The famous online game World of Warcraft (WoW) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Far from the clichés of the “asocial geek”, its community of players is today diverse and passionate. Meeting fans who grew up with the game and for whom WoW is much more than just a hobby.
“It’s a parallel society, it’s the same society as in real life, except that instead of playing ourselves, we play a character,” explains a long-time player. For many, WoW is an outlet, a way to escape from everyday life. “When in your personal life it’s a little complicated, in the evening you go on your computer and you have your little character who does a dungeon, you’re happy,” confides another fan.
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Varied profiles united by a passion for the game
Far from stereotypes, WoW players have very varied profiles. Justine, 31, is an urban planner in Lausanne. Lucas, 28, is a vocational teacher in Geneva. Jérémy, 30 years old, is an Olympic swimmer. They all share the same passion for the world of WoW, some for over 15 years.
“Today, it has been completely democratized. Anyone can play WoW, we can be sure of nothing,” emphasizes Luca. The game attracts teleworking engineers as well as high-level athletes.
Skills transferable to real life
For many, WoW has been a school of life. Lucas developed management skills there which he highlights on his CV: “Raid leader of 30 people on an e-sport game, that’s interesting in a job interview”.
Jérémy, the Olympic swimmer, sees similarities between the game and high-level sport: “The common point is the concentration side, resisting pressure”.
A close-knit community beyond the virtual
WoW also made it possible to create real bonds of friendship. “I have a lot of friends with whom I created the guild,” says Lucas. Some even met in real life, organizing “gaming-themed Olympics.”
For Justine, it’s also an opportunity to break the clichés: “I thought it was cool to be able to show that it’s not just guys who play. There are also people like me, a woman in the thirty who has a job on the side.
After 20 years of existence, World of Warcraft continues to bring together a diverse and passionate community, for whom the game is much more than simple entertainment. A true parallel society which reflects, in its own way, our real world.
Helene Joaquim
