Key Takeaways
- Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that no console port of World of Warcraft is currently in development.
- Blizzard’s focus remains on PC performance and class design changes in the upcoming Midnight expansion.
- The Midnight beta test begins November 11, inviting community veterans and press to explore new systems and zones.
Blizzard Rules Out a World of Warcraft Console Port
In a recent interview, World of Warcraft senior game director Ion Hazzikostas addressed ongoing speculation about a potential console version of the long-running MMORPG. Speaking on the Unshackled Fury podcast, Hazzikostas made it clear that a console port is not actively in the works at Blizzard.
“There’s no reason for us to hide anything about this,” Hazzikostas said. “If we were actively working towards bringing World of Warcraft to consoles or a bunch of other platforms, we’d be saying that we’re actively working towards it.”
The statement puts to rest recurring community rumors about Blizzard expanding WoW beyond PC. Hazzikostas emphasized that the team’s priority remains refining the PC gameplay experience, particularly with the sweeping changes arriving in the upcoming Midnight expansion.
Focus Shifts to Midnight Expansion and Class Overhauls
While console discussions are off the table, Blizzard’s developers are deep in preparation for World of Warcraft: Midnight. The expansion introduces significant updates to class ability rotations, new playable races, and the long-awaited player housing system.
According to Hazzikostas, Blizzard’s guiding philosophy remains consistent: make the game “easy to learn and nearly impossible to master.” The Midnight update appears to build on that foundation by introducing new layers of complexity to class design and progression, aimed at both casual and competitive players.
Blizzard’s next step is the Midnight beta test, which begins on November 11. The test will invite community veterans, members of the press, and select players to explore the expansion’s fresh content. Participants can expect access to new zones, dungeons, delves, a complete leveling experience, and the debut of two new playable options — the Haranir and the Devourer Demon Hunter.
Blizzard Sets Its Sights on PC Excellence
Hazzikostas’s comments reaffirm Blizzard’s commitment to World of Warcraft’s PC roots. For nearly two decades, WoW has defined the MMORPG genre, thanks to its depth, mod support, and extensive keyboard-based control systems — all of which present challenges in translating the experience to consoles.
By keeping its attention squarely on PC optimization and endgame systems, Blizzard appears focused on ensuring Midnight launches as a polished, ambitious evolution of the franchise rather than a cross-platform experiment.
Although Blizzard hasn’t entirely ruled out the possibility of a console release in the distant future, no plans are currently in motion, and fans shouldn’t expect any such announcements soon.
Looking Ahead to Midnight’s Release
The official release date for World of Warcraft: Midnight has not been confirmed, but Blizzard has indicated a window before June 30, 2026. The upcoming beta will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the final build through community feedback.
With Midnight, Blizzard aims to usher in a new era for World of Warcraft — one that balances accessibility with challenge while staying true to the franchise’s PC legacy.
Conclusion
While the idea of a World of Warcraft console port continues to intrigue fans, Ion Hazzikostas’s recent remarks make Blizzard’s priorities clear. The studio is doubling down on PC performance, balance, and innovation ahead of the Midnight expansion.
As beta testing begins and anticipation builds toward the 2026 release window, players can expect World of Warcraft to remain firmly grounded in its roots — proving that even after two decades, Azeroth’s most iconic battles are still best fought on PC.
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