09-19-2008, 06:10 AM
Quote:IMO, this will be the last expansion pack done this way for WoW. Wrath will tidy up all the story lines from WC3 which makes it possible to setup WC4 and then WoW2. They still haven't announce their 4th project and that's either going to be something along the revitalization of Ghost or it's going to be WC4. While they may throw a bone later on that will open level 90 and maybe 100, I don't think that expansion will be sold like tBC and Wrath. WoW is coming on to the typical end of life cycle that MMOs go through (about 5 to 6 years).
What will probably happen is that after this expansion development for future WoW releases will be passed to another developer or group. This will not be the last WoW expansion. Will NOT. There has already been rumblings from the developers in random interviews about a graphical update in post wrath updates or expansions.
There is just too much money in WoW for them not to run it till it's dry. Everquest 1 (one!) is about to release a new expansion 10+ years later. in fact, the 5-6 year cycle you mention is illusory. MMO's follow a pattern, either they die in about 2 years ala AC2 or they keep milking the subscriptions for as long as possible. The two oldest MMO's are still going "strong" (everquest and ultima online). Subsequent releases are still out there finding their own niche like SW Galaxies and Anarchy Online (with AO switching to a free play model.)