Blizzard has confirmed that next Tuesday marks the sixth anniversary of World of Warcraft and that players will recieve a unique achievement for logging on. Yes, six years ago, on 23rd November 2004, folks in America and Australia got to explore Azeroth in MMO form for the first time. Us in Europe? Oh we had to wait until February 2005.

As in past years, anyone who logs on during the anniversary will get a special achievement but there’s been no official mention of any special pets. I can almost hear the anguished cries of pet lovers out there but to be fair, we have just had Deathy the Murloc and there’s the Lil' Deathwing Collector’s Edition pet to look forward to.

However rumours are also circulating the interweb - MMO Champion, I’m looking at you - that next Tuesday could herald patch 4.0.3a, aka The Shattering. Yes, there’s a distinct possibility our anniversary celebrations could be gatecrashed by the Aspect of Death himself. Actually I do think it's highly likely, the timing would be perfect, as well as ushering in Cataclysm itself. After all, we've come to the end of the Elemental Invasion with the attacks on Horde and Alliance cities at their height. The Shattering is indeed the next logical step so I don't think Boubouille is wrong but we won't know for sure until next Tuesday.

Remember as well that once The Shattering does stop, Deathwing will be doing regular passes so he can destroy puny mortal races - including Champions like us - which in itself leads to a special Stood in the Fire Feat of Strength. So, swapping a pet for the destruction of Azeroth, you've got to agree it's a pretty fair trade.