What does the title of the World of Warcraft expansion refer to?
"The Burning Crusade" refers to the Burning Legion's ongoing efforts to destroy life throughout the universe. To date, the Burning Legion's exploits have been documented in Warcraft III and in our War of the Ancients novel trilogy. As part of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, players will be able to travel through the Dark Portal to confront the Legion on otherworldly battlefields.
When will the expansion be released? Will it be a simultaneous global launch? How much will it cost?
We will follow a careful, phased approach with the expansion. The target release date will be January 2007 in Europe, Korea, and North America (and those regions that play on North American realms), and we will work to ensure that the launches in mainland China and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau take place as quickly as possible after that. This phased approach will help ensure a smooth and successful launch in all regions. Further details regarding launch timing and pricing will be revealed in the months ahead.
What are some of the other features of the expansion?
In addition to the new races, zones, and dungeons, we have a number of other new features planned for the Burning Crusade expansion. Check out the features page for more details.
What is the ESRB rating for the expansion?
World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade has not yet been rated by the ESRB. However, we expect that it will receive the same rating that the original World of Warcraft received - "Teen."
When will The Burning Crusade beta test begin?
Closed beta testing has now begun on The Burning Crusade. Our development team continues to work diligently on new content and balancing gameplay for the expansion based on feedback from our testers.
Will there be an open beta?
We have no plans for an open beta, such as what many players experienced prior to the launch of World of Warcraft. However, we are currently hosting a closed beta which includes a large number of players.
Will we have to pay any more than the current monthly fee for the expansion?
No. While you will need to purchase the expansion in order to upgrade, you will continue to have the same subscription options available to you.
How many copies of the expansion will be needed for players with multiple accounts?
You will need one copy of the expansion for every World of Warcraft account that you wish to upgrade.
Do you need to own the expansion to play with friends who have it?
There will be many aspects of the expansion that are available to all players. However, in order to experience certain content, such as Outland, or be able to play as one of the new races, players will have to purchase the expansion.
What content will be restricted to those without the expansion?
There will be a number of features in The Burning Crusade that will only be available to expansion owners. To name a few: the two new races, the ten new levels of experience (level 60-70), all of the new zones, and the new profession Jewelcrafting.
Will you offer a downloadable option for The Burning Crusade or must you continue to purchase it in stores?
It's very possible that we will allow for a downloadable Burning Crusade at some point in the future, but at this time nothing is definite.
Will there be a Collector's Edition of The Burning Crusade?
Yes, there will be a Collector's Edition package available. For more details on what's included, see our official Collector's Edition page.
Will there eventually be a "combo pack" offered where both the original game and expansion (with the appropriate CD Keys) be offered?
We have no plans to do so at this time, however, it's very possible at some point in the future.
Will the realms be upgraded in time to handle the new surge of players brought about by the expansion?
Yes, as a matter of fact retrofit hardware upgrades designed to improve stability and performance for all World of Warcraft realms will be completed by the time the expansion set ships. |
