WoW: The War Within Highlights A Serious MMO Problem

screenrant.com:

is the next expansion to the eternally popular MMORPG, but one problem with its approach is obvious even well ahead of its release. With a total of nine expansions under its belt, is no stranger to making major additions. Some, like the iconic, have met with widespread positive reception, while others have received more mixed opinions. No matter how good the content in may be, however, it's hard to come to terms with a particular decision involving its launch.

is certainly going to be a major part of 's future, acting as the first installment of a planned trio of expansions. Referred to as, this trilogy is connected by an overarching narrative, which promises to wrap up many aspects of the game's story so far and set up the future for the game. expansions tend to be regular, coming out every couple of years, so even if the pace of releases doesn't end up increasing, the overall picture should be able to complete itself at a reasonable rate.

Related: WoW: The War Within — Release Date, Zones, Dungeons, & Earthen Allied Race

The big problem with lies in its release strategy, as theEpic Edition offers early access to the experience at a premium price. While the expansion itself can be bought for $49.99, getting the full roster of extra goodies and early access costs $89.99, nearly double the cost. The pricing model isn't new, but this particular perk is, and it introduces an inherent disparity that can only be seen as concerning for the health of the game and general satisfaction of the community.

Pre-orders of come with the current expansion,, which is one positive note that represents a change from past approaches.

Time is a valuable resource in MMORPGs, especially one with a fanbase as dedicated as. Paying to get a head