How the World of Warcraft Movie Can Save the Game

Its too late now, of course, since Legendary had the trailer taken down.

Hype is an interesting part of todays Internet-based geek culture.

It gives us all something to dream, think, theorycraft, and speculate about.

Its kind of like what happens when a new expansion for a certain multi-million player MMORPG is announced.

Forums and social media explode with hype and speculation.

Blizzard announcedWorld of Warcrafts next expansionentitledLegionearlier this month during Gamescom.

The much-debated current state ofWarlords of Draenorundoubtedly expedited the process.

Many fans feel Blizzard wants to move on fromWoDASAP.

In light of both the expansion and movie hype, what does a new expansion mean for the movie?

What does the movie mean for the game?

After 10+ long years ofWorld of Warcraft, can one movie possibly breathe life back into the franchise?

Ad content continues below

The answer to that question is a big, fat yes.

Every gamer knows aboutWoW, but not all gamers have triedWoW.

Rarely ever anything in between.

For this reason, there are a surprising amount of gamers and science fiction/fantasy fans who havent playedWoW.

Its these groups of people that Blizzard is hoping to entice back intoWoWwith the help of theWarcraftmovie.

Fresh, new faces may add a lot toWorld of Warcraft.

Not to mention cross-media fans tend to stay (e.g.

Marvel movie fans who decided to give the comics a shot).

Of course, these new fans could be driven away by the established playerbase.

Its no secret that theWoWcommunity is often seen as toxic and just a wee bit troll-ish.

Theres a reason running pick-up groups with randoms is often seen as an act of bravery inWoW.

Is it possible that the community may become worse after the arrival of the movie?

But I find this darker future a bit unlikely.

Its similarly not likely for Blizzard to dramatically change their development goals based on a new influx of players.

Even the highest raid difficulties inWoWgive players goals to shoot for and thus increase the games longevity.

But the movie wont just attract new fans.

Naturally, veteranWoWplayers or returning players are likely to see theWarcraftmovie, as well.

Fans who have even a tinge of love for a franchise usually return when theres a new development.

Veteran players may rethink the game and approach it differently.

A casual RPer may try out some of the raids that featureWarcraftcharacters.

A hardcore Alliance player may roll a Hordie.

A PvPer might become a lore hound.

A new outlook can do a world of good for curing those been there, done that blues.

Fun sometimes requires an alternate outlook.