More on the Popular MMORPG: World of Warcraft
What is a MMORPG? MMORPG’s are large multi-user games that take place in perpetual online worlds with hundreds or thousands of other players. MMORPG’s can also include computer role-playing games in which each player controls an avatar that interacts with other players, completes tasks to gain experience, and acquires items. Today, there are over 200 MMORPG’s in the market. One such game is the World of Warcraft. Blizzard Entertainment brings this game to us.
World of Warcraft is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe. The first three were of the real time strategy genre. Each game proceeded to carry on the storyline of the previous games. World of Warcraft takes place within the Warcraft world of Azeroth, approximately four years after the events at the conclusion of Blizzard’s previous Warcraft release, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. World of Warcraft deviated from the earlier trend of real-time strategy genre and launched as a MMORPG. Post its launch in 2004, it soon became number one subscription based MMORPG. Subsequently, Blizzard launched three expansion packs: The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King and Cataclysm.
As with other MMORPG’s, players control an avatar within a game world in third- or first-person view, exploring the landscape, fighting various monsters, completing quests, and interacting with other players or non-player characters. With the release of Cataclysm, Blizzard has raised the level cap from 80 to 85. Blizzard redesigned Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms with a modified appearance and some new towns. Almost 3500 new quests, 7 new dungeons and 4 new raids have been added. Subsequently, Blizzard released Cataclysm patches 4.0.1, which was a systems patch, patch 4.0.3a- The Shattering, patch 4.1- Rise of the Zandalari and patch 4.3- Rage of the Firelands. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the release of World of Warcraft Patch 4.3- Hour of Twilight. This version promises an end to Death wing’s reign of terror. It features a new raid known as Dragon Soul, uncharted dungeons, 7 unique bosses and 8 boss fights and much more. Designers of World of Warcraft have attempted to ensure a healthy rivalry between the two factions: the Alliance and the Horde.
Fans of Alliance and Horde continually monitor maps and charts of territories gained and lost. One normally assumes that Blizzard must be fair to both factions. However, a swift investigation of Azeroth’s past reveals a bias on favor of the Horde. Nevertheless, critics and fans have showered several positive accolades to the game. With Cataclysm, World of Warcraft has scaled impressive peaks and has become a game of universal acclaim. Fans find it content and very impressive. It has even received game of the year award in 2010 in the MMO section. Millions of copies of the game have been purchased, indicating a runaway bestseller. The improvements in overall design have amazed players across the world. It comes as a surprise to most that this game is now being adapted into a film. The movie is still in the development phase. However, the information leaked out so far point that the film’s concept is truly atypical and supposed to be only one of its kinds.






