Vegetarianism in World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is an online gaming experience which allows the user to assume the persona of various mythical characters, conquer quests, and battle one-on-one. To be sure, in real life one doesn’t often face Dragons, Orcs, or the dreaded Night Elf hunter, but most do have a profession; many of which are reflected in the gaming environment. Through hard work and time, it is possible to increase resources and “level up” in the game. Alongside the usual fantasy professions like blacksmithing and enchanting, there also posts a little closer to home such as first aid, fishing and - last but not least - cooking. Online characters can collect supplies for and cook a variety of meals which have the ability to restore vitality or bestow upon the character certain attributes. Don’t tell the kids (and adults) playing the game that gathering and food preparation skills (even at the most basic level) are of benefit in real life! World of Warcraft demonstrates that with time, patience, and a little hard work comes great rewards.

The one flaw in the cooking design, however, is that vegans would (virtually) starve. The available meals are fairly realistic - there are obvious allusions to real “delicacies” such as murlock (shark) fin soup, but vegan meals are few and far between. Grapes and sometimes fruit may be purchased from a vendor, but as for more substantial fare? There are only five vegetarian recipes, and three vegan recipes available (though two are tea!) and most of the vegetarian entrees consist of some for omelet. To get a taste, check out Wowhead Cooking.

Tea aside, nearly all recipes require an ingredient which is either hunted or fished in some manner. In order to play as a vegan in game, magic food must be conjured or money spent at the vendor. To add insult to injury, vegan foods do not endow the characters with any special abilities, while meat-containing food and some vegetarian dishes yield special physical rewards.

To make matters worse, meat is available everywhere, but to eat a vegan diet players must look high and low for the right foods - though this concept may not be foreign to vegan players.

Of 112 recipes there are only eight suitable for vegetarians and three for vegans. With availability like that it’s a good thing we aren’t forced to eat what’s available in game and what we eat in game doesn’t affect what we do in real life.

Someone needs to tell the creators of World of Warcraft that vegans can be strong too. Check out The One-Month Challenge and Brendan Brazier, Ironman Athlete for a little convincing.