I can happily say that I quit World of Warcraft a couple weeks ago. Suspending my account was quick, easy, and painless (unlike other services I wanted to opt out of). I haven’t given a second’s thought to going back; even with the new expansion pack that was just released.

My tenure as an Undead Warlock for the Horde in the world of Azeroth was enjoyable, but I knew it was time to bid it adieu. My adventures and quests were fun, don’t get me wrong. I loved each time I reached a new level, searching through the chests and corpses for treasures, completing dungeons with online strangers, and the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a quest. What I didn’t love was the fact that at times it seemed like an annoying chore to complete certain tasks, the frustration of spawning at the grave yard every time I died, and the constant “need” to find rare/strong equipment/weapons. The final push for me to quit the game was the combination of the monthly fee and the amount of time I was putting into it.

I can understand some people’s reluctance to pay for a game monthly when they’ve already paid to purchase it. Some people don’t mind, others do. I don’t, when it’s something that I can afford. I had to tighten the belt in preparation for the move to Chicago, so I cut the cord. Saves me about $10 a month. That’s money that could be used for food/transport/tips when I’m in the Windy City. Or for a single drink when I go out again in NYC. I’m just glad I wasn’t as committed as this guy. But then again… if I was makin’ mad money…

The game also seemed to suck the life out of me. Actually, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. I did spend large time periods on it though that could have been put to better use (i.e. putting in job applications, working on my portfolio, reading some books, spending time with real people.) It didn’t really help when I finish a five hour romp in the game I felt tired and depleted. A game is supposed to be fun as well as relaxing and let you unwind. I had some fun, but I did not like the fact that I felt drained after focusing almost two days of play on reaching the next level. I knew it would happen; I would just get so engrossed and lost in the game that I would lose focus of what what I was actually doing. I think I caught it just in time before I lost my mind.

I quit cold turkey. I actually have no regrets having played. I might come back again. I think I would have had more fun if more people I knew joined. At first it was only my cousin (and her now-ex) that I knew (and they actually got me to play it in the first place), but I think I would enjoy it more if I had a group of my close friends join. It has the potential to be an awesome socializing game, and it is for others, but the lack of participation from my IRL buddies is causing us to miss out. It’d be so great to have a band of us take on the Alliance, battling beasts and monsters, and overall enjoy each other’s company as we play a game together.

I may return someday, WoW. Someday.

Tags: Video Games, World of Warcraft