The beta for World of Warcraft: Forever, a modified version of WoW Classic featuring new content and gameplay changes, is experiencing significant player engagement, prompting Blizzard to increase its population cap multiple times. The beta, which began on September 17 and is scheduled to conclude on October 21, has seen its capacity expanded as player numbers have surged.
Access to the beta requires a purchase of the $60 Skyborne Epic Pack, which also unlocks the new Skyborne playable race in Forever. Despite this entry cost, the beta's popularity has been described as "huge" by development staff. Senior game producer Tom Ellis noted that initial issues stemmed from the beta environment not being prepared for such high demand. WoW executive producer Holly Longdale stated that the beta was "setting records" and anticipated a "wild" full launch.
On September 27, Longdale reported another increase to the beta's population cap, remarking "The wild ride continues." Senior game designer Josh Greenfield echoed this sentiment, calling the beta "crazy" and the highest numbers he has seen in his 17 years at Blizzard, with nearly 8 years on Classic. Greenfield indicated that the beta's intensity has allowed the team to identify and fix more issues than would typically be found in months of internal testing.
World of Warcraft: Forever is set to launch on November 4. While Blizzard has not released specific beta player counts, the overwhelming response suggests a significant launch, even as the game aims to mitigate traditional server-related issues. Further details on the game's design include Blizzard's approach to creating over 1,000 new quests, the exclusion of certain Season of Discovery changes, and the inclusion of full controller support at launch.