For most gamers, nine or so years between the release of Diablo II expansion Lord of Destruction and the pending Diablo III is just too damned long.
Speaking with MTV Multiplayer, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime reiterates the developers "annaul expansion" goal for World of Warcraft, as well as hinting at expansion plans for their other titles.
"I don't think Blizzard will ever be able to do sequels to products like Diablo III or Diablo IV on an annual basis," he said, "but we might be able to do expansions to those games close to annually."
Now in cahoots with the Activision camp, annual updates or "expansion" are old hat. But Morhaime warns against over-saturation.
"I think putting too many expansions out too frequently, you probably get to the point where people do need to start taking a little break," he explained.
It's not surprise to hear that there's already plans for expansion or updates, and it's not even surprising to hear that they may even come annually. But it's nice to know that Blizzard isn't willing to sacrifice quality just to push them out onto the market. Then again, is it ever?
Contest:
10:03 AM on 11.18.2008
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I still believe that Warcraft 4 could still come with an active WoW user base, and about 3 months after release of warcraft 4 they could patch the realm to adapt to a post WC4 setting.
Such a thing would inspire a great change of pace for the MMO culture as no other MMO could use such a story based change. But then it'ld most likely usher in WoW2 with a great new lush graphics palette.
(comment about a spelling slip)
they will probably do that.
Also I dont like that they take so long between releases (Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 for example), and then throw me a expansion every year, doesnt make sense.