World of Warcraft Parent Guide
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Is World of Warcraft Right for Your Child?
What is World of Warcraft?
World of Warcraft from Blizzard Entertainment is a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) that is similar to Runescape.
It is a program that you buy, install, and then play online. There is a
charge to play World of Warcraft that is paid either online or you can
buy subscription cards in stores to continue to play. There are more
than 8 million subscribers world-wide and as you navigate through the
game, you bump into and interact with other players. The role playing
ability is quite extensive in this game and you can pick your character
type, what realm to play in, and skill set. This game is definitely for
older teens and adults.
World of Warcraft Game Rating
World of Warcraft is rated "T" for Teen with a Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence warning.
How Much Time it Takes to Play World of Warcraft
People get lost in the game for hours at a time and it doesn't end
until you get tired of it or you aren't able to extend your
subscription. The game's Website says that you don't have to play for
extended periods of time to enjoy it but it is addicting once you get
started. As a parent of a teenager, my concern is that homework and
school work will suffer for the amount of time that the teen is
playing. This will need to be monitored.
Drawbacks of World of Warcraft
- Expense! Not only is there a monthly fee, you must buy the original game before you can upgrade to the newest expansion pack.
- There is some violence in World of Warcraft. As an adult I don't find it over the top but I would be concerned with a child playing it. I agree with the game rating.
- You must have a good computer to play the game with a lot of memory. In return for this drawback you get great graphics though.
- It is time consuming and addicting. I speak from experience when I say that I got lost in it and let things around the house slide (and I am not much of a game player). Maybe my son summed it up best when he said that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a full time job.
- Over the years there has been much controversy about role playing games because the lines of fantasy and reality can blur in some people.
Good Things about World of Warcraft
- I like the role playing experience in World of Warcraft because you have to navigate the same as you do in life. You learn skills and try to gain life experiences to move forward.
- The graphics on the game are fantastic. We have come a long ways from the days of Pong and Atari.
- I like that they offer cards to buy for more time rather than having to pay online. That way my teen can buy the card himself with money he has earned and I don't have to give out my credit card number.
System Requirements for World of Warcraft
Recommended Specifications for World of Warcraft are:
Windows® System 2000/XP OS:
- Intel Pentium® IV 1.5 GHz or AMD XP 1500+ MHz
- 1024 MB RAM
- 64 MB 3D graphics card with Hardware Transform and Lighting, such as NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX 5700 class card or above
- Broadband Internet connection
- Two-button scroll-wheel mouse
- 1024 MB RAM or higher; DDR RAM recommended
- ATI or NVIDIA® video hardware with 64 MB VRAM or more
- Broadband Internet connection
Buy World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft Game
60 Day World of Warcraft Game Card
Learn More about World of Warcraft
The official World of Warcraft Site has a lot of information about the game including a good introduction to the game.
Alternative to World of Warcraft
A no cost alternative to World of Warcraft is Runescape.
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