There are few franchises as significant in the gaming world as Warcraft. From its origins as a real-time strategy game that positioned Blizzard as a leading force in gaming, to becoming one of the most recognized names in the MMO sphere, Warcraft has cultivated an enormous legacy over more than 30 years.

Chris Metzen, the executive creative director behind the Warcraft universe, recently mentioned that he sometimes wishes the franchise had a different name. This remark surfaced during a recent interview with Holly Longdale, Blizzard’s vice president and executive producer, and game director Ion Hazzikostas, via Game Business.

In the interview, Longdale voiced a desire to broaden the appeal of Warcraft, stating, “It’s a fantastic IP. In my humble opinion, it’s been underutilized and I just want to bring it to as many people as possible. That means evolving what Warcraft means and where it’s going.”

She added, “Chris [Metzen] sometimes wishes we hadn’t called it Warcraft, as it sounds intimidating.” While Metzen’s comment might be taken lightly, it reflects ongoing discussions about how branding influences perceptions.

Longdale added that most players do not see the name as an obstacle to engagement, drawing a comparison to other names in gaming that may have initially seemed less approachable.

Fans have mixed feelings regarding Metzen’s comments, with many noting that the name Warcraft is iconic and carries a legacy that transcends its initial meaning. After more than two decades, players still delight in the community aspects and diverse stories woven throughout the Warcraft universe.

Quotes from the Interview
Holly Longdale stated, “We want people to come in, hang out, and have grand adventures… all the things that World of Warcraft has been good at for over 20 years.”

This situation shares a semblance with discussions about titles in gaming—sometimes they provoke strong reactions, but the core values of community and creativity remain intact.