While expansion names in the past have been relatively cut-and-dry or indicative of what players can expect to see\u2014Legion <\/em>was named after its central antagonists, the Burning Legion, while Shadowlands<\/em> was named for the realm of existence where it took place, for example\u2014The War Within <\/em>is a much more evocative name.<\/p>
It can\u2019t be overstated how the phrase The War Within<\/em> is a double entendre, as the multiple meanings of the actual name of the expansion stem from conflicts both external and internal. <\/p>
The most literal interpretation of the name applies to the actual war in the interior of Azeroth. A good portion of the expansion will take place underground, with the core of the planet serving as the backdrop for many of the conflicts and story beats players will be exploring in the expansion. On the flip side, though, is the notion each of the game\u2019s major characters will experience an emotional war within themselves as they attempt to evolve.<\/p>
\u201cWe do take a lot of the past experiences from these main characters and coming back to them in this saga is purposeful,\u201d WoW <\/em>senior narrative designer Abigail Manuel said in a group interview earlier this week. \u201cWe want to tie up those character stories and move them forward, especially with some that we haven\u2019t seen for a while. We take a lot of their past experiences into account and we also have to think very precisely about their motivations.\u201d <\/p>
Characters like Anduin Wrynn, Alleria Windrunner, Thrall, and so many other impactful names in WoW <\/em>history will be tested to the brink in not just this expansion but the entirety of the Worldsoul Saga. And Blizzard is planning to be extremely careful with the way it approaches these widely beloved figureheads. <\/p>
