World of Warcraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking World of Warcraft across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Daily Grind: What’s the right number of buttons for an MMO hotbar?
This article discusses the optimal number of buttons for an MMORPG hotbar, exploring player preferences and design challenges across various games like Guild Wars, Lord of the Rings Online, World of Warcraft, and Star Wars Galaxies. It questions why a universally accepted 'sweet spot' for hotbar design remains elusive despite player feedback.
Netflix is likely pleased as punch with the GTA 6 extended look, which more than doubled its web traffic
Netflix experienced a significant surge in web traffic, with user counts increasing by 125%, following the debut of the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look on its platform. While the streaming service largely handled the load, the move has raised questions about Take-Two's decision to partner with Netflix for the trailer's initial release, especially given the trailer's subsequent availability on YouTube.
Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptations for "more than a dozen games" – including Elder…
Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptation rights for over a dozen of its games, including Halo, The Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and Diablo, to major streamers like Netflix, Paramount, and Universal. Microsoft is seeking around $300 million for potential deals, aiming to capitalize on the current trend of successful video game adaptations in Hollywood.
Massively Overthinking: Are you your own worst enemy in MMORPGs? How?
This article discusses how players often ruin their own enjoyment of MMORPGs through excessive overthinking, setting unrealistic expectations, comparing games unfavorably, and consuming too much external information. Contributors share personal anecdotes about rushing through content, burnout, and the negative impact of social media on their gaming experience.
Vague Patch Notes: Resenting structure and blaming guidance in MMOs
This article analyzes the evolution of game structure and guidance in MMOs, contrasting early titles like Final Fantasy XI with more modern experiences like Final Fantasy XIV. It discusses how the 'bump method' of exploration in older games has been replaced by more direct questing and guidance, and how this shift impacts player experience and perception of game openness.
WoW Factor: Yes, there really is too much to do in World of Warcraft Midnight
The author expresses feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content and weekly tasks in World of Warcraft's latest patch, "Curse of Ula'tek." Despite the game's history of content droughts, the current eight-week patch cycle is perceived as too fast, leading to an exhausting experience for players, especially those with multiple characters.
Crimson Desert will be slowing down its free updates in preparation for its paid DLC, and I'm just glad Pearl Abyss…
Pearl Abyss is shifting development resources from free updates to focus on Crimson Desert's first major paid DLC, which is slated for release in the final quarter of this year. While free updates will slow down, they will continue, with director of marketing and PR Will Powers confirming the change in pace.
McDonald’s Halo: Campaign Evolved Skin Has Me Loathin’ It
McDonald's has partnered with Xbox to offer a new red and gray "Campaign Evolved" skin for Master Chief in Halo: Infinite in the UK and Ireland. The skin, named "Side Mission," can be obtained through the McDonald's app for 1,500 rewards points. The promotion also includes rewards for other Xbox-owned titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Fallout 76.
Hytale modders reveal WoWTale, aiming to recreate WoW ahead of World Gen 2.0
Modders are recreating elements of World of Warcraft within the game Hytale, with a project called WoWtale aiming to build a rendition of the classic MMO. The team is currently awaiting the 'World Gen 2.0' update for Hytale and is working on individual components like the Deadmines dungeon while seeking contributors.
Hideo Kojima wants to 'continue to focus on making games' at 63, even as 'the time I have decreases'
Hideo Kojima, at 63, reflects on the decreasing time he has versus his increasing desire to create games. Despite his age, he intends to continue focusing on game development, mentioning the upcoming 40th anniversary of his game-making career and the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions. He plans an exhibition in Tokyo to celebrate these milestones.
ROG Xbox Ally X20 is Out on October 15th, Priced at $1,299
ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,299 and launching on October 15th. This anniversary model features a larger 7.4-inch OLED display and minor internal hardware upgrades over the original ROG Ally X. A bundle including ROG XREAL R1 Edition AR glasses is available for $2,499.
'The Guild' movie revival becomes highest-funded Kickstarter film ever, filling me with millennial nostalgia…
The Guild: Ren Faire'd, a revival of the web series about MMO players, has become the highest-funded film on Kickstarter, raising over $6.8 million. Creator Felicia Day expressed gratitude for the community's support in making the movie a reality. The project aims for a 2027 release, continuing the story of the Knights of Good.
Twitch hit with class-action lawsuit over Amazon AI training: 'Twitch sent no email, displayed no pop-up…
Twitch is facing a class-action lawsuit from user Warren Pandiscia, who alleges that Amazon, Twitch's parent company, used Twitch stream content to train its generative AI without proper consent or notification. The lawsuit claims this practice is unlawful and an attack on content creators, as the data collection was opt-out and consent depended on host streamer settings. The article notes that Twitch sent no email or pop-up notification about the feature, which was discovered by a reporter.
MMO Week in Review: Way too early access
This week's MMO news covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, which some consider premature. Other highlights include a look at Guild Wars 3's Kodan, Daybreak's acquisition of Cold Iron Studios, new content for EverQuest Legends, and an analysis of the survival game Stormforge. The article also touches on various other MMO updates, rumors, and industry discussions.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
New World of Warcraft Midnight patch notes bring buffs aplenty as Blizzard's "broad" class updates continue
Blizzard Entertainment has released new patch notes for World of Warcraft, focusing on broad class tuning for the Curse of Ula'tek expansion. The latest update primarily buffs underperforming classes such as Death Knights, Druids, Evokers, Monks, Paladins, and Warlocks, aiming to improve spec viability in the MMORPG's endgame content. These adjustments follow a previous patch that included nerfs and are intended to balance gameplay as raid progression continues.
The Big Question: What's your video game happy place?
Several Eurogamer staff members share their personal 'happy places' in video games, discussing titles that offer comfort, nostalgia, or a sense of accomplishment. These range from the expansive exploration of No Man's Sky and the challenging yet meditative worlds of FromSoftware games to the simple joys found in games like Super Mario 64 and Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic.
Ranking the 12 Greatest Blizzard Games of All Time
This article ranks the 12 greatest games developed by Blizzard Entertainment, highlighting titles like Starcraft, Diablo 2, and Overwatch for their lasting impact and innovative gameplay. It discusses Blizzard's history of creating enduring titles, many of which utilize live service models and continue to receive expansions and updates.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at LOTRO’s Shadows of Angmar
This article looks back at the initial launch and early development of Lord of the Rings Online, focusing on its first major content rollout, Shadows of Angmar. It details the game's state at launch in 2007, its initial zones, and the subsequent additions of features like housing and new areas, highlighting how the game evolved from its early days into the expansive MMORPG it is today.
2XKO's shutdown has me feeling glum about Riot's future MMO—because I don't think the genre can survive corporate cut-and-run tactics
The shutdown of Riot Games' fighting game 2XKO has raised concerns about the future of the company's upcoming MMO, due to perceived corporate impatience with long-term development cycles. The article argues that the high cost and long development time required for MMOs necessitate a sustained commitment that Riot's recent actions, including layoffs after 2XKO's release, do not inspire confidence in.
