The gaming landscape could be on the cusp of a significant shift with the potential console debut of Blizzard Entertainment’s iconic MMO, World of Warcraft (WoW). In an interview with GamesRadar+ at BlizzCon 2023, Holly Longdale, Vice President and Executive Producer for World of Warcraft, revealed intriguing insights into the game’s future.
Longdale confirmed, “Of course! Yeah, we talk about it all the time,” when asked about the possibility of WoW coming to console platforms. This ongoing discussion marks a pivotal moment for the nearly 20-year-old game, which has traditionally been a PC-exclusive title.
The landscape of gaming has evolved drastically since WoW’s initial PC launch in 2004. Back then, the idea of the MMO functioning on console systems seemed unfeasible. However, with the technological advances and the breakdown of barriers in cross-platform play, the once distant dream is edging closer to reality. Longdale indicated that technical hurdles are not the main obstacle, saying, “I don’t think it is, frankly. I think we’re pretty well positioned, which is kind of why we talk about it.”
This development is further fueled by Microsoft Gaming’s recent acquisition of Blizzard Entertainment. The merger brings new opportunities and resources, potentially facilitating WoW’s transition to consoles like the Xbox Series X. Despite this, Longdale highlighted that since the acquisition’s finalization on October 13, the Warcraft teams have had limited interactions with Xbox Game Studios.
Currently, Blizzard’s focus remains on the Worldsoul Saga and catering to a broad spectrum of players – legacy, lapsed, and newcomers. Addressing the challenges of expansion balancing, Longdale noted the importance of considering the console audience’s approachability.
The prospect of WoW on consoles is not just about technological feasibility but also about opening the game to new audiences. As WoW nears its 20th anniversary, the idea of expanding its reach is particularly exciting. Longdale expressed this enthusiasm: “Wouldn’t that be cool,” encapsulating the sentiment of many fans and industry observers alike.
Though the exact details and timeline for WoW’s potential console launch remain uncertain, Longdale’s comments to GamesRadar+ indicate a future where the realms of Azeroth could be explored from the comfort of a console. With the gaming community eagerly awaiting further announcements, the next chapter for World of Warcraft promises to be as thrilling as its storied past.
Source: GamesRadar+