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

WowCarry presents an exclusive interview with Linny Cooke-Saverline, Game Producer, and Tim Jones, Assistant Lead Classic Designer, discussing the exciting new features of WoW Classic Season of Discovery. In this in-depth conversation, they delve into the Hardcore Self Found mode, PvP enhancements, balancing in Season of Discovery, and the potential introduction of new Tier Sets. Read on to find out all the thrilling details!

Hardcore WoW Classic: A New Way to Play

One of the key highlights of the Season of Discovery is the introduction of Hardcore Self Found mode. This new mode challenges players to embark on a solo journey, where they won't have access to trading, mailbox, or the Auction House. It's all about self-reliance and making the most of the items you find on your own. This mode adds a new layer of difficulty and excitement to the Classic experience.

While discussing the possibility of Hardcore Realms for Season of Discovery, the developers expressed their dedication to offering a variety of options without fragmenting the player base. They acknowledged the demand for a Hardcore Season and assured that player feedback would be considered in their future plans. They also emphasized the importance of respecting the ongoing journeys of players who are still progressing and leveling their characters in Hardcore mode.

Season of Discovery and PvP: Fresh Experiences Await

The inspiration for Season of Discovery came from the desire to provide experimental game design, shake up the meta, and offer new gameplay experiences within Classic WoW. The developers recalled the excitement of players during the Classic WoW Beta, when they were discovering new strategies and gameplay ideas at lower levels. They expressed their enthusiasm for the emergent gameplay that arises when players are given the freedom to explore and experiment. They also emphasized their appreciation for the Classic player base, with its diverse mix of both casual and dedicated players.

Addressing the concerns of players who prefer engaging in actual player versus player content, the developers acknowledged the popularity of the new ranking system in Classic Era, which primarily incentivizes players to rank up in Alterac Valley rather than engage in other PvP activities. They reassured players that they are committed to providing options for Warsong Gulch enthusiasts, potentially through lessons learned from Rated Warsong Gulch in Cataclysm Classic. They expressed their eagerness to support community tournaments and cater to the PvP desires of the player base.

The developers also unveiled the Ashenvale Open World PvP event, a unique event that takes place in the outdoor world where players can engage with each other freely. It features rewards for participation and encourages players to defend or attack camps strategically. For those victorious in this event, there are exclusive rewards such as Ashenvale-only mounts and powerful items with on-use World Buffs, which can be saved for future raids.

Season of Discovery Phases and Balance: A Delicate Dance

The Season of Discovery will be rolled out in phases, starting from Level 25 and gradually progressing to higher levels. The developers clarified that certain content, such as the Runes found in higher-level zones, will not be accessible at the launch of the game. However, players are encouraged to form groups and challenge higher-level monsters in different zones.

The developers recognized the need for balance and expressed their commitment to addressing any outliers or extreme Rune combinations. They acknowledged that Classic WoW is not a perfectly balanced game but assured players that they aim to elevate classes that struggled to remain relevant. While they don't intend to nerf classes, they want every class to feel powerful and ensure that nothing trivializes the gameplay. They emphasized their willingness to make tuning changes if necessary to maintain the challenge and excitement of the outdoor world.

Season of Discovery Future and New Tier Sets: The Adventure Continues

When questioned about the inclusion of iconic raids like Molten Core, Blackwing Lair, AQ40, and Naxxramas, the developers assured players that these raids are an indispensable part of the Classic experience. They expressed their interest in incorporating additional challenges and opportunities for players to showcase their new builds, runes, and abilities. They hinted at the possibility of introducing new Tier Sets that may deviate from the conventional class roles, sparking excitement among the player base.

While some players have expressed concerns about the fate of their characters at the end of Season of Discovery, the developers assured that they are still finalizing the details. They mentioned the potential existence of an Era realm specifically designed to preserve the accomplishments of Season of Discovery players. They acknowledged that certain adjustments might need to be made, but they value player feedback and are committed to finding the right balance.

Conclusion

With Season of Discovery, WoW Classic enthusiasts have much to look forward to. The introduction of Hardcore Self Found mode brings a fresh challenge, while PvP enhancements aim to provide more engaging experiences. The phased rollout and the developers' commitment to balance ensure a dynamic and exciting gameplay experience. As the Season progresses, players can anticipate the exploration of iconic raids and the potential introduction of new Tier Sets. While details about character migration remain to be determined, the developers are actively listening to the community's feedback. The future is bright for WoW Classic, with Season of Discovery paving the way for new adventures and thrilling experiences!