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World of Warcraft

General Info

World of Warcraft logo
AwardsGame Developers Choice Awards - Game of the Year 2005
GenresMMORPG
ArtistsChris Metzen
WritersChris Metzen
Game NameWorld of Warcraft
ComposersRussell Brower, Jason Hayes, Derek Duke
LanguagesMultilingual
PlaymodesMultiplayer
DevelopersBlizzard Entertainment
Game EngineCustom
Release Date2004-11-23
Social Mediahttps://www.facebook.com/Warcraft/
Game PlatformsPC, Mac
Publisher NameBlizzard Entertainment
Country of OriginUnited States
Publishers Websiteshttps://www.blizzard.com/, https://worldofwarcraft.com/

Welcome to the World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the fantasy universe of Azeroth. Players create their own characters and embark on epic adventures in a world filled with magic, danger, and wonder.

There are two factions in the game, the Alliance and the Horde, each with its own unique races and cultures. Players can choose to play as humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, draenei, worgen, pandaren, or the new allied races of Kul Tiran humans and Dark Iron dwarves in the Alliance; or orcs, trolls, tauren, undead, blood elves, goblins, pandaren, or the new allied races of Mag'har orcs and Zandalari trolls in the Horde.

Once players have created their characters, they can explore Azeroth’s vast and richly detailed world, complete quests, battle fierce creatures, and interact with other players. The game offers a wide range of activities such as dungeons, raids, player vs. player combat, and a variety of professions, each with its own unique benefits and rewards.

  • Choose your faction and create your own character
  • Explore Azeroth’s vast and richly detailed world
  • Complete quests, battle fierce creatures and interact with other players
  • Experience a range of activities like dungeons, raids, and professions

Join the World of Warcraft community today and discover an epic world of adventure, magic, and lore.

Screenshots

'World of Warcraft' game screenshots
'World of Warcraft' game screenshots
'World of Warcraft' game screenshots
'World of Warcraft' game screenshots
'World of Warcraft' game screenshots
'World of Warcraft' game screenshots

Overview

World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, or a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. It was developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004, and has since become one of the most popular games in the gaming industry. In the world of Azeroth, players can create their own characters (or avatars), explore vast landscapes, and interact with other players from around the globe. Upon creating a character, players can join one of two factions: the Alliance or the Horde. The Alliance consists of humans, dwarves, gnomes, night elves, worgen, draenei, and the recently added Void elves, Lightforged Draenei, and Dark Iron dwarves. The Horde is made up of orcs, trolls, tauren, Forsaken, blood elves, goblins, and the more recent additions of Mag'har orcs, Zandalari trolls, and Vulpera. Each race has unique abilities and skills that players can use to their advantage in combat. The world of Azeroth is vast and diverse, with numerous zones to explore. There are thirteen playable races, with seven different classes that players can choose from: Warriors, Paladins, Death Knights, Priests, Shamans, Mages, and Warlocks. Each class has its own unique playstyle, skillsets, and abilities that make them suited for different roles in battle. Warriors, for example, are melee fighters who can deal massive amounts of damage, while Warlocks are masters of dark magic, able to blast their enemies with a variety of spells. Throughout the world, players can encounter a vast array of monsters, known as "mobs," that roam Azeroth. Completing quests is a big part of the game, and players can earn rewards and experience points by completing them. Quests in World of Warcraft are typically given to players by non-playable characters (NPCs) and often involve killing mobs, retrieving items, or delivering messages. The game also has a robust crafting system, where players can create their own items and gear. Players can choose from several different professions, such as blacksmithing, fishing, or tailoring, to name a few. Gathering materials and resources is necessary for crafting, and players can sell their creations on the in-game auction house to other players. World of Warcraft also has a significant focus on player versus player (PvP) combat. Players can engage in battles against other players in designated zones known as battlegrounds or arenas. These battles can be fought one-on-one or in teams, and different battlegrounds have different objectives, such as capturing a flag or holding a point. As players progress through the game, they can earn experience points and level up, gaining access to new powers, spells, gear, and abilities. The maximum level in World of Warcraft is currently level 60, however, every new expansion raises the maximum level. In conclusion, World of Warcraft is an immersive and exciting game, filled with countless adventures, quests, and battles against formidable foes. The rich lore, vast world, and dynamic gameplay make World of Warcraft a game that players can enjoy for years to come. Whether players prefer exploring the vast landscape or engaging in epic battles, there is an experience waiting for everyone in the world of Azeroth.

Trailer

Gameplay

Gameplay in World of Warcraft is a unique and engaging experience that has kept players coming back for well over a decade. While the game has undergone several changes and updates over the years, there are still some core mechanics that remain the same. Let's take a closer look at what makes World of Warcraft gameplay so addicting. To start, character creation is a core mechanic that sets the stage for the entire game. Players can customize their characters by choosing from a variety of races and classes, which offer different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. As a result, the gameplay experience can differ greatly depending on which character you choose to play. For example, a mage might rely heavily on spellcasting and kiting enemies around, while a warrior would be better suited to tanking enemies and dishing out melee damage. Once you have created your character, you will be introduced to the game's world. The world of Azeroth is a vast and diverse landscape, filled with different environments, biomes, and creatures. Players must navigate this world while completing quests, battling enemies, and earning experience points (XP) to level up their characters. Questing is a core aspect of gameplay in World of Warcraft, and there are hundreds of quests to complete, each with their own rewards, storylines, and challenges. Quests are designed to lead players through the game's story, introduce new characters, and give players a sense of progression as they level up and explore different parts of the world. Additionally, quests often reward players with valuable gear, experience points, and reputation points, which can all be useful in progressing further in the game. Combat is another core gameplay mechanic in World of Warcraft. Combat in World of Warcraft is fast-paced and engaging, with a variety of abilities and spells available to players. Each class has its own unique set of abilities, offering different strengths and weaknesses in battle. Players must strategize and adapt their playstyle to suit different enemies and encounters, which keeps combat engaging and challenging throughout the game. One of the most interesting aspects of gameplay in World of Warcraft is the social element. Players can team up and form groups with other players to complete quests, explore dungeons, and tackle end-game content. This element of gameplay encourages players to work together, strategize, and communicate effectively, making for a more engaging and enjoyable experience overall. Lastly, end-game content offers the most challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences in World of Warcraft. End-game content includes dungeons, raids, and PvP battles, all of which require players to have advanced levels of skill and coordination to successfully complete. Rewards for completing end-game content can include rare loot, reputation points, and bragging rights amongst other players. In conclusion, World of Warcraft's gameplay offers a unique and engaging experience that has kept players coming back for over a decade. Whether you're a fan of questing, combat, socializing, or end-game content, there is something for everyone in this vast and immersive world. So why not step into Azeroth and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

Gameplay video

Plot

As you enter the vast world of Azeroth, you find that things have changed. A great darkness has enveloped the land, and the peace that once reigned across the continents is long gone. The Horde and the Alliance, once bound by a fragile peace, find themselves at each other's throats yet again. The shamans and their allies have gained a new source of power, and with it, they have risen to power in many regions. Meanwhile, the rise of a new evil threatens to destroy everything in its path. At the heart of this conflict stands a young hero or heroine, who must navigate this world and choose their path carefully. Depending on whom they ally themselves with and how they conduct themselves, they may find themselves helping bring peace to the realm or helping to fan the flames of war. The story of World of Warcraft begins with the rise of the Burning Legion, a force of demons from another dimension that seeks to invade and conquer Azeroth. Led by the dark titan Sargeras, the Legion has been pushed back time and again by the courageous heroes of Azeroth, but their threat remains ever-present. With the tensions between the Horde and the Alliance at an all-time high, the Legion sees an opportunity to strike a fatal blow to their foes. They launch a massive assault on the Broken Shore, a region long held by the Horde and the Alliance, and nearly succeed in their goal of destroying their enemies' fleets. The battle in the Broken Shore results in the death of some of Azeroth's greatest heroes and the destruction of the fleet. The surviving leaders of the Horde and the Alliance, horrified by the loss of life and the danger posed by the Legion, agree to join forces and launch a counter-attack. As you journey through Azeroth, you will encounter the many factions that make up this world. These factions include the night elves, dwarves, humans, tauren, orcs, trolls, and others. Each has their own agenda, and each is willing to fight for what they believe in. The Legion continues to be a looming threat on the horizon, but it is not the only danger. Another evil is stirring in the world, an evil that seeks to destroy all life and dominate the realm. This threat comes in the form of an ancient, powerful being known as the Old God. With his armies of monstrous creatures and his vast armies, he seeks to enslave all life and bend it to his will. In the end, the fate of Azeroth rests on the shoulders of you, the player. Will you join the Horde or the Alliance in their fight for survival? Will you fight against the Legion or embrace its power? Will you help to save the realm or bring about its destruction? In the world of World of Warcraft, the choices are all yours to make.

Development

Development of World of Warcraft World of Warcraft, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, was released in 2004 and has since become a cultural phenomenon in the gaming world. The development of WoW started in the late 1990s, when Blizzard started working on a new MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) project that aimed to be different than any other. Blizzard had already made a name for itself with other successful games including Diablo and StarCraft. It had dedicated employees who wanted to create the best game possible, so a lot of research and planning went into the early stages of development. The development team was passionate about the game and wanted to create a fully realized universe where players could lose themselves for hours at a time. One of the most important aspects of the game's development was the creation of the Warcraft universe. This had already been established with the release of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994, but the development team still needed to expand upon that universe to make the game more engaging. The game's lore is extensive and continues to expand with each new release. WoW's UI was a huge challenge for the development team, since its clear and easy to understand instructions needed to be presented in an attractive and intuitive manner. Over time, several versions of the UI were tested until the final one was selected. Today, the game's UI is one of its most recognizable aspects, with its unique and colorful look. Another important aspect of the game's development was the design of the cities and landscapes that make up the world of Azeroth. The game has several continents that are divided into various biomes, each with its distinct climate and terrain. This diversity makes exploring the game world a thrilling experience, with new challenges, quests, and monsters to be found around every corner. One of the key success factors of WoW was its attention to detail. Every weapon, armor, and even the smallest of items had to fit in with the game's universe and aesthetic. Each company or organization portrayed in the game had its own unique insignia and flag. Throughout its development, WoW went through several periods of testing and feedback, which helped refine the game and make it more enjoyable for players. This process greatly contributed to the game's success and stability. The game has been updated multiple times since its release with new content and expansions, adding hours of playtime to an already extensive game. Without these updates, the game's longevity would have been severely impacted. Each expansion brought new features, quests, items, and storylines to the game, making it feel like a new experience every time. Overall, the development of World of Warcraft was a triumph of creativity and dedication. Blizzard's resources, expertise, and passion for the game created a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, with WoW still being played by millions of people worldwide. The developers were able to take players on a journey to a fully realized and engaging universe where they could create their own stories and experiences. In conclusion, the development of WoW was a challenging and rewarding process that brought to life a game that has delivered countless hours of fun to its players. The game's attention to detail, storyline, and design has set a benchmark that other MMORPGs will further try to emulate. With its continued success and large player base, it's safe to say that WoW will continue to be a household name in the gaming world for years to come.

Release

World of Warcraft Release

Welcome to the mystical world of Azeroth, the land of magic and adventure. World of Warcraft is the most demanding online role-playing game that offers you the best gaming experience. You can experience the world of magic, fortune, and strategy by immersing yourself in this fantasy world. The release of the World of Warcraft game has been a momentous occasion in the gaming industry as it has revolutionized the way people play games. Being one of the iconic games of all time, World of Warcraft has become the benchmark for all the upcoming gaming studios.

The journey of World of Warcraft started on November 23, 2004, when the game was released for the first time in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The fanfare and excitement for the game were immense. Thousands of people lined up outside gaming stores to purchase the game on the first day of its release. The game quickly gained popularity, and its user base grew exponentially.

The initial release of World of Warcraft presented players with four playable races and eight classes. As the game progressed, the player’s character advanced in level and learned new skills or spells. The game's storyline revolves around two warring factions, the Alliance, and the Horde. The game also featured player vs. player battles and raid bosses. The game’s interface and graphics were breathtaking and immersive, which quickly became a standard for online games.

World of Warcraft’s success at the time of its release can be comprehended by a few numbers. On the release day, the game sold 240,000 copies in North America alone, making it the fastest selling PC game of all time. The game eventually became a global phenomenon, with more than 100 million accounts created worldwide, and the user base continues to grow to this day.

In subsequent years, World of Warcraft released seven expansions, each with a unique storyline and new features. The expansions added new zones to explore, new playable classes and races, new bosses to defeat, and new lore to discover.

The first expansion pack, The Burning Crusade, was released on January 16, 2007, and it took the players to the Outland, a shattered land beyond the Dark Portal. This expansion brought new levels of gameplay to World of Warcraft, including the inclusion of flying mounts, new arenas, and dungeons. In addition, it introduced the Blood Elf race and the Dranei race.

The second expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich King, was released on November 13, 2008. This expansion took the players to Northrend, where they battled against the Lich King Arthas. The expansion introduced a new hero class, the Death Knight, which started at level 55. The players also witnessed a new profession, Inscription, and new spells.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, the third expansion pack, came out on December 7, 2010. Cataclysm caused a world-shattering event that redesigned the game's original zones, allowing for new quests and another way of leveling it. The game also boasted the inclusion of two new races and two new playable classes.

On September 25, 2012, the fourth expansion pack, Mists of Pandaria, was released. The expansion brought a new continent and a new playable Pandaren race to the World Of Warcraft. The players could choose to join either the Horde or the Alliance after reaching level 10. The expansion gave the players new weapon effects, new talent system, and a pet battle system.

The fifth expansion pack of World of Warcraft, Warlords of Draenor, was released on November 13, 2014. The expansion introduced a new world of Draenor, which was set before the events of the original Warcraft game. The players could leap through time and explore the world's past. This expansion also incorporated new zones, dungeons, and raids.

On August 30, 2016, the sixth expansion pack, Legion, was released. Legion introduced a new innovative artifact weapon system. The players could design their legendary weapons, empowering their characters beyond what was previously thought possible. It also introduced a new class, the Demon Hunter, along with new zones, raids, and dungeons.

The seventh and the latest expansion pack, Battle for Azeroth, was released on August 14, 2018. In Battle for Azeroth, players choose one of two factions, Alliance and Horde, to fight for supremacy in the world of Azeroth. The expansion pack delivers outstanding gameplay designed to present a mix of PvE and PvP gameplay, diverse new zones, dungeons, and raids. The update also introduced new features, including new allies to unlock, new race armour, and more.

After two decades of existence, World of Warcraft is still going strong. The game's impact can be felt across every major gaming channel today, where it is a culturally significant game. World of Warcraft will remain a fascinating and an engaging game for years to come, encouraging players to explore new levels and thrilling gameplay.

Are you ready to join the bandwagon? Dive into the magical world of Azeroth to experience the thrilling world of World of Warcraft.

Reception

The Reception Welcome to the world of Azeroth! Here in the Reception, we aim to provide all our new players with the support and guidance needed to begin their adventure in this magical universe! As you enter the Reception, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will guide you through the initial steps of starting your journey. This is where you can customize and create your own unique character! Choose your race, class, and appearance to make your character stand out and reflect who you are. The Reception is also an excellent place to learn about the game mechanics and basic controls to start playing. Here, we will give you a brief explanation of how to move your character, interact with non-playable characters, and how to use your spells or abilities. We understand that for some, the mechanics can be complicated at first, but our staff is always here to help and answer any questions you may have! Upon completion of the tutorial, you will be given a quest from one of our friendly NPCs to complete. This quest is designed to guide you through the game's mechanics and basic storyline. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet players and interact with others on the same questline. Engaging with the community quickly is crucial, as playing with others is the core of the WoW experience. As you progress further in the game, there are exciting new challenges and adventures to embark on. Dungeons, raids, and PvP (player versus player) await, but before jumping to more challenging content, we recommend taking the time to get familiar with your class and spells. Each class has unique abilities essential for success in different content. Take the time to train and practice them, and as always, don't hesitate to ask our team for guidance and tips! Lastly, keep in mind that there are factions that exist and compete with each other. You may come across other players who are fighting for the opposite faction. Although player versus player can be thrilling, keep in mind that there are rules and guidelines for conduct in WoW as it is essential to maintain a fun and fair environment. In conclusion, the Reception is an essential place to start your WoW journey. From creating your unique character to receiving a quest to complete, it's the perfect platform to get started and explore the vast World of Warcraft universe. Our staff is always here to assist and ensure your time in Azeroth is enjoyable. May the old gods and the light guide you in this epic adventure!

Cultural impact

World of Warcraft has been an iconic game in the gaming industry since its first release in 2004. Its unique storyline, distinctive universe, and immersive gameplay have shaped the gaming industry for the last 15 years. However, World of Warcraft has not only impacted the gaming industry, but it has also influenced popular culture and created a significant cultural impact around the world. Its influence can be seen in various forms, such as music, movies, TV shows, and even fashion. One of the most significant impacts of World of Warcraft is its influence on the music industry. Many musicians and rock bands have referenced the game in their songs or have created music inspired by World of Warcraft. Popular bands such as Megadeth and Cannibal Corpse have even incorporated references to the game in their lyrics. Additionally, World of Warcraft has inspired the creation of a music genre called 'epic music,' which is characterized by its grandiose and adventurous sound. World of Warcraft has not only influenced music, but it has also impacted the film and TV industries. The game's unique universe and intriguing storyline have inspired the creation of movies, TV series, and documentaries. The most notable example of this is the World of Warcraft movie, which was released in 2016 and grossed over $439 million worldwide. The movie's success shows the mass appeal of the game's universe and storyline. Besides, the game's universe has been the inspiration for several TV shows, such as popular animation series South Park, which spoofed the game in one of its episodes. The game has impacted fashion too. World of Warcraft has a vast community of fans who are passionate about the game and its universe. The players have created their own subculture within the gaming community, and they have influenced and inspired the fashion industry. The game's characters and costumes have been the inspiration for several fashion collections, including the designer label ROGUE. The brand's collection included a range of clothing and accessories inspired by the game's universe, such as t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and bags. Furthermore, World of Warcraft has had an impact on the language and expressions used in popular culture. The unique terminology and slang used in the game's community has infiltrated mainstream culture and inspired internet memes and viral videos. Words like 'tank,' 'healer,' and 'guild' have become a common language used by gamers and non-gamers alike, and many people who have never played the game recognize and understand these words. World of Warcraft has also influenced the social and political culture. The game has a diverse community of players from around the world, and it encourages players to interact with each other regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. The game's social interaction has encouraged tolerance, empathy, and respect among its players and has inspired similar behavior in the real world. Besides, the World of Warcraft universe has often been used as a metaphor or analogy for real-world social and political situations. Examples of this include a 2010 Iranian election protest where individuals used World of Warcraft terminology to communicate secretly and a 2009 Taiwan protest against alleged election fraud, where players in World of Warcraft formed a virtual protest in-game. In conclusion, World of Warcraft has had a significant cultural impact on the world beyond the gaming industry. Its influence can be seen in various forms of popular culture, such as music, fashion, TV shows, films, language, and social and political culture. The game's impact has not only shaped the gaming industry, but it has also enriched and influenced the world's popular culture, making it a timeless classic that will be remembered for years to come.