Scott Miller, the legendary founder of Apogee Software who pioneered the shareware model in the 1980s, has logged over 1,000 hours in World of Warcraft. The PC gaming icon revealed his gaming preferences during a feature with PC Gamer, showing that even industry veterans who shaped how we buy games remain passionate players.
Miller's playstyle reflects a consistent preference across his gaming history. He gravitates toward warriors in any RPG, drawn to direct melee combat over ranged or magical approaches. "I like to get right in their face and pound away," he explained, describing his straightforward combat philosophy. This hands-on approach mirrors his business model during Apogee's heyday, where he built success through accessible, direct engagement with players via free initial episodes.
The Apogee founder's massive WoW investment underscores how Blizzard's MMORPG transcends casual play for many long-term subscribers. Reaching the 1,000-hour milestone represents serious commitment, a testament to the game's staying power two decades after launch. Despite World of Warcraft's ups and downs with expansions and player retention, Miller's playtime demonstrates the game's ability to hold veteran gamers' attention.
Miller's warrior preference reveals something about player psychology that persists from single-player RPGs to massive multiplayer worlds. Tank classes offer immediate gratification through frontline engagement and visible impact on combat. Warriors embody control in chaotic battle spaces, something that appeals to developers and players alike.
The feature offers insight into how industry pioneers spend their downtime. Rather than moving entirely into management or retirement, Miller remains an active gamer, demonstrating that passion for games drives many who built the industry. His continued investment in WoW specifically shows respect for Blizzard's world-building and the social infrastructure MMORPGs provide.