Tarisland, A Game Intended To Replace WoW In China, Is Going Global

Blizzard pulling out of China may have hurt the players who invested time and money into games like World of Warcraft over the years. NetEase seems to be implying as much, suing the company in part to “refund players”. But all of that doesn’t mean Chinese players haven’t had somewhere else to go. TenCent – you know that company that owns almost everything – was more than happy to step in with their own World of Warcraft-esque game, Tarisland. And now, they’re ready to take it global.

The Taris Global website launched sometime last week, offering players a chance to register early. Just looking at the site…. Well, it definitely gives some World of Warcraft vibes in the art area, if nothing else. At present, it offers seven classes – which, according to some on Reddit, may be gender and race locked. Reddit also indicates it uses a hero system more than customizable characters. The site isn’t particularly clear on either of these facts.

As far as content goes, the site promises “substantial” PvE raids, as well as a season-style rollout of new content. This seems to be intended to keep the level gap among players from getting too big.

None of this makes the game seem like something World of Warcraft, or any other MMO, will have to worry about much. The good news for those interested is that it is cross-server and platform. So playing with friends should be easy enough. The developers also promise that while the game is free-to-play, it will not be pay-to-win. But, as we’ve heard that one before, it’s best to wait and see.