View source for Software:Warcraft

'''''Warcraft''''' is a fantasy [[Engineering:Video game|video game]] series and media franchise created by [[Company:Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard Entertainment]]. The series consists of six core games: ''[[Software:Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' (1994), ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' (1995), ''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' (2002), ''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'' (2004), ''[[Software:Hearthstone|Hearthstone]]'' (2014), and ''[[Software:Warcraft Rumble|Warcraft Rumble]]'' (2023). Initially a [[Software:Real-time strategy|real-time strategy]] (RTS) series, ''Warcraft'' expanded into other  game genres beginning with ''World of Warcraft'', a highly influential [[Finance:Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG). The franchise has also spawned novels, [[Social:Comics|comics]], a tabletop role-playing game, a trading card game, and a 2016 feature film.

The franchise is primarily set on the planet Azeroth, as well as related planets and metaphysical dimensions. Azeroth is inhabited by various races and civilizations, including typical fantasy races such as [[Unsolved:Elf|elves]], [[Unsolved:Dwarf (mythology)|dwarves]], [[Unsolved:Gnome|gnome]]s, orcs, and [[Unsolved:Troll|troll]]s, along with original races and creatures unique to the franchise. Its lore and story center on warfare between the races and factions of Azeroth, typically between the human-led Alliance and the orc-led Horde, chronicling the exploits of heroes and villains on both sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/lore/#story-so-far/|title=History of Warcraft|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|access-date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507222536/http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/lore/#story-so-far/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ofenc>{{cite web|url=http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/index.xml|title=The Warcraft Encyclopedia (Official Blizzard release)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|access-date=November 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718063028/http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/index.xml|archive-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> While high fantasy at its core, the ''Warcraft'' universe incorporates a diverse assortment of influences, including science fiction and dark fantasy. ''Warcraft'' has been noted as differentiating itself from other fantasy universes by highlighting "monster races" such as orcs, trolls, and [[Unsolved:Undead|undead]], often portraying them as protagonists and giving them significant character development and moral complexity.

The ''Warcraft'' franchise has been highly successful, grossing over $12 billion in revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/12/technology/a-new-phase-for-world-of-warcrafts-lead-designer-his-own-start-up.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915093511/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/12/technology/a-new-phase-for-world-of-warcrafts-lead-designer-his-own-start-up.html|title=A New Phase for World of Warcraft's Lead Designer: His Own Start-Up|newspaper=The New York Times|archivedate=September 15, 2016|date=September 11, 2016|accessdate=December 25, 2023}}</ref> The games have been critically acclaimed: the first three ''Warcraft'' games are considered landmarks of the RTS genre, while ''World of Warcraft'' is regarded as the most popular and influential MMORPG of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sawyer|first=Logan|url=https://www.thegamer.com/best-mmorpgs-ever-wow-runescape/|date=May 13, 2020|publisher=TheGamer|title=Ranking The 15 Best MMORPGs Of All Time|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712194638/https://www.thegamer.com/best-mmorpgs-ever-wow-runescape/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bradley|first1=Alan|last2=Avard|first2=Alex|last3=Gerblick|first3=Jordan|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-mmorpg/3/|date=August 11, 2020|publisher=GamesRadar|title=The best MMORPG games to live out your best fantasy life|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204143537/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-mmorpg/3/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lykins|first=Damien|url=https://gamerant.com/best-mmorpgs-all-time-metacritic/|date=September 2, 2019|publisher=GamesRant|title=The Top 10 Best MMORPGs Of All Time (According to Metacritic)|access-date=January 19, 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712194638/https://gamerant.com/best-mmorpgs-all-time-metacritic/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Video games==
{{Video game timeline
| compressempty = yes
| subtitle = Game releases in bold
| 1994 = '''''[[Software:Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'''''
| 1995 = '''''[[Software:Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'''''
| 1996 = ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]''
| 1999 = ''Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition''
| 2002 = '''''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'''''
| 2003 = ''[[Software:Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]''
| 2004 = '''''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'''''
| 2007 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]''
| 2008 = ''World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King''
| 2010 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]''
| 2012 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]''
| 2014a = '''''[[Software:Hearthstone|Hearthstone]]'''''
| 2014b = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor]]''
| 2016 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Legion]]''
| 2018 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]''
| 2019 = '''''[[Software:World of Warcraft Classic|World of Warcraft Classic]]'''''
| 2020a = '''''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reforged]]'''''|2020b=''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]''
| 2021 = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft Classic#Burning Crusade Classic|World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic]]''
| 2022a = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft Classic#Wrath of the Lich King Classic|World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic]]''
| 2022b = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Dragonflight]]''
| 2023 = '''''[[Software:Warcraft Rumble|Warcraft Rumble]]'''''
| 2024a = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft Classic#Cataclysm Classic|World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic]]''
| 2024b = ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: The War Within]]''
| 2024c= ''Warcraft Remastered Battle Chest''
| 2025a= ''[[Software:World of Warcraft Classic|World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Classic]]''
| TBAb = ''World of Warcraft: The Last Titan''
|2026a=''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Midnight]]''}}
The first three games in the ''Warcraft'' series, including their expansion packs, were all released on both the [[Engineering:Personal computer|PC]] and [[Mac OS|Macintosh]]. All of these games were of the [[Software:Real-time strategy|real-time strategy]] genre. Each game proceeded to carry on the storyline of the previous games, and each introduced new features and content to improve gameplay. The name "Warcraft" was proposed by Blizzard developer Sam Didier. It was chosen because "it sounded super cool", according to Blizzard co-founder Allen Adham, without any particular meaning attached to it.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Menegus |first1=Bryan |title=How Warcraft Got Its Name |url=https://kotaku.com/how-warcraft-got-its-name-1838669881 |access-date=1 October 2019 |work=Kotaku |date=1 October 2019}}</ref>

''[[Software:Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' was the first game in the series to feature play over the internet using [[Software:Battle.net|Battle.net]], although this was not included until a later release of the game. ''Warcraft II'' was also the first in the series to be re-released as a "Battle Chest", a bundled copy of the game containing both the original and expansion. ''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' was the first game in the series to feature a Collector's Edition, which all subsequent games have released as well. ''Warcraft III'' and ''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'' also have both had "Battle Chests" released for them subsequent to their initial release. The "Battle.net" edition of ''Warcraft II'' was also the first to introduce the use of CD keys to the series, requiring each user online to have their own copy of the game in order to be able to connect.

In 1998, an [[Software:Adventure game|adventure game]] in the series, ''[[Software:Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans]]'', was announced as being canceled, having been previously delayed from a 1997 release.

In 2004, Blizzard Entertainment moved the series away from the real-time strategy genre and released ''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'', a [[Finance:Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG). Requiring a subscription fee to be paid to play, it also introduced regular additional content to the series in the form of patches. ''World of Warcraft'' gained popularity worldwide, becoming the world's largest subscription-based MMORPG in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|quote=World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG in the world with nearly 10 million subscribers around the world. |url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx |title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition – Records – PC Gaming |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405020338/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/pc_gaming.aspx |archive-date=April 5, 2008 }}</ref> The game reached a peak 12 million subscribers worldwide in October 2010.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://techland.time.com/2013/05/09/the-inexorable-decline-of-world-of-warcraft/ |title=The Inexorable Decline of World of Warcraft |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=May 9, 2013 |magazine=Time |access-date=February 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301180830/http://techland.time.com/2013/05/09/the-inexorable-decline-of-world-of-warcraft/ |archive-date=March 1, 2014 }}</ref> ''World of Warcraft'' has had ten expansions as of 2024, with two more announced. During the production of ''[[Software:StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Company:Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard]] co-founder Frank Pearce stated that "If there's a team that's passionate about doing another ''Warcraft'' [real-time strategy], then that's definitely something we would consider. It's nothing that we're working on right now, we have development teams working on ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]'', ''[[Software:StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]'', ''[[Software:Diablo III|Diablo III]]'', and when those teams are all off the projects they're working on, they'll be intimately involved in the discussions about what's next".

In 2013, Blizzard announced a new free-to-play [[Software:Online game|online]] [[Software:Digital collectible card game|digital collectible card game]], originally titled ''Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft'', with the beta being available in summer of 2013.<ref name="WoW Insider">{{cite web|title=What we know so far about HearthStone: Heroes of Warcraft|url=http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/hearthstone-what-we-know-so-far/|publisher=WoW Insider|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105070135/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/hearthstone-what-we-know-so-far/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2014, ''Hearthstone'' was released.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/hearthstone-expansion-to-be-revealed-march-11/ |title=Blizzard to announce new Hearthstone expansion on March 11 |website=Digital Trends |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913112250/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/hearthstone-expansion-to-be-revealed-march-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to free-to-play basic gameplay ''Hearthstone'' contains fee-based features such as additional card packs.

On May 3, 2022, Blizzard announced a new ''Warcraft'' free-to-play mobile game called ''Warcraft Arclight Rumble''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Warcraft® Arclight Rumble™ Revealed! |url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23802867/warcraft-arclight-rumble%E2%84%A2-revealed |website=World of Warcraft |publisher=Blizzard Entertainment |access-date=4 August 2022 |date=3 May 2022}}</ref>

In 2022, Blizzard and [[Company:NetEase|NetEase]] cancelled an unannounced ''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'' mobile spin-off game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Huang |first1=Zheping |last2=Schreier |first2=Jason |title=Blizzard, NetEase Scrap Warcraft Mobile Game After Financing Dispute |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-03/blizzard-netease-scrap-warcraft-game-after-financing-dispute |website=Bloomberg News |publisher=[[Company:Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg L.P.]] |access-date=3 August 2022 |date=3 August 2022}}</ref>

On November 3, 2023, Blizzard released the [[Finance:Free-to-play|free-to-play]] [[Software:Mobile game|mobile]] [[Software:Tower defense|tower defense]] and [[Software:Strategy video game|action strategy]] game ''[[Software:Warcraft Rumble|Warcraft Rumble]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=BlizzCon 2023: full live stream schedule and how to watch |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/blizzcon-2023-how-to-watch/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Digital Trends |language=en}}</ref> At BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard Entertainment unveiled three forthcoming expansions to ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: The War Within|The War Within]]'', ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Midnight|Midnight]]'', and ''The Last Titan''. These expansions collectively constitute the Worldsoul saga, a narrative continuum led by Chris Metzen.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-worldsoul-saga-announcement/| title=Blizzard announces World of Warcraft's next 3 expansions: 'We ain't screwin' around,' declares Chris Metzen| website=PC Gamer| date=November 3, 2023| accessdate=2024-06-26| last1=Wilde| first1=Tyler}}</ref> Blizzard also announced ''World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic'' and confirmed their commitment to a more accelerated timeline for future content drops.

In September 2024, it was reported that there were several talks about making ''Warcraft 4'' but due to the poor reception of ''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reforged]]'', Blizzard executives turned down the idea.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Jack |title=Blizzard Reportedly Shot Down Warcraft 4 And Call Of Duty RTS Pitches |url=https://www.thegamer.com/blizzard-rejected-warcraft-4-call-of-duty-rts-pitches/ |website=TheGamer |date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=26 May 2025}}</ref>

==Other media==
===Tabletop games===
* ''Warcraft: The Board Game'' – strategic [[Engineering:Board game|board game]] from [[Company:Fantasy Flight Games|Fantasy Flight Games]], based on ''Warcraft III''
* ''Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game'' – role-playing game from Sword & Sorcery Studios
* ''World of Warcraft: The Board Game'' – board game based on ''World of Warcraft'', also by Fantasy Flight Games
* ''World of Warcraft: The Adventure Game'' – board game based on ''World of Warcraft'', also by Fantasy Flight Games
* ''World of Warcraft Miniatures Game'' – a miniature war game based on ''World of Warcraft'', by Upper Deck Entertainment.

===Collectible card games===
* ''World of Warcraft Trading Card Game'' – 2006–2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://warcraftcardgame.com/2006/05/october-25-release-date.html |title=October 25 Release Date – World of Warcraft Trading Card Game Blog |publisher=Warcraftcardgame.com |access-date=June 26, 2009 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221037/http://warcraftcardgame.com/2006/05/october-25-release-date.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Novels===
* ''Warcraft: Of Blood and Honor'' (2000)
* ''Warcraft: Day of the Dragon'' (2001)
* ''Warcraft: Lord of the Clans'' (2001)
* ''Warcraft: The Last Guardian'' (2002)
* ''Warcraft: War of the Ancients'' (2007)
** ''The Well of Eternity'' (2004)
** ''The Demon Soul'' (2004)
** ''The Sundering'' (2005)
* ''World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred'' (2006)
* ''Warcraft Archive'' (2006)
* ''World of Warcraft: The Chronicles of War'' (2010)
** ''World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde'' (2006)
** ''World of Warcraft: Tides of Darkness'' (2007)
** ''World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal'' (2008)
* ''World of Warcraft: Night of the Dragon'' (2008)
* ''World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King'' (2009)
* ''World of Warcraft: Stormrage'' (2010)
* ''World of Warcraft: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm'' (2010)
* ''World of Warcraft: Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects'' (2011)
* ''World of Warcraft: Wolfheart'' (2012)
* ''World of Warcraft: Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War'' (2012)
* ''World of Warcraft: Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde'' (2013)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/7628986/ | title=Blizzard Announces New Vol'jin Novel and More at NYCC Panels | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment | access-date=March 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108040046/http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/7628986/ |archive-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>
* ''World of Warcraft: Dawn of the Aspects Parts I-V'' (2013)
* ''World of Warcraft: Paragons'' (2014)
* ''World of Warcraft: War Crimes'' (2014)
* ''World of Warcraft: Destination: Pandaria'' (2014)
* ''World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1'' (2016)
* ''World of Warcraft: Illidan'' (2016)
* ''Warcraft: Durotan - The Official Film Prequel'' (2016)
* ''Warcraft: The Official Novelization'' (2016)
* ''World of Warcraft: Traveler'' (2016)
* ''World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2'' (2017)
* ''World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3'' (2018)
* ''World of Warcraft: Traveler: The Spiral Path'' (2018)
* ''World of Warcraft: Before the Storm'' (2018)
* ''World of Warcraft: Traveler: The Shining Blade'' (2019)
* ''World of Warcraft: Shadows Rising'' (2020)
* ''World of Warcraft: Sylvanas'' (2022)
* ''World of Warcraft: War of the Scaleborn'' (2023)

=== Comics===
* ''World of Warcraft'' (2007–2009), a series published by DC Comics imprint WildStorm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dccomics.com/dcunlimited/wow/?action=the_comic |title=DC Comics World of Warcraft page |publisher=Dccomics.com |access-date=June 26, 2009 |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121202427/http://www.dccomics.com/dcunlimited/wow/?action=the_comic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>"[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=134207 Walter Simonson: Into The World Of Warcraft] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708164750/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=134207 |date=July 8, 2009 }}". Newsarama. November 25, 2007.</ref>
* ''World of Warcraft: Ashbringer'' (2008–2009), a four-issue miniseries published by WildStorm.
* ''World of Warcraft: Curse of the Worgen'' (October 9, 2012)
* ''World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria'' (September 25, 2012)
* ''Warcraft Saga Issue 1''
* ''World of Warcraft: Dark Riders'' (May 7, 2013)
* ''World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn'' (August 13, 2013)
* ''World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor'' (2014) a three-issue series published by Blizzard
* ''Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood'' (2016)
* ''World of Warcraft: Legion'' (2016) a four-issue series published by Blizzard

===Manga===
* ''Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy'', a manhwa series published by Tokyopop.
** ''Dragon Hunt'' (March 2005)
** ''Shadows of Ice'' (March 2006)
** ''Ghostlands'' (March 2007)
* ''Warcraft: Legends'' (2008–2009), a five-part graphic novel series, which is a continuation from ''The Sunwell Trilogy''.
* ''World of Warcraft: Death Knight'' (December 1, 2009)
* ''World of Warcraft: Mage'' (June 1, 2010)
* ''World of Warcraft: Shaman'' (September 28, 2010)
* ''World of Warcraft: Shadow Wing''
** ''The Dragons of Outland'' (June 2010)
** ''Nexus Point'' (March 2011)

===Magazine===
In 2009, Blizzard announced that it would be releasing a magazine with Future US Ltd. This magazine would be purchasable by online subscription, and not for sale in newsagents or stores, making them collector's items. The magazine released quarterly, and each contained 148 pages. No advertisements were included in the magazine.<ref name=magazine>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofwarcraftthemagazine.com/|title=World of Warcraft the Magazine|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment, Future US Ltd|access-date=September 17, 2010|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826090248/http://www.worldofwarcraftthemagazine.com/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In September 2011, Blizzard announced that the magazine was ceasing publication. Refunds, plush toys or in-game pets were given to subscribers depending on the outstanding length of subscription.<ref name="magcancelled">{{cite news | url=http://www.1up.com/news/world-of-warcraft-official-magazine-shuts-down | title=World of Warcraft Official Magazine Shuts Down | work=1up.com | date=September 16, 2011 | access-date=February 23, 2013 | author=Pereira, Chris | archive-date=February 24, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224085834/http://www.1up.com/news/world-of-warcraft-official-magazine-shuts-down | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Film adaptation===

In a May 9, 2006 press release, [[Company:Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard Entertainment]] and Legendary Pictures announced that they would develop a live-action film set in the ''Warcraft universe''.<ref name="blizz06pr">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/press/060509.shtml|title=Blizzard Entertainment And Legendary Pictures To Produce Live-Action Warcraft Movie|author=Blizzard Entertainment|date=May 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125104232/http://blizzard.com/press/060509.shtml|archive-date=November 25, 2007|author-link=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref> At BlizzCon 2008, according to Mike Morhaime, a script was being written.<ref name="firstshowing">{{cite web|work=FirstShowing.net|url=http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/world-of-warcraft-movie-still-on-the-horizon/|title=World of Warcraft Movie Still on the Horizon?|author=Alex Billington|date=October 15, 2008|access-date=August 19, 2013|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230183958/https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/world-of-warcraft-movie-still-on-the-horizon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2013, Duncan Jones was announced to direct the adaptation,<ref name="The Hollywood Reporter">[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warcraft-movie-lands-source-code-416956 "'Warcraft' Movie Lands 'Source Code' Director (Exclusive)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201230345/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warcraft-movie-lands-source-code-416956 |date=February 1, 2013 }}. The Hollywood Reporter, January 30, 2013.</ref> from a script by Charles Leavitt.<ref name=Variety>[https://variety.com/2012/film/news/world-of-warcraft-drafts-new-scribe-1118057401/ "'World of Warcraft' drafts new scribe"] . Variety, August 2, 2012.</ref> The film was set to begin principal photography in early 2014 with a plot based on the novel ''Warcraft: The Last Guardian''.<ref>[http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/07/31/scoop-everything-we-know-about-duncan-jones-warcraft-film/ ''Scoop: Everything We Know About Duncan Jones' Warcraft Film''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820164058/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/07/31/scoop-everything-we-know-about-duncan-jones-warcraft-film/ |date=August 20, 2013 }}. bleedingcool.com July 31, 2013.</ref> On July 20, 2013, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Entertainment unveiled a sizzle reel during their San Diego Comic-Con 2013 panel, with Duncan Jones hopping on stage briefly to discuss the project.<ref>McWhertor, Michael (July 20, 2013). "[http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/20/4541344/world-of-warcraft-movie-trailer-debuts-at-comic-con World of Warcraft movie teaser trailer shown at Comic-Con] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723070020/http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/20/4541344/world-of-warcraft-movie-trailer-debuts-at-comic-con |date=July 23, 2013 }}". Polygon. Retrieved 2013-07-20.</ref> Production on the film started shooting on January 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/prodweek/statuses/372753792917200897?screen_name=prodweek|title=Production Weekly|work=Twitter|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001074930/https://twitter.com/prodweek/statuses/372753792917200897?screen_name=prodweek|url-status=live}}</ref> The first full-length trailer for the film was released on November 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rxoz13Bthc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/2Rxoz13Bthc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Warcraft - Official Trailer (HD)|date=November 6, 2015|work=YouTube}} </ref> ''Warcraft'' premiered in Los Angeles on June 6, 2016, and was released by Universal Pictures in the United States on June 10, 2016. It received mostly negative reviews from critics, and grossed $439 million worldwide.

===''Heroes of the Storm''===
{{Main|Software:Heroes of the Storm}}

In 2015, Blizzard released ''[[Software:Heroes of the Storm|Heroes of the Storm]]'', a crossover [[Software:Multiplayer online battle arena|multiplayer online battle arena]] video game in which players can control various characters from Blizzard's franchises as playable heroes, the majority of which come from the ''Warcraft'' universe.<ref name="ausgamers.com">{{cite web|title=From Warcraft III to Heroes of the Storm, Talking Art and Blizzard's Long History with Samwise Didier - AusGamers.com|url=https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3564332|access-date=2020-09-11|website=www.ausgamers.com|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806100904/https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3564332|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Heroes Of The Storm Proves That A New Warcraft Strategy Game Could Work|url=https://kotaku.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-proof-a-new-warcraft-strategy-ga-1714960298|access-date=2020-09-09|website=Kotaku|date=June 30, 2015 |language=en-us|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205013320/https://kotaku.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-proof-a-new-warcraft-strategy-ga-1714960298|url-status=live}}</ref> The game also features numerous mounts based on mounts or other creatures from ''World of Warcraft,'' as well as a battleground based on the PvP zone Alterac Pass.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/4/17424102/heroes-of-the-storm-echoes-of-alterac-event-yrel-alterac-pass|title=Heroes of the Storm celebrates all things Warcraft with Echoes of Alterac|date=June 4, 2018|publisher=Polygon|access-date=July 16, 2018|archive-date=July 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716053920/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/4/17424102/heroes-of-the-storm-echoes-of-alterac-event-yrel-alterac-pass|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of ''Warcraft''-themed skins have been introduced for ''Heroes of the Storm'' in the “Echoes of Alterac” event in June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prell|first=Sam|date=2018-06-12|title=Heroes of the Storm's Echoes of Alterac event may not be Warcraft 4, but it's the next best thing|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-of-the-storms-echoes-of-alterac-event-may-not-be-warcraft-4-but-its-the-next-best-thing/|access-date=2021-11-11|website=gamesradar|language=en}}</ref> Various soundtracks from ''World of Warcraft'', such as ''Obsidian Sanctum'' from ''Wrath of the Lich King'', ''The Wandering Isle'' from ''Mists of Pandaria,'' and ''Stormwind'' theme, are present as background music in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/games/music/|title=Blizzard Music|website=www.blizzard.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008232703/https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/games/music/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Heroes of the Storm'' is inspired by ''[[Software:Defense of the Ancients|Defense of the Ancients]]'', a community-created [[Software:Mod (video gaming)|mod]] based on ''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos|Warcraft III]]''.<ref name="ausgamers.com"/>

==Setting==
===Location===
Most of the ''Warcraft'' series takes place on the planet of Azeroth. Other planets in the ''Warcraft'' universe include: Draenor (and its sundered remnants, known as Outland), Argus, K'aresh, Mardum (also known as the Shattered Abyss), Xoroth, Rancora, and Nathreza. There are also several metaphysical areas mentioned, including the Emerald Dream, the Elemental Planes, the Twisting Nether, the Great Dark Beyond, and the Shadowlands. ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'', the first game in the series, takes place in Azeroth.

====Azeroth====

[[File:Northrend.svg|thumb|Northrend]]
[[File:Pandaria.png|thumb|Pandaria]]
Azeroth has four known continents, named the Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, Northrend, and recently rediscovered Pandaria. All continents are separated by the Great Sea. Three major archipelagos also reside in the Great Sea: the Broken Isles; Zandalar, the birthplace of the troll civilization; Kul Tiras, a maritime human nation; and the Dragon Isles, the birthplace of the dragons. In the center of the Great Sea is an enormous, everlasting vortex called the "Maelstrom" beneath which lies the aquatic city of Nazjatar, home of the amphibious Naga. Near the Maelstrom lies the volcanic Isle of Kezan, home of the goblins.

The Eastern Kingdoms are the primary setting of the first two games (and their expansions) and the first half of ''[[Software:Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]''. It is made up of 22 areas or zones. The kingdom of Stormwind lies at the south of the Eastern Kingdoms, south of the dwarven kingdom of Khaz Modan and north of the jungle known as Stranglethorn Vale. The capital city of Stormwind, Stormwind City, is nestled into the northwest of Elwynn Forest, a large forest at the center of the kingdom. The Dwarven capital in Khaz Modan, called Ironforge, is located in Dun Morogh.

The former human kingdom of Lordaeron, which successfully headed the human Alliance in ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' but later fell to the Scourge in ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos,'' is located north of the southern kingdoms. Underneath the ruined city of Lordaeron now lies the Undercity, capital of the Forsaken, a rebel band of the undead Scourge. The area is now known as Tirisfal Glades and is threatened by the Western Plaguelands held back at The Bulwark. Northeast of Lordaeron is the elven nation of Quel'Thalas and its capital city, Silvermoon, both of which were conquered by the Scourge in ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos''.

The continent of Kalimdor was introduced in ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'' and is made up of 18 zones. Whereas the Eastern Kingdoms can be described as the equivalent of medieval Europe, with traditional kingdoms and advanced cities, Kalimdor can be compared to the Americas at the time of the first arrivals of Europeans, full of wild lands. The geography and topography of Kalimdor are similar to North America and Africa, with massive, ancient forests and mountains covering the North and vast deserts and savannahs in the South. The Night Elven kingdom is located in the northwest region of Kalimdor, also including the island Teldrassil (actually a giant tree, similar in lore and spelling to Yggdrasil) off the northwest coast, which contains the city of Darnassus.

To the south, past the Ashenvale Forest, is a stretch of land known as The Barrens, situated between the grasslands of Mulgore to the west, and Durotar, the land settled by the Orcs, to the east.  Mulgore is home to the Tauren capital of Thunder Bluff, a large city of tepees and lodges built on top of a conglomerate of high plateaus which are only accessible by air travel and a great series of lifts built down to the ground. In the north of Durotar is the fortress-city of Orgrimmar, the capital of the Orcs.

The third continent, Northrend, is located in the northern polar region of Azeroth and is the primary stronghold of the malevolent Undead Scourge. Northrend is featured in ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'' and its expansion set ''[[Software:Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'', and is the main location featured in  ''World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King'', the second expansion pack to ''[[Software:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]''.<ref name=ofenc/>

In the expansion ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]'', Azeroth has been changed permanently in-game, even for players without the expansion set installed. The corrupted Black Dragon Aspect, Deathwing the Destroyer (formerly Neltharion, the Earth-Warder) has broken free from imprisonment in Deepholm, part of the Elemental Plane, and caused major changes and destruction in the land. In addition, many new parts of the continents of Azeroth that have previously been inaccessible have become key parts in the new world.

Lorewise, this is the second major change to the face of Azeroth, the first being the Sundering. The Sundering was caused as a result of the War of the Ancients where demons of the Burning Legion invaded the ancient Kalimdor. It caused a massive explosion that split the one continent into the four seen in-game and created the Maelstrom.

''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]'' was the fourth expansion released and it focuses on the mythical and long-forgotten lands of Pandaria, a continent far to the south that has until now been shrouded in magical mists. It has been inhabited by the Pandarens (a race of humanoid [[Biology:Giant panda|giant panda]]s). With both factions landing on Pandaria, adventurers rediscover the ancient Pandaren people, whose wisdom will help guide them to new destinies; the Pandaren Empire's ancient enemy, the Mantid; and their legendary oppressors, the enigmatic Mogu. The storyline for ''Mists of Pandaria'' is split into multiple chapters. The story arc that introduces Pandaria—where players discover the continent and level up, helping to solve problems and figure out what happened for the past 10,000 years and why—was included entirely within the initial expansion release. Later chapters in the storyline brought the war between the Horde and the Alliance back into focus, including changing parts of Pandaria (via phasing) to show additional settlements, and eventually returning the players back to Kalimdor for a final showdown, dethroning Warchief Garrosh Hellscream.

''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Legion]]'' was the sixth expansion released and it focuses on the Broken Isles, a continent and group of islands located northeast of the Maelstrom in the middle of the Great Sea; one of the islands contains the Tomb of the Dark Titan, Sargeras. The Burning Legion has started an invasion of Azeroth and the player characters must find powerful artifacts to stop the invasion. Having thwarted the Burning Legion's attempts to invade Azeroth, the players and other significant lore characters traveled to Argus, the homeworld of the Burning Legion, in order to end its threat. While successful, they couldn't stop Sargeras entirely. Before being banished and imprisoned, he thrust a magical sword into the surface of Azeroth, leaving the planet wounded and bleeding a magical substance called "Azerite".

''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]'' was the seventh expansion released and it focuses on the islands of Kul Tiras and Zandalar, two islands which are home to their respective kingdoms. This is the first expansion that introduces two new continents on initial release. During this expansion, the Horde and Alliance seek the aid of the kingdoms of Zandalar and Kul Tiras, respectively, for the reignited war between the factions. Throughout campaigns on both continents, adventurers learn the history of both kingdoms and uncover plots involving the Old Gods. Events influenced by N'Zoth and his followers lead to the discovery of the continents of Nazjatar, the underwater kingdom of Azshara, and Mechagon, an island inhabited by the Mechagnomes. The final patch of ''Battle for Azeroth'' takes players back to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms and Uldum to cure them of the corruption of N'Zoth, and ultimately face the Old God himself in his empire of Ny'alotha. The story of ''Battle for Azeroth'' is also the first time players are given choices that can have a significant impact on their own adventures. One significant choice is whether to join the orc Varrok Saurfang in his rebellion against the Horde Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner. Another choice that players are given is whether to become a servant of N'Zoth. Both choices lead to unique dialogue, cinematics, and quests, depending on the choices made.

The ninth expansion, ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Dragonflight]]'',<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://skycoach.gg/blog/wow/articles/gold-farming-guide| title= WoW: Dragonflight Articles| accessdate=2024-06-26}}</ref> centers around the reappearance of the Dragon Isles, home of the Dragons and their many aspects, including the humanoid Dracthyr. The various Dragon groups and subspecies are referred to as "Dragonflights", and are all descendants of the original proto-dragons who chose to become empowered by the magic of a race of god-like beings called the Titans. The plot of ''Dragonflight'' deals with the awakening of the Dracthyr after 20,000 years in response to the threat of Raszageth the Storm-Eater, a "Primalist" proto-dragon who seeks to separate the rest of her kind from the Dragonflights and retake Azeroth for themselves. The Dracthyr are divided into two groups, one that allies with the Alliance and one the Horde, to deal with this threat. Raszageth eventually falls to both groups, but not before she releases her three siblings: Fyrakk the Blazing, Vyranoth the Frozenheart, and Iridikron the Stoneheart.

====Draenor (Outland)====
Draenor, which is featured in ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', is the original homeland of the Orcs and past home of the Draenei.

Draenor was torn apart when the Orcish leader, Ner'Zhul (later the first Lich King) opened dozens of portals to other worlds in an attempt to escape the invading Alliance Armies from Azeroth.  The sheer number and combined power of the portals ripped Draenor into fragments and cast the remainder into the mysterious parallel dimension called the Twisting Nether, Home of the Demons. The remnants of the world are now known as Outland, and feature in the last mission of the human campaign of ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]'' (though, without any actual terrain changes), ''[[Software:Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'' and more prominently in ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]''.<ref name=ofenc/>

An intact Draenor is the main feature of the fifth ''World of Warcraft'' expansion, ''[[Software:World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor|Warlords of Draenor]]'', which takes place 35 years earlier in an alternate timeline.

===Major races and factions===
The following races have been sorted into their respective factions:

====The Alliance====
The '''Alliance''' has been present in some form in all ''Warcraft'' games. In all three [[Software:Real-time strategy|real-time strategy]] games, the Alliance are the protagonists of their campaign, and are one of the two main protagonist factions in ''World of Warcraft''. They are also the primary antagonists of ''[[Software:Warcraft: Orcs & Humans|Warcraft]]'' and the orc campaigns in ''[[Software:Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness|Warcraft II]]''. The Alliance began in ''Warcraft II'' when the human kingdoms and demihumans strategically united to fend off the conquering Horde. Thus they are enemies to the Horde. The Alliance has evolved over the course of the franchise, losing allies and gaining new members, but the Alliance has endured over the years. They are united to uphold their common noble ideals and are bound together by a sense of brotherhood forged by all the battles they've endured together.

The current major races of the Alliance are the [[Biology:Human|human]]s of Stormwind,<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/human World of Warcraft Official Page - Human]</ref> the Night Elves of Teldrassil,<ref>{{cite book|last=Knaak|first=Richard|title=War of the Ancients|date=December 11, 2007|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=978-1-4165-5203-1}}</ref><ref name=wowrpg>{{cite book|title=World of Warcraft:The Roleplaying Game|author1=Rob Baxter |author2=Bob Fitch |author3=Luke Johnson |author4=Seth Johnson |author5=Mur Lafferty |author6=Andrew Rowe |publisher=Arthaus|year=2005|isbn=1-58846-781-3}}</ref> and the Dwarves of Ironforge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-29-know-your-lore-current-alliance-politics-the-dwarves-part-o.html|title = Know Your Lore: Current Alliance politics -- the dwarves, part one| date=May 30, 2010 }}</ref> Other races who have joined or allied with the Alliance include the [[Unsolved:Gnome|Gnome]]s of Gnomeregan,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/know-your-lore-current-alliance-politics-the-gnomes/ |title=Know Your Lore: Current Alliance politics -- the gnomes |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926084129/http://www.wow.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/know-your-lore-current-alliance-politics-the-gnomes/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Draenei of Outland,<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/draenei World of Warcraft Official Page - Draenei]</ref> the Worgens of Gilneas (creatures that resemble hunched over [[Unsolved:Werewolf|werewolves]]), and the Tushui Pandaren.<ref name="MMO MOP Tour">[http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/2687-Mists-of-Pandaria-Press-Tour MMO-Champion - Mists of Pandaria Press Tour]</ref> The outbreak of the Fourth War saw the human kingdom of Kul Tiras return to the Alliance. The Dark Iron dwarves officially allied with the Alliance during this time as well, along with Void Elves. Lightforged Draenei which were light infused Draenei  also allied with the Alliance during this time along with the Army of the Light who they originally served. Also, a group of mechagnomes, which were gnomes that began augmenting themselves with mechanical parts in an attempt to return to their titan-based form joined as well. When the Dragon Isles reopened the draconic Dracthyr Obsidian Warders weyrn officially joined. Later some reawakened Earthen of Khaz Algar, independent of their titan edicts, also chose to ally with the Alliance.

The Alliance is led by a military commander who coordinates the military actions of all the races in the Alliance. The title for this position depends on the rank of the individual (e.g., Anduin Lothar was a knight and his title was Supreme Allied Commander. Varian Wrynn is a [[Software:Monarch|king]] and his title is High King). This title may require an aspect of diplomacy or has strong political clout as the other leaders can choose not to commit their forces to the commander if they dislike the commander's leadership. Though how many forces and resources are contributed to the war effort is left to each individual leader's discretion, when the military commander issues a call to arms, all races of the Alliance are expected to contribute.

====The Horde====
In the first two Warcraft games, the '''Horde''' is made of the orcs under the command of the Burning Legion and are enemies of the human-led Alliance. The orcs attempt in both games to conquer the human kingdoms. Eventually the Horde was defeated, most of its leaders killed, and the orcs placed in internment camps.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Aaron Rosenburg|author2=Christie Golden|title=Beyond the Dark Portal|year=2008|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=978-1-4165-5086-0|url=https://archive.org/details/worldofwarcraft00aaro}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Rosenburg|first=Aaron|title=Tides of Darkness|date=August 28, 2007|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=978-1-4165-3990-2}}</ref>

The third Warcraft game, Reign of Chaos, details the orcs shaking off both the chains of the Alliance, and the corruption of the Burning Legion. The Horde expanded their ranks by forging alliances with the Blood Elves, the Dracthyr Dark Talons group, the Forsaken,<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/forsaken World of Warcraft Official Site - Forsaken] Blizzard Entertainment, accessed April 18, 2011</ref> the [[Unsolved:Goblin|Goblin]]s, the Huojin Pandaren,<ref name="MMO MOP Tour"/> the Tauren (which resemble [[Unsolved:Minotaur|Minotaur]]s), and the [[Unsolved:Troll|Troll]]s. The Horde later made alliances with the Highmountain Taurens (a subspecies of the Tauren who possess [[Biology:Moose|moose]]-like antlers after one of their own was earlier blessed by the druid patron Cenarius), the Hozen (a race of [[Biology:Monkey|monkey]]-like creatures), the Nightborne elves, the Taunka (a subspecies of Tauren that resemble [[Biology:Bison|bison]]-like Minotaurs), and the Vulpera (a nomadic race of [[Biology:Fox|fox]]-like creatures).

====The Burning Legion====
The Burning Legion serves as the primary antagonist force across most of the ''Warcraft'' franchise, appearing as the main threat in ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'', its expansion ''The Frozen Throne'', and the ''World of Warcraft'' expansion ''The Burning Crusade'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/games/warcraft-iii-reign-of-chaos/|title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref> with their influence being notable through most of the wider series. Contrary to the Horde or Alliance, the Burning Legion is not a faction defined by culture, politics or territory but instead an interdimensional army of demons whose singular goal is to eradicate all life and order in the universe.

The Burning Legion is led by Sargeras, a fallen titan who once served as a guardian of worlds but abandoned his role after concluding that creation was irreparably corrupt and could only be ended and not saved.<ref>{{cite book|title=World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1|author=Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|year=2016|isbn=978-1616558451}}</ref> Under his command, the Legion has invaded and destroyed worlds across the universe, consuming or corrupting any beings willing to serve their cause and eradicating those who resist. Their ranks are composed primarily of Eredar warlocks, the Pit Lords, and large armies of minor demons such as the Felguard and Infernals. Some mortal races have also been corrupted into the Legion's service, most notably the orcs of Draenor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-gb/article/23679744/burning-crusade-classic-the-story-so-far|title=Burning Crusade Classic: The Story So Far|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2021-05-27|access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref>

The Legion's chain of command flows from Sargeras through his two principal lieutenants, Kil'jaeden and Archimonde, who direct the Legion's campaigns in his stead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-gb/article/23679744/burning-crusade-classic-the-story-so-far|title=Burning Crusade Classic: The Story So Far|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2021-05-27|access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref> Kil'jaeden oversees matters of corruption and deceit while Archimonde commands its military directly. This hierarchy gives the Legion a more centralized structure of command than the Horde or Alliance, defined entirely by power and obedience rather than politics or diplomacy.

==Reception==
In 1999, ''Next Generation'' listed ''Warcraft'' and ''StarCraft'' as number 32 on their "Top 50 Games of All Time", commenting that, "While ''Warcraft'' did not create the realtime strategy genre, it made it appealing to a broad audience. ''Warcraft II'' went on to refine the genre. Easy to play, nuanced in design, a pleasure to look at, and often a laugh riot, ''Warcraft II'' was nearly perfect."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 50 Games of All Time |magazine=Next Generation|issue=50 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=February 1999|page=76}}</ref>

By 2004, the series sold more than 15 million units.<ref>{{cite web|first=George|last=Chronis|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA612567.html?industryid=43294&industry=Videogames|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108080611/http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA612567.html?industryid=43294&industry=Videogames|title=Nintendo Handheld selling briskly|website=Video Business|archivedate=November 8, 2006|date=December 1, 2004|accessdate=February 19, 2026}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==

{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite web |last1=Gilliam |first1=Ryan |title=It's been a weird decade for Warcraft |work=Polygon |date=2019-11-11 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/11/20950708/world-of-warcraft-3-reforged-cataclysm-legion-azeroth-pandaria-warlords-blizzard-decade |language=en-US |access-date=2019-11-13 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112191919/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/11/20950708/world-of-warcraft-3-reforged-cataclysm-legion-azeroth-pandaria-warlords-blizzard-decade |url-status=live }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [http://us.battle.net/wow/en/ Official ''World of Warcraft'' community site (US)]
* [http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/ Official ''World of Warcraft'' community site (EU)]
* {{Wowpedia}}

{{Warcraft universe}}
{{Blizzard Entertainment}}
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[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]

{{Sourceattribution|Warcraft}}