Originally Posted by
Deadite
If the deal is you get the game for free and also get the free month with it then they can indeed be counted as subscribers.
World of Warcraft’s Subscriber Definition
World of Warcraft subscribers include individuals who have paid a subscription fee or have an active prepaid card to play World of Warcraft, as well as those who have purchased the game and are within their free month of access. Internet Game Room players who have accessed the game over the last thirty days are also counted as subscribers. The above definition excludes all players under free promotional subscriptions, expired or cancelled subscriptions, and expired prepaid cards. Subscribers in licensees’ territories are defined along the same rules.
Assuming that is the way the deal works then they will almost certainly mitigate some big losses. Well played Blizzard!