In a major crossover, the beloved Small World fantasy tabletop series is joining forces with the classic Blizzard MMO World of Warcraft to bring players Small World of Warcraft. Though the high fantasy computer game may seem like a tonal mismatch for a cartoony civilization board game, Small World's focus on exaggerated fantasy races mixed with World of Warcraft's eternal feud between the Alliance and Horde factions seems like a recipe for a fun in-person time with friends.
Designed by Belgian tabletop whiz Philippe Keyaerts, Small Word was a favorite among many board gaming aficionados over the last decade. The game is lauded for its sense of humor, colorful board and pieces, and - above all - its excellent compression of more complex fantasy civilization into a more accessible and faster experience, so Small World is still on many tabletop experts shortlist for recommendations to players of all skill levels. Having gotten several expansions and even a crowdfunded sequel over the years, a World of Warcraft-themed version has understandably piqued the interest of a lot of intersecting fans of each franchise.
Asking players if they're "ready for the fight," a recent trailer by publisher Days of Wonder has neatly condensed the heart of the upcoming tabletop crossover, Small World of Warcraft, into a hype-inducing ad. The meat of the game looks like it plays similarly to the classic Small World experience of mashing up established races (in this trailer's case, humans and orcs) with playstyle-changing traits and forcing players to duke it out for territory on a tiny game board that keeps the action constant and fair.
Announced what feels like ages ago back at BlizzCon 2019, Small World's tentative summer 2020 release date is quickly drawing near. Though offering virtually nothing in the way of new information, this promotional footage's "release trailer" length and quality along with a reconfirmation of the release summer release window will help to reassure waiting players that neither COVID-19 nor development troubles have delayed the game. It's not a solid release date and things could still be subject to last-minute changes, but this still allays some fears.
If Blizzard and Days of Wonder are keeping a close eye on the calendar in their intentionally vague "summer 2020" promise, Small World of Warcraft could come as early as the first day of summer, June 20, 2020, only a little more than a month away. Until then, it can be sure that World of Warcraft and Small World fans alike will be have their swords at the ready as they prepare to charge headfirst into the upcoming tabletop crossover with a Leeroy Jenkins-like zeal.
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Source: Days of Wonder