Insights from a Blizzard Developer on Phase 3, Leveling, and Crafting Season of Discovery

Hello, fellow gamers! Today, we have some exciting news to share with you about the recent developments in Season of Discovery Phase 3. Josh "Aggrend" Greenfield, one of the key members of the development team, has taken to Twitter to share his thoughts on the lessons learned and the impact of design choices on leveling. We'll dive deeper into these topics, so let's get started!

Leveling Experience and Design Challenges

Aggrend acknowledges that there is a growing desire among Classic WoW players to have a more engaging leveling experience. Many players cherish the slow and methodical approach to leveling, and it is disheartening to see it treated as an obstacle to overcome quickly.

However, Aggrend also highlights the challenge faced by the team in Season of Discovery. The addition of new features and encouraging players to explore multiple characters clashes with the original WoW's leveling philosophy. While he doesn't have a perfect solution, he recognizes that this design problem was expected with the format of Season of Discovery.

Furthermore, Aggrend points out the contrast between different leveling brackets. The split-leveling system highlights how much slower it feels to progress from levels 25 to 40 compared to levels 1 to 25. Although this experiment provides valuable insights, the team will consider these issues if they ever explore a similar concept again.

Player Diversity and Gameplay Expectations

One fascinating aspect of Season of Discovery is the diverse cross section of players it has attracted. Players from various backgrounds and gaming experiences bring different desires and expectations to the game. While it can be challenging for the development team, it also offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn as game developers.

Aggrend expresses his enthusiasm for the constant surprises and learning experiences that come with being a game developer. He anticipates that a retrospective discussion with the team about Season of Discovery will be both interesting and informative for future projects.

Future Plans and Building on Success

Aggrend was surprised by the suggestion of moving on to something entirely different after the success of Season of Discovery. From a player's perspective, it feels like the team has captured lightning in a bottle, and the logical step would be to build upon that success instead of abandoning it for a different seasonal gimmick.

While the future plans are not set in stone, Aggrend assures us that the team has numerous ideas and plans. However, he emphasizes that their process is flexible, allowing them to adapt based on player feedback and reception. The team's ability to pivot and adjust their plans mid-race is both advantageous and challenging, but it ensures that they can deliver the best experience possible.

Aggrend also notes the importance of preserving the purity of the original WoW leveling journey. He appreciates platforms like Era and Hardcore that offer players the opportunity to experience the game as it was originally intended. This appreciation allows him to view Season of Discovery from a different perspective, appreciating the team's achievements while also acknowledging the room for improvement.

In conclusion, Season of Discovery Phase 3 has been an exciting journey for players and the development team alike. With a focus on leveling experiences, diverse player expectations, and future plans, the team continues to shape the classic WoW experience. Stay tuned for more updates and let's keep exploring the world of Azeroth together!