Speaking to investors during the company's WOTLK Gold quarterly conference call Activision's CEO Bobby Kotick spoke of a need to tackle the evolving market for online games, but also stressed the fact that Activision is committed to investing in ongoing subscription MMO.
"It's crucial to be aware that the format of internet-based games have changed and the online gaming environment is becoming more competitive, particularly in free-to-play gaming," Kotick said. Kotick (via Seeking Alpha). "To combat this we're working hard to bring out new content more often to keep our players entertained longer, and to make it easier for players who have fallen off the game to get back to the game. We are convinced of the long-term benefits of this series as well and we will dedicate significant budgets towards World of Warcraft."
Since its introduction in 2004 World of Warcraft has seen many updates in addition to four fully-fledged expansion packs. WoW WOTLK classic in 2007; Wrath of the Lich King in 2008, Cataclysm in 2010, and Mists of Pandaria in 2012.
"We're looking at ways to help ease the transition back to the game for players who have returned," added Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime. "We've always had players come and depart from World of Warcraft. The process of smoothing that transitional phase is a topic we're studying as we adapt our strategy to player behaviour and their preferences."
Kotick claims that the publisher is expecting further subscription declines for World of Warcraft before the close of the year but he points to the game's continued popularity. "While we believe that there will be further declines and we are expecting to have less subscribers by the end of the year than we have today, World of Warcraft remains one of the most popular games in buy WOW WOTLK Classic Gold the history of entertainment," he said.