World of Warcraft Developer Discusses Potential Console Release

Article Key Points

With the Microsoft acquisition, there is a possibility that World of Warcraft may come to Xbox, potentially reaching an even wider audience.

The developers are currently prioritizing the Worldsoul Saga, but internal discussions are underway regarding the possibility of an Xbox version.

Considering the recent updates that have introduced console-friendly features, such as native controller support, it is plausible to expect a console port of World of Warcraft in the future.

With Blizzard Entertainment now being a part of Microsoft, there is speculation among World of Warcraft players regarding the possibility of the game being available on consoles. Executive producer Holly Longdale addressed this topic extensively, considering that World of Warcraft was initially designed with a PC audience in mind during its release. While the game has achieved unparalleled success over the years, its competitors, such as Final Fantasy 14, have since offered options for console players to engage in the MMO experience. The announcement of the Worldsoul Saga for World of Warcraft presents Blizzard with an opportunity to reach an even wider audience.

While the team is primarily focused on developing the Worldsoul Saga, the completion of the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard has raised questions about the potential release of World of Warcraft on Xbox. The developers already have their hands full with The War Within scheduled for a late 2024 launch. However, it is worth noting that Blizzard now holds a unique position to bring World of Warcraft to Microsoft's console.

We are thrilled about our three expansions. It would be disingenuous to say otherwise since we are now Microsoft. Similarly, with Final Fantasy 14 launching on Xbox in early 2024, Blizzard may be missing out on potential revenue by not doing the same. In an interview with GamesRadar, Holly Longdale confirmed that discussions about an Xbox version of World of Warcraft are constant.

"We're thrilled about these three expansions. Naturally, we can't deny our excitement. It would be disingenuous to say otherwise. After all, we are now part of Microsoft," Longdale chuckled. She elaborated on the complexity of catering to a console audience, acknowledging that the question went beyond a simple paper analysis. However, judging by the Blizzard executive's response, it is highly likely that World of Warcraft will eventually make its way to consoles.

The upcoming expansion, The War Within, will introduce several enduring elements to World of Warcraft. Players can anticipate the addition of console-friendly features, such as the recent inclusion of native controller support in Patch 9.0.1 for Shadowlands.

Blizzard has demonstrated a commitment to expanding the Warcraft brand in a non-linear direction with Cataclysm and the Season of Discovery in World of Warcraft Classic. While it is uncertain how long it will take for an Xbox version to be developed, Longdale has confirmed that the developer team shares the same perspective as the audience on this matter.

World of Warcraft

With a legacy spanning nearly two decades, World of Warcraft stands as an immensely triumphant MMORPG. It has achieved extraordinary financial success, ranking among the highest-grossing franchises of all time. Regarded as the epitome of massively multiplayer online role-playing games, it has garnered an unparalleled level of popularity.

Franchise WarcraftPlatform(s) PCReleased November 23, 2004Developer(s) Blizzard See at Official Site

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of World of Warcraft, the potential release of the game on Xbox is an exciting prospect. The game has been a staple of the PC gaming landscape for nearly two decades, and its arrival on consoles would open it up to a whole new audience.

I believe that the developers at Blizzard have the opportunity to create a truly unique and immersive experience for console players. The game's vast world, deep lore, and engaging gameplay would translate well to a console controller, and the addition of features such as native controller support and cross-platform play would make it even more accessible to new players.

Of course, there are also some challenges that come with bringing World of Warcraft to consoles. The game's complex user interface and steep learning curve could be daunting for new players, and the developers will need to find ways to make the game more streamlined and user-friendly without sacrificing its depth and complexity.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the potential release of World of Warcraft on Xbox. I believe that the game has the potential to be a huge success on consoles, and I am excited to see what the developers have in store for us.

World of Warcraft Developer: Blizzard Entertainment - Genre: MMORPG As a devoted fan of World of Warcraft, I am enthralled by its immersive and expansive virtual world. The game's rich lore, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay keep me engaged for hours on end. I appreciate the plethora of challenging quests, dungeons, and raids that cater to both solo and group play, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. The constant updates and expansions inject fresh content, ensuring that there is always something new to explore. The well-developed classes and races allow for endless character customization, enabling players to truly make their mark on Azeroth. World of Warcraft remains a masterpiece, consistently delivering unforgettable experiences and cementing its status as a legendary MMORPG.