Attention all gamers. If you are still stuck behind your PC’s playing the age old video games, with man v/s computer being the only challenge you face- you need to be introduced to the magnificent world of MMORPGs. MMORPGs or massively multiplayer online role-playing games belong to a whole new genre in gaming.
In an MMORPG, a large number of players from across the globe interact with one other in a virtual world. Players usually assume and control an avatar in the game which can then explore the world, fight monsters, or take part in adventures and quests.
The largest selling MMORPG with over 10.1 million monthly subscribers is World of Warcraft (WoW). Its popular catchphrase- It’s not a game, it’s a world- says it all. WoW holds the Guinness World Record for the most popular MMORPG. In April 2008, World of Warcraft was estimated to hold 62% of the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) market.
Before playing World of Warcraft, you need to choose the realm or server you wish to play in, after which you choose your faction. In the world of Azeroth, the Horde and the Alliance are opposing factions. True to its war theme, players from these opposite factions can only battle with each other, but not form groups or trade with one another. Once you choose your faction you can customize your character, choosing its race, class and appearance. The Horde races are Orcs, Tauren, Trolls, Undead and Blood Elves. The Alliance races on the other hand are Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, Night Elves and the Draenei. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses
If there is a single flaw in the game it would be that it is all too addictive. MMORPG’s offer an escape from reality into an alternative fantasy world and people become all too obsessed with their in-game characters. Indeed there have been many disturbing incidents caused by an over-addiction to the game. MMORPG’s mark in popular culture is evident due to the acknowledgements given to it by many inspired artists, such as in the episode- ‘Make love not Warcraft’ of the Emmy winning series South Park. An episode of The Simpsons-‘Marge Gamer’- also satirized MMORPGs such as WoW.
WoW can be downloaded from its website for a free trial period of 10 days, after which you can purchase it online for $39.99 or buy the CD. If this seems a bit heavy on the pocket, there are versions of the game available for different prices, including Defense of the Ancients or DoTA which is more popular in India.
So all the gaming fans out there, Game On!
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