Blizzard has provided first details on the next update for World of Warcraft - which will be patch v1.12 - revealing significant plans to beef up player-versus-player in the MMORPG.
Cross-Realm Battlegrounds will, as it says on the tin, allow players to face off against adventurers on other servers in Alterac Valley, Warsong Gulch, and Arathi Basin. World PvP, meanwhile, will introduce objective-based battles between Horde and Alliance in, from the sounds of it, the game world proper. Here's expanded word on both forthcoming additions from Blizzard:
* Cross-Realm Battlegrounds: For the first time in the history of World of Warcraft, you will be able to face off against players from other realms in the Battlegrounds. Coming in patch 1.12 are cross-realm PvP Battlegrounds, linking Alterac Valley, Warsong Gulch, and Arathi Basin so that players from several realms will be combined into one huge matchmaking pool. Replenish your mana, sharpen your blades, and get ready for some brand-new challengers!
* World PvP: While the Battlegrounds are about to receive a major upgrade of their own, players interested in World PvP will be glad to hear that patch 1.12 will introduce a brand-new type of PvP content to the game. The stage is set for intense, objective-based land battles as Horde and Alliance vie for control over important strategic positions and resources around Azeroth. Stay tuned for more news about these new world PvP enhancements coming to World of Warcraft.
In addition, the developer has also confirmed that the v1.12 update for WoW will witness a talent review for those loveable Rogues: "Next in the ongoing talent review are the rogues, masters of stealth and assassination. Stay tuned for more details on what the rogue talent update will have in store for the sneaky damage dealers. "