Fans have waited a long time, on January 29th the time had come: Warcraft 3 Reforged, the remake of the real-time strategy game Warcraft 3, has been released. Instead of joy, however, the players are frustrated - and a lot of anger at Blizzard. There is talk of fraud, many players are demanding refunds, and calls for a class action lawsuit are being raised in the US. But where does the fans' displeasure come from? 

The release of Warcraft 3 Reforged is a prime example of too high expectations, cheered on by Blizzard itself. Players are storming the Californians, making their displeasure in community forums and on Metacritic Air. A wave of dislikes rolled over Warcraft 3 Reforged there, the user score is 0.5 with over 16.000 ratings given. This makes Warcraft 3 Reforged the PC game with the lowest user score there - Blizzard would probably have liked to avoid this "fame". 

Warcraft 3 Reforged: Players are requesting refunds

Blizzard has even apologized to the fans. And indeed: Blizzard is not entirely innocent of the misery. Yes, the developers advertised Warcraft 3 Reforged as a "complete re-creation," so fundamental changes are included in that naming.

Still, the lack of features and the obvious reduction in graphics were avoidable reasons. Alternatively, fans could have been informed of such changes before the game actually goes live. The shitstorm was not triggered by the fact that Warcraft 3 Reforged was a bad game per se, rather it is the combination of disappointed expectations and a bad information policy.

Game designer Matt Morris responded to comments from fans on Twitter. He apologized for the fact that expectations were not met, but at the same time announced that they will "work hard to keep improving the game".
Because insight is known to be the best road to recovery, Blizzard could still get the curve with Warcraft 3 Reforged - not within a few days, but at least in the foreseeable future. Provided that regular patches are delivered that actually make it clear to fans: "We are working hard on further improvements."
Fans think: In some parts, the new creation is too close to the original. Copyright: Blizzard Entertainment

Fans think: In some parts, the new creation is too close to the original. Copyright: Blizzard Entertainment

First and foremost, fans are annoyed by the obvious differences to the demo. The interface has changed noticeably, not to the advantage of many fans. The staging of the cutscenes was not well received with the release of Warcraft 3 Reforged. The real-time strategy game received harsh criticism. Instead of nice camera shots including nice close-ups, there have been flat "old school" shots since the release - not really contemporary and too close to the original. Other sequences are missing entirely. For some players, that was reason enough to accuse Blizzard of misleading advertising or even fraud. 
What makes players angry is the countless numbers Details and featuresthat - completely without public information - have been or should be removed from the game, not yet implemented or conceptually ignored:
  • The user interface is not new
  • There are no new campaigns
  • The cut scenes have not been polished up
  • The movements of the units are capped at 20 FPS
  • The story has not been revised
  • No custom lobbies
  • Bad localization
  • The lack of multiplayer or online features including automated tournaments, clans and profiles
  • The missing ladder system

It is currently suffering from many corners of Warcraft 3 Reforged. However, not all of the fans' criticisms are understandable. New campaigns, for example - Blizzard never promised them directly, but the lack of them is still criticized. It was also clear in advance that not all content and features would make it into the final version of Warcraft 3 Reforged. 

Warcraft 3 Reforged refunds: Blizzard is accommodating

The displeasure of the fans does not stop a few days after the release, on the contrary: Many players are pushing for reimbursements and only want to return to the player when the quality is right. Blizzard is mostly accommodating with regard to refunds, even if players have already started Warcraft 3 Reforged. The response times to the tickets are around 24 hours, even if a longer estimated waiting time for processing is specified.

Refunds at Blizzard: How It Works

To request a refund, always go to the Battle.net official help page. There you have to first log into the account, then you have to select the game in question for which the refund is to be requested.

A reason can be given on the following page; but it is not a must. Then click on "I prefer to categorize the problem". "Payment" must be selected as the category. In the selection menu that follows, players can choose between the right of withdrawal and a refund of the purchase.

Within the cancellation period, you choose cancellation and get the money back automatically. If that no longer works, a refund of the purchase price is the way to go. If the process is not automated, click "I need more help". In this case, you describe your concern to a customer advisor, who will then get in touch.

Due to the accommodating behavior and the associated loss of sales, Blizzard clearly shows: We understand you. At the same time, however, presumably also: We'll convince you to return in the future.

The critics are not as negative as the ratings of the players. First tests of Warcraft 3 Reforged attest the real-time strategy game at least solid ratings. However, the lack of features is often criticized.

Blizzard may have lost its luster as a hit maker after the disaster. After the Diablo misstep, the "Warcraft 3 Reforged" cause now seems to put a crown on the whole thing. Players, but also some media, beat the developers. Despite all justified criticism, however, the following applies: Blizzard can also make mistakes – it may even have to.

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