At this year’s BlizzCon, Blizzard Entertainment made waves by announcing distant future release dates for its projects, with Diablo 5 planned for 2029 and a new StarCraft shooter set for 2030. However, the most immediate and compelling reveal was World of Warcraft: Forever, also known informally as Classic Plus, which promises a refreshed take on the game that has captivated players for over two decades.
A Revamped Classic Experience
World of Warcraft: Forever is set to reinvent the original 2004/5 version of the game. This iteration will feature an array of enhancements, including new zones, expanded pre-existing zones, and additional dungeons and raids. Players can also look forward to novel skill sets and talents, varied race and class combinations, and the introduction of the Skyborne as a playable race. Over 100 new quests have been added, along with new items, reputation rewards, and profession-related developments. Additionally, players can enjoy improved graphics with an option to toggle between the original and high-definition character models.
A New Direction for WoW
The forthcoming title is not merely a repeat of the past but an exploration of untold future possibilities. WoW executive producer Holly Longdale explained that unlike previous Classic versions, World of Warcraft: Forever will diverge from the original game’s narrative arc. There is an opportunity to explore stories that may have never happened. “The future is untold,” Longdale stated during the event, indicating the potential for narrative innovation.
No Sequel in Sight
Despite this refresh, the possibility of a direct sequel to World of Warcraft remains off the table. Kris Zierhut, principal designer of WoW: Forever, praised the existing game’s robust engine and server infrastructure, which has been continuously refined over 25 years. Zierhut noted, “Why would you throw that away and start over?” This sentiment resonates as Blizzard focuses on enhancing its established universe rather than launching a full sequel.
Challenges of Developing a Sequel
Creating a successor to such an expansive and successful game would entail numerous challenges. Besides the substantial financial investment—potentially costing hundreds of millions—the transition could be fraught with complications. Blizzard learned from the transition issues between Overwatch 1 and 2, and the defunct Titan project, which eventually evolved into Overwatch. Amid these challenges, along with the demands of developing other games like Diablo 5 and a new StarCraft title, Blizzard’s approach seems judicious. Additionally, their parent company Xbox is eyeing cost-saving measures, including job cuts, which also contribute to the unlikelihood of undertaking a WoW sequel.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.