Blizzard official lore...

Q u o t e:
During the GDC, a blizzard producer said that, in game, Blizzard had admitted long ago that there were not Shakspeare, but that did not made their games storyline worse

I agree. Blizxzard storytelling is extremely effective-if somewhat previsible at times. It's a very functionnal storytelling, perfect for their MMORPGS and RTS.

This given, how the Warcraft novels and comics can be THAT bad ? I bought dozens of StarWars novel-even the dreadful ''Clone Wars'' novelization was better than Warcraft novel (1). Not only they feature dignified Mary Sues, but they don't even follow the plot of the games, and often contradict the said plot.

Example : we had Alleria Windrunner, we had Sylvanas Windrunner. Instead of getting Aleria in game, we game Vessera, whose characterisation is even shallower than Aleria one (quite a feat, considering that Alleria did not said a WORD in game)



(1)The only book that was vaguely enjoyable was ''Nova'' novelization: Iit was once, again, quite functionnal.

I understand what you're saying, but I think you're making too sweeping a generalization. Your statement should be that you don't care for the comics or books outside the game yourself. (From what I gather you said above.) Others enjoy them.

I know I've enjoyed the comics themselves, but I've always enjoyed reading comics due to the combination of using words in a very conscientious way and then combining those with the art. It's just enjoyable to me.

I also view some books to be like potato chips or mind candy. They're not meant to be earth shattering epics, but they're equally enjoyable. It generally depends on mood. Sometimes you do want something meatier and sometimes you're just looking to relax and not work so hard to enjoy the story.

That said, I've seen people state which books we've put out they like or don't like and those opinions rarely match up like you'd expect.

I think if you look at the books (and comics) as a window into some things you don't get to see or experience in game, or the broader picture than what you saw in the game, then you will enjoy them more as they are.

You obviously have a style you like most and an expectation based on that style. That's perfectly fine. I just would caution against stating that something is "bad" when it's just not necessarily to your own personal taste. That's all. :)

Q u o t e:


Have you read the Ashbringer limited series that just ended? It was really good.

I enjoyed it a lot. Micky Neilson did a great job writing it.

I've also read (and continue to read) the other books ( I need more time). There are some stories I've enjoyed more than others, it's generally due to being more interested in some storylines more than others.

We have a new release coming out on April, 21st that is written by Christie Golden, Arthas: Rise of the Lich King for those that are interested as well. If you like her style, you may just enjoy this one. :)

Q u o t e:
Netherea, I'm not downing Blizzard work : I'm saying that many Warcraft novels are very disapointing (which is personnal) and are not even in the spirit of the games (which is a sort of fact)

For instance, Rise of the Lich King-which I will buy....

Calia ''in game'' quote

I hope that handsome nobleman Lord Prestor notices me! He's so dreamy

Calia in Rise of the Lich King

“Love him?” Her blue, bloodshot eyes narrowed in anger. “I barely know him! He’s never taken the slightest . . . oh, what’s the use? I know that this is common practice among royalty and nobility. That we are pawns. But I just never expected Father—”

Note that miss Golden bit (the except on Blizzard site) is actually quite correct (1), but it's just that there is a gaping hole between this and in game content. No one except narration like ''and Calia complained that her father could not even run Utgarde Pinnacle Heroic cause he had a crappy helm'' , but maybe narration that is ''on spot''. I picked Calia example because it's the most recent one-I just read the except this morning.

(1)Correct is not an insult. It's means that, like Nethera said, that this bit of fiction do the intended work.

We've admitted to some discrepencies in the past, and continue to work at avoiding those for current and future work. We have a Historian that does a great job of keeping everything in line and others who continue to work to make sure we avoid these inconsistencies when we can. The World of Warcraft universe is larger and more complex than many people give it credit for and there is much that isn't even public... yet. ;)

We'll keep working at it though, and keep working to improve where we can. We do appreciate the feedback (constructive) and will keep working to advance the story and bring it to life for you wherever we can.

Q u o t e:


I bet it would be really interesting to chat with that historian about warcraft....he could probably go on for days.

She, and she's amazing. :)