Prediction: Did Blizzard Accidentally Leak the Next World of Warcraft Expansion?

Greg Burke took a close look at Hearthstone's Knights of the Frozen Throne expansion announcement, and thinks he may have found a hint about the next World of Warcraft expansion.

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With the reveal of Blizzard’s new Knights of the Frozen Throne expansion for Hearthstone one can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for the next World of Warcraft expansion. If you listened closely to the Jaina’s monologue throughout the cinematic trailer she goes on to describe how “Power is a double edge blade. One side light, the other dark… They have no vision. Power alone is not to be feared. Fear instead, those who wield it”! This could be the precursor to Jaina Proudmoore finally giving up on the world. 

Throughout WoW’s history, Jaina has been one of the most powerful mages the Kirin Tor has ever known, maybe even second to Khadgar. She’s seen the death of friends and family, witnessed good men turn evil, and betrayal from both enemies and allies. Her views on Horde and Alliance relations at the end of the events of Cataclysm have us wondering if Jaina is really all there.

After defeating Garrosh in the Siege Of Orgrimmar, she deliberately eggs on Varian to attack the Horde's forces to take Garrosh prisoner, after Vol’jin is named Chieftain. There’s also the matter of her hair, slowly changing color over the course of these years, which is now almost all white. Is Jaina being corrupted by power? Has she lost her faith in the chances of both the Alliance and Horde ever working together? Perhaps a demon taken hold of her, much like Medivh who fell under Sargeras' grasp? 

All of this is speculation, however Jaina’s actions and personality have greatly shifted over these last few World of Warcraft expansions. Will she take matters into her own hands? Is the Kirin Tor about to enforce their own version of order upon the world? This is again backed up by Hearthstone developer Ben Broud who goes on the say “…We’re not going to Dalaran, we are going to Northrend” Again hinting that the Warcraft universe will see a Dalaran-based expansion if not in Hearthstone, maybe in the World Of Warcraft. Only time will tell.

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Greg is the head of Video Production for Shacknews. If you've ever enjoyed a video on Gamerhub.tv, it was most likely edited by him. Follow him on Twitter @GregBurke85

From The Chatty
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      July 8, 2017 3:38 PM

      [deleted]

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        July 8, 2017 4:05 PM

        A lot of WC3 Characters have been on the chopping block. My guess is Blizzard is trying to pave the way for the Next "Thrall" "Arthas" etc, for a younger generation that has never played WC3.

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        July 8, 2017 5:02 PM

        When did the actual Jaina die?

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          July 8, 2017 5:23 PM

          At some point after Theramore blew up before the Legion invasion. She hates the Horde now due to the nuking of Theramore. And left when the Horde was asked to help against the Legion

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          July 8, 2017 5:23 PM

          [deleted]

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            July 8, 2017 5:32 PM

            [deleted]

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              July 8, 2017 5:37 PM

              Correct. If anything she will fall under N'Zoth's influence in order to protect her homeland. Vs being another Dreadlord. Unless they slow play the Dreadlord thing and reveal her next time there is a demon themed expansion

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        July 8, 2017 5:35 PM

        She won't be a Dreadlord. They just had their demon focused expansion so this will be back to Old Gods. Since they haven't addressed N'Zoth, or Azshara. And since Kul Tiras is currently overrun by Naga, and is historically a naval power there is a good chance those will be involved.

        My guess is Jaina will be using the Alliance to retake the island. And destroy Tarren Mill, or re-take Hillsbrad with Greymane or something which will force the Horde to retaliate. Mirroring the attack on Theramore. So it will be back to Horde vs Alliance stuff for the start. And then they will team up at the end to fight N'Zoth after Anduin talks Jaina down similar to how Jaina talked Varian down in Northrend. But someone in the Horde is going to die, maybe Thrall now that Metzen is no longer at the company to protect him. But if there is one thing Blizzard likes it is to take a good character make them evil, then redeem them again.

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        July 8, 2017 7:02 PM

        Whoa what

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      July 8, 2017 4:25 PM

      Her hair went white when she was at the mana bombing of Theramore; something about absorbing a bunch of energy.

      Also, she left the Kirin Tor at the beginning of Legion because they voted to let the Horde back in and she was very much not cool with that.

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