WarCraft

Warcraft is a media franchise created by Blizzard Entertainment that centers on the fictional world of Azeroth and its conflicts. The franchise began as a series of real-time strategy video games and later expanded into online multiplayer, novels, comics, film, and other media. It is one of the best-known and long-running properties in video games.

The core of Warcraft started with Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994), followed by Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995). The series evolved with Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) and its expansion The Frozen Throne (2003). These RTS titles established the setting, factions, and lore, introducing major races such as humans, orcs, night elves, undead, and later Blood Elves, along with foundational threats like the Burning Legion and the Scourge.

World of Warcraft (2004) expanded the universe into a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. It has received numerous expansion packs that broaden the world, including The Burning Crusade (2007), Wrath of the Lich King (2008), Cataclysm (2010), Mists of Pandaria (2012), Warlords of Draenor (2014), Legion (2016), Battle for Azeroth (2018), Shadowlands (2020), and Dragonflight (2022). These expansions add new continents, civilizations, dungeons, raids, and evolving lore while maintaining the ongoing online world.

In addition to games, Warcraft has inspired novels, comics, and a 2016 feature film. The setting centers on two rival factions, the Alliance and the Horde, within Azeroth, facing recurring threats from various demonic, undead, and elemental forces. The franchise's storytelling and multiplayer gameplay have had a lasting impact on the fantasy genre and online gaming communities.