World of Warcraft: Forever, and the Iconic South Park episode about unhealthy gaming habits

We all know of World of Warcraft’s ability to swallow an entire life; most of us have lost a few friends to it or lost ourselves. Part of our obsession with World of Warcraft comes from the fact that the game always has another quest to complete, another level, and another thing to chase. It was already never-ending before the Forever version got here, but now it’s definitely Forever.

Many longtime players are actually happy about the game’s revival and the new version of Azeroth where exploration and leveling matter again; but old, really hardcore fans have mixed opinions about it. They believe the new version doesn’t preserve enough of the game’s original identity. I get it: when you hear your favourite nostalgic game is making a comeback, you want a bigger version of what you already love, not a modernized version with a few hints of what you used to like.

And this is where ‘Make Love, Not Warcraft’ (the South Park Episode) comes in, lol.

The episode explores what we’ve seen happen in our friends’ lives at one point, or in our own. The absolute absorption that a game like this can prompt. With an endless string of levels and a beautiful infinite world filled with endless stories and online players. Young people used to become so invested in the game that their real lives started to disappear. I don’t know why I’m writing in the past tense; I’m well aware of people living like this today, especially with the just-released version.

As an outsider, it’s genuinely funny to read what the different Reddit and Blizzard forums say about the game‘s new release, and the ongoing discussion online about the game’s heritage and the community’s criticism or enthusiasm. There are so many subcultures out there, folks.

Where does the CheeZburger community stand in all of this? Are we mostly excited? Mostly not-at-all gamers? Or mostly critical of this brave new world? I want to read thoughts and opinions. I’m all ears (eyes).

So whether you are an absolute purist, someone who’s not a gamer at all but has played War of Warcraft once or twice and completed a few missions (just like me), or a happy, completely absorbed gamer who plays every game on the face of the earth, this meme list is for you!