The recent and sizable drop in World of Warcraft subscriber numbers has not gone unnoticed at Blizzard HQ. Though likely the result of a combination of factors, World of Warcraft producer John Lagrave isn’t shy about coming right out and talking about the one on everyone’s mind.
“Of course people are trying Star Wars – our development team are trying Star Wars! I’m one of the few people who’s still playing it actually, but yeah we’ve seen a dip in subs. It certainly has to at least be attributable to The Old Republic, but it’s also attributable to people who want to wait and get Mists of Pandaria, so it’s not surprising,” he explained. Blizzard is looking into extending the current World of Warcraft free-to-play offering, but there are currently no plans for a complete switch.
Impact of Star Wars: The Old Republic
The release of Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) has undeniably had a significant impact on World of Warcraft’s subscriber base. SWTOR, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, offers a rich narrative experience set in the beloved Star Wars universe. This has attracted many players who are fans of both MMORPGs and Star Wars, leading them to try out the new game. The allure of a fresh, story-driven MMORPG experience has been a strong pull for many gamers, contributing to the decline in World of Warcraft subscriptions.
Moreover, SWTOR’s launch was accompanied by a substantial marketing campaign, which further drew attention away from World of Warcraft. The game’s unique features, such as fully voiced characters and a strong emphasis on player choice, provided a novel experience that many players found appealing. This shift in player interest is a testament to the evolving landscape of MMORPGs and the constant demand for new and engaging content.
Anticipation for Mists of Pandaria
Another factor contributing to the drop in World of Warcraft subscribers is the anticipation for the upcoming expansion, Mists of Pandaria. Many players are choosing to take a break from the game, waiting for the new content to be released. Mists of Pandaria promises to introduce a new continent, a new playable race (the Pandaren), and a new class (the Monk), among other features. This expansion is expected to rejuvenate the game and bring back many players who are currently inactive.
The cyclical nature of MMORPGs often sees player numbers fluctuate with the release of new content. As players exhaust the current content, they may take a hiatus until something new and exciting is introduced. Blizzard is well aware of this pattern and is likely banking on Mists of Pandaria to reinvigorate the player base.
Blizzard’s Response and Future Plans
Blizzard is actively exploring ways to retain and attract players. One of the strategies under consideration is extending the current free-to-play offering. Currently, World of Warcraft allows players to play for free up to level 20. Extending this offering could lower the barrier to entry for new players and encourage former players to return.
However, Blizzard has no plans to switch to a completely free-to-play model. The subscription-based model has been a cornerstone of World of Warcraft’s success, providing a steady revenue stream that supports ongoing development and maintenance of the game. Instead, Blizzard is likely to focus on enhancing the value of the subscription through regular content updates and expansions.
The drop in World of Warcraft subscriber numbers can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic and the anticipation for Mists of Pandaria. Blizzard is aware of these challenges and is actively working on strategies to retain and attract players. The upcoming expansion and potential changes to the free-to-play offering are steps in this direction. As the MMORPG landscape continues to evolve, Blizzard’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining World of Warcraft’s position as a leading game in the genre.
Source Eurogamer
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