World of Warcraft turns 7 years old next week

World of Warcraft will celebrate its seventh anniversary next week on Nov. 23, 2011, and all players who log on during the festivities will earn a feat of strength and a cool Celebration Package. This Celebration Package has an on-use effect that will shoot off fireworks, put a cosmetic-only tabard on your character, and grant a 7% experience and reputation bonus while active. That's a pretty sweet deal for logging on and having a fun time during the anniversary.

We had heard about a potential tabard item for the anniversary a few months back during the datamining of patch 4.2, so this reward isn't unexpected, but it's still very welcome. The Baby Blizzard Bear and Onyxian Whelping were awesome rewards back in the day, and I love getting cool, fun items each year. The return of anniversary gifts is a welcome change.

Brace yourselves for what could be some of most exciting updates to the game recently with patch 4.3. Review the official patch notes, and then dig into what's ahead: new item storage options, cross-realm raiding, cosmetic armor skinning and your chance to battle the mighty Deathwing -- from astride his back!