Much speculation surrounded the new Alliance race to be introduced in The Burning Crusade, with rumored choices including the Draenei, Centaurs, and Dark Trolls. Even the remaining High Elves were mentioned as a possibility. However, on May 10, 2006, Blizzard announced at E3 that the Draenei would be the new Alliance race in the upcoming expansion. In an interview with Gamespot.com[citation needed], it was revealed that Blizzard chose the Draenei not only for their connection to the Blood Elves and desire to visit Outland, but also because the Alliance lacked a “large” species like the Tauren, and the typical male Draenei is about the same size as a male Tauren.

The Draenei are uncorrupted (as opposed to those led by Akama, as seen in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne), worship the Holy Light, and are also highly intelligent. Fleeing the shattered realm of Outland after learning of their brothers’ corruption, the Draenei (who travel in an interdimensional ship) crashed in Azeroth on the Azuremyst Isles, northwest of Kalimdor. Azuremyst is the Draenei starting area, and they also have a “Secondary Area” for levels 10-20, which has been named the Bloodmyst Isle. Those that choose to play as the Draenei can play as a Mage, Paladin, Priest, Hunter, Warrior, or Shaman, a class previously only available to the Horde.