World of Warcraft fanatics will have to tear themselves from micro-management and alt-pimping when the quarterly World of Warcraft magazine hits shelves. World of Warcraft: The Magazine will be subscription-only through the website worldofwarcraftmagazine.com, and according to guardian.co.uk, will feature

a beautifully crafted magazine that will provide readers with information about the game’s complicated backstory and history

Expect to set aside a few bills for the subscription, which will set subscribers back $39.95 US for four issues. The magazine will also be published in French, German and Spanish languages. Blizzard is expected to formally reveal the magazine at this year’s Blizzcon, an annual convention showcasing current and upcoming games from the World of Warcraft developer. FuturePlus editorial director Julian Rignall suggests multi-tasking while reading the magazine:

You can have that in your lap while you are playing the game.

The first issue of the magazine is set to release in two months.

It’ll be interesting to see how World of Warcraft: The Magazine will turn out, especially since the proposed format is just backstory on Azeroth. I can only anticipate the magazine will eventually feature celebrity player profiles, or even top player profiles. Maybe a strategy section. I’m not sure why this magazine wouldnèt be made available as a digital download for a lower price, or included with a monthly subscription to World of Warcraft.