For many World of Warcraft players, the “go-go-go” mentality has become an “accepted” part of the game. Whether it’s Mythic+ dungeons, Timewalking dungeons, or even basic levelling, there’s an ever-present push to move faster, skip more content, and complete as many objectives as possible as quickly as possible. As the game evolves, however, many are questioning whether this approach is killing the fun and social aspects that once made WoW a thriving MMO.
The Rise of the Speedrun Culture
This mentality became widespread with the introduction of Mythic+ dungeons in Legion, where players race against a timer for better rewards. While speedrunning existed before, it has now permeated nearly all aspects of the game. Even casual levelling is impacted, with many prioritising efficiency over exploration and enjoyment. Gaming trends that emphasise instant gratification have fuelled this obsession with speed, often at the expense of others. Long-form content is increasingly viewed as tedious, and phrases like “respecting my time” have become shorthand for prioritising rewards over social experiences.
The convenience of automated group-finding tools has further reinforced this mindset. Many players now see dungeons and raids as transactional experiences rather than cooperative efforts. The Vote-to-Kick system is frequently abused to remove those who don’t keep up, creating a hostile environment that discourages newcomers and casual players.
The Downsides of “Go-Go-Go”
While speedrunning has its place, its dominance in WoW comes at a cost. In the past, dungeons and raids were highly social experiences where guilds and friends tackled challenges together. Today, forming groups feels impersonal—akin to submitting a job application. This lack of connection fosters an attitude where players view each other as disposable, leading to more frequent Vote-to-Kick abuses and overall toxicity.
Beyond the social impact, the “go-go-go” approach accelerates player burnout. When efficiency is the primary goal, the sense of adventure and discovery is lost, making the game feel like a grind rather than an immersive experience.
Is “go-go-go” in Other Games?
This rush-through-content mindset isn’t exclusive to WoW. Other MMOs have implemented measures to curb excessive speedrunning. In Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), Flashpoints feature mandatory encounters that prevent players from skipping content. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) enforces unskippable cutscenes in certain instances, keeping groups together and emphasising story over speed. Additionally, Square Enix has strict policies against toxic behaviour, fostering a more respectful community.
Who is Responsible: Blizzard or the Community?
Both share responsibility. Blizzard has recognised the issue, introducing dungeons in The War Within that encourage engagement rather than pure speed. Delves offer challenging content without timers, signalling an effort to balance efficiency with immersion.
However, the community plays a crucial role as well. Many speedrunners prioritise personal efficiency over group success, often dismissing less experienced players with phrases like “git gud.” This creates a cycle where new players struggle to improve because they’re frequently kicked from groups. If WoW is to remain welcoming, the community must embrace patience and cooperation.
The Future
The “go-go-go” mentality has shaped modern WoW, but at what cost? While speedrunning has its place, MMOs thrive on social interaction and immersion. Perhaps it’s time for players to slow down, appreciate the world Blizzard has built, and remember that sometimes, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
