Eric Roberts 
After a prolonged legal battle, Microsoft has successfully acquired Activision Blizzard. This major acquisition means that popular titles like Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Diablo, and World of Warcraft now fall under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. This news is especially thrilling for Xbox enthusiasts as many of these games are expected to join Xbox Game Pass upon release. However, if World of Warcraft becomes part of the service, it could bring about significant changes.
One of the primary concerns within the World of Warcraft community revolves around the future of Azeroth. While rumors hint at another expansion on the horizon, the game’s direction may evolve under Xbox Game Studios’ stewardship. In particular, if Microsoft chooses, the game could undergo a transformation on Game Pass. Given that the game traditionally relies on a subscription model, this decision could potentially alter the business model that has been in place for the past 19 years.
The Potential Disappearance of WoW’s Subscription Fee
World of Warcraft has long thrived on a monthly subscription fee. While there have been alternative ways to play the game, the full experience typically requires a subscription. Additionally, each new expansion release incurs an additional cost for players, depending on the edition they choose. In recent years, Blizzard has introduced various revenue streams for the brand, but the primary driving force behind development remains the subscription fee.
Microsoft has yet to divulge its plans for World of Warcraft now that it falls under the Xbox Game Studios banner. However, based on past acquisitions, there’s a strong likelihood that the game will eventually be added to Xbox Game Pass within the next year. If this happens, players may anticipate forthcoming changes. Unless Microsoft opts to introduce an additional subscription layer on top of Game Pass, World of Warcraft’s existing subscription fee could disappear.
In the event that the subscription fee vanishes, Blizzard would need to explore new methods of generating revenue from the MMO. This could involve more microtransactions, potential additional DLC, and a revamped monetization approach. It might also pave the way for the introduction of battle passes, similar to Halo Infinite, or an expanded array of cash-shop cosmetics. Although these changes may not be warmly received by the community, Blizzard would need to find alternative avenues to support the ongoing development of this iconic MMO.
Another possibility is that Microsoft could convert WoW’s subscription fee into an add-on option. Rather than including it in Game Pass, the studio might offer it as an optional supplement, similar to how Xbox Live Gold transitioned into Xbox Game Pass Core, offering the same service plus an additional 25 games. Players seeking access to the full Game Pass library might need to subscribe to a higher tier. Additionally, World of Warcraft could be introduced as yet another Game Pass tier.
Conversely, there’s a chance that Microsoft may decide to maintain the status quo and leave World of Warcraft’s existing structure untouched. Given the game’s long-standing success spanning nearly two decades, Microsoft may have limited incentive to overhaul Blizzard’s approach. The game could continue as a separate MMO subscription under the Xbox ecosystem, possibly accessible through the Xbox client rather than Battle.net. Following the example of Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4, it may even find its way to platforms like Steam, although this remains uncertain.
In the coming months, as Microsoft takes control of some of the gaming industry’s most prominent IPs, the landscape of gaming is poised for significant changes. Fans should anticipate some waiting before official announcements are made, but when they do arrive, they are likely to be substantial. Hopefully, at least one of these announcements will shed light on the future of Azeroth, providing World of Warcraft fans with a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Dive Digest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.