WoW: The Influence of the Most Succeful MMORPG
World of Warcraft, commonly situated by its acronym WoW, is an MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) that was created by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004. It can be regarded as one of the most successful MMORPGs of all time, marked out by its ambitious scope and immense commercial success. According to Statistic 2018, WoW holds a record of more than 100 million players world-wide.
Since its release, WoW has established a sizable fan-base and a vibrant community. People of different ages and gender have gathered to collaborate, compete and team up with each other, thus creating a living and breathing gaming world filled with friendship, competition and drama. According to a 2003 survey from game developer Spore, players who joined WoW experienced an increased interest in the game after interacting online with other players. This phenomenon is known as the “WoW effect” and many argue that it has caused a boom in the online gaming industry.
Moreover, the success of WoW has given rise to a more active and engaged gaming experience. Gone are the days of playing a game by yourself. Now, players are encouraged to compete, form alliances and engage in social activities. In addition to this, WoW has also introduced a system of rewards and achievements that reward players for reaching certain levels. This system is so unique and effective that it has been adapted and utilized in other MMORPGs, thereby solidifying its place as a major pioneer in the gaming industry.
Aside from its impact in tangible gaming features, WoW has also been credited for inspiring other creative works. Since its release, the game has spawned a range of virtual-world themed books and movies, such as The World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, Warcraft: The Codex Series and the Warcraft movie franchise. It is evident that WoW has not only been a major commercial success but also a major contributor to the artistic and cultural impact of online gaming.
In sum, WoW has most certainly left its mark in the world of online gaming. Its influence has been felt in not just the commercial realm but also in social activities and creative endeavors as well. The game has provided players with an expansive and engaging virtual world. It has ignited imaginations, driven competition and even sparked new trends in the gaming industry. Truly, WoW is one of the greatest MMORPGs of all time and will continue to be a major influence in the gaming world for years to come.
