Liveblogging the WoW Deep Dive Panel at BlizzCon 2023

This year at BlizzCon 2023, WowCarry was fortunate to have an exclusive interview with Senior Narrative Director Anne Stickley and Associate Game Director Tina Wang. The interview focused on The War Within expansion, the new Delve endgame content, and the introduction of Heroic Talents. Read on to discover the highlights from the interview.

Introducing the Arathi Humans

One of the first topics discussed in the interview was the introduction of the Arathi humans in The War Within. Stickley explained that the Arathi humans are a splintered tribe of the original Arathi Empire, which existed before the seven kingdoms we are familiar with today. These humans have a deep devotion to the Light and play a significant role in the expansion. Stickley and Wang were excited to explore the history and culture of the Arathi humans, as they had not been featured prominently in the lore for some time.

Stickley revealed that the Arathi humans use the Holy Flame to power their airships. She also hinted at a new dungeon, the Priory of the Secret Flame, which showcases the Arathi humans' connection to the Light.

The Sword and Azeroth's Call

The interview also touched on the importance of a sword featured in the expansion's key art. Stickley confirmed that the sword plays a significant role in The War Within as part of the ongoing Worldsoul Saga. While she couldn't reveal too much about its role, she emphasized that it is a central focus throughout multiple expansions.

Stickley and Wang discussed the mystery surrounding Azeroth's call to certain individuals, including Anduin and Magni. While the characters may not fully understand the call initially, it was hinted that Magni and other key figures would play a crucial role in uncovering Azeroth's secrets.

Anduin's Struggle and New Narrative Themes

The interview delved into Anduin's character development and the potential parallels with Arthas. Stickley clarified that while there is no literal connection between Anduin and Arthas, there are thematic similarities due to the influence of Domination magic. Anduin's traumatic experiences and inner struggles will be explored in The War Within, as he questions his own worthiness and battles with darkness within himself.

Stickley assured that the Arathi humans would play a role in supporting Anduin and aiding him in his journey. He will be spending time in Hallowfall, where players will have the opportunity to go on adventures with Moira's son, Dagran.

Increasing Release Cadence

WowCarry had been curious about the release schedule for future expansions. Stickley and Wang revealed that they plan on increasing the cadence of expansion releases. However, they emphasized the importance of a responsible release schedule to ensure quality and avoid long periods without new content. The development team aims to keep players engaged and consistently provide them with new content to enjoy.

Delves: Flexible and Rewarding Endgame Content

The interview showcased the introduction of Delves, an outdoor endgame content system. Stickley compared Delves to the scenarios from the Mists of Pandaria expansion, emphasizing their flexibility and accessibility. Delves can be completed in 15-20 minutes and offer players a way to progress their characters while respecting their time. Stickley highlighted the inclusion of difficulties and a unique progression system, as well as the ability to customize and spec a companion character called Brann to enhance gameplay.

Unique to Delves is the absence of a timer, allowing players to take their time and play at their own pace. Stickley expressed the team's desire to respect the player's time and offer a variety of engaging content that can be completed in shorter play sessions.

New Heroic Talents and Warbands

Another exciting addition in The War Within is the introduction of Heroic Talents. Stickley explained that each specialization would receive two Heroic Talent choices, providing players with more customization options and allowing them to lean into specific fantasies and playstyles. These Heroic Talents are separate from the traditional talent system and offer players more freedom and flexibility with their character builds. The talents can be freely swapped in and out, providing a customizable gameplay experience.

Stickley also discussed Warbands, which are groups of characters that players have created across their account. These characters can interact and communicate with each other around a campfire, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enhancing the RPG experience.

Conclusion

The interview provided a tantalizing glimpse into The War Within expansion, offering insights into new lore, gameplay features, and the overarching narrative of the Worldsoul Saga. Stickley and Wang's enthusiasm for the upcoming content was evident, promising an exciting and immersive experience for World of Warcraft players.