WoW Classic is apparently very popular, and the beta has even triggered a new hype. However, only a limited number of players are allowed to play already. Some active WoW players and veterans are displeased with the seemingly targeted selection.
This is why veterans are angry: Those who watch the “World of Warcraft” category on Twitch will increasingly find streamers playing the WoW Classic beta in recent days. And for good reason: It garners a lot of viewers.
With the launch of the beta, WoW has slipped to number 1 in the most popular games on Twitch, at least for a brief period. Many active players are now frustrated that streamers seemingly have privileges and are chosen preferentially for beta tests.
For them, it is a blow when streamers are invited to play, while they as loyal players can only watch, often with the argument that they have been paying diligently for many years.
User Shinkaruk even wrote a long post in the forum titled: “Ladies and Gentlemen, your beta testers are here.” However, the thread has since been edited to simply say: “Spread love, not hate.”
What is their criticism? In his original post, Shinkaruk specifically addressed the streamers. He even gave an assessment of whether the streamers were “qualified.” Among them were well-known names like xQc, who normally streams Overwatch, Asmongold, Sodapoppin, and Pokimane.
Criticism of the world’s largest WoW streamer Asmongold is that while he has been streaming WoW for years, he is toxic, very narrow-minded, and “brainwashed by his girlfriend.” Recently, Asmongold was able to gain a large following through streaming WoW Classic.
Shinkaruk also has some words for Pokimane. The well-known streamer has never played WoW and has only received preferential treatment from Blizzard for promotional reasons. In fact, she was trolled by WoW veterans during her stream.
Streamer as Testers in WoW Classic – Why?
This is what streamers contribute: YouTuber TheQuartering addresses this very thread and takes a closer look at the “salt.” He provides some arguments regarding what beta access benefits streamers:
- Investing in streamers is investing in the game. This allows advertising to be done without using larger resources.
- Known figures like Asmongold already have a solid WoW community. Therefore, former classic players can be excited about Classic.
- Pokimane targets a completely different audience and had nothing to do with WoW before. This can activate new players for Classic.
He himself has also received access and uses it to test. That is ultimately the purpose of the beta, even if times have changed and a beta phase is now also used for the marketing of the game. Nevertheless, there is no preferential treatment:
There seemed to be some kind of notion that there are roses and butlers in suits that come to you and hand you a sealed envelope with the beta invitation. I don’t know if these people [streamers] received something like that. But for me, it was just a generic email.
This is why it makes sense: TheQuartering goes even further and describes why it is sensible for both Blizzard and players to mobilize the communities of large streamers.
On one hand, it helps in discovering bugs. A large streamer like Asmongold has many veterans in his chat who can spot bugs while watching and report them through him. This helps with quality assurance.
On the other hand, it helps to simply create a player base, which is essential for an MMORPG:
Don’t you want a thriving community? Don’t you want tons of players around you to form guilds? I want new players in the game, and I want old players back.
TheQuartering on YouTube
Finally, TheQuartering points out that he doubts no veteran was invited. Among the large number of beta testers, streamers are just a small but present part. WoW Classic is also set to launch in three months. He and users in the stream believe that it is an acceptable time to wait.
What do you think about it?
Other streamers are even reportedly turning down a lot of money just to play Classic:
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