Wowhead's Exclusive Interview with Anne Stickney & Tina Wang at Blizzcon 2023

This year at BlizzCon 2023, Wowhead was fortunate to have an exclusive interview with Senior Narrative Director Anne Stickley and Associate Game Director Tina Wang, diving into the details of The War Within expansion for World of Warcraft. In this interview, Stickley and Wang shared insights on the introduction of the Arathi humans, the use of the Holy Flame, the role of the sword, the story progression, and much more.

The Arathi Humans Return

The discussion started with the reintroduction of the Arathi humans after a long absence from the game. Stickley explained that the Arathi humans are a faction that originated from the ancient Arathi Empire, which predates the current seven kingdoms. They have a strong devotion to the Light and serve as a branch of humanity with their own unique culture. This reintroduction allows players to explore a different side of humanity and discover their rich history.

The Power of the Holy Flame

Stickley confirmed that the Arathi humans utilize the Holy Flame to power their airships. This unique power source plays a role in their ongoing battle against the Nerubians. Additionally, the Priory of the Secret Flame dungeon features a Cathedral-like structure that showcases the Arathi's connection to the Holy Flame.

The Enigmatic Sword

The conversation then shifted to the enigmatic sword seen in the expansion's promotional material. Stickley mentioned that the sword is a key part of the Worldsoul Saga, with the World Soul itself calling out to individuals for a specific reason. While Stickley couldn't disclose the exact extent of the sword's role in The War Within, she hinted that it would be a central part of the trilogy.

Azeroth's Call and Unanswered Questions

Stickley revealed that the characters in the trailer, such as Anduin and Thrall, are not immediately aware of the meaning behind Azeroth's call. However, Magni, the speaker for the World Soul, will play a significant role in uncovering the truth. Stickley also hinted at Moira and her interest in the Earthen, as well as her son Dagran's coming-of-age journey. These storylines will add depth to the overall narrative and help uncover the mysteries surrounding Azeroth's call.

The Internal Struggles of Anduin

Addressing the comparisons between Anduin and Arthas, Stickley clarified that while Anduin may have experienced some remnants of the Domination magic, he is not directly influenced by Arthas. The focus of Anduin's story in The War Within revolves around his struggle to rediscover his worth, as the traumatic events he experienced have shaken his belief in himself. The expansion explores the war within himself as he questions his place in the Light and battles darkness.

Expanding the Saga

The interview delved into the structure of The War Within expansion, which is the first of three expansions that make up the Worldsoul Saga. Stickley expressed the excitement of extending the story beyond a single expansion, allowing ample room for character development, immersive storytelling, and paying homage to the 20 years of player dedication. The expansion presents a vast story that cannot be contained in a single release, ensuring the players have a fulfilling experience.

Increasing the Release Cadence

Stickley and Wang addressed concerns about release schedules and confirmed Blizzard's plans to increase the cadence of expansion releases. However, they emphasized the importance of maintaining a responsible pace to ensure the development team can deliver quality content and provide players with a consistent flow of new experiences.

Hero Talents and Warbands

Stickley and Wang discussed the new Hero Talent system, which allows players to customize their characters and lean into specific fantasies. Each specialization will have two Hero Talent choices that can be freely switched. The system focuses on providing flexibility and respecting the player's time by offering enjoyable, shorter-form content, such as the Delves, that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.

Continued Revamps and Professions

Stickley and Wang acknowledged the ongoing feedback from players regarding talent trees and professions. They reassured players that Blizzard continuously evaluates these features and aims to make improvements based on player input. While they didn't provide specific details, they expressed their commitment to keeping professions fascinating and ensuring players receive meaningful rewards for their efforts.

Conclusion

The interview concluded with Stickley and Wang emphasizing their dedication to creating an engaging and diverse gameplay experience for World of Warcraft players. From the reintroduction of the Arathi humans to the Hero Talent system and the expanded Worldsoul Saga, The War Within expansion promises to deliver epic storytelling, challenging gameplay, and a variety of content for players to enjoy.