World Of Warcraft Census Article
Why World of Warcraft Is So Popular
The mainstream triumph of World of Warcraft is a mystery to some. It has a profound affect on the industry as well as on the lives of many of those who play it. It has brought many to the multi-player genre and made that kind of gaming more popular. Usually games like this were played by teens or young 20-somethings. But World of Warcraft is played by a much wider demographic than anyone expected. In particular, it has brought many younger gamers to the table.
World of Warcraft has managed to appeal to people who do not normally play any kind of video game. Often these newbies have joined because of a roommate or friend that plays the game. This social hook leads them to the game itself which has many elements that are appealing in their own ways. According to an academic study, the Daedalus Project, by Nick Yee, almost 20% of people now playing multi-player games are new to the genre with little or no prior experience in video gaming it all. World of Warcraft has played a strong role in this leap in gamers.
World of Warcraft appeals to both genders, but women are not the typical audience for online gaming. Some women started playing because they have joined their significant other in their game. Some have actively sought it out and found new friends online. Around half the women who play do so because their boyfriend or husband does. In general, women now make up a full third of the overall number of online gamers. World of Warcraft is often the main reason these women started playing online.
The deep social experience of World of Warcraft encourages group play. Couples play it together, and it is common for families to play together. In-game socializing is a lot of fun, and many enjoy acting their role in character like an actress on a stage. 25% of people who play online play with their romantic partner. Brothers and sisters join up online and play. Sure, they fight over who gets which computer, but online, they are inseparable.
Free trials have no doubt played a huge role in this kind of social grouping in games. Most people who sample the game like it well enough to stick with it. This is brilliant viral marketing on the part of Blizzard. Give that guy in marketing a raise! Word of mouth has always been the best form of advertising, but when you can back that up with a 10-day free trial of the game, well, Mister, you have yourself a self-perpetuating sales machine!
Consider the difference in this scenario. Husband plays World of Warcraft. Wife looks over his shoulder, rolls her eyes, and thinks, I don’t get it. Husband offers to buy her a copy of the game so they can play together. She bows out of that offer not wanting to waste the money. Husband tells wife to sit down and give it a try. He will help make her a character, and what is there for her to do online? Nothing, really. She is not interested in the first place.
Now, scenario two, wife gets an email from hubby. “Meet me online and we will do some magic together!” Husband has already installed the game on her PC, and entered her guest code. They get online together and he “takes her by the hand” on a quest. She thinks he has better abs online, and that he swings his sword well. He helps her pick out a flattering suit of chainmail and they head off to kill some baddies together. At the end of the night, she has giggled, cheered, and whooped in surprise. 10 days later, husband and wife have a new gaming hobby together.
Is it any wonder that World of Warcraft has been so wildly successful?
