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. There a wave of dislike rolled over Warcraft 3 Reforged, the user score is 0.5 with over 16.000 given ratings. 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 now even apologized to the fans. And indeed: Blizzard is not entirely innocent of the misery. Yes, the developers have advertised Warcraft 3 Reforged as “a completely new creation”, so fundamental changes are included in this name.

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 not meeting expectations, but announced that they would “work hard to keep improving the game”.
Because insight is known to be the best way to get better, Blizzard could 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 the 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 an advantage for many fans. The staging of the cutscenes didn't go down well with the release of Warcraft 3 Reforged either. The real-time strategy game received harsh criticism. Instead of beautiful camera settings including handsome close-ups, there have been flat “old school” settings since the release - not really contemporary and too close to the original. Other sequences are completely absent. 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'd rather categorize the problem”. "Payment" must be selected as the category, in the selection menu that follows, players have the choice between the right of withdrawal and a refund of the purchase.

Within the withdrawal period you choose to withdraw and get the money back automatically. If that no longer works, the purchase price reimbursement is the method of choice. If the process is not automated, click “I need more help”. In this case, you describe your request to a customer service representative, who will then contact you.

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 shine as a hit forge after the disaster. After the Diablo misstep, the “Warcraft 3 Reforged” cause now seems to crown it all. Players, but also some media outlets, beat the developers up. Despite all justified criticism, the following applies: Blizzard is also allowed to make mistakes - maybe even has to.

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