Digital Reviews

World of Warcraft, or often referred to as WoW, is a massive multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth series of Warcraft game in the fantasy Warcraft universe. On September 2, 2001, Blizzard Entertainment announced World of Warcraft after the success of Warcraft III and its game patch The Frozen Throne. The game itself was released on November 23, 2004, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise.

Ever since its release, World of Warcraft has become tremendously popular. This online game has experienced success beyond what anyone could have anticipated. With more than 11.5 million monthly subscribers (yup you read that right), World of Warcraft is currently the world’s most-subscribed MMORPG. More than 2 million subscribers in Europe, more than 2.5 million in North America, about 5.5 million in Asia, and the rest scattered around the globe. Did you know WoW holds the Guinness World Record for the most popular MMORPG until now? In April 2008, an estimation of 62% of the worlds market for MMORPG was held by, non other than, World of Warcraft. This online game has become a mainstream triumph and has widened the audience for its genre and for gaming in general.

Before the age of World of Warcraft, majority of people playing multi-player online games would usually be teenager or probably male with age around 20. World of Warcraft has broadened the gaming audience considerably. All sorts of age groups and individuals are now playing it. In particular, it has successfully brought much younger multi-player gamers towards the genre.

Even to people who never play an online game before, World of Warcraft has its own appeal. It is very usual when someone was influenced by the people in their surroundings. Teammate, roommate, friends, spouse, brother, sister, etc are the people who you will most like get influence from. Since WoW is such a fun online game, it is no wonder, people who has little or no experience in MMORPG, will still enjoy and become addicted to the game.

World of Warcraft not only played by male, but also female. In general, women make up around one third of overall multi-player online game. They usually play this kind of game accompanied by their partner like boyfriend, brother, or husband. World of Warcraft is often the key title in introducing them to the MMORPG.

WoW has made online game as a social experience. People play the game together in groups. Couples play it together and almost a quarter of people playing in groups are romantically involved. Parent and their children also play together. Don’t forget with brothers and sisters. This could tighten up the relationship within family, as long you don’t overdo-it.

World of Warcraft is so popular in the world of MMORPG. One of the reason is the free trial offered by WoW’s developer, Blizzard Entertainment. Before the official launching, Blizzard offers online gamer to download the beta version of the game for free. Online gamers who have known Warcraft previous series respond to the free offer. Blizzard was hoping to get some input from gamer about their first impression of the game and also about what to improve before the official launch. Since gamers love the beta version, it is most likely for them to buy the game and pay the monthly subscription fee after WoW launch to the public.

The other reason why World of Warcraft gets very popular, although the main concept is similar to other MMORPG in the market, is the new approaches in the game. WoW has successfully reduce pauses between game. In example is the character’s death. If you play other MMORPG, player will suffer huge penalty for character’s death. It would took sometime for recovery. WoW change the approach for character’s death, where player could easily play again after their character’s got killed. World of Warcraft also make the same approach for character’s damage in combat. Character’s could easily recover from damage taken and return to combat. With the new approaches in MMORPG world, World of Warcraft has been chosen by online gamers as their favorite MMORPG.

World of Warcraft has successfully attract so many audience from many sorts groups of age and type. Their success has proven that the market for online gaming, especially MMORPG, is still profitable. The market potential is still growing and expanding. And other online game’s developer still have a chance to join the competition. Off course, they need to be brave, creative and also innovative to take the next step. Blizzard Entertainment has taken the right step by developing and introducing World of Warcraft to public. They have enjoy much success with WoW. Now, other MMORPG’s developer will try to follow their success by making more creative and innovative MMORPG.

In summary, World of Warcraft developed by Blizzard Entertainment has sets new ground for MMORPG and increase the audience playing MMORPG. People from different ages and types have play and enjoy the game. And Blizzard has gain much success financially and non-financially with this game. Blizzard has also made other developer to start thinking and being creative and innovative if they want to achieve their success’. Bravo Blizzard. Bravo World of Warcraft.