Since its debut in 2004, World of Warcraft has held steady on a $15 monthly subscription model in the United States.
This consistent pricing has remained unchanged over the years, thanks to the efforts of Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, who aimed to keep the player community satisfied.
Financial Strategy and Player Community
During a recent conversation on the Grit podcast, Kotick shared insights from his long career with Activision and Activision Blizzard, reflecting on Blizzard’s successes and the lasting appeal of World of Warcraft.
He revealed that the game has drawn in more than 150 million subscribers throughout its existence, claiming it stands as the most successful subscription service.
When the podcast hosts suggested that the game’s financial success could justify a price hike, Kotick firmly disagreed.
Instead, he emphasized a strategy rooted in enhancing player value through new features and services rather than modifying the existing subscription fee.
He pointed out that the community’s feelings are crucial, noting that even a small increase in cost could trigger backlash from devoted players.
The Influence of Chris Metzen
Kotick also highlighted the pivotal contributions of Chris Metzen to Blizzard’s triumphs.
He regards Metzen as the creative powerhouse behind the company.
After retiring in 2016, reportedly due to the pressures linked to the Warcraft film, Metzen returned in 2022 as a creative advisor for World of Warcraft.
Eventually, he took on the role of executive creative director for the entire Warcraft franchise.
Prior to his comeback, Metzen had voiced concerns about the quality of upcoming expansions, which prompted Kotick to encourage him to return and help resolve these issues.
While discussing Metzen’s recent impact, Kotick made a point that Metzen’s influence is clearly reflected in the newest expansion, *The War Within*.
He expressed optimism that the next expansion would live up to high expectations under Metzen’s leadership.
Once Metzen rejoined the team, Kotick stepped back from many discussions, trusting Metzen’s expertise and vision in game design.
Conclusion of Kotick’s Tenure
Kotick’s time as CEO lasted from 1991 until 2023, ending with the company’s monumental $69 billion acquisition by Microsoft, a transaction that followed a tumultuous period laden with controversies for the publisher.
Source: GameSpot