BlizzCon 2023 is in full swing, and fans were in for a delightful surprise during this year's opening ceremony. The crowd erupted with a thunderous applause as they welcomed back Chris Metzen to the Blizzard stage for the first time in 7 years. Metzen had retired from Blizzard in 2016 but had returned on a occasion to lend his iconic voice to Thrall when necessary. His absence had been keenly felt throughout the expansions that followed his departure. Many fans hold hope that with Chris Metzen at the helm of the World of Warcraft team, the franchise can recapture the essence that made it so special in the past.
I love Warcraft, and I really missed this work!
Chris Metzen
When Chris Metzen was introduced, the crowd enthusiastically leaped to their feet, filling the room with thunderous applause and cheers. This moment marked his first on-stage appearance in seven years. As his vibrant voice resonated through the venue, Chris exuded an electrifying energy that was both inspiring and heartwarming for fans of World of Warcraft. He was undeniably in his element, radiating genuine excitement as he celebrated 20 years of World of Warcraft.
The culmination of the first 20 years of storytelling will vector us into the next 20 years of adventure.
Chris Metzen
Chris goes on to speculate about various plot points and possible storylines to visit and unveiled not just one, but a THREE expansion saga to the eager audience: The Worldsoul Saga, before introducing the cinematic preview for the next expansion. This was his call to arms for players new and old to return home to Azeroth.
Now is the time to come home.
Now is the time to pull on your boots, pick up your broadsword or your favorite glowie staff..
and get in this fight. Friends, Azeroth needs her defenders in this fight, now more than ever.
Chris Metzen
"World of Warcraft: The War Within" serves as the inaugural chapter of The Worldsoul Saga, continuing the narrative in the aftermath of "Dragonflight." Our heroes are plagued by vivid visions, some bathed in resplendent light, while others are haunted by foreboding warnings from the shadows. The message is clear: A sinister force is emerging from the depths of Azeroth.
Delve deep beneath the surface to uncover the ancient nerubian civilization, which is gaining power with the assistance of Xal'atath, the Harbinger of the Void, originally introduced in the Legion expansion. As our heroes embark on this perilous journey, they must forge alliances with the Earthen, a new allied race welcomed by both the Horde and Alliance. Together, they will unveil an entirely new realm that has remained concealed for centuries, housing inhabitants who are preparing for impending conflicts on the horizon.
Embark on an epic adventure to reach a new level cap of 80, as you venture deep below the surface of Azeroth. Explore the expansive empires hidden beneath, and unveil ancient civilizations, some of which offer friendship, while others pose new challenges. These discoveries await you in four distinct zones:
Prepare for an unforgettable journey beneath the surface, where new adventures and opportunities for exploration await in these captivating zones.
As players advance through the main campaign, they will have the opportunity to encounter the Earthen who have established their residence on the Isle of Dorn and the subterranean zones beneath it. The Earthen will stand as a fresh allied race, extending their membership to both Alliance and Horde players, offering a unique and exciting addition to the game.
Adventurers will find numerous opportunities to delve into the secrets hidden beneath the surface in their quest for magnificent treasures. These opportunities are presented through "Delves," which are scalable world instances designed for groups of 1-5 players. Engaging in these Delves will yield substantial gear progression, further contributing to a new reward track in the Great Vault, specifically tailored for players engaged in world content.
Players can look forward to embracing new Hero Talents for each class specialization, introducing a means to advance their characters through self-contained talent trees. These talents not only enhance character progression but also infuse a distinctive class fantasy inspired by legendary Warcraft universe archetypes. For instance, Warriors may aspire to become a formidable Mountain Thane, while Hunters can tap into the allure of a Dark Ranger, allowing players to embody the iconic archetypes from the Warcraft universe and further customize their gameplay.
"Warbands" introduces an exciting feature for players, enabling account-wide progression that extends to all characters within their Battle.net account, regardless of faction. This inclusive system encompasses shared "War Within" renown, a collective warband bank, and achievements that can be accessed by all characters. Moreover, a notable adjustment to the transmog collection is being introduced. Players will now have the ability to learn the appearance of any gear type, even if their character cannot equip it, expanding the possibilities for character customization and personalization.
The upcoming second expansion within this saga beckons players back to familiar territories, most notably the iconic Quel'Thalas. In a dire twist of fate, the forces of the Void have launched a full-scale invasion of this elven kingdom, driven by the nefarious goal of eradicating the sacred Lightwell. In response, players will undertake a challenging quest to reunite the disparate elven tribes, all sharing a common objective: to repel the encroaching Void forces and safeguard the world from descending into darkness and despair.
While further details about World of Warcraft 'Midnight' remain under wraps, the prospect of an expansion focused on the conflict between the elves and the Void has undeniably stirred the curiosity and excitement of players, promising a captivating and immersive journey through the ever-evolving realm of Azeroth.
No intriguing tale would be complete without the Titans making a significant appearance, and that's precisely what happens in the concluding installment of the 'Worldsoul' saga, unveiled at BlizzCon today as 'The Last Titan.' This new expansion pivots back to Northrend, revisiting the beloved Ulduar raid, cherished by fans. Within the hallowed halls of Ulduar, players will have the unique opportunity to interact with the Titans themselves, embarking on a journey to unravel a profound mystery that spans the entire tapestry of Warcraft's history.
As with the 'Midnight' expansion, the BlizzCon announcement provided a high-level glimpse of the overarching story, leaving the finer details to be discovered in due time. Nevertheless, the prospect of revisiting Northrend and delving into the mystique of the Titans has ignited the enthusiasm and curiosity of fans, promising an epic and fitting conclusion to the 'Worldsoul' saga.
I want to remind you all that sometimes very epic things can begin with small heartfelt moments, what you're about to see is one of those moments.
Chris Metzen
The World of Warcraft Cinematic team has truly outdone themselves this time, delivering what Chris Metzen aptly described as a small heartfelt moment that can develop into something truly epic.
The trailer opens with a mature Anduin Wrynn, seated alone on a desert dune, which we later identify as Silithus. Visibly haggard and troubled, Anduin is haunted by enigmatic visions of resplendent light that whisper the name "Anduin".
Suddenly, a magical teleportation sound signals the arrival of a visitor, and without even looking, Anduin recognizes the newcomer as none other than the former Horde Warchief, Thrall.
You needed time. So we stayed away, but time by itslef means nothing.
Thrall
Their exchange is brief, with Anduin, grappling with his own inner turmoil, recognizing he isnt the only one having visions. Thrall bends down and places his large green hand on the sand, believing many others are seeing them too and that something, someone from the very heart of Azeroth is sending the visions as a warning of a very dark threat coming soon.
Thrall places his hand on Andouin's shoulder, which elicits a flashback triggering his fear and uncertainty. Adopting a stance reminiscent of the Lich King, Arthas, pointing his sword at Thrall. He confides in Thrall, expressing a loss of connection with the Light and questioning his worthiness after what he has done.
Thrall takes a step forward, allowing the tip of Anduin's sword to touch his chest, and he responds with a simple yet profound statement:
You are not your past Anduin. I trust you.
Thrall
These words persuade a visibly shaken Anduin to lower his sword, understanding that the needs of Azeroth surpass his personal doubts. He makes a commitment to stand and defend Azeroth once more against the impending threat. Anduin pledges his support to Thrall as they gaze upon the Sword of Sargeras, driven deep into the sands of Silithus, marking a moment of unity and determination. The trailer then fades to black, leaving viewers captivated by the powerful symbolism and character development presented.
This was an epic trailer that sent shivers down my spine! Witnessing Anduin's growth and remarkable character development throughout various expansions has made him an unforgettable character, one who, in my opinion, can stand alongside iconic figures like Arthas. I'm eagerly looking forward to more cinematic productions from Blizzard, as they truly capture the essence of what makes the Warcraft universe so special: its rich lore and storytelling prowess. The scene where Anduin's tormented soul finds solace in an old friend like Thrall mirrors how disenfranchised players have felt over the years, having an old friend like Chris Metzen return to bring hope and comfort to a franchise when it was needed most, both for the game and its devoted fans. Time will tell if the Worldsoul Saga will be a big win or a big flop. But let me know, are you excited to play World of Warcraft again? I for one cannot wait to get my hands on this expansion and squeeze every bit of juicy lore out of it! Let me know what you think, share this on social media and tag me @chrisbomar.
