If you’re not a victim, chances are you know someone who is. 10 million. That’s 0.15 percent of the world’s population. Not necessarily a large percentage when speaking of disease, cancer, or world wars. Thing is, none of those are the subject of discussion in this article. I’m talking about World of Warcraft. One of the most entertaining damn video games you’ll ever play…at your own risk of course.
World of Warcraft, also known as WoW, has become the most popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) ever created. The game was originally launched in North America on November, 23, 2004. Since then, WoW took home the title for bestselling PC game of 2005 and 2006. Which game managed to de-crown WoW in 2007? None other than The Burning Crusade, the first expansion pack to World of Warcraft. The Burning Crusade also holds the record for fastest-selling PC game of all time, with 2.4 million copies sold in the first 24 hours after being released. Expect that record to be broken this year, when the second expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich is released. Hell, South Park even dedicated a whole episode to the World.
(wait for it)
of Warcraft.
So what do 10 million players addicts do in WoW? You start off by creating a character; choose your look, race, and class. Become a troll shaman and frost shock yourself to victory, roll a human mage and blast wave entire armies, or level up a dwarf warrior, and impress the ladies, when they find out you’re the main tank in a guild named the Sparkle Bunnies of Doom *Sarcasm off*. Leave WoW out of your sex life. K? Thnx.
While exploring the virtual world, your main focus will probably be to find l33t gear, and level up your character. With a total of 70 levels (so far), that may take you awhile. It may take you months if you’re playing at a healthy rate. Good luck restricting yourself to playing only an hour or two every day. Many WoW players brag about leveling from 1-70 in a matter of days. Somewhere along the line, you’ll meet people. You begin to build friendships in the video game. Many people enjoy spending time with their real life friends, inside the virtual world. To many, this is where fun becomes addicting. A virtual world filled with real people, where you can interact, compete, and advance. Far different from playing the original Nintendo and hitting boxes with Mario’s head, so you can chase a runaway mushroom and watch him grow like a Chia Pet.
At level 70, you might assume that the game is over and you won. Most WoW fans would agree, level 70 is where the game begins….or to some, where one grind ends, and another one begins. It’s all part of Blizzard’s plan to keep you coming back for more…and why not? 10 million gamers paying $15 a month is a pretty good reason to keep players addicted. Wouldn’t you agree? At the maximum level, your main goal is to gear up your character, buy your flying mount, increase your level of expertise in your professions, and complete raid/dungeon content. Not interested in killing dragons in 25 or even 40 man raids? Try your hand at PvP (player vs player) and see if you’ve got what it takes to earn some of the best gear in the game.
Have you tried World of Warcraft yet? Are you, or someone you know addicted? I have to admit, I played for a year and then forced myself to quit.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my feed via RSS or E-MAIL!
Loading ...
I have now logged on to WoW in 22 countries.
[reply this comment]
I played the first 2 Warcrafts 12 or 13 years ago. My friend and I were addicted then and we tried to network our computers, but we didn’t know what the hell we were doing so that didn’t work.
My coworker is addicted to WoW and is constantly checking message boards and gold dealings. Despite his urgings, I have resisted getting involved out of fear of having my wife take my computer away.
[reply this comment]
Didn’t come round to get a copy of WoW. Convinced myself that my system will not be able to work the program. My best buddy is really hooked on it. He will be coming round to visit me in March and guess what? He’ll be bringing along his laptop so that he can participate in ‘guild wars’ in WoW during his visit to London! Omg…
[reply this comment]
I love this game. So addicted that I was playing it whole days! Now I had few problems installing but it’s just going fine. No wonder why so people are playing it
[reply this comment]
I was addicted to WoW since 2 years ago when one of my friends brought it for me as my birthday present. I though it was a waste for my friend to buy such a gift to me but after watching my brothers playing again and again, I joined them in the end and haha..
[reply this comment]
I have played WoW for a while and it is in fact addictive. As long as you have all your friends online in there and fight alongside them in various campaigns and what not it can be fun. I’d never have played just by myself. I don’t have time for it right now as I’d still give it a go.
[reply this comment]
I’ve never played! :o( It sound great. I do indeed know some people with the fever. But I’m addicted to the Sims 2!
Stop laughing!
I have every expansion pack and it continues to grow. Perhaps if The Sims 2 shuts down, I’ll have time to get into another game.
[reply this comment]
I have an account, lvl 43 druid called Mafia on a UK PVP server, I’m not addicted though, I play for 5 hours a week max, but it’s the only game I haven’t removed from my PC!
[reply this comment]
I’ve been playing World of Warcraft for a year, though I never played the original Warcrafts, except the demo for Warcraft 3, which I really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to buying the full version of W3. I originally didn’t like WoW, but I decided to give it a try. The result: two high level characters: a 70 Warlock and a 58 Paladin.
[reply this comment]
I used to play WoW but I had to quit since it was so addicting and it was just starting to consume my free time. If I didn’t quit I wouldn’t be here commenting right now for I’d be playing
Ya wow (no pun intended :P), 10 million players? that’s a lot of death/respawns
[reply this comment]
Have you tried World of Warcraft yet?
DTA: Nope. Downloaded the full client, was going to try out the one week trial thingie but have yet to find the time to actually install the client and get everything sorted out.
Are you, or someone you know addicted?
DTA: Am not addicted. I do know a handful who are addicted to it. Poor WOW Zombies. -_-
I have to admit, I played for a year and then forced myself to quit.
DTA: Glad to hear that you are clean now! ^_^
[reply this comment]
I play it a lot more than I should, but I’ve cut back a lot in the recent months. I used to play it whenever I wasn’t working, but finally got off that and only do some raids with my guild here and there now. I used to pvp like crazy. It’s nice to be able to play with people I know in real life too, so that does help. Or maybe makes it worse I guess. hah. Now I only play it when I am completely bored! Though it’s still fun.
[reply this comment]
lol, my hubby won’t let me get it, he knows he’d never see me again…
Mommie
[reply this comment]
I’ve played WoW and couldn’t get past the free trial. It got extremely boring and tedious. Who wants to bring back 15 bloody feathers for every NPC they get a quest from? A game shouldn’t start being fun after hours/days/weeks of level grind and blandness, it should be fun throughout. Guild Wars is a far better option
[reply this comment]
That’s right, Jason. MMORPGs are really adicting. But if one is disciplined enough, the right “balance” can be achieved. A lot of those who do not understand video games and online games say that gaming is evil But they just don’t see the real picture and are most likely lacking in info.
GM T
[reply this comment]
Ha Mommie! That’s funny
My husband and I played that game together for over a year before TBC, quit when it came out, then started again a few months before I gave birth. Thankfully having a full time job of caring for the new munchkin has enabled me to kick the habit once more and I actually cancelled my account a few days ago.
[reply this comment]