World of Warcraft's upcoming housing feature, a first for the MMO, aims to avoid the pitfalls of similar systems in other games, particularly Final Fantasy XIV. Blizzard has offered a preview detailing its approach, subtly contrasting it with Final Fantasy XIV's often-criticized housing system.
The core principle, as stated in a recent developer blog, is "A Home for Everyone." Blizzard emphasizes accessibility, stating that acquiring a home will be straightforward, without exorbitant costs, lotteries, or demanding upkeep. Furthermore, subscription lapses won't result in repossession.
Unlike Final Fantasy XIV, where limited plots, high Gil costs, and lotteries create intense competition and the risk of demolition, World of Warcraft intends to offer a more inclusive experience. Housing will be shared among the player's Warband, allowing all characters within that group, regardless of faction, to access and utilize the same home. While a Human character can't directly purchase a house in a Horde zone, a Troll character in their Warband can, granting access to the Human character.
While the number of housing zones is limited to two, each containing "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots, these are instanced. The system offers both public and private options, with public areas dynamically generated "as needed" by the game servers, eliminating a fixed plot limit.
Blizzard's commitment to player housing extends beyond the initial launch. The developer highlights "boundless self-expression," "deeply social interaction," and a "long-lasting journey" as key pillars, suggesting ongoing updates and additions across future patches and expansions. This long-term vision, while implicitly acknowledging Final Fantasy XIV's challenges, demonstrates Blizzard's awareness of potential issues and its proactive approach to avoid them.
Further details are expected closer to the summer unveiling of World of Warcraft: Midnight.
