The head of Blizzard has commented on the next expansion of World of Warcraft. Just two words – but they have sparked a lot of discussion.
The next expansion of World of Warcraft is highly anticipated. After Shadowlands was generally considered the low point of WoW, things noticeably improved with Dragonflight. The next addon is expected to continue this positive trend and show that Blizzard has really understood what players want.
As usual, there are already many ideas, speculations, and supposed leaks giving hints about the next expansion. Now, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra has made a statement on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the next expansion. With just two words, he has dispelled many theories – and fueled some even more.
What was said? Mr. Dave addressed the general theme of the next WoW expansion in a tweet. He believes that the discussion is sometimes conducted with some misunderstanding about what players actually want when they talk about a “Return to Azeroth.”
Many people do not understand what others mean by a “Return to Azeroth.”
People want a RETURN to the OLD PLACES in AZEROTH. Mainly to rediscover the two places that made them love this game.
They don’t want pirates. They want the World of Warcraft.
The tweet has garnered quite a bit of attention and even reached Mike Ybarra, the president of Blizzard Entertainment. He only wrote two short words in response:
“No pirates.”
These conclusions are drawn: So far, there have mainly been three major theories about how World of Warcraft can progress. A “South Sea” expansion, themed with pirates, was the first option.
The next theory is the visit to the previously unknown continent “Avaloren.” This is a continent or island on the other side of Azeroth. There could still be an old god here. This place is also interesting because the Titans have deliberately kept this place hidden and denied its existence, as they want to keep something secret from the mortals.
The third theory is that the great war between “Light and Void” is finally beginning. There were already hints of this in patch 10.1.5, as Iridikron allied with the Void, and he was seen alongside Xal’atath. This could also call other characters, such as Queen Azshara, into play.
However, there is also the theory that Mike Ybarra is indirectly lying a little. While it may not be about “pirates,” it could very well be about seafarers exploring the other side of Azeroth.
Some see something completely different in Ybarra’s words. The fact that the Blizzard head responds to a tweet about players wanting to return to the “old areas” is seen by some as confirmation that exactly that will happen: a revamp of World of Warcraft, where many old areas will shine in new glory and the time since “Cataclysm” will finally progress.
Hints of such a major overhaul have existed for a while, as there are many revamped buildings of the old world in the game files, which have not yet been integrated into the game.
However, it will likely take a few weeks before we know for sure. The BlizzCon in early November will provide clarity on this, unless there are no promising and credible leaks before then.
What are you hoping for from the next WoW expansion? Would you have liked to see an expansion with pirates?
