Anyone who follows MMORPGs or computer games in general knows about the phenomenon that is World of Warcraft. Even the most jaded observer has to be impressed by the success of the game, especially in a genre that many felt had peaked and was settling into a more steady growth pattern. As of this writing, Blizzard is claiming over one-and-a-half million subscribers to their persistent world based on the popular Warcraft series. Impressive numbers for any computer game, especially one that requires a $15 monthly fee to play.

Why in the world is this game so popular when other big budget, highly anticipated, well conceived games are only seeing a fraction of the subscribers World of Warcraft (a.k.a. WoW) is? What is driving people to Blizzard’s offering in droves? The answer can be found in the game itself.