World of Warcraftdeveloper Blizzard Entertainment is polling the community to decide on its next mount design. With the MMO’s newest expansion,Shadowlands, right around the corner, its player base has the opportunity to add a personalized touch.
Once upon a time, mounts were something of a status symbol inWorld of Warcraft. Requiring large sums of gold, time, and luck, players showed off rare mounts like a sparkling new Maserati. As far back as theWrath of the Lich Kingexpansion, with the addition of the achievement/reward system, collecting mounts became a minigame unto itself. In many cases, acquiring a new mount was as simple as ticking off a series of specific objectives, but since then, mounts have come in a plethora of delivery methods: collector’s edition rewards, purchasable additional content, and more.
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This time, Blizzard is asking the community to weigh in. For the next two weeks, until 3 PM Pacific on September 18, players can head toWoW’s General forum to vote on their favorite design. Five choices are available: Wandering Ancient,whichWarcraft 3players will recognize; Soaring Spelltome, a magical, flying book; Nerubian Swarmer, of the undead arachnid race; Curious Caterpillar, and the Gooey Slimesaber, a disgustingly slimy cat. As always, names and designs are subject to change.
In its announcement, Blizzard offers this mini-contest as a show of appreciation. Citing the challenges faced by everyone this year, the developer expressed its gratitude to the community for “being with [it] each step of the way.” As such, Blizzard sees this as a “collaboration” and a show of togetherness in a time of uncertainty.
Further, Blizzard also stated that allShadowlandsowners will receive the winning mount early next year. Also of note is that there are different polls for individual regions. While Blizzard did clarify that results are shown according to one’s region, they did not indicate whether more than one design could make it into the game as a result–albeit in separate regions.
Offering players the chance to be involved, even in a small way, is a nice touch. The ongoing pandemic has increased senses of isolation, loneliness, and depression for many people, particularly in the United States, where quarantine continues indefinitely. Online games likeWorld of Warcraftoffer players the chance to socialize with friends new and old, in a time whendoing so in person is nearly impossible.
Similarly,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsmade waves when it launched shortly after the World Health Organization declared the pandemic. Viral videos and stories of hangouts with friends, dates between couples,and even anAnimal Crossingwedding or two, offered a pleasant, virtual alternative to our collective nightmare.
