I devote this part of my web to "Livius", my character on the World of Warcraft server "Darkmoon Faire (EU)".

I started playing WoW in SEP 2006 and departed in JAN 2012 because, to reduce a complex topic to just one sentence:  I became disillusioned and frustrated by how Blizzard progressively dumbed the game down to cater to the Instant Gratifcation Gamer.

I rejoined WoW after a 19-month absence for MoP.  I noticed that the problems that compelled me to depart were still there, but  I reminded myself that no game is perfect.  I admit the strong pull of nostalgia.  I wished to see old friends.  And the Panda lore wasn't as bad as I feared.  Still, after three months, not even nostalgia and friends could hold me.

After another break, I returned to play WoD, but again left after three months. I don't anticipate a return. Livius the Druid has crossed over to the Emerald Dream, where he fights the good fight forever.

Perhaps one day, Blizzard will realize what an injustice they've done to what used to be a grand game and find the moral courage to roll some of it back.  Perhaps one day they'll even bring their graphics engine into the 21st century.  A Legacy Server wouldn't hurt either.

Not likely, I know.  But I'm an optimist and hope springs eternal.


UPDATE 27 May 2019

In exactly three months from this writing, Blizzard releases WoW Classic. I can't wait.

I never dreamed this would happen. I was sure that the gaming industry's fixation with instant gratification was permanent. I watched the Blizzcon presentations and vblogs from beta testers. It seems that the game I fell in love with nearly 13 years ago is making a comeback. At long last, we'll have an MMO that isn't afraid to challenge players, to make them actually work for something and to feel a sense of accomplishment when they finally get it; a game that resists the temptation toward overaccessibility and instead rewards true social interaction.

In three momths, there will be a new Livius (assuming I get the name). I'll be on an RP server, of course (if offered). Perhaps I'll see some of my old friends there; I would like that. But I'm also looking forward to new ones.

See you in Azeroth.


UPDATE 23 July 2019

 I reactivated my sub a few weeks ago and I played a bit through the Legion content. I have no plans to purachase Battle for Azeroth. I'm active for one reason only: to find old friends and recruit them for Classic. In this, I've been blessed and we're well on track for launch.

If you're FOL (Friend of Liv), contact me for the guild information.