Blizzard hints at console ports for World of Warcraft: Forever – “Play it wherever you want and, at some point, on whatever you want”
Blizzard is considering bringing World of Warcraft to more devices, with executive producer Holly Longdale suggesting a console version could follow the game’s new controller support. The comments point to a broader effort to let players access the long-running PC MMO across different platforms, though no console release has been announced.
World of Warcraft: Forever is a third version of the game alongside Classic and Retail, and its beta has reportedly been the largest in the series’ history. It launches on 4 November and is currently PC-only; Blizzard says improving gamepad support is the first step, while Longdale also mentioned the Xbox Project Helix and players running the game on the ROG Ally X.
In short
- Blizzard hints WoW could reach consoles in future.
- Controller support is the first step towards wider access.
- Forever launches on 4 November after a record-sized beta.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A console version could make World of Warcraft easier to access for players who prefer a controller or do not own a gaming PC, and could let friends play together across more devices. Blizzard’s work on gamepad support and the game’s presence on handheld PCs suggest there may be practical ways to adapt the experience while widening its audience.
The case against
World of Warcraft was designed around a keyboard and mouse, and adapting its dense interface and combat to a controller could make some activities less comfortable or precise. Supporting more platforms may also divert development and testing effort from the existing PC game, while cross-platform play could raise questions about fair controls and keeping updates consistent.
Explained simply
World of Warcraft is a long-running online role-playing game made by Blizzard, in which players explore a shared fantasy world and take part in quests and battles. It has several versions: Retail, which receives ongoing updates, and Classic, which recreates earlier forms of the game.
World of Warcraft: Forever is a newer version, currently planned for PC. Controller support can make the game easier to play without a keyboard and mouse, including on handheld gaming devices. Blizzard’s comments reflect interest in making the game available on more kinds of hardware, but no console release has been confirmed.