{sidebar id=3}{sidebar id=1}Blizzard has always been a company that wants to do things bigger and better than the years before.  So far, every year all of the Blizzard domains changed into a cryptic puzzle that is unveiled one graphic at a time right before Blizzcon.  This year, Blizzcon is a hornets' nest of activity (and AbleGamers is going to be there).

Earlier this year, Blizzard pulled a large portion of their World of Warcraft staff to a yet to be named MMO.  On top of that, it has been nearly a year since the last WoW expansion was announced.  It is only a matter of time until they make their next move.

Or have they already done so?

According to public records, Blizzard has already made the first move by registering the name Cataclysm. This along with the common WoW lore knowledge that an event with an alternate name to the word Cataclysm, caused the large swirl in the middle of the Warcraft map, an area known as The Maelstrom.

The Maelstrom

If this is the next expansion for world of Warcraft, what can we expect?

First, the new major city would be called Undermine, a large goblin area.  In fact, many think that goblins will be a playable race, which would make sense, as goblins can be seen all throughout WoW.  Although, everything at this point is still speculation, the facts are mounting up.

The addition of an additional race may coincide with the addition of the ability to switch your character's allegiance from one side to the other.  Blizzard is already planning to allow characters to change races, but are the goblins the key?

After all, goblins will do anything for money!

The rumor mill

Ever since the launch of the burning crusade, a supposed list for future expansions to the juggernaut videogame has been circulating like a bad penny.  However, for as skeptical as I am, I must say, the list has not been far-off.  Take for example the prediction for the Lich King.

"Northrend Set

Borean Tundra - 67 to 70

Howling Fjord - 67 to 70

Dragonblight - 69 to 72

Grizzly Hills - 70 to 73

Crystalsong Forest - 72 to 75

Zul'drak - 73 to 76

Sholazar Basin - 75 to 79

Storm Peaks - 76 to 80

Icecrown Glacier - 78 to 80"

This was extremely interesting to me as most of these did come to pass.  According to the list, the next expansion will be something about The Great Sea, which will take us to the level 90 cap.  In addition, new professions are in the works according to the list; lumbersmithing and woodworking.

"Maelstrom Set

Gilneas - 77 to 80

Grim Batol - 78 to 81

Kul Tiras - 79 to 82

Kezan - 81 to 86

Tel Abim - 83 to 85

Zandalar - 84 to 87

Plunder Isle - 86 to 88

The Broken Isles - 87 to 90

The Maelstrom - 89 to 90"

The anonymous poster went on to say that the new boss would be the Naga queen, Queen Azshara.

Fact or Fiction

Some of the things on the infamous list are a bit far-fetched.  Including, the ability to fly in the old world, which Blizzard has flat out said would be a lot of work and that they would rather spend the time creating new content.

Additionally, it claims that Blizzard will unite the world and do away with instancing, which again is something that everyone would love to have happen but from a technology standpoint, would not be easy.

Moreover, my personal favorite rumor is that the other playable race beside goblins will be the Pandarians, a race of panda like creatures.  Including, a new hero race called the Brewmaster, which would be totally awesome.

Whether you believe the rumors or think it is a bunch of hogwash, Blizzard never fails to answer the call of asking for new information. AbleGamers had the opportunity to ask a representative about all the excitement.

Their response?

"We appreciate the interest, but we don't have any details to share at this time."

Just like clockwork, isn't it?

Nevertheless, just in case the list is correct, let me be the first to say:  I will race you to 100 in The Emerald Dream!