We had some hints that this would happen soon and now WoW Insider has confirmed through anonymous sources that the next expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, is in closed alpha status, and that various players are being invited to check it out, under a strict NDA.Alpha is part of the software release life cycle -- a software product in development goes from alpha status to beta status (sometimes including a "closed beta," where a limited few are invited to preview and test the software, and an "open beta,", where anyone can download and try out the beta), to "release candidates" and then "gold" (the final version, used to print the media to be available for sale). This doesn't tell us anything about the timing of the expansion's release (especially since Blizzard historically takes their time going through this cycle), but it does tell us that Wrath's content is in a playable and mostly completed form -- quests, game mechanics, and items are in, even if specific flavor text, names, and even textures are not.
We'll keep an eye, as usual, on any other news we see coming out of Blizzard, through official or unofficial channels. Wrath of the Lich King, the second expansion of World of Warcraft, is in alpha testing. The journey to Northrend has begun.
Update: A word to the wise: this is not an open beta, and any email or site that tells you to sign up for one is still scamming you. When open beta comes down, we'll hear about it on Blizzard's official site. This is just news that the next expansion has moved up a notch in its development, and that we're one step closer to an official open beta.
Check out more information on WoW's upcoming expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, including a look at the new Death Knight class and the new creatures that infest Northrend.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
4-10-2008 @ 2:27PM
F0REM4N said...
So how long before release did Burning Crusade enter Alpha? This could be used to guestimate a release date! It will also prove to be totally inaccurate, but let's indulge for the excitement factor.
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4-10-2008 @ 2:41PM
Mike Schramm said...
As I said in the post, this can't really be used to guesstimate a release date, because Blizzard takes their time, and there is no set schedule for alpha -> beta -> gold -- it differs by every company.
That said, I would personally say that Alpha now would definitely leave enough time for a Fall '08 release -- Blizzard first started inviting people into BC (which released in January of '07) in June of '06.
Then again, maybe Blizzard has a much faster release schedule nowadays -- BC was their first expansion and they've learned a lot since then. Plus there are no new starting areas or new races. So this is all speculation -- who knows?
4-10-2008 @ 3:23PM
F0REM4N said...
Wasn't trying to insult your post, I actually thought it was great. I just wanted to say that it is fun to speculate, even if we need to take it with a grain of salt like you mentioned.
4-10-2008 @ 3:31PM
imparush said...
Mike Schramm good point with the 2 new race in BC, but they have to balance a new class and it might take some time, or maybe no like they have to balance all class with new 70-80 spell
4-11-2008 @ 9:19AM
Naix said...
"...take it with a grain of salt..."
This statement confuses me. Even though it is well known what "take it with a grain of salt" means. When you really think about it it makes no sense. Traditionally "take it with a grain of salt" means to take something not as serious or lightly. But in todays world salt we have come to know that salt is very very bad for you. Things that are bad for you can not be taken lightly and not as serious. Therefore taking in salt means to take something very serious.
4-14-2008 @ 9:07PM
Slayine said...
Heard its out Sep 30th!!
!
4-10-2008 @ 2:30PM
Khanmora said...
Friends and Family alpha started around August of 2006 for BC.
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4-10-2008 @ 3:24PM
nobbie said...
This seems to be F&F Alpha already.
4-10-2008 @ 3:52PM
Mattlistener said...
BC was released in 1/07, so 5 months by that estimate.
4-10-2008 @ 4:57PM
Kyrra said...
F&F has not started yet for WotLK.
4-10-2008 @ 2:37PM
SaintStryfe said...
I'm suprised. I did'nt think they'd have a playable release out for a few more months at least.
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4-10-2008 @ 2:39PM
Killah said...
Not that it matters, but I was in the BC Beta. But I don't think that we're going to see a Beta for this expansion. For some reason, I just don't think the content extension is as big as it was with BC. Still, looking forward for this expansion :)
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4-10-2008 @ 3:02PM
Ryan said...
Of course there will be a beta, it's a requirement for the development process. Who exactly gets into it and how will be the only way the process would differ.
4-10-2008 @ 5:52PM
Suzaku said...
There was a blue post just earlier today that mentioned a beta will be coming down the line.
Frankly, it's absurd to think there *wouldn't* be a beta. Blizz tests even relatively minor content patches, and it would be pretty stupid to not test such a major one.
It's no secret that they're at least doing internal alpha testing, as we've already seen that http://beta.worldofwarcraft.com/game/character-copy.html has been reactivated.
4-10-2008 @ 2:39PM
kenney said...
I wonder when they will start talking about new talents and so forth? I can't remember when TBC stuff started appearing at www.worldofwarcraft.com
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4-10-2008 @ 3:10PM
Kyle said...
The talents weren't released until mid-fall, I recall. I remember walking across my college campus thinking about the newly released Druid talents and wondering when...think it was the Mage talents were gonna be released.
Anyway, so it has begun. Probably two or three months 'til the beta begins, I would bet.
4-10-2008 @ 2:41PM
Ophelos said...
I wonder if it's time for a new poll, on how long it'll before wotlk comes out of alpha... But my guess is in either July or August.
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4-10-2008 @ 2:55PM
nobbie said...
I knew it when the beta links became active ;)
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4-10-2008 @ 3:08PM
Milktub said...
I'm not sure if I'm excited for an xpac or wanting to avoid an xpac. Having it out would mean new content (not to mention NEW HAIRCUTS), but would also mean having to deal with no longer knowing that you're just going to get better and better gear. Right now I know that if something is an upgrade, it'll stay an upgrade. The moment the level cap becomes 80, an upgrade at level 71 may be replaced right away, or it may be great until level 78.
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4-10-2008 @ 3:20PM
peaglemancer said...
Rumor has it the expansion contains the most advanced mullet simulation to grace mankind.