World of Warcraft tops eight million users

World of Warcraft has signed up its eight millionth player, making it an online community with the same population as Austria.

The role-play game was started in 2004 and is set in the fictional realm of Azeroth.

Players join as weak fighters, thieves or magicians and develop their abilities online while playing against other people around the world.

Players buy the game for £19.99 in the UK and then pay around £11 per month to keep using the online world.

"We are ecstatic that the World of Warcraft community has continued to grow steadily since we launched the game," said Mike Morhaime, president and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment, which produces the game. 

"This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible support of our players."

World of Warcraft will introduce a new expansion today, with a new continent, different races and monsters and greater challenges for more experienced players. The pack is expected to cost around £30.

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See also:

WidowPC unveils World of Warcraft machine

First gaming computer designed especially for online game  23 Nov 2006

China's millions flock to World of Warcraft

But future of game is uncertain as Blizzard eyes increased income  30 May 2006

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