"There's a very high possibility of failure and very low chance of success, " Ms Cockshut told the BBC's Outriders programme.

BBC: Gaming and raiding in World of Warcraft

"Raids can go on for a long time, " said Ms Cockshut.

BBC: Gaming and raiding in World of Warcraft

As Activision Blizzard prepares to release the Mists of Pandaria expansion for World of Warcraft, academic Ladan Cockshut wonders what it means for the future of the game.

BBC: Viewpoint: Why WoW's future is not black and white