When I first played World of Warcraft I hated it. I bought it on release back when I was still on 56K dial up internet. I was so excited when I got it and then I found out I needed to download a massive patch which took all night.

When I signed up for an account I lied to my parents and said I needed their credit card just for sign up, I didn't tell them there was a monthly fee.

I started as a Night Elf Druid and I just... didn't find the game that fun.

That all changed when I had two friends over and we started taking tuns playing the game. We all got hooked absolutely hooked on it and started timing each other so we could all get a go. One of those friends went on to almost fail high school from his WoW addiction. I used to go over to his house and we'd both use his dial up internet to play on our computers. I have no idea how it handled it.

After a month or so my parents realised there was a monthly fee and I had to stop playing. This was classic WoW so I don't think I was anywhere near level 60.

I came back every now and then when I could buy a game card rather than paying via credit card but I didn't really get into the game until partway into my second year of university.

I found a lump on my neck and ended up getting diagnosed with cancer. I had to take a year off uni to go through chemotherapy and I think playing WoW was something that really got me through things. It was during the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and I poured countless hours into the game.

I loved the world, the gameplay and the people I met. I don't think I've ever experienced the same thing in any other game.