Since release, World of Warcraft has dominated the MMORPG genre, overshadowing its competitors and creating a new era of success for the industry as a whole. Many have speculated as to which game may come close to rivalling WoW’s dominance, but no strong contenders have come to light until now.

Warhammer Online could be that title. The developers at EA Mythic have (though they wouldn’t admitted) closely emulated aspects of World of Warcraft and attempted to make improvements where Blizzard have refused. They have also taken additional steps with PvP (or RvR as it is known in Warhammer Online) to make it an integral aspect of gameplay throughout the leveling progression.

Beta tests have received significant response, both good and bad, but significant none-the-less. But what could bury Warhammer Online before it emerges is simply time. Originally schedule for Quarter 4 2007, EA Mythic have delayed the game three times to set a new released date of Quarter 3 2008 - though even this seems questionable. Observers are also concerned with the number of major re-works implemented in the Beta stages, with entirely new system replacing existing ones and rumors of content being completely removed from the game (regardless of the positive feedback).

Blizzard have also recognized the potential threat posed by WAR, scheduling and re-scheduling the launch of their latest WoW expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich King, to compete with the release of the rival title. Warhammer Online is ideally targeted at disillusioned WoW gamers, but the expansion will surely renew the interest of the majority of those, in the same way The Burning Crusade did in 2007.

Warhammer Online has the IP, the developer strength and the concept to be one of the best MMORPGs in the business, but recent events would indicate that Blizzard will remain as MMO kings for many years to come.