Within the realm of video games, non have dominated the genre back in the days as MMORPGs did. Massively multiplayer online role-playing games were thought to be the best way to consume gaming due to their lengthy and interesting storytelling. With the release of World of Warcraft, the player base started skyrocketing. Set in the popular Warcraft universe, it managed to lure players with its phenomenal graphics and fluid gameplay. Most games were extremely hardcore back then, but WoW was much more forgiving towards newer players, further boosting its popularity. With a surprising launch back in 2004, nobody expected it to become as big as it did.
What started friendly quickly became competitive
As time went on and as new expansions came out, the game has been slowly transforming itself into becoming a competitive space. Guilds started racing towards finishing the raids and dungeons first on the server, and those who liked hardcore PVP were forming their own for the sake of total control of Azeroth. What was once a friendly game used to relax after work now was consuming every bit of free time in order to become the best. Talent specializations, potions, and flasks were all used to give one an edge over their opponent in battle. That was when loads of websites and forums were created dedicated to discussions about the game. Of course, with those websites out in the open and the beautiful design of the game, plenty of lewd websites come with that as well. One look at world of warcraft sex and you'll know what I mean. Blizzard made a very smart decision with the release of Wrath of the Lich King, and that were achievements. No longer was it only for PVP and PVE. Now you can collect mounts, pets, titles, exploration, etc.
After the fall of the Lich King
With the kingslayer gone, lore from the warcraft series was finished, and the creators needed to make new and exciting stories for future adventures. With the newer expansions, Blizzard has immensely improved the game's graphics. Aside from that, they added many quality of life changes that most users enjoy. The game has become easier to play for those with jobs and real-life chores that need to be done. At this time, mainstream media was even picking up on the game. Popular late-night TV host Conan O Brien even visited BlizzCon the year Warlords of Draenor was released. Many celebrities revealed they played it even before they became famous. Some of those were Henry Cavill, known for Superman, Mila Kunis, Vin Diesel, Dave Chapelle, and many more. During that expansion, the player base was somewhat unhappy due to the lack of new content being added, so the concurrent users decreased immensely.
No king rules forever
Even though WoW is still one of the best MMO games out there, it's nowhere near as popular as it used to be. Many controversies surrounding Blizzard have appeared, which have destroyed its reputation. Alongside that, younger gamers have very fast-paced lives and are unable to immerse themselves in such a game. Blizzard has tried its best to continue producing content that will make its fans happy, but the genre is just not as popular as it once was. Not all is lost, though, because with World of Warcraft: Dragonflight coming out soon, many players are returning, rushing through content to get their characters ready for the new expansion. Who knows, maybe this is the expansion that will return the game back to its original glory. It has a lot of potential, and it's definitely worth trying out.
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