by SymphonieWorld of Warcraft (WOW) has been the cornerstone of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) ever since it was first released back in 2004. Over the years, this game has managed to attract and retain a user base that exceeds the 100 million user mark. WOW’s unique game features have been a major contributing factor to its growth and although this game is unique, it still shares some commonalities with other games that span across a wide variety of subgenres. Let’s explore these commonalities that have led to WOW becoming a cultural phenomenon in the MMORPG world.
Shared Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics of World of Warcraft involve an open world coupled with an engaging storyline that relates to the MMORPG gaming genre. Features such as character progression, completing quests, and earning experience as well as rewards make the gameplay mechanics of WOW similar to other popular games such as Guild Wars 2 and Final Fantasy XIV. The themed gameplay also extends to games that don’t fall under the category of traditional MMORPG video games.
For example, casino games are increasingly incorporating engaging storylines and unique themes to entertain players, similar to WOW and other MMORPG games. This includes themed video slots that players can play at no KYC casinos, which are online casinos that don’t require extensive personal details to play, and offer an immersive themed experience. As mentioned by iGaming expert Kane Pepi, these gaming sites offer bonuses and rewards, this can also be likened to the progressive gameplay offered by WOW. Although these games don’t require active gameplay from players, they are also equally as immersive and attract a large user base globally. Therefore, the shared commonalities of WOW and other MMORPG games as well as video slots provide an engaging and immersive gaming environment for players.
Community Building
WOW has grown in popularity due to community-building features where players can participate in raids, guilds, and social events on a multiplayer basis. As a result, this feature boosts the morale of players and fosters a sense of belonging and shared experience. The coordination and teamwork required to accomplish quests may be unique to WOW in scope but other games such as Minecraft’s multiplayer mode share a similar thread.
Other games such as Overwatch require coordination and teamwork to devise winning strategies. On the other hand, although Dark Souls is a single-player game, some of its features are similar to WOW’s such as the messaging board and cross-player interaction.
Regular Updates and Expansions
Regular game updates and expansions make the gameplay more lively and interactive, when it comes to this, WOW has done very well. The developers of World of Warcraft have delivered a consistent stream of updates and expansions. For example, some of the major expansions have been Shadowlands and Legion which have introduced new storylines and gameplay mechanics.
Likewise, games such as League of Legends and Destiny 2 have been revitalized time and again with expansions and regular patch updates. In addition, platforms such as crypto gambling sites are also known for regular updates and the addition of new game options which makes them similar to WOW in that respect. Game updates ensure that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging to players which creates a strong and loyal user base.
In-Game Purchases
WOW doesn’t require players to purchase in-game assets or other features but their optional availability enhances the gameplay. Players can subscribe for premium features that unlock the entire game’s full content and purchase cosmetic items, tokens, and expansions.
This is similar to games such as World of Tanks which also offer premium accounts and the option to purchase in-game assets. Undoubtedly, the revenue generated from these monetization models goes into improving the game and ensuring regular updates for a seamless gaming experience.
