Exclusive Interview with World of Warcraft Classic Developers - Season of Exploration

Wowhead had the pleasure of interviewing Linny Cooke-Saverline, Game Producer, and Tim Jones, Assistant Lead Classic Designer, at Blizzcon to discuss WoW Classic Season of Discovery. In this insightful conversation, they delved into the exciting new features, including Hardcore Self Found mode, PvP in WoW Classic, Balancing Season of Discovery, and the possibility of new Tier Sets in the future. Let's explore these topics further and discover what awaits players in the upcoming season.

Hardcore WoW Classic

One of the major highlights of Season of Discovery is the Hardcore Self Found mode. This mode introduces a new level of challenge and self-sufficiency, where players must rely solely on themselves for items and cannot trade with others or utilize the auction house. It's a unique experience that requires resourcefulness and adaptability.

When asked about the possibility of Hardcore Realms for Season of Discovery, the Classic team expressed their careful consideration. Managing different realms for various player preferences is a challenging task, and the team wants to ensure they do not fracture the player base excessively. However, they acknowledged the interest in Hardcore Season of Discovery and expressed openness to exploring it based on player feedback.

Season of Discovery and PvP

The Season of Discovery draws inspiration from the experimental game design and emergent gameplay experiences observed during the Classic WoW Beta. It aims to offer new gameplay ideas and experiences for players, encouraging them to try out different strategies and playstyles. The Classic team is thrilled to witness players' creative approaches and continue to be amazed by their ingenuity.

PvP is a crucial aspect of WoW Classic, and the team understands the desire for more opportunities to engage in meaningful player versus player combat. While many players in Classic Era focus on Alterac Valley for ranking purposes, there are purists who prefer Warsong Gulch but find it difficult to rank due to the lack of games. The team acknowledges this concern and aims to provide alternative options, such as exploring the potential of Rated Battlegrounds for future Classic iterations.

The interview also touched on the Ashenvale Open World PvP event. This event allows players to engage in PvP combat in the outdoor world, with the opportunity to earn rewards, reputation, and exclusive mounts specific to the zone. The team aims to create a dynamic and engaging experience, reminiscent of classic world PvP encounters while offering new incentives for participation.

Season of Discovery Phases and Balance

Season of Discovery will progress in phases, each unlocking new content and challenges. Players will have the opportunity to venture into higher-level zones and face new discoveries as they progress through the phases. The developers emphasized that while some content may not be accessible immediately, players can form groups to tackle higher-level monsters in other zones.

Balance is an important consideration for the Season of Discovery. The team aims to address any outliers and ensure that no class feels left behind or excessively overpowered by the introduction of new runes and abilities. They want every class to feel relevant and enjoyable to play. While they don't want to nerf classes outright, they are open to making tuning changes to ensure a healthy and enjoyable game experience.

Season of Discovery Future and New Tier Sets

Looking ahead, the team recognizes the significance of iconic raid locations such as Molten Core, Blackwing Lair, AQ40, and Naxxramas in Classic WoW. They aim to provide players with opportunities to showcase their characters' power and expression in these raids. Additional challenges and content may be introduced, drawing from Season of Mastery or new ideas entirely.

Regarding new Tier Sets, the team acknowledged the possibility of creating unconventional sets, such as Mage Healer or Warlock Tank sets. They understand players' excitement for new gear and customization options and are open to exploring diverse class roles when designing Tier Sets.

Conclusion

Despite some players' concerns about the end of Season of Discovery and the fate of their characters, the team assures that migration options will be available. The specifics are still under discussion, but there will be a designated realm where Season of Discovery players can transition once the season concludes. Some adjustments to runes may be necessary, but the team is actively listening to the community’s feedback.

Overall, WoW Classic Season of Discovery promises an exciting and diverse gaming experience. From the intense challenge of Hardcore Self Found mode to the thrilling PvP events and the introduction of new content and balance adjustments, players have much to look forward to. The Classic team's commitment to player feedback and innovation ensures that Classic WoW remains engaging and enjoyable for all.