Wowhead's Exclusive Blizzcon 2023 Interview with Anne Stickney & Tina Wang - A Unique Conversation

This year at BlizzCon 2023, WowCarry was fortunate enough to have an exclusive interview with Senior Narrative Director Anne Stickley and Associate Game Director Tina Wang. They shared exciting details about the upcoming expansion, "The War Within," as well as new features like Delve content and Heroic Talents.

Introducing "The War Within"

During the interview, Stickley and Wang revealed that "The War Within" will introduce a new faction called the Arathi humans. These humans are descendants of a splintered tribe from the original Arathi Empire. They have their own rich history and are deeply devoted to the Light. The expansion will explore their story and reveal their role in the ongoing conflict.

• Ancient Tribes and a Falling Star

The Arathi humans have remained hidden for centuries, but a vision led them to Harrowfall, where they discovered a massive falling star. Stickley and Wang explained that this event sparked their involvement in the war against darkness. The Arathi humans use holy flame to power their airships, making them formidable allies in the fight.

• The Sword and The Saga

Stickley and Wang also touched on the significance of a mysterious sword featured in the expansion's key art. While they couldn't reveal too many details, they confirmed that the sword is a central part of the Worldsoul Saga, an overarching narrative that will span three expansions. Stickley emphasized that the story beats of the expansion will carry through each installment, creating a cohesive and epic tale.

The Journey Within

Stickley and Wang also discussed the personal journeys of key characters like Anduin and the impact of the Domination magic on his character development. They confirmed that Anduin will grapple with his worthiness of the Light and the darkness within himself, creating a captivating internal conflict that players will explore throughout the expansion.

• Freedom and Flexibility

Stickley and Wang emphasized their commitment to respecting players' time and providing flexibility in gameplay. The introduction of Heroic Talents allows players to customize their characters further, while Delve content offers quick, 15-minute adventures that offer both progression and rewards.

• The Art of Progression

Stickley and Wang shared that Delve content draws inspiration from past experiences like scenarios from Mists of Pandaria and Treasure Rooms. They wanted to create content that respects players' time and provides tangible rewards. The introduction of difficulty levels and tracks in the Great Vault ensures that players can engage with meaningful progression regardless of their playstyle.

Looking Ahead

Stickley and Wang revealed that Blizzard Entertainment is planning to increase the cadence of expansion releases. They acknowledged the importance of frequent content updates and the desire to avoid long periods of downtime. This commitment to delivering new experiences at a responsible pace ensures that players will always have something new and exciting to look forward to.

Conclusion

The War Within expansion promises to be an epic addition to World of Warcraft, introducing new factions, rich lore, and innovative gameplay features. With the introduction of the Arathi humans, Heroic Talents, and Delve content, players can expect a captivating and immersive experience. Combined with Blizzard's commitment to regular updates, it's a thrilling time to be a World of Warcraft player.