The dreaded end of expansion cycle is upon us. Those of you who have played through the last couple of expansions will know exactly what I am talking about, for some of you this will be a brand new experience. Of course it will not hit every guild simultaneously but it will hit all of them eventually.
All guilds will go through very similar pattern so take comfort in the fact that others are facing the same situation. This is a natural process in the game, it is a bit uncomfortable and stressful but natural none the less. Matt over at WoM has already begun the fight and because he is the GM, the fight is very personal for him. I think the important thing for Matt is for him to realize that he is not alone in his struggle and his core group will be stronger when they come out on the other side.
Here is the situation that most raiding guilds will be facing.
Progression:
The majority of raiding guilds have already downed the Lich King or they are very close to it. Killing the Lich King is basically the final battle in the expansion so the progression part of the game is very nearly over for most of these players. Once the progression ends some players will become bored and will begin to miss more and more raids.
The Guildies:
With progression coming to a grinding halt, some of the guild will begin to start taking stock of their situation. Some will see this as a time to start focusing on other things. Their WoW attention span is increasingly diminished as other priorities begin to take precedent. This can be a problem for the guild if this guildie is indispensable.
The Season:
Spring is upon us and for a lot of us that will equal less computer time. Other hobbies and responsibilities (yard work bleh) will cut into our play time. Let’s face it, not everyone who plays WoW is a no-life basement dweller. Most of us will have to go out and get some sun and enjoy the season.
The Change Up:
Believe it or not we don’t all spend our WoW career in the same guild. Some people will take this opportunity to hunt out a new guild and prepare for the new expansion. Remember, these new recruits have to come from somewhere which means that they are leaving some other guild. This blade cuts both ways, you may lose a few guildies for the exact same reason.
Holding it all together during this time can be tough. This is especially true if you haven’t completed everything in-game that you wanted to. Soon enough just filling the raid will be trying so it is important to take full advantage when you do. Now is the time for that extra effort, giving the encounter just one more attempt even though everyone might be frustrated. The greatest victory is not the one accomplished the first time out. The greatest victory is the one that comes during the most trying of times.
