World of Warcraft has shaped the gaming industry for nearly two decades. Now, the best-selling title is guaranteed to continue its place atop the MMORPG genre for at least a decade more.
The freshly returned World of Warcraft executive creative director, or basically the guy who comes up with all the crazy lore stuff, among others, has unveiled a brand new narrative arc for World of Warcraft.
The Worldsoul Saga will unfold across three upcoming expansions: The War Within, Midnight, and The Last Titan. This is an ambitious trilogy that not only marks a significant turning point in WoW’s storied history but also establishes a trajectory for the franchise’s future.
The War Within will kick off this massive three-part saga next year, beckoning hundreds of thousands of players to go in deep beneath Azeroth and into the cavernous realms inhabited by the Earthen and the Nerubian Empire. Here, we learn of the aftermath of Sargeras’ blade, a pivotal event from the Legion expansion, which has awakened enigmatic forces, potentially the planet’s worldsoul. This expansion looks to redefine subterranean exploration in WoW, introducing new zones like Azj-Kahet and the Isle of Dorn, and innovative features such as Delves and Warbands, alongside dynamic flying for legacy mounts.
Midnight, the saga’s second chapter, shifts the narrative to an impending cosmic clash between the forces of the Void and the Light. Players will confront the Old Gods’ resurgence, with the narrative intricately woven around the enigmatic character Xal’atath, whose machinations remain shrouded in mystery. This expansion will likely deepen the game’s lore surrounding the Void, offering insights into its nuanced existence and the consequences of its unchecked ascendancy.
Finally, the trilogy’s conclusion, The Last Titan, promises an apocalyptic revelation. The secrets of the Titans, serving as the celestial custodians that silently shaped Azeroth’s destiny, will finally be laid bare. Illidan’s fate, intertwined with the Titans, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative, leaving fans speculating about the saga’s denouement.
Metzen’s vision for the Worldsoul Saga isn’t a mere continuation of WoW’s legacy but a bridge to its future. The trio of expansions will redefine the game’s narrative scope, with The War Within commencing in 2024, followed by Midnight and The Last Titan. While specific release dates for the latter expansions remain undisclosed, the accelerated timeline suggests a potential shift from WoW’s traditional biennial release model to something more frequent. Moreover, the unveiling of The War Within’s cinematic trailer, featuring iconic characters Anduin and Thrall, hints at a deeper narrative thread involving the Sword of Sargeras. The cinematic not only sets the stage for the upcoming expansion but also teases the interconnectedness of the Worldsoul Saga’s storyline.
The incoming expansions will bring a plethora of new content to WoW, from revamped zones such as Quel’Thalas and Northrend to the introduction of new allied races, such as the Earthen Dwarves. Players can expect enhanced endgame experiences through Delves, shared progression via Warbands, and the expansion of Hero Talents, allowing for unprecedented customization and strategic depth.
Blizzard’s announcement reflects a bold new direction for World of Warcraft. The Worldsoul Saga represents both the culmination of two decades of storytelling and a foundation for the future.
World of WarCraft now belongs to Microsoft following the tech giant’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. It remains to be seen if this means that the popular MMO will finally be available on Steam. It’s unclear if Microsoft will push for WoW to come to consoles anytime soon, especially Xbox. But, it’s guarantee that it won’t be on Game Pass at least until next year.
