World of Warcraft's initial release will happen on November 23rd, 2004. On that date, the game will be available in stores in North America, Australia, and New Zealand only. You can find the full press release here:
http://www.blizzard.com/press/040411-street-date.shtml
At launch, only North American, Australian, and New Zealand customers will be able to play on the North American servers.
Shortly after the initial release, World of Warcraft will also launch locally in Europe, Korea, and China, with local servers available for play in each region. We are currently conducting pre-release Beta testing in North America, Europe, and Korea.
Blizzard has not yet announced plans for further localized releases for World of Warcraft in Singapore. Unlike our past Battle.net games, World of Warcraft requires that a complex regional server infrastructure and a local GM/support staff be in place to provide the excellent customer service and unparalleled gameplay experience that we intend to deliver. In addition, we must translate content for each region in which the game will be available so that players will be able to understand the game's text and therefore be able to enjoy it appropriately.
To meet these goals, we are taking a very thorough and measured approach to our international release plan for World of Warcraft. Establishing a stable infrastructure for our initial regions will help us evaluate the requirements for future regions where we might consider launching a local version of World of Warcraft.
We hope you will stay tuned to http://www.blizzard.com for further announcements regarding the World of Warcraft launch. In the months ahead, we will be expanding the game to make it as widely available and enjoyable as possible.
International World of Warcraft Websites:
North America - http://www.worldofwarcraft.com
Europe - http://en.wow-europe.com
Korea - http://www.worldofwarcraft.co.kr/
China - http://www.wowchina.com
Regards,
Nick S.
Billing Representative
Blizzard Entertainment
http://www.blizzard.com/support
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Customer satisfaction is a top priority here at Blizzard Entertainment, and we would like your feedback on the level of service you have received. Please feel free to provide such feedback at the following web address: http://www.blizzard.com/support/?id=eSurvey000&i=151&d=11/18/2004%202:29:28%20PM&t=juguhan@hotmail.com&n=Nick%20S.
