According to this post at Shacknews not only is Blizzard working on Wrath of the Lich King, Diablo III, and Starcraft II, but they are also working on a 4th yet to be announced next gen MMO. The internet is buzzing with speculation as to what this 4th title could be with many people hoping (and praying) that it will be World of Starcraft. At first, I thought this would be a bad move for Blizzard, but then the more I thought about it the better the idea started to sound.

With the record-breaking popularity of WoW I thought Blizzard would have to be crazy to come out with another MMO to compete with WoW and possibly take away subscribers. However, as I thought about this a bit more it started to make sense that this is exactly the type of thing that Blizzard would want. If they come out with WoS (not nearly as catchy as WoW) even if people leave WoW the money for the subscription would still be going to Blizzard in the end not to mention the initial purchase of the game. What I think would happen is that many people would still keep their WoW accounts and add on the new account, which makes double the fun and double the pleasure for the Blizzard coffers.

Another reason to make a new MMO is that WoW is nearly 4 years old now and to me it is starting to show its age. A next gen MMO with updated graphics and artwork could bring in new subscribers that are either bored of WoW or are not fans of WoW’s graphics that are often characterized as “cartoony.” Again, this would bring even more money to Blizzard.

Blizzard could also be making something completely new, but I think they would be hard pressed to convice the powers that be to let them do that. The risk level would be markedly lower for creating an MMO that already has a huge fan base.

In any case, I know we will all be suckling the blizzard teet for years to come whether it be a World of Starcraft or something totally unexpected.

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