World of Warcraft is an MMORPG – but by now a solo game. The survey clearly shows: Fans of groups are a shockingly small minority.
World of Warcraft is one of the largest and most successful MMORPGs of all time. Currently, the game celebrates its 20th anniversary with plenty of rewards, while at the same time expensive shop offers are causing a stir. In World of Warcraft, social bonds have always been an important part of the game – but is that still the case today? We wanted to know this in a survey a few days ago. You participated in large numbers, and the surprising result is:
The vast majority of you play World of Warcraft primarily as a solo game.
What you think about World of Warcraft
In our survey, over 1,000 of you participated. This selection you made:
- 44 % mostly play WoW solo and only occasionally in a group (502 votes).
- 29 % play WoW exclusively alone and never with others (335 votes).
This already results in a majority of 73 %, who predominantly or completely play WoW alone – so nearly 3 out of 4 players.
- 18 % play WoW mixed – sometimes alone and sometimes as a group (210 votes)
So, about every 5th person is playing mixed and can engage with content intended for both groups and solo players.
- 6 % mostly play WoW in a group and only occasionally solo (67 votes).
- 2 % play WoW exclusively in a group and never alone (27 votes).
Together, that accounts for only 8 %, who primarily act as a group. This means that less than every 12th person experiences World of Warcraft predominantly as a group.
WoW – “Only” a solo game with optional group content?
That the result is so clear seemed hardly anyone had expected it. For some, it remains a mystery how an MMORPG can trigger such great interest among solo fans.
It is clear, however, that Blizzard has long recognized this trend and caters to it. Not long ago, the developers provided tips and tricks on how to avoid contact with other players.
This does not mean, of course, that group content is no longer served. There are still new dungeons, raids, and other events that are primarily designed for groups. However, Blizzard is adding more and more options to be able to manage these activities alone – such as through follower dungeons or the story mode raid.
Did you think the result would be so clear and that World of Warcraft is primarily a solo experience for most? After all, World of Warcraft is often more than just a game.
