WORLD OF WARCRAFT
Created by Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft is one of the most expansive intellectual properties in gaming history. Originally launched as a subscription-based MMORPG in 2004, the franchise spans foundational real-time strategy games, multiple expansions, canonical novels, comics, a feature film, and digital collectible games.
Cronologia
Panoramica
Created by Blizzard Entertainment, the Warcraft universe originated in 1994 with its inaugural real-time strategy title before expanding into its flagship massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), World of Warcraft, in 2004.
Over thirty years, the franchise has grown to encompass one live-action feature film, multiple spin-off titles, dozens of canonical novels, manga, comic series, and official visual guides.
World of Warcraft itself has evolved through eleven major expansions, continuing into the multi-expansion Worldsoul Saga comprising The War Within (2024), Midnight (2026), and The Last Titan (2027).
Origini
The franchise established its fictional fantasy world of Azeroth and the core war between the human-led Alliance and the orc-led Horde through real-time strategy (RTS) games.
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans introduced the conflict in 1994, followed by Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995) and Beyond the Dark Portal (1996), which introduced naval combat and races such as elves, dwarves, and trolls.
In 2002 and 2003, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne brought 3D graphics and expanded cosmic stakes, introducing the Undead Scourge, the Burning Legion, and pivotal characters like Arthas Menethil and Illidan Stormrage. Roughly four years after the events of The Frozen Throne, Blizzard launched World of Warcraft on November 23, 2004, allowing players to create heroes and explore open continents in an online MMORPG format.
Personaggi
I PEZZI DI WORLD OF WARCRAFT
Collezionismo
For collectors of lore and Warcraft media, the franchise offers extensive official guidebooks, canonical compendiums, and digital collectible games.
Primary physical references include World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, published in collaboration with Blizzard to document lore and behind-the-scenes artwork, alongside the three-volume World of Warcraft: Chronicle series which covers cosmic history. Collecting also extends to travel guides like the Exploring Azeroth series, digital collectible card gaming with Hearthstone, and mobile strategy experiences like Warcraft Rumble, which features miniature-style versions of iconic Warcraft heroes and villains.
Warcraft Rumble features miniature versions of iconic Warcraft heroes and villains for mobile strategy battles.
