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If you have ever entertained the
thought that all World of Warcraft really needed to be totally
perfect and make it complete was an in-game web browser, Patch 5.3 is
the answer to your prayers...sort of. Datamined from the game files,
this in-game browser has been in the back of our minds for awhile
now. However, it is only recently, with the release of Patch 5.3 for
testing on the public test realms, that we have had a chance to
actually see this new feature come to fruition. Coupled with a handy
post on Blizzard's
official blog
, we can get an excellent feel for
this new addition.

Patch 5.3 In-Game Browser Help System

This new in-game browser has replaced
the old help menu system. Instead of the dusty old system seen in the
last few patches, players will find a sleek new interface that will
allow them to access a direct portal to the Battle.net Support site.
A direct quote from the blog post states that this web browser help
system was implemented:

“...to give players in-game easy
access to the site's robust knowledge base and support contact
system.”

That is right ladies and gentlemen, for
the first time ever, players will be able to access every tidbit of
knowledge available on the Battle.net Support site from the comfort
of their game. Forget about opening a browser in the background
followed by a stream of frantic alt-tabbing, or making use of a
second monitor to get your questions answered. Any question that can
be answered on the Battle-net site will soon be just a few clicks
away without ever having the need to leave your game.

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Limitations, Limitations, Limitations

Of course, all good things typically
have their limitations and this new help system in World of Warcraft
Patch 5.2 is no exception to that rule. This new in-game browser
a.k.a help system is extremely limited in the fact that players may
only access information found on the Battle.net Support site. Any
address typed in outside of this site will automatically open an
external web browser.

Which is handy, but also a little
disappointing for those of us who would love the option to access
other World of Warcraft knowledge bases from in-game. Currently there
has been no talk of being enabling access to other domains, however,
the potential for this feature to be opened up in future patches is
certainly there.

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Thoughts and Conclusions

If you haven't jumped in to Patch 5.3
and seen this new web browser system for yourself, let me assure you
that you are currently not missing much. This new feature is clearly
only in it's infancy and has very limited functions. However, I think
that an in-game web browser could have the potential to be a real
game changer.

Think about it. Everything you could
ever wish to know from the Battle.net Support site available to you
right in game with just some clicks and a few typed words. Having
that kind of knowledge at your fingertips is nothing to turn your
nose up at. Still not impressed? Consider the fact then that the
Battle.net Support site may only be the beginning.

Imagine what could be if Blizzard
eventually opens up access to external domains in future patches. The
sky really becomes the limit and this new in-game web browser could
be the start of an in-game knowledge base that most of us have only
ever dreamed of. Think of what it would mean to have access to
knowledge bases like Ten Ton Hammer and other World of Warcraft
related sites. Pretty impressive right? With these knowledge bases
available easily, no player will have the excuse that they don't know
how to craft something, don't understand a boss fight, or can't find
where a particular item drops.

Where this in-game web browser will
ultimately lead is anyone's guess. However, I think it is a giant
step in the right direction for Blizzard and will be a saving grace,
especially for players new to the game. I truly hope to see it taken
above and beyond it's full potential in the future. Hint, hint
Blizzard!

What are your thoughts on this new help
menu system in Patch 5.2? Do you think Blizzard will eventually open
up the ability for players to access domains outside of Battle.net?
Would you use the in-game browser over an external browser if this
option became avaiable? Share your thoughts with us in the comment
section below!


To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our World of Warcraft Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

About The Author

Amunet, also fondly known as Memtron, is an organic life form best known for its ongoing obsession with Blizzard Entertainment's numerous properties. To that end, Amu has authored hundreds (thousands?) of the most popular World of Warcraft guides, editorials, and Top 10 lists on the planet. When not gaming and writing, Amu is busy chasing after her three children in a perpetual loop of ongoing disaster.

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