Breaking: “World of Warcraft” passes 10 million subscribers worldwide since its launch on November 23, 2004.
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World of Warcraft (WoW) is without a doubt the best known MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game).
Warcraft is an excellent portal for all players who are curious about massively multiplayer online games, but also satisfies the hardcore gamer who is willing to spend countless hours slaying the same monster just to level up.
As a subscriber, you control a character avatar within a persistent game world, exploring the landscape, fighting monsters, performing quests, building skills, and interacting with NPCs (Non-Playable-Characters) as well as other players. The game rewards success with money, items, and experience, which in turn allow players to improve their skill and power. Players can level up their characters from level one to level 60, level 70 if they have The Burning Crusade expansion (released on January 16, 2007), or level 80 if they have the yet to be released Wrath of the Lich King expansion. In addition, players may opt to take part in battles against other players of an enemy faction, in PvP battlegrounds or in normal world zones subject to the rules in place on the particular server. Duels can also be fought between members of the same or opposing factions, although these do not provide tangible rewards. Many players also choose to join guilds in order to conduct raids against enemy territories and instances.
The game itself is relatively tame (by today’s standards). Little visible blood is spilled, even though killing humanoids, creatures and animals is a large part of the game. “Dying” in Warcraft is for the most part just a waste of time with no major consequences or penalties for the player. Nothing money can’t buy or repair in the next town…
Having “real-life” friends who play Warcraft is great, however new players should be aware that Blizzard operates a massive amount of servers. And once your friends level-up to far there is little you can “enjoy” together, without it being a waste of time for the higher level player.
A common concern among parents is the “addictive” nature of MMO’s. Personally, I know more parents who are addicted to WoW – which makes me more worried about you – the parent. Jokes aside, parents should tread MMO’s just like regular video games. Click here to find out how we do it.
Last but not least, WoW is a place where hundreds of people communicate and play, by using the anonymity of their Avatars and the Internet. There are very good filters to avoid foul language, but none are perfect.
Overall, World of Warcraft is a well designed MMO, suited for novice and experienced players alike. We recommend the game for players around the age of 12 years and up - depending on the level of your (parent) involvement in the game.
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