World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment, first released in 2004. Set in the high-fantasy world of Azeroth, WoW allows players to create characters from various races and classes and explore a vast, open world filled with quests, dungeons, and battles. Players can join factions—either the Horde or the Alliance—and engage in both player-versus-environment (PvE) and player-versus-player (PvP) content. The game is known for its rich lore, expansive world-building, and a dynamic narrative that evolves through frequent expansions.
WoW has significantly shaped the MMORPG genre with its social features, guild systems, and cooperative gameplay. Over the years, expansions like The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, and Shadowlands have added new regions, stories, and mechanics, keeping the experience fresh for players. With millions of active users at its peak, WoW has had a major cultural impact, inspiring books, merchandise, and even a movie. Its blend of immersive storytelling, strategic combat, and strong community engagement has helped it remain one of the most influential and long-standing games in the online gaming world.