World of Warcraft's upcoming housing system: A different approach to player homes.
Blizzard has offered a sneak peek at the player housing feature coming to World of Warcraft (WoW) with the World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion, subtly contrasting its approach with that of Final Fantasy XIV. The WoW team emphasizes accessibility, stating a core goal of providing "A Home for Everyone."
Unlike some MMOs, WoW's housing promises a straightforward acquisition process. Blizzard explicitly states there will be no exorbitant costs, lotteries, or demanding upkeep. Furthermore, subscription lapses won't result in home repossession.
The housing system functions as expected: players purchase and personalize homes, which can then be visited by others. This mirrors the popularity of Final Fantasy XIV's housing, known for player creativity resulting in diverse in-game establishments such as theaters, nightclubs, and museums.
However, Final Fantasy XIV's housing system also suffers from well-documented issues, including limited plots, high Gil costs, lottery systems, and the risk of demolition due to inactivity. WoW aims to address these concerns.
WoW's housing system will share homes amongst a player's Warband, allowing shared access and rewards across characters and factions. While character restrictions based on faction (e.g., a Human can't buy a house in a Horde zone) remain, a Warband member of a different faction can own and share a home.
While limited to two housing zones initially, each with "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots, these zones are instanced and offer both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated by servers as needed, suggesting a scalable system without a fixed plot limit.
Blizzard's commitment to WoW's housing system extends beyond the initial launch. The team envisions a long-term project with ongoing updates and additions planned for future patches and expansions, highlighting a focus on "boundless self-expression" and "deeply social" interaction. While playfully acknowledging Final Fantasy XIV's challenges, Blizzard's approach suggests a careful consideration of potential pitfalls.
Further details are expected with the anticipated summer reveal of World of Warcraft: Midnight.
