World of Warcraft has seen it all — booming subscriber counts, major expansions, harsh criticism, and comebacks that nobody expected. It’s still here, somehow both nostalgic and modern, and still pulling in thousands of players daily.
But globally trending stats only tell part of the story. What about the more local side of things – like, say, northern England? Is WoW still alive and kicking in places like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle? Let’s shed some light on the situation.
Smaller Scene, Same Spirit
It’s easy to assume that WoW isn’t as popular these days, especially in regions where the gaming focus has shifted to mobile titles, shooters, or short-form content. But up north, the MMO still has its place. Local forums, Discords, and in-person meetups suggest that while WoW may no longer be the “it” game, it’s far from forgotten.
Older players in their 30s and 40s, many of whom first logged in during Vanilla or Wrath, still make up the backbone of the community. They’re not always vocal, but they’re consistent — hopping into dungeons after work, managing weekend raid schedules around family life, and logging on just to unwind with old guildmates.
Retail vs. Classic: Who’s Playing What?
There’s a solid line in what players gravitate toward in this region. Classic WoW still holds a solid niche in Leeds and Sheffield, where old-school players seem to enjoy the slower, more deliberate pacing. The draw isn’t just nostalgia — it’s the feeling of structure and group effort that Classic maintains.
Retail WoW, on the other hand, tends to attract those who came in later or who returned after a long break. Dragonflight, The War Within, and other recently released expansions are polished and accessible enough to serve as natural reentry points. And since catching up can still take time, many of these players turn to a WoW boost — a shortcut that helps them gear up, unlock key achievements, and get comfortable with new mechanics much faster. It’s not about skipping the game altogether but about making the return smoother and more manageable, especially for those with limited time.
Community-Driven Raiding Still Happens
Believe it or not, raiding still thrives in the north — not in massive hardcore mythic guilds, but through smaller, tightly knit groups. Thus, Manchester, Newcastle, and other cities are home to long-standing casual raiding teams that prioritize consistency over leaderboard chasing.
Some of these groups even meet up offline from time to time. Gaming cafés and bars in Manchester and Liverpool occasionally host nights themed around classic games and MMOs, including WoW. These meetups aren’t about LAN setups anymore; they’re about catching up over a pint, sharing raid stories, and coordinating the next guild push in person. It’s through these kinds of community bonds that WoW maintains its staying power. Thus, the game has become a social rhythm that people still enjoy being part of.
Twitch, YouTube, and the Northern Scene
While northern England might not be the global capital of WoW streaming, a few familiar names have definitely left their mark. Preach Gaming, based in Manchester, is easily the most prominent WoW creator from the region. Many players rely on him for his in-depth analyses, lengthy step-by-step guides, and his straightforward way of advising them. His event, PreachCon, most recently held in Ashton-Under-Lyne in August 2024, brought fans together from across the UK, cementing his role as a major figure in the British WoW scene.
Apart from the big names, local streamers in Sheffield and Leeds have created a following by choosing to focus on slower dungeon activities, gathering gold, and chilled PvP games. Even though they do not attract large crowds, the atmosphere always feels northern — simple, comfortable, and relaxed. It’s less about chasing numbers and more about showing up, playing the game, and keeping things real.
YouTube also has its place in the local WoW ecosystem. Channels focusing on beginner walkthroughs, Classic insights, or professional tutorials often draw steady engagement from UK viewers. It’s rarely flashy, but it’s consistent, and that quiet dedication is a big part of what keeps WoW alive in this corner of the world.
The New Player Question
One thing that’s harder to sugarcoat is that the new player numbers in the north are low. It’s not unique to this region. Across the board, WoW struggles to attract completely fresh faces. The interface feels overwhelming to newcomers; the subscription model is still a turn-off for many, and the onboarding experience isn’t as slick as in other modern games.
That said, there are still occasional waves of new interest. Sometimes it’s through friends. Sometimes through YouTube recommendations. And sometimes through local communities, making an effort to be welcoming. A few Discord servers centered around Manchester and Liverpool host monthly “starter nights” for returning or completely new players, where veterans explain the basics, offer leveling help, or just group up for casual dungeons. These grassroots efforts aren’t huge, but they help keep the game approachable for anyone curious enough to try.
So, Is WoW Still a Thing Up North?
In short, yes. It might not be in the spotlight, but World of Warcraft still has a firm footing in northern England. It survives through tight-knit guilds, old friendships, flexible raid teams, and the players who’ve grown up alongside the game. For many, it’s not about chasing meta builds or top-tier progression. It’s about logging in after work, pushing a dungeon key with familiar voices on Discord, or gearing up a new alt just to mess around. Boosts, guides, and content creators help streamline the process, but at its core, it’s still the same WoW: social, slightly chaotic, and deeply rooted in habit. And maybe that’s the key. Northern players don’t treat WoW as a lifestyle or trend. They treat it like an old, reliable pub. You don’t need to go every night. But you know it’s always there when you do.