“[Players can] quit for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s hey, I have moved or traveled abroad,” Kowalkowski said. “I think that what we should do is to create the most exciting game we can. Rise of Azshara is a reaction to lots of feedback we have received both internally and externally buy WoTLK Gold. It was wanting to give players more options, more control.”

Part of sustaining the game involves welcoming players who have either lapsed for a long time or have not previously played World of Warcraft before. With so much to be done after 15 years, Rise of Azshara attempts to make the on-ramp more smooth than ever before, and also to allow players to keep up with their buddies who have already poured hundreds of hours in the game.

“Something we’re considering particularly with Rise of Azshara is making certain that characters don’t fail in any way on their leveling up scale. They are able to quickly reach the point that they’re playing with their friends on Nazjatar in addition to Mechagon,” Feasel said. “So If you’re among those players who stopped playing after the Tides of Vengeance came out then it will be very easy for you to get your next level up to gain the first Essence. So you’re not lagging severely behind. You can simply begin playing with them. Get started collecting essences straight away.”

Essences is one of the most advanced customization methods being added to Rise of Azshara. The game also introduces punchcards with colored sockets reminiscent of gems cheap WoW WoTLK Classic Gold. The whole experience is a sense of familiarity to long-term players that is the result of the desire to create more flexibility.