Conquering the Metaverse: How Blizzard's World of Warcraft Can Show Businesses the Way
World of Warcraft, commonly known as WoW, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, and allows players to create their own characters and explore a vast world filled with other players, quests, and challenges. WoW is known for its rich and immersive gameplay, and has been a popular game since its initial release in 2004.
At its peak, WoW had over 12 million active subscribers back in 2010 (including myself, having been a subscriber since I was 9 years old in early 2005), making it one of the most popular MMORPGs of all time.
The metaverse is a concept that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. It refers to a virtual world that is created and sustained by a collective of users, who can interact with each other and with the world itself in real-time. Many people see the potential for the metaverse to become a major part of our lives, and businesses are starting to take notice and have begun venturing into the concept.
One of the most successful and influential virtual worlds of all time is WoW. WoW has millions of active users and has generated billions of dollars in revenue. It is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), why businesses venturing into the Metaverse should learn everything they can from WoW and what it was, that made WoW so succesful.
I will try to give my take on that. In this article I shed light upon the following:
- What is an MMORPG and how does it relate to the Metaverse?
- Why was WoW so popular?
- What can businesses venturing into the Metaverse learn from WoW?
- Can the Metaverse be the next WoW?
What is an MMORPG and how does it relate to the Metaverse?
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs, are a type of video game that allows a large number of players to interact and play together in a virtual game world. In an MMORPG, players create their own characters and explore a vast world filled with other players, quests, and challenges. This allows for a rich and immersive gameplay experience, with a wide range of social interactions and gameplay possibilities.
One of the key features of an MMORPG is the ability for players to create their own unique characters. In most MMORPGs, players can choose from a range of different races and classes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. For example, in a fantasy-themed MMORPG, players might be able to choose to play as a human warrior, an elven mage, or a dwarven rogue. This allows players to customize their characters to suit their preferred playstyle, and to create a character that is truly their own.
Another key feature of an MMORPG is the vast and detailed game world that players can explore. In most MMORPGs, the game world is filled with a wide variety of interesting and memorable locations, characters, and creatures. For example, an MMORPG set in a fantasy world might have forests, mountains, and cities for players to explore, as well as a wide range of fantastical creatures, such as dragons and orcs. This rich and immersive game world is one of the key factors that makes MMORPGs so popular.
In addition to exploring the game world, players in an MMORPG can also complete quests and challenges. Quests are tasks or missions that players can undertake in order to earn rewards, such as experience points, gear, or in-game currency. These quests can take many forms, such as collecting items, defeating enemies, or solving puzzles. Additionally, many MMORPGs have challenging group content, such as dungeons and raids, which require multiple players to work together in order to succeed. This provides a great deal of replayability and variety to the gameplay experience.
There is also a massive social aspect in MMORPGs. In an MMORPG, players can interact with each other in a variety of ways, such as chatting, forming groups, establishing guilds, or trading items. This allows for a wide range of social interactions and gameplay experiences, and can be very rewarding for many players. Additionally, many MMORPGs have player-versus-player (PvP) combat, which allows players to compete against each other in arenas or battlegrounds. This adds an extra layer of challenge and competition to the game.
The metaverse on the other hand, is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of the internet, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. It is a hypothetical future version of the internet, where users are able to interact with each other and with virtual objects in a realistic and immersive way.
The metaverse and MMORPGs have similarities, that are truly fascinating to explore in relation to one another, as both involve the creation of a virtual world in which users can interact and explore. These are the similarities that I intend to ponder upon in the following article. However, there are also some key differences between the two. The metaverse is a hypothetical future version of the internet, while MMORPGs are a specific type of video game. Additionally, the metaverse is intended to be a shared space that encompasses all aspects of the internet, while MMORPGs are typically focused on a specific theme or genre, such as fantasy or science fiction, which one could say, makes MMORPGs a limited version of the metaverse, only encompassing a gaming aspect. But as time goes on, and gaming, economy and consumerism becomes closer and closer to one and the same thing, the the line between these elements are blurring out.
Another way in which MMORPGs could be related to the Metaverse in the future is through the use of virtual reality technology. In the future, it is possible that virtual reality technology could be used to create a more immersive and realistic version of the metaverse, where users can explore and interact with virtual environments in a realistic way. In this scenario, MMORPGs could potentially be integrated into the metaverse, allowing players to experience their favorite games in a more realistic and immersive way. For reference, you could watch the movie "Ready Player One" by Steven Spielberg (personal opinion: it is a great movie, you should really watch it).
Why was WoW so popular?
There are several reasons why World of Warcraft, or WoW, has become such a popular game. WoW was truly a groundbreaking, innovative game and here is why.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of WoW is its rich and immersive gameplay. The game is set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which is filled with a wide variety of interesting and memorable characters, creatures, and locations. I have personally always been an Arthas fan-boy, as I loved his character development throughout the Warcraft universe. Players can create their own characters, choosing from a range of different races and classes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. I still remember creating my very first character when I was just 9 years old, a Human Warrior. As players explore the game world, they can complete quests, tackle challenging dungeons and raids, and interact with other players. And best of all, contrary to so many games and digital worlds of today, the experience of creating a character to taking on your first quest and beginning your journey of leveling in Azeroth is smooth like butter.
The leveling system is a way for players to progress their characters and unlock new abilities and content. As players complete quests, defeat enemies, and explore the game world, they earn experience points, which allow their characters to level up and become more powerful and being able to take on more powerful (higher lvl) enemies.
The maximum character level in WoW was originally 60, and the cap has since then increased with each expansion, eventually going full circle and back to 60, to start increasing again (to 70, etc.) as of 2022. As characters level up, they gain access to new abilities, spells, and talents, which allow them to customize their playstyle and become more effective in combat. They also gain access to new content, such as higher-level quests, dungeons and raids, which provide more challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences.
In addition to leveling, WoW also has a number of other progression systems that allow players to further develop their characters. For example, players can earn reputation with different factions in the game, which unlocks new quests and rewards (such as mounts - cool rideable items, giving you movement speed buffs either on land, in sea or in the skies).
The leveling system in WoW is an important aspect of the game, as it provides players with a sense of progress and accomplishment, and allows them to unlock new content and abilities. This system is designed to provide a satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience, and to keep players engaged and interested.
The depth and complexity of WoW's gameplay (where the gameplay itself is simple!) is unlike any other game I have ever seen. The (original) lore of Warcraft is simply so well done, that it is hard to compete with. I have spent countless hours just reading the lore behind the game(s) (as the Warcraft universe is a franchise, beginning from the RPGs of Warcraft I going to III, and then WoW). Alas choosing the world of the Warcraft universe for an MMORPG to unfold in was a perfect choice. The game has a rich and detailed system of character abilities and equipment, which allows players to customize their characters to suit their preferred playstyle. For example, a player who enjoys dealing damage to enemies can choose to play as a mage or a hunter, while a player who prefers to support their allies can choose to play as e.g. a priest.
Furthermore, WoW has a complex system of professions, which allows players to gather resources, craft items, and sell them to other players. Each character in WoW can have up to two primary professions, which are learned throughout the game, and can also learn a number of secondary professions.
Primary professions in WoW are divided into two categories: gathering professions and crafting professions. Gathering professions allow players to collect raw materials from the game world, such as herbs, ores and fur. These materials can then be used by crafting professions to create a wide range of items, such as armor, weapons, or consumables. Some examples of gathering professions in WoW include herbalism, mining, and skinning.
Crafting professions, on the other hand, allow players to create items from the materials gathered by gathering professions. These items can be used by the player's own character, or can be sold to other players through the game's auction house system. Some examples of crafting professions in WoW include blacksmithing, alchemy, and enchanting. Enchanting can even give your weapons in-game a nice visual touch in the form of an extra layer of animation or the like. These small visual details have been very rewarding for my enjoyment and my fan-spirit.
In addition to primary professions, WoW also has a number of secondary professions, which can be learned by any character, regardless of their primary professions. These professions do not require the player to gather or craft items, but instead provide useful abilities or benefits. For example, the fishing profession allows players to catch fish from bodies of water, which can be used as food or sold to other players. The cooking profession allows players to create food and drinking items, which provide temporary benefits (buffs) to the player's character.
Overall, the profession system in WoW is an important aspect of the game, as it allows players to gather resources and craft items, which can be used or sold to other players. This system adds depth and complexity to the game, and provides players with additional ways to progress and develop their characters, which is very rewarding.
In WoW there are also two main factions, creating an immersive them and us experience for the players, which has been crucial for the positive and nostalgic experience of the game. The Alliance and the Horde are the two main political and military powers in the game world. Characters in WoW must choose to align with either the Alliance or the Horde at character creation, and this decision will affect the quests and content they have access to, as well as the way other non-player characters (NPCs) interact with them. The Alliance is typically associated with order, justice, and honor, while the Horde is associated with savagery, strength, and loyalty. The two sides are at constant conflict with each other, and players can attack and kill each other in certain parts of the game world or all the time in certain game servers. As a player one even associates with these factions outside the game, which means that your faction chosen ingame, somehow becomes a part of your real identity as a human being, which is insane.
This is where Player-versus-player (PvP) combat ties into the equation. PVP is another one of WoW's big feats and a way for players to compete against each other in arenas, battlegrounds or in the world itself. This allows players to test their skills and abilities against other players, and can provide a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.
There are two main types of PvP combat in WoW: arena combat and battlegrounds. Arena combat is a more competitive and intense form of PvP, where a small team of players compete against each other in enclosed arenas. In arena combat, players must use their skills and abilities to defeat the opposing team, and the team whom wipes out the other team is declared winner. Arena combat is typically focused on quick, intense battles, and rewards players with unique gear and other rewards.
Battlegrounds, on the other hand, are larger, more open combat areas, where players from two teams compete against each other. In a battleground, players must work together to capture and defend objectives, such as flags or control points. Battlegrounds are typically longer and more strategic than arena combat, and reward players with experience points and other rewards.
Overall, PvP combat in WoW is an optional but very rewarding and almost crucial aspect of the game, as it allows players to test their skills against other players and dominate them. This system provides a challenging and exciting gameplay experience, and rewards players with unique gear and other rewards.
Another reason for the popularity of WoW is the constant stream of updates and new content that is released by Blizzard Entertainment (patches and expansions). The developer regularly releases new patches, expansions, and other updates for the game, which add new features, content, and challenges for players to enjoy.
The patching system is a way for the game developers to release updates, bug and exploit fixes to the game. They are typically released on a regular basis, and can also include new features and content.
One of the key reasons for the patching system in WoW is to fix bugs and other technical issues in the game. Over time, as players use the game, they may encounter bugs or other problems that can impact their gameplay experience. For example, they may encounter an being stuck when trying to complete a quest, or find that a certain ability is not working correctly. The player can submit a ticket and report the experience in-game, without having to log out. Very innovative way to bugfix, as it keeps the players immersed in the world.
In addition to fixing bugs, patches for WoW can also add new features and content to the game. For example, a patch might introduce a new dungeon or a new game mechanic. These new features and content can keep the game fresh and interesting, and provide players with new challenges and rewards.
The expansion system is a way for the game developer, Blizzard Entertainment, to release new content and features for the game. These expansions are typically released on a regular basis, and can include a wide range of new content, such as new areas to explore, new character races and classes, and new gameplay mechanics, and they have historically been quite expensive when released.
One of the key reasons for the expansion system in WoW is to keep the game fresh and interesting for players. Over time, as players progress through the game, they may encounter repetitive or stale content, which can impact their enjoyment of the game. By releasing expansions, Blizzard provides players with new challenges and rewards, which keeps the game interesting and engaging.
In addition to providing new content, expansions for WoW can also introduce new features and gameplay mechanics. For example, an expansion might introduce a new character customization system, a new form of player-versus-player combat, or a new progression system. These new features and mechanics can add depth and complexity to the game, and provide players with new ways to develop and customize their characters.
To access the new content and features in a WoW expansion, players must purchase the expansion from the game's website or through a digital storefront. Once the expansion has been purchased, players can download and install it through the game's launcher. Once the expansion has been installed, players can access the new content and features.
The community is also a very important aspect of the game, as it provides players with a sense of belonging and connection, and allows them to interact and collaborate with other players. This can enhance the gameplay experience, and provide players with additional challenges, rewards, and opportunities. My real life friends and I have played a lot of WoW while together in our younger days, but also remotely, together. I have also made friends in-game, whom I still talk to, today. Crazy.
One of the key ways in which the community is important is through social interaction. In WoW, players can communicate with each other through in-game chat, which allows them to form friendships and collaborate and cooperate towards a shared purpose. In WoW, players often need to work together in order to complete quests, defeat enemies, or progress through the game. This collaboration can amongst others, be facilitated by the game's guild system, which allows players to join or create organizations that can share resources, coordinate activities, and provide support to each other. This collaboration and cooperation can provide players with a more rewarding and enjoyable gameplay experience, than if playing alone.
In addition to social interaction and collaboration, the WoW community is also important for providing players with opportunities for competition and challenge through the above-mentioned PVP system.
Overall, the WoW community is probably another one of the most important aspects of the game, as it provides players with social interaction, collaboration, and competition. This community enhances the gameplay experience, and provides players with a sense of belonging and connection to the game world.
Finally, WoW is known for its high quality and polish. The game has excellent graphics, smooth performance, and well-designed gameplay mechanics, which contribute to its overall enjoyment and playability. For example, WoW's combat system is dynamic and exciting, with a wide range of abilities and spells for players to use, and challenging boss encounters that require coordination and strategy to defeat. Additionally, the game has a well-developed system of character progression, which allows players to unlock new abilities and gear as they progress through the game. This level of polish and attention to detail is one of the reasons why WoW has remained popular for so many years, and why it continues to attract new players.
All of the above created the perfect mix for a cocktail of rewarding entertainment, excitement, belonging and commitment, which have resulted in millions upon millions ( of hours spent by players through many years in the fascinating world of Azeroth. I truly miss the early days and excitement that WoW brought upon the world, and I am dreaming of a time, where a Metaverse can offer the same.
What can businesses venturing into the Metaverse learn from WoW?
Businesses that are venturing into the metaverse can learn a lot from WoW. Here are just a few examples of what they can take away from the game:
Embrace the community.
One of the key things that has made WoW such a successful game is its strong community. Players can form guilds, join forces in parties to take on difficult challenges, and engage in social activities together. In WoW, players can communicate with each other through in-game chat, and can also join or create groups, known as parties, and form organizations known as guilds. These features allow players to form long lasting friendships with people whom they have never met in real life, and cooperate to achieve like-minded goals. The metaverse should implement similar features to allow users to connect and collaborate with each other to finish certain tasks, assignments or quests, which could enhance their enjoyment of the metaverse. They should focus on creating a sense of community among their users, and providing opportunities for them to interact with each other and form bonds. This could involve offering incentives for users to work together, or creating virtual spaces where they can socialize and connect. This sense of community is a huge part of what makes WoW so enjoyable and keeps people coming back.
Offer compelling content.
Another important aspect of WoW's success is the vast amount of content that the game offers. Players can explore the vast, detailed world of Azeroth, take on challenging quests, and engage in epic battles. This content keeps the game fresh and interesting, and gives players something new to experience every time they log in. One way in which the metaverse could learn from WoW is through its progression and reward systems. In WoW, players can earn experience, gear, and other rewards by completing quests, defeating enemies, fighting in PVP, and exploring the game world. This provides players with a sense of accomplishment and progress, and keeps them engaged and motivated. The metaverse could implement similar systems to provide users with a sense of progress and reward, and to keep them engaged and interested. Businesses that want to succeed in the metaverse should furthermore focus on offering compelling content of the same quality as content in WoW. This could involve creating virtual environments that are interesting and engaging, and offering a wide range of activities and experiences for users to enjoy. This will help to keep users coming back, and will give them a reason to spend more time in the virtual world. Detail and quality are key-takeaways here, as they turn an already compelling experience, into a loveable, immersive one.
Provide regular updates and improvements.
WoW is constantly evolving, and has been evolving over the last almost 20 years. The game's developers regularly release new content and features, and they also make regular improvements to the game's mechanics and performance. This keeps the game fresh and exciting, and ensures that it remains relevant and engaging for its millions of users. Businesses that want to succeed in the metaverse should also focus on providing regular updates and improvements. This could involve releasing new content and features on a regular basis, and making ongoing improvements to the virtual world itself. This will help to keep users engaged and interested, and will ensure that the virtual world remains relevant and exciting. In addition, businesses could learn from WoW's patching and expansion system, which allows the game to evolve and improve over time. In WoW the developers regularly releases new expansions, which add new content, features, and gameplay mechanics to the game. This keeps the game fresh and interesting for players, and provides them with new challenges and rewards. Businesses could implement a similar system in the metaverse to provide users with regular updates and improvements, which could keep them engaged and interested.
Offer rewards and incentives.
WoW offers a wide range of rewards and incentives for players who engage in certain activities or achieve certain goals. This could involve unlocking new abilities or gear, or gaining access to special areas of the game. These rewards not only provide a sense of accomplishment for players, but they also give them a reason to keep coming back and continue playing. Businesses that want to succeed in the metaverse should also focus on offering rewards and incentives for their users. This could involve providing virtual currency or other rewards for users who engage in certain activities, or achieving certain goals. These rewards will not only help to keep users engaged and motivated, but they will also give them a reason to continue spending time in the virtual world.
Businesses venturing into the Metaverse can therefore learn from WoW in a number of ways. WoW has been groundbreakingly successful, and has a number of features and design elements, which in turn if the Metaverse mimics successfully, could create a groundbreaking virtual space, that truly disrupts and creates a generational cultre, as WoW did back in the day.
Can the Metaverse be the next WoW?
It is possible for the metaverse to become as popular and successful as WoW, but it is not guaranteed. The metaverse is a concept that describes a virtual shared space where people can interact and engage with each other and with virtual objects and experiences. It is not a specific game or product, but rather a vision for the future of the internet and online communities.
WoW, on the other hand, is a an MMORPG that has been incredibly successful and remains one of the most popular games in the world. To become the next WoW, the metaverse would need to incorporate many of the features and elements that have made WoW such a success, such as a rich and immersive virtual world, engaging and rewarding gameplay, and robust social systems.
Additionally, the metaverse would need to provide users with a compelling reason to spend time in the virtual world, such as engaging activities and challenges, interesting and varied locations to explore, and a sense of community and belonging. By offering these things as mentioned above, the metaverse could potentially become as popular and successful as WoW and become a destination for people looking to connect, explore, and have fun in a virtual space.
However, it is important to note that the success of the metaverse as a consumer product is not guaranteed. There are many factors that can influence its success, such as competition from other products and technologies, changes in consumer preferences, and the overall state of the market. Whether or not the metaverse becomes the next WoW will depend on a variety of factors, albeit it definitely is possible.
If your company is interested in learning more, feel free to reach out to me.