World of Warcraft Classichas been a massive hit. Log-in queues reminiscent of its legendary 2004 launch, and the need for rapid server deployment after a few early tests are a testament to that. But now that more and more players are reaching the game’s originalLevel 60 cap, they’re starting to wonder what could possibly be next.
Well, Blizzcon came and went without an official announcement ofWorld of Warcraft Classicgetting aBurning CrusadeorWrath of the Lich Kingexpansion, but Blizzard staff said they’re “not opposed” to the idea.
The revelation wasn’t a slip of the tongue, either. The nugget of information regarding the potential future ofWoW Classiccame from Executive Producer John Hight during the generalWorld of WarcraftQ&Aon Saturday afternoon.
The panel, which was full of top-ranking World of Warcraft staff was asked whether servers for the game’s first two expansion,The Burning CrusadeandWrath of the Lich Kingwould ever be added. Blizzard adopted a stance thatClassicis a complete and faithful reproduction of the original game, so much so that it led to fansmistaking old features as bugs. But with manyWorld of Warcraft Classicplayers reaching the end of its current content offerings, it’s only natural to wonder what could be next.
Hight then turned the question back onto the audience, asking them to cheer for which of the two expansions they’d want to be added into the game. Screams were notably louder forWrath of the Lich King, the game’s second expansion, but it was clear players were set on the idea ofClassicprogressing beyond the base game in the future.
Cataclysm, which succeededWrath of the Lich King, has long been considered a turning point in the monolithic MMORPG’s long history. The add-on altered the original game’s map to a point where its original content and stories were completely inaccessible. Tweaks to class builds and abilities were also blamed for the sharp decline in subscription numbers from the12 millionBlizzard enjoyed during theWrath of the Lich Kingdays.
No release window was outlined, but Hight’s words and the cheers from the audience suggestWoWplayers may get the chance to explore the Outlands and Northrend in their original state in the future. “We’ve done it before,” Hight said, remarking how the company did what it once thought was impossible in revivingClassic, they just “need to be careful.”
