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Yesterday Vivendi released their earning statements* for the first quarter of 2008. The statement itself shows a magnificent increase in customers and to keep up this trend it is likely that the second expansion pack for World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King will be released in the second half of 2008.
If we take a look back at what Blizzard has announced about both patches and the Burning Crusade, it's not a good sign. But, for the first time, it is Vivendi who is announcing the release which makes it more believable. Also this time, they have some pressure on themselves. The release of AoC is right around the corner, and of course Blizzard does not want to lose massive amounts of players to that game.
Blizzard has stated that Sunwell Plateau will be the last 25-man raid instance before Wrath of the Lich King, so unless they want the majority of people to do nothing for months (which most of us hope they wont), they will release the game on time as promised.
*Very good operating achievements were offset by non recurring or calendar impacts: the first quarter of 2007 included notably the successful launch of the first expansion set World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (the second expansion set is anticipated to be released in the second half of 2008) and the favorable settlement of a tax litigation."
Vivendi Games continues to make strong headway with Blizzard Entertainment, inc and World of Warcraft ®, adding 2 million incremental subscribers compared to end of March 2007; After reaching the 10-million-subscriber milestone at the end of 2007, World of Warcraft's subscriber base grew to more than 10.7 million by the end of the first quarter of 2008.
A comparison of the first quarters of 2007 and 2008 performances is not representative because the first quarter of 2007 included the hugely successful release of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade. Blizzard Entertainment's second expansion, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2008.
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