Speculation - 5.0 -> 5.5 and beyond

[Conscious]

I'm calling it right now: regardless of how well 5.4 and possibly 5.5 are received and what the actual subscription numbers are at the end of the expansion you are still going to make the claim that Mop didn't finish "strong".

No one will if it doesn't break even at some point here.

Also where's my citation?

[schwarzkopf]

Blizzard has said time and again repeatedly they want 18 month expansion cycles.

Updated the o.p. to reflect the difference between 'current speed' and blizzards stated 18 month cycle.

[schwarzkopf]

Updated O.P. to reflect confirmed date of 5.3

[Chickat]

Guessing

5.2= 03/13
5.3= 05/13
5.4= 09/13
blizzcon= 11/13
beta = 12/13
5.5= 12/13
pre xpac patch= 3/14
6.0 = 4/14

[ipoststuff]

I think MoP will be the shortest exp till now. Year and a half at most.

[Marema]

I'm sure we can all agree that Blizzcon will announce the next expansion; beta will start shortly thereafter and will last 4-6 months. 5.4 will be the last major content patch and will come out right after summer ends and everybody is back from summer vacations and can spend some time playing 5.4. And as always there will be a major patch a month or so before the next xpac which will likely likely include character graphic overhaul; an again modified talent system and pre-expansion storylines. I doubt there would be anything after 5.4 until the pre-expac patch.