Interview with But Why Tho? Explores the Future of Warcraft's Expansion and Plans

Hey there, fellow gamers! It's WowCarry here, and today we're diving into the exciting World of Warcraft. In a recent interview with But Why Tho?, Warcraft General Manager John Hight gave us some fascinating insights into the growth of the Warcraft franchise. From the nostalgia of WoW Classic to the thrilling new adventure of Warcraft Rumble, and the future of World of Warcraft with the Worldsoul Saga, there's a lot to unpack. So grab your gear and let's get started!

The Birth of Warcraft Rumble

Creating a new game within an existing franchise is no easy feat, and Warcraft Rumble is a great example of that. With the rich lore and vibrant world of Warcraft, it's crucial to carefully select the key elements that support the overall vision. In the interview with But Why Tho?, Blizzard's approach to adding new games was discussed.

Blizzard takes the genre into account and asks themselves, "Is there a game we can create here that could truly define or redefine that genre?" They start with the player in mind and look for ways to bring a fresh twist to the experience. For Warcraft Rumble, the team wanted to offer a robust PvE (Player vs Environment) experience within the strategy game genre, as it's not commonly seen in mobile strategy games.

According to Hight, Blizzard is always on the lookout for new projects, but they carefully evaluate whether a game has the potential to be genre-defining and aligns with their core pillars. It's all about gameplay and creating something that people truly want to engage with.

The Classic Conundrum

While Warcraft Rumble explores new horizons, WoW Classic has taken players on a nostalgic journey. However, finding the balance between honoring the original experience and introducing new content can be a challenge. In the recent announcement of the Season of Discovery and the addition of Season-specific Runes, Blizzard has shown they aren't afraid to bring freshness to Classic.

Hight acknowledges the loyalty of the Classic community and the wrestling match Blizzard faces when it comes to making changes. They want to create exciting gameplay moments and are open to exploring variants in raids, but they remain committed to the storyline that played out in Classic. However, Blizzard is always listening to the Classic community and continues to support their desires while striving to think of new and cool things for them to enjoy.

Cosmic Threats and Player Safeguards

With the announcement of the Worldsoul Saga, World of Warcraft is taking on cosmic threats like never before. While this epic battle between Light and Void unfolds, it's crucial to preserve the grounded and player-centric storylines that players love. Hight shed some light on how Blizzard safeguards the story to prevent it from spiraling out of control.

Hight mentioned that there is a dedicated creative director, Chris Robinson, who works closely with the team. Robinson meticulously reviews every zone, character, and quest line to maintain consistency and ensure that the players feel empowered in a natural and authentic way. This attention to detail will become even more important as three expansions are being developed, providing both fresh and nostalgic experiences for players.

Expansion Implementation and Preservation

Developing three expansions means that both old and new zones will be in the spotlight, and Blizzard wants to offer players a mix of freshness and nostalgia. Fan-favorite areas like Northrend and Quel'thalas will once again take center stage, but with a fresh twist and new storylines.

The team is granting the world builders more creative freedom to expand the size of these areas, allowing for the introduction of smaller points of interest and the development of unique cultures or local tribes. While it will still feel familiar, Blizzard wants players to have the sense that they are exploring a slightly larger world. Alongside this expansion, improved accessibility to flight necessitates a larger landmass for players to explore.

As we look ahead to the future of Warcraft, it's clear that Blizzard remains dedicated to delivering innovative and engaging experiences for players. From Warcraft Rumble's unique twist on the strategy genre to WoW Classic's delicate balance between nostalgia and new content, and the cosmic battle of the Worldsoul Saga, the franchise continues to evolve.

Final Thoughts

Warcraft has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, and it's refreshing to hear directly from John Hight about the franchise's growth and future plans. The dedication to player experience and the careful consideration of new additions showcase Blizzard's commitment to their audience. So, whether you're a strategy game enthusiast, a WoW Classic loyalist, or eagerly anticipating the cosmic threats of the Worldsoul Saga, there's no doubt that exciting adventures await in the World of Warcraft!