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‘World of Warcraft: Shadowlands’ release date: Work on next expansion continues amid COVID-19 pandemic; New Alpha build leaks

From the “World of Warcraft: Shadowlands” cinematic trailer | Photo credit: World of Warcraft channel / YouTube screenshot

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses and workplaces to temporarily close as a safety precaution. However, it appears that work for many video game developers, specifically those working on "World of Warcraft: Shadowlands," continues.

‘World of Warcraft: Shadowlands’ release date: Devs continue their work on ‘Shadowlands’ expansion

Like other video game companies, Blizzard Entertainment announced it has imposed a work-from-home policy earlier this month to practice social distancing amid the health crisis. It might have also made it easier for internal Alpha builds of “World of Warcraft: Shadowlands” to leak online.

Wowhead reported that Blizzard has deployed Alpha build 9.0.1.33819 for the “World of Warcraft: Shadowlands” this week. Its contents, however, are not out in the open as the build is encrypted. This is the second Alpha build spotted online after Blizzard employees were sent home to work while in quarantine.

This does not reveal anything about the “World of Warcraft: Shadowlands” but only tells fans that developers are continuously working on the next expansion. If any, it somehow suggests there is a chance for Blizzard to maintain its target release date window within 2020. This will become more apparent once the “Shadowlands” beta goes live, but no specific timeline has been released for the beta and the full version at this point.

‘World of Warcraft’ update: Blizzard announces double XP bonus

While developers work from home, Blizzard has found a way to convince “World of Warcraft” players to also avoid the outdoors in the meantime. Now is the perfect time for "World of Warcraft" gamers to level up their characters in "Battle for Azeroth" as Blizzard offers a free double XP boost.

The XP called Winds of Wisdom will be available until April 20 and will benefit anyone playing the expansion whether through the Starter Edition or the Legion Edition. “Players will also be able to take advantage of this experience boost while still using their favorite heirlooms,” Blizzard added. This also means players will have a better chance at reaching Ny'alotha, the Waking City and enjoy the raids and other content in the “Visions of N’Zoth” chapter.

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