With the upcoming launch of World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, the community is heated and agitated. Blizzard’s PR has fully hit.
On August 14th, it finally begins, as World of Warcraft launches Battle for Azeroth, marking its seventh expansion. Fans are already heated, not least due to the dramatic pre-event, the War of Thorns. Players feel connected to their factions – a clear identification is given.
Emotional players in Azeroth. These discussions and questions of belonging are not only found on Reddit or in the forums. Even in the game, players seem to identify more strongly with their faction. When the NPCs shouted “For the Alliance” during the Siege of Lordaeron, I saw several players joining in – and no, they were not players from RP servers. The same can be seen in the #NoHonorNoShoulders movement.
Identification with the factions. The factions in World of Warcraft, namely Horde and Alliance, have repeatedly been diluted. Especially in Legion, the focus was on the Order Halls where all races cooperated. This bond has been dissolved, and the characters return to their factions. And how players now identify with their factions! In various chats, on Reddit, Facebook, and the official forums, there are always small disputes revolving around Horde and Alliance.
Everyone has an opinion, everyone takes a position and stands either behind the Alliance, behind Sylvanas, or Saurfang.
Everyone is involved: No matter how you turn it: Blizzard has succeeded with the pre-event for Battle for Azeroth in emotionally touching the players. Some are angry, others are upset, but all are involved in some way and are discussing the topic. And everyone is burning to know how the story with Sylvanas, Anduin, the Horde, and the Alliance continues.
Which side will you stand on in Battle for Azeroth and to whom have you sworn your loyalty?
