Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past

World of Warcraft: The War Within will see hero Alleria Windrunner stepping into the spotlight once more as one of the expansion's main characters, and a new animated short from Blizzard highlights just how long she's been a pivotal character in Warcraft lore.

Titled Alleria: Light and Shadow, the short film is the first fully 2D-animated work created by Blizzard and follows all the major decision points in Alleria's life over the course of the franchise's history. It begins with her decision to leave her homeland and family to fight the Horde alongside the Alliance in Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness, depicts her choice to take the fight to enemy as part of the Alliance's expedition into Outland, and ends with her embrace of the Void as a means to defeat Azeroth's enemies--even at the cost of her relationship with her romantic partner, Turalyon.

"Alleria: Light and Shadow is a groundbreaking addition to World of Warcraft's lore, bringing a new level of storytelling to the game's universe," Blizzard says. "Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the lore, this short film offers a captivating glimpse into the character that will play a pivotal role in the upcoming expansion, The War Within."

Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past

Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past

Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past

Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past

Blizzard's First Fully 2D-Animated Short Film Dives Into Warcraft's Past