Update: Obviously the real expansion has been announced shortly after this post. The leaked rumours were close, but the actual details are different.

. . .

It's been leaked, but it's no surprise, the next World of Warcraft expansion will be Northrend. The rumoured title is "Wrath of the Lich King" as Blizzard follows the logical progression of their content.

I'm sure Blizzard will still have a few surprises up their sleeve for Blizzcon this weekend.

Here's hoping that the new content on the original planet will give them an excuse to update all of Azeroth for flying mounts. The expansion will have to progress flying mounts of course, otherwise their biggest "wow factor" for TBC will be a letdown. My guess is they will spruce it up a bit by adding flying / mounted combat, although frankly for my money that's just something long overdue.

Other notable items in the leaked / rumour list:

• Levels 70-80. Exactly as expected.
• Death Knight class, unlocked by taking a character to 80. Very much like what the once planned "heroic" classes.
• New occupation: Inscription. Sounds a lot like enchanting to me, but hints at the ability to make repairs. I can see it now "free repairs on the AH bridge!"
• "Heroic" mode will be included for 25man raiding dungeons as well as 5man.
• And of course the Lich King / Arthas.

These are just rumours of course, real answers will be in a matter of days. The big question though, is how soon? Whatever Blizzard states at Blizzcon, add about 3 months to that.