World of Warcraft developers discuss the future of the housing system in the Midnight update
World of Warcraft developers discuss the future of the housing system in the Midnight update The World of Warcraft team has shared ambitious plans for the development of the housing system ahead of the launch of the Midnight pre-update.
Details were revealed in an interview with PCGamer featuring key developers—game director Ion Hazzikostas, executive producer Holly Longdale, and lead designer Jesse Kurlanchik.
The housing system is positioned as the largest innovative element ever added to the game's expansions and is designed for years of development. At the moment, the developers are satisfied with the work of the decoration collection system. The principle of a single copy for each item (similar to pets, transport, and transmogrification) gives the items special value. At the same time, the team constantly analyzes player feedback, regularly reviews pricing, and forms economical sets of items.
In the near future, players can expect the publication of a "Roadmap" with a detailed plan for the development of the housing system until the end of the year. On January 21, a preliminary update will make housing enterprises and an extensive set of new decorative items available.
After the release of the expansion on February 27 or March 3, players will gain access to new decorative items in raids, additional housing levels, and "outdoor" rooms with day and night views. The game will also add Blood Elf and Night Elf-style designs, the ability to customize the exterior size of houses, and visible plot boundaries.
In the long term, the developers plan to introduce guild housing with access rights differentiated by member rank. The ability to jointly own housing with temporary rights granted to other players to decorate the house will be implemented. Plans include the creation of basement levels, the expansion of existing residential areas, and the introduction of interactive features for role-playing events in residential areas.
Of particular interest are ideas for organizing mini-games and performances inside dwellings using special decorations. The developers are also working on mechanics for releasing pets and transportation for walking around the house. Items that can create natural effects are of interest, such as imitating snowfall inside and outside the home. Among the planned interactive objects are books, grass, chess sets, and animated elements such as a boiling kettle, with which characters will be able to interact.
As for loot, in the first Midnight raids, players are guaranteed to receive items from bosses. The system provides for the distribution of several copies to each raid participant, taking into account the size of the group, and includes protection against unsuccessful loot.
The launch of the Midnight update marks a new stage in the development of World of Warcraft, opening up vast opportunities for customizing players' personal spaces and enriching the gaming experience with unique social mechanics.