World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released by Blizzard Entertainment on November 23, 2004. It is set in the fantasy universe of Warcraft, which was first introduced in the real-time strategy game, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, in 1994.
The development of World of Warcraft began in 2001, following the success of previous Warcraft titles. The game was designed to expand the lore and world of Azeroth, offering an open-ended experience where the player's actions could influence the game's world. Upon release, it was noted for its depth, the integration of story elements from the RTS games, and the scale of its online community.
World of Warcraft has been critically acclaimed for its:
The game has also faced criticism for its addictive nature and the time commitment required to remain competitive. Nevertheless, it has maintained a substantial player base, with millions of subscribers at its peak.
Initially, WoW operated on a subscription model, requiring players to purchase the game and pay a monthly fee. Over time, Blizzard introduced different payment options, including a token system where players can buy game time with in-game gold or real money, and various editions of the game that offer different subscription benefits.