A new cinematic in World of Warcraft suggests that the war between Horde and Alliance may soon come to an end. But would that even be possible?
The latest cinematic in Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara is sparking many discussions within the community. It contains some implications that could shake the foundations of World of Warcraft. Players are currently debating whether Blizzard is removing the “war” from Warcraft and finally ending the conflict between Horde and Alliance.
What was shown in the cinematic? In the cutscene, the players manage to rescue Baine from Orgrimmar. Thrall, Jaina, Baine, Shaw, and Saurfang find themselves on the mountains of Mulgore watching Thunder Bluff as they talk. Especially, Jaina and Thrall discuss the past and the wars that Horde and Alliance have already experienced. It is like an eternal cycle that brings the two factions together and then tears them apart.
Peace as an option for Horde and Alliance
Jaina reminds that Horde and Alliance once worked hand in hand and were unstoppable – in Warcraft 3 during the defense of the World Tree Teldrassil. In response to Thrall’s question about what has changed this time, Jaina replies with “Us two.” She only says this in the German translation. In English, she says “We are” – a possibly broader “us.”
In doing so, she speaks not only for Thrall and Jaina, but also for most members of Horde and Alliance – including the players. After all, all these people have become smarter and richer in experience. They have seen where figures like Garrosh have brought the world and what Sylvanas is currently doing.
Jaina has experienced the consequences of her cleansing of Dalaran, in which she killed and expelled the blood elves. Both sides have continually seen where the ongoing conflict leads and that the spiral of hatred turns endlessly.
It seems to become increasingly clear that Sylvanas will be removed from her position as war chief by the end of the expansion – she should already realize that it is heading that way. It is becoming increasingly likely that she will establish her own faction and exist independently of Horde and Alliance, both of which want to pursue more peaceful plans.
Sylvanas is currently filtering out the people who are not loyal to her. With those who are, she will likely form her own faction to pursue a plan that has not yet been revealed. This could be something quite positive (like protection against the void lords) or also the path of the Lich King, where everything must be undead, because then there is peace (the anime villain variant).
Some players are already dreaming that an end to the war could have gameplay consequences. Some hope that there will be mixed groups and that one can form a combined group from Horde and Alliance in dungeons. After all, the language barrier has already fallen with the introduction of a potion for roleplayers.
Thematically, a stronger cooperation would fit well within the framework. After all, the adversaries in World of Warcraft are becoming more powerful and the threats ever greater. Since even the Burning Legion could not bring about lasting peace, the only real threat left is from the void lords, who will surely be addressed in an upcoming expansion. This is the “great enemy,” which has so far only acted through the Old Gods. If this opponent fails to force Horde and Alliance into peace, then the chances for that are likely running out.
What argues against peace in WoW?
However, there are also a number of arguments against such a drastic change in World of Warcraft. After all, the conflict between Horde and Alliance is the driving force and one of the most important core aspects of the game. The “us versus them” feeling that comes with choosing Horde or Alliance is an important identification for many players. If this is trivialized because Horde and Alliance simply land in a pot of friendship, love, and cotton balls, it would alienate some players.
At the same time, there are also enough indications that at least suggest that peace would only be short-lived. After all, there are still the cryptic words of Il’gynoth, which indicate that he will “present three lies” because he is “already sitting at the master’s table.” These sayings refer to Anduin, who has always stood for peace. If he were to fall and reveal himself as a traitor in some way, the peace plans would become difficult.
What is most likely?
Most likely, Blizzard will aim for a middle ground. This means that while the war between Horde and Alliance will come to an end on paper and they will work together on major projects (like saving the world), individual groups will likely not adhere to it, if only to continue to make PvP viable and not just degrade it to a “game mechanic”.
How exactly it will come about cannot be said yet. However, it is certain that the upcoming (possible) major patch 8.3 will already lay the groundwork for what will become of Horde and Alliance in the next expansion. And that could once again be an attempt to make peace and join forces to defeat the greatest enemies together.
After that, one can still just beat each other up anyway.
