciallink">Community info</span> &raquo;]]
 
; [[Community info|<span class="speciallink">Community info</span> &raquo;]]
 
* [[Patches]]
 
* [[Patches]]
* [[Coming soon]]
 
 
* [[Fansites]]
 
* [[Fansites]]
 
* [[Wikis]]
 
* [[Wikis]]
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==Plot==
 
==Plot==
Four years after the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], tensions between the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]] begin to arise once again.<ref>[http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/media/videos/?view=wow-cinematic WoW official trailer]</ref>
+
Four years after the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], tensions between the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]] begin to arise once again.<ref>[http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/media/videos/?view=wow-cinematic WoW official trailer]</ref> Intent on settling the arid region of [[Durotar]], [[Thrall]]'s new Horde expanded its ranks, inviting the undead [[Forsaken]] to join [[orc]]s, [[tauren]], and [[troll]]s. Meanwhile, [[dwarf|dwarves]], [[gnome]]s and the ancient [[night elf|night elves]] pledged their loyalties to a reinvigorated Alliance, guided by the [[human]] kingdom of [[Stormwind]]. After Stormwind's king [[Varian Wrynn]] mysteriously disappeared, Highlord [[Bolvar Fordragon]] served as Regent, but his service was marred by the manipulations and mind control of the [[black dragon]] [[Onyxia]], who ruled in disguise as a human noblewoman. As heroes investigated Onyxia's manipulations, ancient foes surfaced in lands throughout the world to menace Horde and Alliance alike.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/the-story-of-warcraft/chapter6 Story of Warcraft: chapter 8]</ref>
 
Intent on settling the arid region of [[Durotar]], [[Thrall]]'s new Horde expanded its ranks, inviting the undead [[Forsaken]] to join [[orcs]], [[tauren]], and [[trolls]].
 
 
Meanwhile, [[dwarf|dwarves]], [[gnome]]s and the ancient [[night elf|night elves]] pledged their loyalties to a reinvigorated Alliance, guided by the [[human]] kingdom of [[Stormwind]]. After Stormwind's king, [[Varian Wrynn]], mysteriously disappeared, Highlord [[Bolvar Fordragon]] served as Regent but his service was marred by the manipulations and mind control of the [[black dragon]] [[Onyxia]], who ruled in disguise as a human noblewoman.
 
 
As heroes investigated Onyxia's manipulations, ancient foes surfaced in lands throughout the world to menace Horde and Alliance alike.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/the-story-of-warcraft/chapter6 Story of Warcraft: chapter 8]</ref>
 
   
 
==Updates==
 
==Updates==
 
[[File:WoW-boxcover.jpg|thumb|alt=World of Warcraft box cover|An original box cover for World of Warcraft]]
The first World of Warcraft expansion, ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]'', was released on January 16, 2007.<ref name="TBCShattered">{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/press/070123.shtml|title=''World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade'' shatters day-1 sales record|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2007-01-23|accessdate=2018-03-05|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126125539/http://blizzard.com/press/070123.shtml|archivedate=2007-01-26}}</ref> It was followed by ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King|Wrath of the Lich King]]'' on November 13, 2008.<ref name="WotlkShattered">{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/070123.html|title=World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Shatters Day-1 Sales Record|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2008-01-23|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226224208/http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/070123.html|archivedate=2008-02-26}}</ref> ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]'' on December 7, 2010.<ref name="dec7BLIZZ">{{Ref web|url=http://eu.blizzard.com/en-gb/company/press/pressreleases.html?101004|title=World of Warcraftft®: Cataclysm™ In Stores Starting December 7|date=2010-10-04|accessdate=2010-10-04|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref> ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Mists of Pandaria]]'' on September 25, 2012,<ref name="MOPAnnounced">{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/6771526|title=Mists of Pandaria Launches September 25, 2012 – Pre-Sales NOW OPEN|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2012-07-25|accessdate=2018-03-15|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306005725/https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/6771526|archivedate=2018-03-05}}</ref> ''[[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor|Warlords of Draenor]]'' on November 13, 2014,<ref name="WoDstream">{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/15053029|title=Warlords of Draenor Launches 11/13—Watch the Cinematic & Lords of War: Part One Now!|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2014-08-14|accessdate=2018-03-05}}</ref> and ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion|Legion]]'' on August 30, 2016.<ref name="LegionReleaseDay">{{Ref web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-legion-will-arrive-in-august/|title=World of Warcraft: Legion will arrive in August|publisher=PC Gamer|author=Andy Chalk|date=2016-04-19|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420135902/http://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-legion-will-arrive-in-august/|archivedate=2016-04-20}}</ref> The seventh expansion, announced on November 3, 2017 at [[BlizzCon 2017]], is ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth|Battle for Azeroth]]''. Blizzard also announced then that they were developing a [[World of Warcraft: Classic|"Classic"]] server option that provides a way to experience the game as it was before any expansions.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/03/world-of-warcraft-classic-is-bringing-back-the-vanilla-version-of-the-mmo/|title=Blizzard is bringing back the vanilla World of Warcraft|publisher=Venture Beat|author=Mike Minotti|date=2017-11-03|accessdate=2018-03-06}}</ref>
 
  +
There have been eight [[expansion]]s to ''World of Warcraft'':
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]'' was released on January 16, 2007.<ref name="TBCShattered">{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/press/070123.shtml|title=''World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade'' shatters day-1 sales record|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2007-01-23|accessdate=2018-03-05|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126125539/http://blizzard.com/press/070123.shtml|archivedate=2007-01-26}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King|Wrath of the Lich King]]'' was released on November 13, 2008.<ref name="WotlkShattered">{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/070123.html|title=World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Shatters Day-1 Sales Record|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2008-01-23|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226224208/http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/070123.html|archivedate=2008-02-26}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]'' was released on December 7, 2010.<ref name="dec7BLIZZ">{{Ref web|url=http://eu.blizzard.com/en-gb/company/press/pressreleases.html?101004|title=World of Warcraftft®: Cataclysm™ In Stores Starting December 7|date=2010-10-04|accessdate=2010-10-04|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Mists of Pandaria]]'' was released on September 25, 2012,<ref name="MOPAnnounced">{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/6771526|title=Mists of Pandaria Launches September 25, 2012 – Pre-Sales NOW OPEN|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2012-07-25|accessdate=2018-03-15|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306005725/https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/6771526|archivedate=2018-03-05}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor|Warlords of Draenor]]'' was released on November 13, 2014.<ref name="WoDstream">{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/15053029|title=Warlords of Draenor Launches 11/13—Watch the Cinematic & Lords of War: Part One Now!|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2014-08-14|accessdate=2018-03-05}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Legion|Legion]]'' was released on August 30, 2016.<ref name="LegionReleaseDay">{{Ref web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-legion-will-arrive-in-august/|title=World of Warcraft: Legion will arrive in August|publisher=PC Gamer|author=Andy Chalk|date=2016-04-19|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420135902/http://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-legion-will-arrive-in-august/|archivedate=2016-04-20}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth|Battle for Azeroth]]'' was released on August 13/14, 2018.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/21849061/battle-for-azeroth-one-launch-to-rule-them-all|title=Battle for Azeroth™: One Launch to Rule Them All|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2018-06-07|accessdate=2018-06-07}}</ref>
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands|Shadowlands]]'' was released on November 23/24, 2020.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjPcJsl3COs Shadowlands: Story Trailer]</ref>
   
  +
Additionally, ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]'', released on August 27, 2019,<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22990080|title=WoW Classic Launch and Testing Schedule|publisher=Venture Beat|author=Mike Minotti|date=2017-11-03|accessdate=2018-03-06}}</ref> provides a way to experience the game as it was before any expansions.
With a peak of 12 million subscriptions in October 2010 and the final report of 5.5 million subscriptions in October 2015,<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/11/03/activision-no-longer-has-to-fear-declining-world-of-warcraft-subscriptions/|title=Activision No Longer Has To Fear Declining 'World of Warcraft' Subscriptions|publisher=Forbes|date=2015-11-03|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103180613/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/11/03/activision-no-longer-has-to-fear-declining-world-of-warcraft-subscriptions/|archivedate=2015-11-03}}</ref> ''World of Warcraft'' remains the world's most popular MMORPG,<ref name="WotlkShattered" /><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://gigaom.com/2007/06/13/top-ten-most-popular-mmos/|title=GigaOM Top 10 Most Popular MMOs|publisher=Gigaom|date=2007-06-13|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701164346/http://gigaom.com/2007/06/13/top-ten-most-popular-mmos/|archivedate=2010-07-01}}</ref> and holds the {{wplink|Guinness World Record}} for the most popular MMORPG by subscribers.<ref>{{Ref book|author=Glenday, Craig|authorlink=https://books.google.com/?id=aHYt0RNSDfgC&pg=PA269&dq=9780553592566#v=onepage&q=most%20popular%20MMORPG|title=Guinness World Records 2009|isbn=9780553592566|pages=241|quote=Most popular MMORPG game(sic) In terms of the number of online subscribers, World of Warcraft is the most popular Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), with 10 million subscribers as of January 2008.}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6081496/Video-Backstage-at-BlizzCon-2009.html|title=Video: Backstage at BlizzCon 2009:Thousands of World of Warcraft fans descend on southern California for Blizzard's epic gaming convention|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|author=Becky Williams|date=2009-08-24|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901184912/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6081496/Video-Backstage-at-BlizzCon-2009.html|archivedate=2009-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/a158552/guinness-announces-gaming-world-records.html|title=Guinness announces gaming world records|publisher=Digital Spy Limited|author=Mark Langshaw|date=2009-06-06|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901150500/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/a158552/guinness-announces-gaming-world-records.html|archivedate=2009-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx|title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition – Records – PC Gaming|publisher=Guinness World Records|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405020338/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx|archivedate=2008-04-05}}</ref> In January 2014, Blizzard announced that more than 100 million accounts had been created over the game's lifetime.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/28/5354856/world-of-warcraft-100m-accounts-lifetime|title=Blizzard reaches 100M lifetime World of Warcraft accounts|publisher=Polygon|date=2014-01-28|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201230326/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/28/5354856/world-of-warcraft-100m-accounts-lifetime|archivedate=2014-02-01}}</ref>
 
   
Over time, the game's expansions have been integrated into the base game. With the release of ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'', all ''World of Warcraft'' [[subscription|subscribers]] (or those with [[game time]]) automatically have access to all of the content and features of all the expansions up to ''[[Legion]]'' at no additional cost. Additionally, the [[Battle Chest]] is no longer in production.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/ryan-burgess/all-expansions-up-to-legion-now-included-in-world-of-warcraft-subscription/|title=All expansions up to Legion now included in World of Warcraft subscription|publisher=KitGuru|author=Ryan Burgess|date=2018-07-18|accessdate=2019-05-11}}</ref>
+
Over time, the game's expansions have been integrated into the base game. With the release of [[patch 9.0.1]] released on October 13, 2020, all ''World of Warcraft'' [[subscription|subscribers]] (or those with [[game time]]) automatically have access to all of the content and features of all the expansions up to ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'' at no additional cost.
   
 
Further story development is also made throughout its franchising, via online media, [[novels]], [[comics]], [[manga]], [[Warcraft RPG|RPG books]], [[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]], and [[Template:Games|board games]].
 
Further story development is also made throughout its franchising, via online media, [[novels]], [[comics]], [[manga]], [[Warcraft RPG|RPG books]], [[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]], and [[Template:Games|board games]].
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==Account levels==
 
==Account levels==
 
{{main|Account#World of Warcraft account levels}}
 
{{main|Account#World of Warcraft account levels}}
*[[World of Warcraft Starter Edition]] - Try World of Warcraft for Free - level to 20.
+
*[[World of Warcraft: Free Trial]] - Try World of Warcraft for Free - level to 20.
*[[World of Warcraft: Subscription]] (monthly payment) - level to 110.
+
*[[Subscription]] / [[Game time]] (monthly payment) - level to 50. Also get access to [[WoW Classic]].
*[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]] (accessible since august 14) - level to 120 - requires subscription.
+
*''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]'' (preorder) - level to 60 in the new expansion after [[patch 9.0.2]] - requires subscription. Death knights for all races for those who preordered.
   
 
==Features==
 
==Features==
 
===Player Customization===
 
===Player Customization===
[[File:Wow Box 2013.png|thumb|The new digital edition of the [[World of Warcraft Battle Chest (2013)|World of Warcraft Battle Chest]].]]
 
[[File:WoWbox-alt.png|thumb|Game box alternate]]
 
 
*2 [[faction]]s: {{Horde}} [[Horde]] and {{Alliance}} [[Alliance]].
 
*2 [[faction]]s: {{Horde}} [[Horde]] and {{Alliance}} [[Alliance]].
  +
*23 playable [[race]]s:
*13 [[race]]s: [[Human (playable)|Human]], [[Dwarf (playable)|Dwarf]], [[Gnome (playable)|Gnome]], [[Night elf (playable)|Night Elf]], [[Orc (playable)|Orc]], [[Troll (playable)|Troll]], [[Undead (playable)|Undead]], [[Tauren (playable)|Tauren]], {{bc-inline}} [[Blood elf (playable)|Blood Elf]], {{bc-inline}} [[Draenei (playable)|Draenei]], {{cata-inline}} [[Goblin (playable)|Goblin]] {{cata-inline}} [[Worgen (playable)|Worgen]], {{mop-inline}} [[Pandaren (playable)|Pandaren]].
+
**13 core races: [[Human (playable)|Human]], [[Dwarf (playable)|Dwarf]], [[Gnome (playable)|Gnome]], [[Night elf (playable)|Night Elf]], [[Orc (playable)|Orc]], [[Troll (playable)|Troll]], [[Undead (playable)|Undead]], [[Tauren (playable)|Tauren]], {{bc-inline}} [[Blood elf (playable)|Blood Elf]], {{bc-inline}} [[Draenei (playable)|Draenei]], {{cata-inline}} [[Goblin (playable)|Goblin]] {{cata-inline}} [[Worgen (playable)|Worgen]], {{mop-inline}} [[Pandaren (playable)|Pandaren]].
**{{legion-inline}} pre-purchase of ''Battle for Azeroth'' gave early access to recruit 4 [[allied race]]s: [[Void elf (playable)|Void elf]], [[Lightforged draenei (playable)|Lightforged draenei]], [[Nightborne (playable)|Nightborne]], [[Highmountain tauren (playable)|Highmountain tauren]].
 
**{{bfa-inline}} 4 more [[allied race]]s: [[Dark Iron dwarf (playable)|Dark Iron dwarf]], [[Mag'har orc (playable)|Mag'har orc]], [[Kul Tiran (playable)|Kul Tiran]], and [[Zandalari troll (playable)|Zandalari troll]]
+
**10 [[allied race]]s: {{bfa-inline}} [[Void elf (playable)|Void elf]], [[Lightforged draenei (playable)|Lightforged draenei]], [[Nightborne (playable)|Nightborne]], [[Highmountain tauren (playable)|Highmountain tauren]], [[Dark Iron dwarf (playable)|Dark Iron dwarf]], [[Mag'har orc (playable)|Mag'har orc]], [[Kul Tiran (playable)|Kul Tiran]], [[Zandalari troll (playable)|Zandalari troll]], [[Mechagnome (playable)|Mechagnome]], and [[Vulpera (playable)|Vulpera]]
 
*12 [[class]]es: [[Mage]], [[Warlock]], [[Priest]], [[Rogue]], [[Druid]], [[Hunter]], [[Shaman]], [[Warrior]], [[Paladin]], {{wotlk-inline}} [[Death Knight]], {{mop-inline}} [[Monk]], {{legion-inline}} [[Demon Hunter]].
 
*12 [[class]]es: [[Mage]], [[Warlock]], [[Priest]], [[Rogue]], [[Druid]], [[Hunter]], [[Shaman]], [[Warrior]], [[Paladin]], {{wotlk-inline}} [[Death Knight]], {{mop-inline}} [[Monk]], {{legion-inline}} [[Demon Hunter]].
 
*14 [[profession]]s, enabling resource gathering and item crafting:
 
*14 [[profession]]s, enabling resource gathering and item crafting:
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===Gameplay System===
 
===Gameplay System===
[[File:WoW-boxcover.jpg|thumb|A original box cover for World of Warcraft]]
 
 
;General System
 
;General System
 
*A [[casual]]-friendly character progression system.
 
*A [[casual]]-friendly character progression system.
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**Thousands of [[quest]]s.
 
**Thousands of [[quest]]s.
 
***[[Repeatable quest]]s and {{legion-inline}} [[world quest]]s.
 
***[[Repeatable quest]]s and {{legion-inline}} [[world quest]]s.
  +
***{{sl-inline}} [[Timewalking Campaigns]].
 
**[[Dungeon]]s, [[Raid]]s, and {{mop-inline}} [[Scenario]]s.
 
**[[Dungeon]]s, [[Raid]]s, and {{mop-inline}} [[Scenario]]s.
 
***{{bfa-inline}} [[Island expedition]] scenarios.
 
***{{bfa-inline}} [[Island expedition]] scenarios.
***{{legion-inline}} [[Invasion Point]] scenarios (level 110).
+
***{{legion-inline}} [[Invasion Point]] scenarios.
 
***{{bfa-inline}} [[Warfront]] scenarios.
 
***{{bfa-inline}} [[Warfront]] scenarios.
**{{wod-inline}} [[Garrison]]s (level range 90-100) and {{Legion-inline}} [[Class Hall|Class Order Halls]] (level range 100-110).
+
**1 to 5 player content: {{bfa-inline}} [[Horrific Visions]] and {{sl-inline}} [[Torghast, Tower of the Damned]].
**Challenging solo only content: {{mop-inline}} [[Brawler's Guild]] and {{Legion-inline}} [[Mage_Tower_(Broken_Shore)#Challenges|Mage Tower Challenges]] (level 110).
+
**Solo only content: {{mop-inline}} [[Brawler's Guild]] and {{Legion-inline}} [[Mage_Tower_(Broken_Shore)#Challenges|Mage Tower Challenges]].
  +
**{{wod-inline}} [[Garrison]]s, {{Legion-inline}} [[Class Hall|Class Order Halls]] and {{sl-inline}} [[Covenant]]s.
 
*PvP [[Honor system (Legion)|Honor]] system:
 
*PvP [[Honor system (Legion)|Honor]] system:
 
**{{legion-inline}} [[Honor talent|PVP talent]] system.
 
**{{legion-inline}} [[Honor talent|PVP talent]] system.
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;[[Template:Events|Events]]
 
;[[Template:Events|Events]]
  +
*A variety of seasonal [[event|world events]]: [[Darkmoon Faire]], [[Children's Week]], [[Midsummer Fire Festival]], [[Love is in the Air (original)|Love is in the air]], [[Feast of Winter Veil]], and more.
*A variety of [[event|World Events]] including:
 
  +
**More events were added in later expansions: {{bc-inline}}[[Brewfest]], {{bc-inline}} [[Pirates' Day]], {{wotlk-inline}} [[Day of the Dead]], and {{wotlk-inline}} [[Pilgrim's Bounty]].
**[[Darkmoon Faire]], [[Children's Week]], [[Scourge Invasion]], [[Midsummer Fire Festival]] and [[Feast of Winter Veil]].
 
  +
**Unique one-time events: [[Gates of Ahn'Qiraj]], [[Scourge Invasion]], [[Dark Portal Opens|Dark Portal opening event]], [[Warcraft's Anniversary|World of Warcraft anniversaries]], and others.
  +
**{{legion-inline}} [[Micro-holidays]] ([[patch 7.1.5]]): including [[Call of the Scarab]], [[Hatching of the Hippogryphs]], [[Glowcap Festival]], and others.
   
 
;[[Lore]]
 
;[[Lore]]
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==Availability==
 
==Availability==
  +
*North America (English-US - US & Canada).
[[File:WoW icon.png|thumb|Standard WoW]]
 
*North America (English-US - US & Canada)
+
**Oceania (English-US - Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand).
 
**Latin America (Spanish).
**Oceania (English-US - Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand)
 
  +
**Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese, 2011).
**Latin America (Spanish)
 
**Brazil (Portuguese-Brazilian)
+
*Europe (English-UK, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese-Brazilian, Italian).
 
*South Korea.
*Europe (English-UK, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese-Brazilian, Italian)
 
 
*China (Simplified and Traditional Chinese; including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau).
*South Korea
 
*China (Simplified and Traditional Chinese; including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau)
 
   
 
==Subscriber numbers==
 
==Subscriber numbers==
[[File:Subscribers-chart.jpg|thumb|World of Warcraft Subscribers Chart.]]
+
[[File:Subscribers chart.png|thumb|World of Warcraft Subscribers Chart.]]
''World of Warcraft'''s subscriber numbers have fluctuated tremendously over the years. The game reached its peak in October, 2010 with 12 million monthly subscribers,<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/press/pressreleases.html?id=2847881|title=WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SUBSCRIBER BASE REACHES 12 MILLION WORLDWIDE|acessdate=2014-02-06}}</ref> and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest and most popular MMORPG.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx|title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition - Records - PC Gaming|accessdate=2009-10-17}}</ref> Though World of Warcraft had dropped to 7.4 million subscribers as of the release of [[Patch 6.0.2]]<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/4417-WoW-Up-to-7-4-Million-Subscribers-Garrosh-Heirlooms-MoP-in-Base-Game-Chopper-Mount|title=WoW Up to 7.4 Million Subscribers|accessdate=2014-10-14}}</ref>, when the ''[[Warlords of Draenor]]'' expansion released a few weeks later it briefly jumped all the way back up to 10 million<ref>{{ref web|url=http://blizzard.gamespress.com/WORLD-OF-WARCRAFT-SURPASSES-10-MILLION-SUBSCRIBERS-AS-WARLORDS-OF-DRAE|title=WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SURPASSES 10 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS AS WARLORDS OF DRAENOR™ LAUNCH BEGINS|accessdate=2014-11-19}}</ref> before settling back down to 7.1 million.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/4878-WoW-Down-to-7-1-Million-Subscribers|title=WoW Down to 7.1 Million Subscribers|accessdate=2015-05-06}}</ref>
+
''World of Warcraft'''s subscriber numbers have fluctuated tremendously over the years. With a peak of 12 million monthly subscribers in October 2010,<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/press/pressreleases.html?id=2847881|title=WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SUBSCRIBER BASE REACHES 12 MILLION WORLDWIDE|acessdate=2014-02-06}}</ref> ''World of Warcraft'' remains among the most popular MMORPGs<ref name="WotlkShattered" /><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://gigaom.com/2007/06/13/top-ten-most-popular-mmos/|title=GigaOM Top 10 Most Popular MMOs|publisher=Gigaom|date=2007-06-13|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701164346/http://gigaom.com/2007/06/13/top-ten-most-popular-mmos/|archivedate=2010-07-01}}</ref> and holds the {{wp|Guinness World Record}} for the world's most popular subscription-based MMORPG.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx|title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition - Records - PC Gaming|accessdate=2009-10-17|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405020338/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx|archivedate=2008-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{Ref book|author=Glenday, Craig|authorlink=https://books.google.com/?id=aHYt0RNSDfgC&pg=PA269&dq=9780553592566#v=onepage&q=most%20popular%20MMORPG|title=Guinness World Records 2009|isbn=9780553592566|pages=241|quote=Most popular MMORPG game(sic) In terms of the number of online subscribers, World of Warcraft is the most popular Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), with 10 million subscribers as of January 2008.}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6081496/Video-Backstage-at-BlizzCon-2009.html|title=Video: Backstage at BlizzCon 2009:Thousands of World of Warcraft fans descend on southern California for Blizzard's epic gaming convention|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|author=Becky Williams|date=2009-08-24|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901184912/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6081496/Video-Backstage-at-BlizzCon-2009.html|archivedate=2009-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/a158552/guinness-announces-gaming-world-records.html|title=Guinness announces gaming world records|publisher=Digital Spy Limited|author=Mark Langshaw|date=2009-06-06|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901150500/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/a158552/guinness-announces-gaming-world-records.html|archivedate=2009-09-01}}</ref> Though World of Warcraft had dropped to 7.4 million subscribers as of the release of [[patch 6.0.2]]<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/4417-WoW-Up-to-7-4-Million-Subscribers-Garrosh-Heirlooms-MoP-in-Base-Game-Chopper-Mount|title=WoW Up to 7.4 Million Subscribers|accessdate=2014-10-14}}</ref>, when the ''[[Warlords of Draenor]]'' expansion released a few weeks later it briefly jumped all the way back up to 10 million<ref>{{ref web|url=http://blizzard.gamespress.com/WORLD-OF-WARCRAFT-SURPASSES-10-MILLION-SUBSCRIBERS-AS-WARLORDS-OF-DRAE|title=WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SURPASSES 10 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS AS WARLORDS OF DRAENOR™ LAUNCH BEGINS|accessdate=2014-11-19}}</ref> before settling back down to 7.1 million.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/4878-WoW-Down-to-7-1-Million-Subscribers|title=WoW Down to 7.1 Million Subscribers|accessdate=2015-05-06}}</ref> In the final report in October 2015, there were 5.5 million subscribers.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/11/03/activision-no-longer-has-to-fear-declining-world-of-warcraft-subscriptions/|title=Activision No Longer Has To Fear Declining 'World of Warcraft' Subscriptions|publisher=Forbes|date=2015-11-03|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103180613/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/11/03/activision-no-longer-has-to-fear-declining-world-of-warcraft-subscriptions/|archivedate=2015-11-03}}</ref>
   
In January 2014 it was announced that more than 100 million accounts and 500 million characters had been created over the game's lifetime, with players in 244 different countries.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.battle.net//wow/en/blog/12346804|date=2014-01-28|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|title=World of Warcraft: Azeroth by the Numbers}}</ref>
+
In January 2014 it was announced that more than 100 million accounts and 500 million characters had been created over the game's lifetime, with players in 244 different countries.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/28/5354856/world-of-warcraft-100m-accounts-lifetime|title=Blizzard reaches 100M lifetime World of Warcraft accounts|publisher=Polygon|date=2014-01-28|accessdate=2018-03-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201230326/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/28/5354856/world-of-warcraft-100m-accounts-lifetime|archivedate=2014-02-01}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.battle.net//wow/en/blog/12346804|date=2014-01-28|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|title=World of Warcraft: Azeroth by the Numbers}}</ref>
   
 
In November 2015 Blizzard announced that they would no longer give regular updates of subscriber numbers, as they felt there were better performance metrics they could use.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-will-no-longer-report-world-of-warcraft-s/1100-6431943/ Blizzard Will No Longer Report World of Warcraft Subscriber Numbers]</ref> For a graphical representation of subscriber numbers up to November 2015, click [http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/5225-WoW-Down-to-5-5-Million-Subscribers-Warcraft-Movie-Trailer-at-Blizzcon here].
 
In November 2015 Blizzard announced that they would no longer give regular updates of subscriber numbers, as they felt there were better performance metrics they could use.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-will-no-longer-report-world-of-warcraft-s/1100-6431943/ Blizzard Will No Longer Report World of Warcraft Subscriber Numbers]</ref> For a graphical representation of subscriber numbers up to November 2015, click [http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/5225-WoW-Down-to-5-5-Million-Subscribers-Warcraft-Movie-Trailer-at-Blizzcon here].
{|class="darktable zebra"
+
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed darktable zebra"
 
! Date !! Subscribers
 
! Date !! Subscribers
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2004
+
| December 2004 || 400 thousand
|400 thousand
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2005
+
| March 2005 || 1.5 million
|1.5 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|June 2005
+
| June 2005 || 3.25 million
|3.25 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|September 2005
+
| September 2005 || 4.25 million
|4.25 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2005
+
| December 2005 || 5.6 million
|5.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2006
+
| March 2006 || 6.4 million
|6.4 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|June 2006
+
| June 2006 || 6.6 million
|6.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|September 2006
+
| September 2006 || 7 million
|7 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|January 2007
+
| January 2007 || 8 million
|8 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2007
+
| March 2007 || 8.5 million
|8.5 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|June 2007
+
| June 2007 || 8.8 million
|8.8 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2007
+
| December 2007 || 9.75 million
|9.75 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|February 2008
+
| February 2008 || 10.2 million
|10.2 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|October 2008
+
| October 2008 || 11 million
|11 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2008
+
| December 2008 || 11.5 million
|11.5 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2009
+
| March 2009 || 11.5 million
|11.5 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2009
+
| December 2009 || 11.5 million
|11.5 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|October 2010
+
| October 2010 || 12 million
|12 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2011
+
| March 2011 || 11.4 million
|11.4 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|June 2011
+
| June 2011 || 11.1 million
|11.1 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|September 2011
+
| September 2011 || 10.3 million
|10.3 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2011
+
| December 2011 || 10.2 million
|10.2 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|July 2012
+
| July 2012 || 9.1 million
|9.1 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|September 2012
+
| September 2012 || 10 million
|10 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2012
+
| December 2012 || 9.6 million
|9.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2013
+
| March 2013 || 8.3 million
|8.3 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|June 2013
+
| June 2013 || 7.7 million
|7.7 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|September 2013
+
| September 2013 || 7.6 million
|7.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2013
+
| December 2013 || 7.8 million
|7.8 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2014
+
| March 2014 || 7.6 million
|7.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|July 2014
+
| July 2014 || 6.8 million
|6.8 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|October 2014
+
| October 2014 || 7.4 million
|7.4 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|November 2014
+
| November 2014 || 10 million
|10 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|December 2014
+
| December 2014 || 10 million
|10 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|March 2015
+
| March 2015 || 7.1 million
|7.1 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|July 2015
+
| July 2015 || 5.6 million
|5.6 million
 
 
|-
 
|-
|November 2015
+
| November 2015 || 5.5 million
|5.5 million
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
==Awards==
 
{{Main|Blizzard Entertainment#World of Warcraft|label1=Blizzard Entertainment}}
 
 
==[[System requirements]]==
 
{{Main|System requirements}}
 
   
 
==Development==
 
==Development==
Line 323: Line 283:
 
 
 
===Pre-release===
 
===Pre-release===
 
[[File:WoWlogo old.png|thumb|alt=Original World of Warcraft logo|First and original [[logo]]]]
Development of ''World of Warcraft'' was first announced in September 2001<ref>Web Archive - Fusion NET: {{ref web|title=Blizzard Entertainment Announces World of Warcraft|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20071103122615/http://www.games-fusion.net/press/content/blizzard_entertainment_announc.php}}</ref> at the ECTS tradeshow. There was little fanfare in the original announcement, and the original development team consisted of around fifty individuals.<ref name = "Phenomenon">2018-05-09, [http://fandom.wikia.com/articles/wow-devs-project-titan-south-park?li_source=LI&li_medium=wikia-rail ‘WOW’ Devs On Project Titan, South Park & Accidentally Making an MMO Phenomenon]. ''Wikia'', retrieved on 2018-05-13</ref> Inspiration was taken from other MMOs such as ''{{wp|Ultima Online}}'' and ''{{wp|EverQuest}}'', using the lore and characters of ''Warcraft'' as the basis for the setting. It would be a risky venture, as the company had grown used to games passing the 1 million sales mark, whereas ''EverQuest'' had peaked at the 500,000 subscriber mark. While a subscription fee would help recoup costs, there was unease as to whether the game's reception would be as positive as Blizzard's previous games,<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/> and it was thought that the game would only appeal to pre-existing ''Warcraft'' fans.<ref name = "Phenomenon"/> Furthermore, few members of Blizzard had experience in developing MMOs, and while they enjoyed playing them, there was fears that the game would be overshadowed by ''Star Wars Galaxies'' and ''EverQuest 2''. When the game was first announced, members of the press often asked Blizzard as such, seeing them as "the RTS company."<ref>2018-05-16, [http://interactive.libsyn.com/jeff-kaplan-of-blizzard-entertainment Jeff Kaplan of Blizzard Entertainment]. ''AIAS'', retrieved on 2018-06-21</ref>
+
Development of ''World of Warcraft'' was first announced in September 2001<ref>Web Archive - Fusion NET: {{ref web|title=Blizzard Entertainment Announces World of Warcraft|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20071103122615/http://www.games-fusion.net/press/content/blizzard_entertainment_announc.php}}</ref> at the ECTS tradeshow. There was little fanfare in the original announcement, and the original development team consisted of around fifty individuals.<ref name = "Phenomenon">2018-05-09, [http://fandom.wikia.com/articles/wow-devs-project-titan-south-park?li_source=LI&li_medium=wikia-rail ‘WOW’ Devs On Project Titan, South Park & Accidentally Making an MMO Phenomenon]. ''Wikia'', retrieved on 2018-05-13</ref> Inspiration was taken from other MMOs such as ''{{wp|Ultima Online}}'' and ''{{wp|EverQuest}}'', using the lore and characters of ''Warcraft'' as the basis for the setting. It would be a risky venture, as the company had grown used to games passing the 1 million sales mark, whereas ''EverQuest'' had peaked at the 500,000 subscriber mark. While a subscription fee would help recoup costs, there was unease as to whether the game's reception would be as positive as Blizzard's previous games,<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/> and it was thought that the game would only appeal to pre-existing ''Warcraft'' fans.<ref name = "Phenomenon"/> Furthermore, few members of Blizzard had experience in developing MMOs, and while they enjoyed playing them, there was fears that the game would be overshadowed by ''Star Wars Galaxies'' and ''EverQuest 2''. When the game was first announced, members of the press often asked Blizzard as such, seeing them as "the RTS company."<ref>2018-05-16, [http://interactive.libsyn.com/jeff-kaplan-of-blizzard-entertainment Jeff Kaplan of Blizzard Entertainment]. ''AIAS'', retrieved on 2018-06-21</ref> By 2002, the game's visual design was being worked on.<ref>2015-05-27, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-origins-panel-transcript BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', retrieved on 2015-05-28</ref> There was initial pushback in Blizzard as to the Alliance/Horde faction divide, as some feared that some players wouldn't like it because they couldn't play with friends (if they chose different factions).<ref>2017-11-05, [http://heroesofthestorm.blizzpro.com/2017/11/04/blizzards-worlds-panel/ BEHIND BLIZZARD’S WORLDS PANEL]. ''Blizzpro'', retrieved on 2017-11-19</ref>
   
 
The game originally had a true to life day-night cycle, which dictated when events and spawns would happen. This idea was scrapped so that players wouldn't have to disrupt their real lives to do these time-specific activities.<ref name="ReforgingStrategy">''Game Informer #308: Reforging Real-time Strategy'', pg. 57</ref>
By 2002, the game's visual design was being worked on.<ref>2015-05-27, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-origins-panel-transcript BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', retrieved on 2015-05-28</ref> There was initial pushback in Blizzard as to the Alliance/Horde faction divide, as some feared that some players wouldn't like it because they couldn't play with friends (if they chose different factions).<ref>2017-11-05, [http://heroesofthestorm.blizzpro.com/2017/11/04/blizzards-worlds-panel/ BEHIND BLIZZARD’S WORLDS PANEL]. ''Blizzpro'', retrieved on 2017-11-19</ref>
 
   
  +
The game had a significant "crunch period" of development.<ref name = "ListenLegacy">2019-06-28, [https://www.diabloii.net/blog/comments/diablo-2-development-history-david-craddock Diablo 2 Legacy Recounted by Stay Awhile and Listen Author]. ''Diablo.net'', retrieved on 2019-07-03</ref>
The game originally had a true to life day-night cycle, which dictated when events and spawns would happen. This was scrapped in order that players wouldn't have to disrupt their real lives to do these time-specific activities.<ref name="ReforgingStrategy">''Game Informer #308: Reforging Real-time Strategy'', pg. 57</ref>
 
   
 
===Post-release===
 
===Post-release===
  +
[[File:WoW 2.0 logo old.png|thumb|alt=Second World of Warcraft logo|Second logo]]
The game released in late 2004. Surpassing expectations, the game had reached 5 million subscribers by the end of 2005. Blizzard had to develop tech and customer support on the fly in order to keep up with the demand.<ref name = "BlizzardLives">{{ref web|url = http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/10/3/6901193/blizzard-entertainment-three-lives|title=The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2014-10-04|author=Phillip Kolar|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> In 2007, Blizzard predicted that the game would last for five more years, which spurred them to develop ''Titan'' as their successive MMO.<ref>2017-09-22, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2017/09/22/overwatch-from-cancelled-project-to-game-of-the-year-ign-expert-mode-ep-3?watch OVERWATCH: FROM CANCELLED PROJECT TO GAME OF THE YEAR - IGN EXPERT MODE EP. 3]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2017-09-23</ref>
+
The game released in late 2004. Surpassing expectations, the game had reached 5 million subscribers by the end of 2005. Blizzard had to develop tech and customer support on the fly in order to keep up with the demand.<ref name = "BlizzardLives">{{ref web|url = http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/10/3/6901193/blizzard-entertainment-three-lives|title=The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2014-10-04|author=Phillip Kolar|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> Not only was it well received by the critics,<ref><nowiki>https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/world-of-warcraft</nowiki></ref> but it also became the best selling PC Game of 2005 and 2006.<ref><nowiki>https://web.archive.org/web/20080803184659/http://eu.blizzard.com/en/press/070306.html</nowiki></ref> It was recognized at the 2005 Spike TV Video Game Awards where it won ''Best PC Game'', ''Best Multiplayer Game'', ''Best RPG'', and ''Most Addictive Game''.<ref><nowiki>https://www.gamespot.com/articles/re4-named-game-of-year-at-spike-awards/1100-6140144/</nowiki></ref>
  +
  +
In 2007, Blizzard predicted that the game would last for five more years, which spurred them to develop ''Titan'' as their successive MMO.<ref>2017-09-22, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2017/09/22/overwatch-from-cancelled-project-to-game-of-the-year-ign-expert-mode-ep-3?watch OVERWATCH: FROM CANCELLED PROJECT TO GAME OF THE YEAR - IGN EXPERT MODE EP. 3]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2017-09-23</ref>
   
 
As of 2014, Blizzard's intended development pattern is to keep content at a relatively steady pace&mdash;still producing expansions, but with shorter gaps between content implementation.<ref name = "Revitalize">{{ref web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/11/04/blizzard-on-revitalising-world-of-warcraft| title= Blizzard on Revitalising World of Warcraft|acessdate=2014-11-04}}</ref> The game has been likened to a sandbox with content being added over time.<ref>2015-05-27, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-origins-panel-transcript/3 BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', retrieved on 2015-05-30</ref> Expansions are planned out in advance, with narrative threads in one expansion leading to events in the next.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22757604|title=BlizzCon Q&A Additional Questions|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2018-11-16|accessdate=2018-11-23|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20181117105454/https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22757604|archivedate=2018-11-17}}</ref>
 
As of 2014, Blizzard's intended development pattern is to keep content at a relatively steady pace&mdash;still producing expansions, but with shorter gaps between content implementation.<ref name = "Revitalize">{{ref web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/11/04/blizzard-on-revitalising-world-of-warcraft| title= Blizzard on Revitalising World of Warcraft|acessdate=2014-11-04}}</ref> The game has been likened to a sandbox with content being added over time.<ref>2015-05-27, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-origins-panel-transcript/3 BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', retrieved on 2015-05-30</ref> Expansions are planned out in advance, with narrative threads in one expansion leading to events in the next.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22757604|title=BlizzCon Q&A Additional Questions|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2018-11-16|accessdate=2018-11-23|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20181117105454/https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22757604|archivedate=2018-11-17}}</ref>
Line 338: Line 302:
 
As of June 2016, the ''World of Warcraft'' team comprises around 235 people.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-talks-world-of-warcraft-legacy-servers-and-mor-1781753136|title=Blizzard Talks World of Warcraft Legacy Servers And More|date=2016-06-10}}</ref>
 
As of June 2016, the ''World of Warcraft'' team comprises around 235 people.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-talks-world-of-warcraft-legacy-servers-and-mor-1781753136|title=Blizzard Talks World of Warcraft Legacy Servers And More|date=2016-06-10}}</ref>
   
 
=== System requirements ===
==Creatures==
 
  +
''The system requirements for the game evolved a lot from it's original version. Details of this evolution, and the current requirements, can be checked on [[System requirements|this article]].''
World of Warcraft is inhabited by a large number of creatures.
 
   
 
==Creatures==
The following creatures were added in Vanilla ''World of Warcraft'' before the release of expansions:
+
World of Warcraft is inhabited by a large number of creatures. The following creatures were added in Vanilla ''World of Warcraft'' before the release of expansions:{{columns|4|
{{columns|4|
 
 
;Humanoids
 
;Humanoids
 
* {{RaceIcon|CentaurKhan}}{{Race|Centaur}}
 
* {{RaceIcon|CentaurKhan}}{{Race|Centaur}}
Line 374: Line 338:
 
** {{RaceIcon|OgreMage}} Two headed ogre
 
** {{RaceIcon|OgreMage}} Two headed ogre
 
* {{RaceIcon|Orc|Boy}}{{RaceIcon|Orc|Girl}}{{Race|Orc}}
 
* {{RaceIcon|Orc|Boy}}{{RaceIcon|Orc|Girl}}{{Race|Orc}}
 
* {{RaceIcon|SpiritHealer}} [[Spirit Healer]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|QirajiProphet}}{{Race|Qiraji}}
 
* {{RaceIcon|QirajiProphet}}{{Race|Qiraji}}
 
* {{Race|Quilboar}}
 
* {{Race|Quilboar}}
Line 407: Line 372:
 
** {{RaceIcon|Saber}} [[Saber cat]]
 
** {{RaceIcon|Saber}} [[Saber cat]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Cougar}} [[Cougar]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Cougar}} [[Cougar]]
*** {{RaceIcon|Jaguar}} [[Jaguar]]
+
*** {{RaceIcon|Jaguar}}{{RaceIcon|Cheetah}} [[Jaguar]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Lion}} [[Lion]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Lion}} [[Lion]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Panther}} [[Panther]]
 
*** {{RaceIcon|Panther}} [[Panther]]
Line 456: Line 421:
 
* {{RaceIcon|Sheep}} [[Sheep]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Sheep}} [[Sheep]]
 
** {{RaceIcon|Ram}} [[Ram]]
 
** {{RaceIcon|Ram}} [[Ram]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|SilithidLarva}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidTank}}{{RaceIcon|Silithid}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidWaspQueen}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidWorker}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidScarab}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidColossus}} [[Silithid]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Serpent}}{{RaceIcon|Snake}} [[Snake]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Serpent}}{{RaceIcon|Snake}} [[Snake]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Spider}}{{RaceIcon|Tarantula}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderCrystal}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderLava}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderGiant}} [[Spider]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Spider}}{{RaceIcon|Tarantula}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderCrystal}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderLava}}{{RaceIcon|SpiderGiant}} [[Spider]]
* {{RaceIcon|SilithidLarva}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidTank}}{{RaceIcon|Silithid}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidWaspQueen}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidWorker}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidScarab}}{{RaceIcon|SilithidColossus}} [[Silithid]]
 
 
* {{RaceIcon|Squirrel}} [[Squirrel]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|Squirrel}} [[Squirrel]]
 
** {{RaceIcon|GroundSquirrel}} [[Ground squirrel]]
 
** {{RaceIcon|GroundSquirrel}} [[Ground squirrel]]
Line 515: Line 480:
 
* {{RaceIcon|SkeletalHorse}} [[Skeletal horse]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|SkeletalHorse}} [[Skeletal horse]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|SkeletalWindSerpent}} [[Skeletal wind serpent]]
 
* {{RaceIcon|SkeletalWindSerpent}} [[Skeletal wind serpent]]
* {{RaceIcon|SpiritHealer}} [[Spirit Healer]]
 
 
* {{RaceIcon|UndeadGnoll}} Undead gnoll
 
* {{RaceIcon|UndeadGnoll}} Undead gnoll
 
* {{RaceIcon|Sylvanas}} Undead high elf (in Vanilla introduced [[Sylvanas|as a single NPC]])
 
* {{RaceIcon|Sylvanas}} Undead high elf (in Vanilla introduced [[Sylvanas|as a single NPC]])
Line 579: Line 543:
 
* [[World of Warcraft: Legion#New creatures]]
 
* [[World of Warcraft: Legion#New creatures]]
 
* [[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth#New creatures]]
 
* [[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth#New creatures]]
 
* [[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands#New creatures]]
 
}}
 
}}
   
Line 584: Line 549:
 
*The [[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans missions#Introduction|introduction]] of ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' already greeted the player by welcoming him into the "World of Warcraft". Before its cancellation, the tagline of ''[[Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans]]'' was also supposed to be "An Adventure Game in the World of WarCraft".
 
*The [[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans missions#Introduction|introduction]] of ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' already greeted the player by welcoming him into the "World of Warcraft". Before its cancellation, the tagline of ''[[Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans]]'' was also supposed to be "An Adventure Game in the World of WarCraft".
 
*Blizzard has considered making a "[[Blizzard Entertainment#Rumored_games|World of Warcraft 2]]" since 2004.<ref>2014-08-11, [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-considered-wow-2-what-would-you-like-/1100-6421751/ Blizzard Has Considered WoW 2 -- What Would You Like to See?]. ''Gamespot'', retrieved on 2014-08-16</ref> [[J. Allen Brack]] has expressed doubts about the possibility of a sequel, stating that "there’s not really a great model for a successful sequel MMO."<ref>2015-08-13, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/08/13/gamescom-2015-blizzard-on-the-possibility-of-world-of-warcraft-2 GAMESCOM 2015: BLIZZARD ON THE POSSIBILITY OF WORLD OF WARCRAFT 2]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2015-08-14</ref>
 
*Blizzard has considered making a "[[Blizzard Entertainment#Rumored_games|World of Warcraft 2]]" since 2004.<ref>2014-08-11, [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-considered-wow-2-what-would-you-like-/1100-6421751/ Blizzard Has Considered WoW 2 -- What Would You Like to See?]. ''Gamespot'', retrieved on 2014-08-16</ref> [[J. Allen Brack]] has expressed doubts about the possibility of a sequel, stating that "there’s not really a great model for a successful sequel MMO."<ref>2015-08-13, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/08/13/gamescom-2015-blizzard-on-the-possibility-of-world-of-warcraft-2 GAMESCOM 2015: BLIZZARD ON THE POSSIBILITY OF WORLD OF WARCRAFT 2]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2015-08-14</ref>
*In China many models [[Localization info#China|had to be edited]] due to not being allowed to show bones. For some examples, see the trivia sections of [[Lord Marrowgar]], [[Sindragosa]], [[Winged Steed of the Ebon Blade]] and [[Forsaken]]. Bones and skulls are usually replaced by loaves of bread.
+
*In China, many models [[Localization info#China|had to be edited]] due to not being allowed to show bones. For some examples, see the trivia sections of [[Lord Marrowgar]], [[Sindragosa]], [[Winged Steed of the Ebon Blade]] and [[Forsaken]]. Bones and skulls are usually replaced by loaves of bread.
*[[Carbot Animations]] made cartoon-styled parodies of ''World of Warcraft'' called [[WowCraft]].
+
*Carbot Animations made cartoon-styled parodies of ''World of Warcraft'' called [[WowCraft]].
* ''World of Warcraft'' appears in the book, "''{{wp|1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die}}''".
+
*''World of Warcraft'' appears in the book, "''{{wp|1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die}}''".
* In 2018, ''World of Warcraft'' was #41 on [http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/41 IGN's Top 100 Video Games of All Time].
+
*In 2018, ''World of Warcraft'' was #41 on [http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/41 IGN's Top 100 Video Games of All Time].
* ''World of Warcraft'' is featured at the Computer History Museum's [http://www.computerhistory.org/exhibits/makesoftware/ Make Software: Change the World!] exhibit since they opened in January 2017.
+
*''World of Warcraft'' is featured at the Computer History Museum's [http://www.computerhistory.org/exhibits/makesoftware/ Make Software: Change the World!] exhibit since they opened in January 2017.
*On page 204 of the World of Warcraft instruction manual, the "Additional Thanks" section includes "Happy 30th to RUSH".
+
*On page 204 of the ''World of Warcraft'' instruction manual, the "Additional Thanks" section includes "Happy 30th to RUSH".
   
==Video==
+
==Videos==
 
<vplayer/>
 
<vplayer/>
 
*{{#vlink:MUtTX5oq2Jg|''World of Warcraft'' Trailer}}
 
*{{#vlink:MUtTX5oq2Jg|''World of Warcraft'' Trailer}}
Line 618: Line 583:
   
 
===Notes===
 
===Notes===
[[File:WoWlogo old.png|thumb|Original logo]]
 
 
The gameplay video displayed is the first, released on November 23, 2004. Other videos were also made before the European release.
 
The gameplay video displayed is the first, released on November 23, 2004. Other videos were also made before the European release.
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
  +
*[[World of Warcraft: Game Manual|Game manual]]
 
*[[Loading screen]]
 
*[[Loading screen]]
 
*[[Fansites|A listing of ''World of Warcraft''-related sites.]]
 
*[[Fansites|A listing of ''World of Warcraft''-related sites.]]
Line 627: Line 592:
 
*[[Timeline (World of Warcraft)]] for a timeline of game milestones since its announcement.
 
*[[Timeline (World of Warcraft)]] for a timeline of game milestones since its announcement.
 
*[[The World of Warcraft Townhall]]
 
*[[The World of Warcraft Townhall]]
  +
*[[EU English realms info]]
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
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==External links==
 
==External links==
<!-- Read https://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links before posting your links here.
+
<!-- Read https://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before posting your links here.
 
Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
 
Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
 
Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
 
Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
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*{{Elink|type=wikipedia|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft|desc=World of Warcraft}}
 
*{{Elink|type=wikipedia|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft|desc=World of Warcraft}}
 
*{{Elink|site=winehq.com|link=http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=23843|desc=The Official WineHQ website with info about ''World of Warcraft'' 4.2.x running with Wine.}}
 
*{{Elink|site=winehq.com|link=http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=23843|desc=The Official WineHQ website with info about ''World of Warcraft'' 4.2.x running with Wine.}}
 
   
 
{{Patches}}
 
{{Patches}}
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[[es:World of Warcraft]]
 
[[es:World of Warcraft]]
[[ko:월드 오브 워크래프트]]
 

Revision as of 08:10, 28 November 2020

For the classic server option dedicated to emulate the original experience, see World of Warcraft: Classic.
World of Warcraft
WoWlogo
Developer(s) Blizzard Entertainment
 After release: Team 2
Publisher(s) Blizzard Entertaiment[1]
Designer(s) Rob Pardo
Jeff Kaplan
Tom Chilton
Composer(s) Jason Hayes
Tracy W. Bush
Derek Duke
Glenn Stafford
Platforms Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, (Linux via Wine or Cedega)
Release NA: November 23, 2004
EU: February 11, 2005
CN: June 7, 2006
Latest release NA: 1.12.1
EU: 1.12.2
CN: 1.12.3
Genre(s) Massively multiplayer online role-playing
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Expansion packs chronology

World of Warcraft
(2004)
The Burning Crusade
(2007)

World of Warcraft, often abbreviated as WoW (or, when referring to the original game, vanilla, classic, or pre-BC), is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released on November 23, 2004, on the 10th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise, three years after its announcement on September 2, 2001.[2] It is the fourth released game set in the Warcraft universe, and takes place four years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.[3]

Selected World of Warcraft articles


Plot

Four years after the Battle of Mount Hyjal, tensions between the Alliance and the Horde begin to arise once again.[4] Intent on settling the arid region of Durotar, Thrall's new Horde expanded its ranks, inviting the undead Forsaken to join orcs, tauren, and trolls. Meanwhile, dwarves, gnomes and the ancient night elves pledged their loyalties to a reinvigorated Alliance, guided by the human kingdom of Stormwind. After Stormwind's king Varian Wrynn mysteriously disappeared, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon served as Regent, but his service was marred by the manipulations and mind control of the black dragon Onyxia, who ruled in disguise as a human noblewoman. As heroes investigated Onyxia's manipulations, ancient foes surfaced in lands throughout the world to menace Horde and Alliance alike.[5]

Updates

World of Warcraft box cover

An original box cover for World of Warcraft

There have been eight expansions to World of Warcraft:

Additionally, World of Warcraft: Classic, released on August 27, 2019,[14] provides a way to experience the game as it was before any expansions.

Over time, the game's expansions have been integrated into the base game. With the release of patch 9.0.1 released on October 13, 2020, all World of Warcraft subscribers (or those with game time) automatically have access to all of the content and features of all the expansions up to Battle for Azeroth at no additional cost.

Further story development is also made throughout its franchising, via online media, novels, comics, manga, RPG books, Trading Card Game, and board games.

Account levels

Main article: Account#World of Warcraft account levels

Features

Player Customization

Gameplay System

General System
  • A casual-friendly character progression system.
  • In-game trading, mail service, auction system, text and voice chat.
  • Two server types: Normal and RP.
    • (two server types PvP, and RPPvP were removed with Battle for Azeroth)
PvE and PvP Systems
Events
Lore
  • Continues and expands the lore from the Warcraft universe.
  • Streamlined questlines and NPC-voiced storytelling.
User Interface and Customer Support
  • Customize AddOn and Interface with some game commands support.
  • Client seamlessly supports both Mac and Windows operating systems. Linux users can play via Wine, however this is not supported and can be buggy at times.

Availability

  • North America (English-US - US & Canada).
    • Oceania (English-US - Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand).
    • Latin America (Spanish).
    • Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese, 2011).
  • Europe (English-UK, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese-Brazilian, Italian).
  • South Korea.
  • China (Simplified and Traditional Chinese; including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau).

Subscriber numbers

Subscribers chart

World of Warcraft Subscribers Chart.

World of Warcraft's subscriber numbers have fluctuated tremendously over the years. With a peak of 12 million monthly subscribers in October 2010,[15] World of Warcraft remains among the most popular MMORPGs[7][16] and holds the Guinness World Record for the world's most popular subscription-based MMORPG.[17][18][19][20] Though World of Warcraft had dropped to 7.4 million subscribers as of the release of patch 6.0.2[21], when the Warlords of Draenor expansion released a few weeks later it briefly jumped all the way back up to 10 million[22] before settling back down to 7.1 million.[23] In the final report in October 2015, there were 5.5 million subscribers.[24]

In January 2014 it was announced that more than 100 million accounts and 500 million characters had been created over the game's lifetime, with players in 244 different countries.[25][26]

In November 2015 Blizzard announced that they would no longer give regular updates of subscriber numbers, as they felt there were better performance metrics they could use.[27] For a graphical representation of subscriber numbers up to November 2015, click here.

Date Subscribers
December 2004 400 thousand
March 2005 1.5 million
June 2005 3.25 million
September 2005 4.25 million
December 2005 5.6 million
March 2006 6.4 million
June 2006 6.6 million
September 2006 7 million
January 2007 8 million
March 2007 8.5 million
June 2007 8.8 million
December 2007 9.75 million
February 2008 10.2 million
October 2008 11 million
December 2008 11.5 million
March 2009 11.5 million
December 2009 11.5 million
October 2010 12 million
March 2011 11.4 million
June 2011 11.1 million
September 2011 10.3 million
December 2011 10.2 million
July 2012 9.1 million
September 2012 10 million
December 2012 9.6 million
March 2013 8.3 million
June 2013 7.7 million
September 2013 7.6 million
December 2013 7.8 million
March 2014 7.6 million
July 2014 6.8 million
October 2014 7.4 million
November 2014 10 million
December 2014 10 million
March 2015 7.1 million
July 2015 5.6 million
November 2015 5.5 million

Development

See also: World of Warcraft evolution guide

Nomad

The history of World of Warcraft has its origins in Project Nomad. Accounts differ as to the timing of this project, some stating that work began on it after the release of StarCraft,[28] others that development on the game had begun prior to the "crunch period" of StarCraft's development, and as a result, developers were transferred to work on the RTS game.[29] Nomad itself was to be a sci-fi squad-based shooter, some of its developers taking inspiration from Necromunda, others from Final Fantasy.[30] Those in the former camp conceptualized a squad-based game where players would build up squads of soldiers, upgrade their abilities, find new guns, and go online to challenge other players' armies. Those in the latter camp wanted an adventure/RPG game.[31]

The lack of direction didn't help and the game was scrapped in favor of World of Warcraft.[30] During development, Kevin Beardslee and Bill Petras wanted to make something else entirely different from what Nomad was, specifically a more accessible version of EverQuest. Nomad was scrapped and development on World of Warcraft began two days later.[31]

Pre-release

Original World of Warcraft logo

First and original logo

Development of World of Warcraft was first announced in September 2001[32] at the ECTS tradeshow. There was little fanfare in the original announcement, and the original development team consisted of around fifty individuals.[33] Inspiration was taken from other MMOs such as Ultima Online and EverQuest, using the lore and characters of Warcraft as the basis for the setting. It would be a risky venture, as the company had grown used to games passing the 1 million sales mark, whereas EverQuest had peaked at the 500,000 subscriber mark. While a subscription fee would help recoup costs, there was unease as to whether the game's reception would be as positive as Blizzard's previous games,[34] and it was thought that the game would only appeal to pre-existing Warcraft fans.[33] Furthermore, few members of Blizzard had experience in developing MMOs, and while they enjoyed playing them, there was fears that the game would be overshadowed by Star Wars Galaxies and EverQuest 2. When the game was first announced, members of the press often asked Blizzard as such, seeing them as "the RTS company."[35] By 2002, the game's visual design was being worked on.[36] There was initial pushback in Blizzard as to the Alliance/Horde faction divide, as some feared that some players wouldn't like it because they couldn't play with friends (if they chose different factions).[37]

The game originally had a true to life day-night cycle, which dictated when events and spawns would happen. This idea was scrapped so that players wouldn't have to disrupt their real lives to do these time-specific activities.[38]

The game had a significant "crunch period" of development.[39]

Post-release

Second World of Warcraft logo

Second logo

The game released in late 2004. Surpassing expectations, the game had reached 5 million subscribers by the end of 2005. Blizzard had to develop tech and customer support on the fly in order to keep up with the demand.[34] Not only was it well received by the critics,[40] but it also became the best selling PC Game of 2005 and 2006.[41] It was recognized at the 2005 Spike TV Video Game Awards where it won Best PC Game, Best Multiplayer Game, Best RPG, and Most Addictive Game.[42]

In 2007, Blizzard predicted that the game would last for five more years, which spurred them to develop Titan as their successive MMO.[43]

As of 2014, Blizzard's intended development pattern is to keep content at a relatively steady pace—still producing expansions, but with shorter gaps between content implementation.[44] The game has been likened to a sandbox with content being added over time.[45] Expansions are planned out in advance, with narrative threads in one expansion leading to events in the next.[46]

On October 30, 2014, lead designer Ion Hazzikostas stated that World of Warcraft will still be around at its 20th anniversary, in 2024.[47]

As of June 2016, the World of Warcraft team comprises around 235 people.[48]

System requirements

The system requirements for the game evolved a lot from it's original version. Details of this evolution, and the current requirements, can be checked on this article.

Creatures

World of Warcraft is inhabited by a large number of creatures. The following creatures were added in Vanilla World of Warcraft before the release of expansions:

Humanoids
Giants
Beasts
Dragonkin
Demons
Undead
Mechanical
Elemental
Aberration

And many creatures are added in each World of Warcraft expansion:

Trivia

Videos

Notes

The gameplay video displayed is the first, released on November 23, 2004. Other videos were also made before the European release.

See also

References

 
  1. ^ The Activision/Blizzard Merger: Five Key Points. Industry News (2007-12-03). Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved on 2018-03-05.
  2. ^ Blizzard Entertainment announces World of Warcraft. Games Fusion (2003-09-05). Archived from the original on 2007-11-03. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  3. ^ Fiction Timeline. Blizzard Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2010-12-04. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  4. ^ WoW official trailer
  5. ^ Story of Warcraft: chapter 8
  6. ^ World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade shatters day-1 sales record. Blizzard Entertainment (2007-01-23). Archived from the original on 2007-01-26. Retrieved on 2018-03-05.
  7. ^ a b World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Shatters Day-1 Sales Record. Blizzard Entertainment (2008-01-23). Archived from the original on 2008-02-26. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  8. ^ World of Warcraftft®: Cataclysm™ In Stores Starting December 7. Blizzard Entertainment (2010-10-04). Retrieved on 2010-10-04.
  9. ^ Mists of Pandaria Launches September 25, 2012 – Pre-Sales NOW OPEN. Blizzard Entertainment (2012-07-25). Archived from the original on 2018-03-05. Retrieved on 2018-03-15.
  10. ^ Warlords of Draenor Launches 11/13—Watch the Cinematic & Lords of War: Part One Now!. Blizzard Entertainment (2014-08-14). Retrieved on 2018-03-05.
  11. ^ Andy Chalk 2016-04-19. World of Warcraft: Legion will arrive in August. PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  12. ^ Battle for Azeroth™: One Launch to Rule Them All. Blizzard Entertainment (2018-06-07). Retrieved on 2018-06-07.
  13. ^ Shadowlands: Story Trailer
  14. ^ Mike Minotti 2017-11-03. WoW Classic Launch and Testing Schedule. Venture Beat. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  15. ^ WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SUBSCRIBER BASE REACHES 12 MILLION WORLDWIDE.
  16. ^ GigaOM Top 10 Most Popular MMOs. Gigaom (2007-06-13). Archived from the original on 2010-07-01. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  17. ^ Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition - Records - PC Gaming. Archived from the original on 2008-04-05. Retrieved on 2009-10-17.
  18. ^ [Craig]. Guinness World Records 2009, 241. ISBN 9780553592566. “Most popular MMORPG game(sic) In terms of the number of online subscribers, World of Warcraft is the most popular Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), with 10 million subscribers as of January 2008.” 
  19. ^ Becky Williams 2009-08-24. Video: Backstage at BlizzCon 2009:Thousands of World of Warcraft fans descend on southern California for Blizzard's epic gaming convention. The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2009-09-01. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  20. ^ Mark Langshaw 2009-06-06. Guinness announces gaming world records. Digital Spy Limited. Archived from the original on 2009-09-01. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  21. ^ WoW Up to 7.4 Million Subscribers. Retrieved on 2014-10-14.
  22. ^ WORLD OF WARCRAFT® SURPASSES 10 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS AS WARLORDS OF DRAENOR™ LAUNCH BEGINS. Retrieved on 2014-11-19.
  23. ^ WoW Down to 7.1 Million Subscribers. Retrieved on 2015-05-06.
  24. ^ Activision No Longer Has To Fear Declining 'World of Warcraft' Subscriptions. Forbes (2015-11-03). Archived from the original on 2015-11-03. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  25. ^ Blizzard reaches 100M lifetime World of Warcraft accounts. Polygon (2014-01-28). Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved on 2018-03-06.
  26. ^ World of Warcraft: Azeroth by the Numbers. Blizzard Entertainment (2014-01-28).
  27. ^ Blizzard Will No Longer Report World of Warcraft Subscriber Numbers
  28. ^ Mike Morhaime, Phoenix995. 2008-10-11. Blizzcon 2008 Interview Mike Morhaime. Youtube. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
  29. ^ 2018, Blizzard’s Project Nomad was partially eaten by StarCraft. PC Gamer, accessed on 2018-10-08
  30. ^ a b 2012-11-01, Author: Blizzard's Nomad gave way to World of Warcraft. Game Shack, retrieved on 2013-05-29
  31. ^ a b 2012-11-01, Community Spotlight: The man behind the book of Blizzard. Shack News, retrieved on 2018-10-08
  32. ^ Web Archive - Fusion NET: Blizzard Entertainment Announces World of Warcraft.
  33. ^ a b 2018-05-09, ‘WOW’ Devs On Project Titan, South Park & Accidentally Making an MMO Phenomenon. Wikia, retrieved on 2018-05-13
  34. ^ a b Phillip Kolar. The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment. Polygon. Retrieved on 2014-10-04.
  35. ^ 2018-05-16, Jeff Kaplan of Blizzard Entertainment. AIAS, retrieved on 2018-06-21
  36. ^ 2015-05-27, BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript. Blizzplanet, retrieved on 2015-05-28
  37. ^ 2017-11-05, BEHIND BLIZZARD’S WORLDS PANEL. Blizzpro, retrieved on 2017-11-19
  38. ^ Game Informer #308: Reforging Real-time Strategy, pg. 57
  39. ^ 2019-06-28, Diablo 2 Legacy Recounted by Stay Awhile and Listen Author. Diablo.net, retrieved on 2019-07-03
  40. ^ https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/world-of-warcraft
  41. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20080803184659/http://eu.blizzard.com/en/press/070306.html
  42. ^ https://www.gamespot.com/articles/re4-named-game-of-year-at-spike-awards/1100-6140144/
  43. ^ 2017-09-22, OVERWATCH: FROM CANCELLED PROJECT TO GAME OF THE YEAR - IGN EXPERT MODE EP. 3. IGN, retrieved on 2017-09-23
  44. ^ Blizzard on Revitalising World of Warcraft.
  45. ^ 2015-05-27, BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Origins Panel Transcript. Blizzplanet, retrieved on 2015-05-30
  46. ^ BlizzCon Q&A Additional Questions. Blizzard Entertainment (2018-11-16). Archived from the original on 2018-11-17. Retrieved on 2018-11-23.
  47. ^ Colin Campbell 2014-10-30. Blizzard is planning on World of Warcraft still being around in 2024. Polygon. Retrieved on 2014-10-30.
  48. ^ Blizzard Talks World of Warcraft Legacy Servers And More (2016-06-10).
  49. ^ 2014-08-11, Blizzard Has Considered WoW 2 -- What Would You Like to See?. Gamespot, retrieved on 2014-08-16
  50. ^ 2015-08-13, GAMESCOM 2015: BLIZZARD ON THE POSSIBILITY OF WORLD OF WARCRAFT 2. IGN, retrieved on 2015-08-14

External links

Template:Guides