Blizzard Confirms World of Warcraft: Forever, Not a Sequel
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, an updated version of the original game. Developers state a direct sequel is unlikely due to the current engine's strength and ongoing development. This approach prioritizes evolving the existing MMO over a complete restart.
Coverage across 4 outlets
"What would a WoW 2 give you that World of Warcraft: Forever isn't already giving you?" - Blizzard addresses the MMO elephant in the room
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a reimagined version of the original game with new content and improved graphics, rather than a direct sequel. Executives Holly Longdale and Kris Zierhut explained that the existing engine and ongoing development of World of Warcraft make a sequel unnecessary and potentially less viable than evolving the current game. The company also mentioned future plans for Diablo 5 and a StarCraft shooter, while acknowledging the challenges and costs associated with creating a WoW sequel.
World of Warcraft 2 isn't happening because Blizzard isn't sure what a sequel to the MMO would "give you…
Blizzard Entertainment principal designer Kris Zierhut stated that a direct sequel to World of Warcraft, referred to as World of Warcraft 2, is unlikely to be developed. He explained that the ongoing development of the original MMO and the upcoming World of Warcraft: Forever provide continuous improvements and new experiences, making a complete restart unnecessary. Zierhut emphasized the strength of the existing engine, infrastructure, and lore, questioning what a sequel could offer that the current game doesn't already provide.
World of Warcraft: Forever devs say a direct sequel like Guild Wars 2 is unlikely: 'Why would you throw that away…
World of Warcraft: Forever principal designer Kris Zierhut explains why a direct sequel like Guild Wars 2 is unlikely, citing the value of World of Warcraft's continuously developed engine and infrastructure. The article discusses the merits of remaking classic WoW versus starting anew, touching on technical debt and the appeal of older MMO design philosophies.
World of Warcraft: Forever Devs Explain Why the Game Makes WoW 2 Unlikely
World of Warcraft developers Kris Zierhut and Mike Nuthals discussed the game's ongoing development and features, explaining why a direct sequel like 'WoW 2' is unlikely to be necessary. They highlighted the game's continuous evolution as a reason for its longevity.
Blizzard's former president wanted there to be a WoW 2 rather than 'the same WoW 1 expansions over and over…
Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra expressed a desire for a "World of Warcraft 2" instead of continuous expansions for the original game, though he noted that such a decision would have been up to current game director Ion Hazzikostas. Despite recent issues, World of Warcraft remains a profitable MMO for Blizzard and Microsoft.
