Blizzard to publish World of Warcraft magazine

Announcing the next step for WoW addicts!  Blizzard has partnered with Future, a special-interest media group and games media publisher, to create World of Warcraft: The Magazine.

This magazine will launch on Friday, August 21 and is subscription only.  You can sign up through World of Warcraft Account Management or directly from the official site, which goes live at 9:00 AM PST tomorrow.  There are one- and two-year subscription plans; pricing for the one-year plan is $39.95 USD and $69.95 for two years.  Don't worry, this isn't a North American exclusive, so European WoW fans can fork over their money too -- €34.95 or £29.95 for the one-year, €61.25 or £52.50 for the two-year.

“Building on the global online phenomenon, World of Warcraft: The Magazine will provide an insider’s view of the game in the form of a glossy, high-quality, quarterly print title with beautiful, high-definition art," boasts John Gower, FuturePlus International Director.

"There is increasing recognition that there is a huge demand among gamers for print products to support their online experience and vice versa. Future’s experienced team will create an essential magazine for World of Warcraft enthusiasts around the world. Future has a world-leading games media portfolio and this major launch builds on our position in the industry.”

Blizzard describes each issue as "collectable," so obvioiusly you need to start hoarding.  The first issue will celebrate the 5th anniversary of WoW by going behind the scenes with how the game was made, how it evolved, and where it will go. 

Also included are tactics from the top guild leaders for Ulduar, for aspiring players who want to grow big and strong one day.  No doubt any fan looking to subscribe will enjoy the 148-page issue, filled with raid tactics, artwork, and more insightful articles.

On the publisher's end, Future has put together a team of games and tech journalists to produce the magazine.  This custom team is lead by Editorial Director, Julian Rignall and former Official Xbox Magazine Senior Editor, Dan Amrich; Ryan Vulk from Wired will be taking over as Art Director, and an international panel of journalists will be contributing, including PC Gamer UK editor Tim Edwards.

Quite a cast, but who wouldn't do all this for Blizzard, right?  Those who sign up for the World of Warcraft: The Magazine at Future's BlizzCon booth will also receive a plush murloc.  Cute!

“Future produces some of the most respected gaming magazines in the industry, and we’re pleased to be working closely with them to make World of Warcraft: The Magazine a true standout product," comments Paul Sams, Chief Operating Officer at Blizzard Entertainment.  "Together, we look forward to offering World of Warcraft players a great mix of entertaining and insightful content in every issue.”