Scholastic to publish World of Warcraft titles

Scholastic has signed a deal to publish a new series of books based on the World of Warcraft game franchise for readers aged 8-12.

The publisher, which is creating the series with the game’s developer Blizzard Entertainment, will release the first title, World of Warcraft: Traveller, in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada in November 2016. Book two will follow in 2017.

The series, set in the land of Azeroth and featuring characters from World of Warcraft, will be written by comic book author and animation writer Greg Weisman. The first book will include sketches by Blizzard artist Samwise Didier and a cover illustration by Stephane Belin, also a Blizzard artist.

“World of Warcraft is a captivating fantasy universe that lends itself to many imaginative and innovative storytelling possibilities. When Blizzard initially approached us about creating an original series for kids, we were not only intrigued but immediately mesmerized,” said Debra Dorfman, v.p. and publisher, global licensing and media consumer products, Scholastic.

Chris Metzen, senior v.p. of story and franchise development at Blizzard, said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Scholastic on a series that will bring Azeroth to life for a whole new audience. And Greg Weisman is an accomplished writer who’s really gotten to the heart and soul of Warcraft with the characters he’s developed here—we’re thrilled with the work he’s done on World of Warcraft: Traveller.”