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Greetings adventurers!
Today it is one year since the European release of World of Warcraft. Over this last year players have come together from all over Europe to form a diverse and thriving community -- a community making Azeroth the thrilling and lively place to seek adventure that it is today.
This community hailing from so many countries and cultures continues to intrigue us with the multitude of ideas and opinions on game-play and content. Such diversity and dedication is exhilarating, and I look forward to reading many more discussions and suggestions in the year ahead. And you should get to see many of your ideas come to life in World of Warcraft as we continue to add to the game through patches and the upcoming expansion.
I very much enjoyed meeting the European players who took the long trip to BlizzCon, and Blizzard representatives attending events like ESWC 2005, Dreamhack and Games Convention have met many of you for competitions, presentations and just chatting about the game. Meeting up face to face with you players at such events is something we wish to do even more in 2006.
Looking at the game itself, we're currently in the process of testing patch 1.10 which is scheduled for release in the beginning of March. This patch includes the much awaited weather effects and more content for small-group players. We're also continuing the talent improvements with a look at the Priest.
Looking further into the future, here are some of our major goals for 2006:
In patch 1.11: Naxxramas! -- the massive necropolis floating above Stratholme, home to Kel'Thuzad
More content tailored for casual level 60 players
Greater focus on outdoor PvP
Talent improvements for the remaining classes; Shaman, Rogue and Mage
More world events and holidays
Fee-based character transfers
Improved forums and web sites, including more interactive content such as the PvP Honor rankings and the Ahn'Qiraj War Effort pages
A new data centre and continual upgrading of the existing ones to accommodate for the tremendous growth in Europe
And of course, work continues on World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade. Among the exciting features currently in implementation and testing is the flying mounts, giving a spectacular view from high in the air. We will reveal more about the expansion in the upcoming months as our designers, programmers and artists continue to make Outland and the other new areas of the expansion come alive. Stay updated on the World of Warcraft and Burning Crusade web sites for news.
We extend our thanks to the European community for supporting and contributing to World of Warcraft over this past year, and making both playing the game and working on it a unique experience. We look forward to another year of fun adventuring and new challenges in Azeroth and Outland side by side with you.
Shane Dabiri
Lead Producer, World of Warcraft
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