Two Decades of WoW: Blizzard Shares How The Game & Gamers Have Changed

Learn how gamers and World of Warcraft have changed and adapted over the years according to Activision Blizzard.

First Published November 29, 2024, 12:00

Two Decades of WoW: Blizzard Shares How The Game & Gamers Have Changed — Blizzard

Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft franchise is over 30 years old now, and their timeless MMORPG, World of Warcraft, was released over two decades ago, on 14 November 2024. Shortly after its official launch (about three weeks later), I logged in for the first time in December 2004 after managing to get enough money together to purchase the game from a local store on my student budget.

I started an Orc character, and since then, I've always preferred playing as a member of The Horde, while one of my friends whom I used to play WoW (they had better internet than me) always preferred Alliance.

Despite our differences in opinion on which faction is best, the one thing that united us, and later several other friends and family members we played with, is the world...of Warcraft.

The magnificent world has changed a lot since it's original release. I can still remember fighting for hours at the Crossroads in the Barrens, and farming for materials to get "attuned" to one of the first raids. It was a time of wonder, exploration, and most importantly, community.

After 20 years, World of Warcraft is still going strong, with The War Within expansion and the upcoming Worldsoul Saga. Even so, you can experience the 20th Anniversary WoW Classic era on new servers.

I recently received a feature from Activision Blizzard that delves deep into the legacy of WoW, how the game and gamers have changed over the span of 20 years, and even what the future holds. I read it twice, so I wanted to share it with you.

Legacy of WoW
A Journey of Design
Gameplay Refined: Complex Choreography and Customisation
Expanding universe
Future of World of Warcraft

You can read the entire feature piece from Activision Blizzard below. Enjoy!

Legacy of WoW

WoW world of warcraft 20 year anniversary legacy player change game mechanics content future worldstone saga — Picture: Blizzard

"Azeroth erupts in celebration! Horde and Alliance alike raise a glass (or axe/sword) to twenty glorious years of adventure, camaraderie, and epic battles across the World of Warcraft.

It’s been two decades since World of Warcraft launched; not as just another MMORPG, but instead opening a portal to an ever expanding world beaming with possibility. Now, as veterans reminisce and a new generation takes up arms, the very landscape of Azeroth reflects this passage of time.

This isn't a simple nostalgia trip. It's an expedition through the evolving heart of a phenomenon. Each expansion, each patch note, whispers a tale of adaptation. Join us as we delve through the evolution of World of Warcraft, from its strong beginnings to the sprawling narrative of today. This is the story of how a world, much like its heroes, levelled up - in power, in depth and the enduring bonds forged beneath its digital sky."

A Journey of Design

"World of Warcraft's Vanilla launch in 2004 introduced players to the vast world of Azeroth, offering a then-revolutionary MMORPG experience with two continents, eight races, and nine classes to explore. This era, defined by challenging 40-man raids like Molten Core and Blackwing Lair, laid the groundwork for WoW's future, emphasising community, exploration, and epic encounters that became synonymous with the game's enduring legacy.

World of Warcraft's 2004 debut was groundbreaking, not just for its ambitious scope and immersive gameplay, but for the way it brought this vibrant new world to life. Players were captivated by a world that felt truly alive, a place where friendships were forged in the fires of Molten Core and legends were born beneath the sky of a brand new world. The focus was on the shared experience, the thrill of exploration, and the sense of belonging to something truly epic.

Azeroth has blossomed from its initial vision into a sprawling world rich in lore and artistic detail. The depth and complexity of its stories and art have only grown richer over the years. Armed with the best designers in the industry, Azeroth has transformed over the years into a world of breathtaking cities and lush forests. The introduction of shaders, dynamic lighting, and advanced particle effects have painted a world brimming with vibrancy and detail, immersing players in its beauty like never before."

Gameplay Refined: Complex Choreography and Customisation

"Beyond its visuals, the evolution of WoW is also underpinned by its impressive gameplay. Today's WoW builds upon a strong foundation of MMORPG combat that has kept audiences enticed for over 20 years, introducing a depth of gameplay while streamlining systems for an intuitive and rewarding experience. Players master a complex dance of resource management, cooldown optimisation, and synergistic teamwork. The addition of new classes, specialisations, and talent trees continues to broaden the possibilities, inviting players to explore diverse playstyles and conquer ever-greater challenges.

World of Warcraft's gameplay mechanics are in constant evolution to match its ever expanding world. PvP has transitioned from open-world clashes to structured battlegrounds and arenas, while Raiding has evolved from 40-player behemoths into smaller, more intricate encounters. Level caps have steadily risen unlocking new content, while the introduction of new races and classes like Blood Elves and Death Knights brought fresh gameplay styles and lore. Other features like transmogrification - added in the Legion expansion - allow for cosmetic customization, revolutionised player agency, aesthetics and individuality.

Through these constant refinements and additions, WoW’s gameplay remains fresh and engaging, making it one of the most popular MMORPGs around."

Expanding universe

"As the game has evolved, so has the universe - expanding far beyond its initial two continents, Azeroth and Kalimdor. Each expansion has pushed the boundaries of the map, introducing players to diverse, new landscapes like the shattered realm of Outland, the icy plains of Northrend, the vibrant jungles of Pandaria and the subterranean world of Khaz Algar.

The future of Azeroth shines brightly, as the Worldsoul saga stands before us; a monumental chapter, and a culmination of twenty years of epic storytelling. From the fiery battle for Mount Hyjal during the Burning Crusade and the chilling confrontation with Arthas Menethil in Icecrown Citadel, through to the desperate fight against the Burning Legion on Argus, and now, the rising tensions of the War Within, every scar and every victory has shaped this moment.

Twenty years of powerful narratives have woven a rich tapestry of conflict and heroism, a gift to players that continues to unfold in breathtaking and unexpected ways in the ever-expanding Worldsoul saga."

Future of World of Warcraft

"As World of Warcraft celebrates its 20th Anniversary and continues to thrive, is a testament to its enduring legacy and the passionate community that call it home. From groundbreaking expansions like Dragonflight and The War Within, to the constant refinement of gameplay systems and beautiful new landscapes, the future burns bright for Azeroth's heroes.

With new adventures on the horizon, exciting features in development, and a commitment to delivering epic storytelling, WoW is poised to captivate players for years to come. The journey is far from over; in fact, it feels like we're only just beginning to scratch the surface of what's possible in this ever-evolving world."

Check out our video below, where we dive deep into the lore of the Dragon Aspects in World of Warcraft, discussing all the leaders, their history, and some family drama!