Blizzard has three announced projects, Lich King, SC2, and D3. Blizzard does things their way, but the assumption is that SC2 and D3 won't be released the same year. At this point, no one believes that WoW expansion number three will be released in 2009. Far more likely is a 2010 release for expansion number three. Then SC2 in 2011 and D3 in 2012. As boggling as it sounds, no one would be surprised if D3 was still 4 years off.

Now, the reason I'm curious about these release dates is that it's likely that Blizzard's next MMO won't go live until SC2 and D3 are out.

So let's extrapolate.

2008 - Lich King
2009 - nothing
2010 - WoW expansion 3
2011 - SC2
2012 - D3
2013 - MMO #2

I wonder how far off this schedule will end up being. Probably way off, I suppose.
 

I havent been following SC2 much, but it was my distinct impression that it isnt that far off. Amazon is guessing the fall already, which sound unlikely.

But I would be guessing it is:
08 WOLTK
09 sc2
10 wow exp3
11 d3
but the your guess is as good as mine :-)
 

Given the timings, i can't escape the feeling that MMO#2 will be WOW2. By the time it's ready, WOW will be getting to the end of its natural life.
 

I quit WoW a while back, but I am still playing Blizzard games mostly. Warcraft 3-DOTA and some Starcraft.

I sure hope SC2 or D3 comes out before more WoW expansions. I would expect SC2 next year, but I have no clue about D3.

Also, if Blizzard really has plans of another MMO the next 5 years they must be very close to starting development on that now.

Also, what about Starcraft Ghost, was that scrapped forever?
 

I would say...
end 2008, Lich King
2009 SC2 and D3 (not at same time, 8 months between each)... eventually D3 rolling at early 2010
2010 Third wow expansion but don't expect it at early 2010 :)
 

This is what SpicyHam believes:
Wrath of Lich King - Oct 31st 2008
StarCraft 2 - February 14th 2009
Diablo 3 - April 5th 2009

Wrath of Lich King should be released before Christmas but after Warhammer.

StarCraft 2 should be out fairly soon.

Diablo 3 have a player base similar to WoW so it should be released at least 6 months later than Wrath of Lich King, but before the summer break in 2009!
 

WotLK-musing: A fair amount of people have fun making twinks for specific BG brackets. With the new bonuses to miners and skinners, will we be seeing people escorting a lvl 25 around Northrend, trying to get maxed stamina bonus for their twink? Could make for some fun sights provided Blizz doesn't implement lvl barriers to gathering professions.