Blizzard has overhauled how players pay for World of Warcraft, essentially bundling the base game and most expansions with the MMORPG's subscription fee of $15 per month.
The massive change comes just before the launch of the new World of Warcraft expansion, Battle for Azeroth, which is due to be released in less than a month.
New 'World of Warcraft' Subscription Model Rolled Out
Gamers who have been looking to get into World of Warcraft may finally have their chance, just in time for the upcoming Battle for Azeroth expansion.
Players who visit the World of Warcraft page on Blizzard's online shop will see one significant change. The World of Warcraft Battle Chest, which contained the base game all the way to the sixth expansion Legion, is missing.
"Get access to World of Warcraft and every expansion through Legion with your subscription—no additional purchase required," the page now says, adding that players will be able to level up to 110 within the base game and its first six expansions.
Previously, World of Warcraft players needed to pay for the base game and the expansions, or acquire everything through the Battle Chest, then shell out for the monthly subscription fee separately. With the subscription model overhaul, players will now only have to pay $15 per month, $14 per month for three months, or $13 per month for six months, to gain access to the base game and six expansions.
The change significantly lowers the World of Warcraft barrier to entry, as the base game, six expansions, and the ability to reach level 110 is a lot of content for a game that costs $15 per month. New World of Warcraft players who jump in through the offer will likely take a while before they feel the need to purchase Battle for Azeroth.
World of Warcraft: Battle For Azeroth Release Date
The Battle for Azeroth release date is set for Aug. 14, with the pre-patch for the expansions already being rolled out to World of Warcraft players.
Among the new features that players can expect from the seventh expansion include conquering islands in the form of mini-dungeons, choosing their allegiance to the Horde or to the Alliance, and the 20-player cooperative mode Warfront.
Blizzard will still be taking money from World of Warcraft fans through Battle for Azeroth, which will not be included in the monthly subscription fee. It will be sold separately for $49.99, with a Digital Deluxe Edition available for $69.99 and a Collector's Edition available for $99.99.
