Hazzikostas Talks Content And Culture Change As World Of Warcraft 9.1.5 Hits Today

Notice: Activision Blizzard continues to be under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges.

Following the at the moment operating upkeep, World of Warcraft’s large replace is lastly right here and regardless of what it would seem to be – that they’re simply changing things that can be perceived as offensive, there’s lots taking place within the 9.1.5 update, starting from visible updates to races and added climate results, to issues like including the flexibility for characters to fly in spirit kind (supplied they’ve unlocked flying within the Shadowlands). There are additions, a few of which we heard about already such because the return of the Mage Tower due to a bit Timewalking, and the host of high quality of life adjustments like the flexibility to queue for island expeditions in a celebration or alone. In fact, it wouldn’t be an replace and not using a slew of sophistication tweaks – all of which you’ll read about on the WoW site, as a result of there are lots.

On a associated matter, WoW director Ion Hazzikostas not too long ago spoke to Mike Minotti of GamesBeat, answering loads of questions not simply in regards to the replace but additionally about what’s been occurring behind the scenes within the World of Warcraft crew as all of the authorized points proceed. The interview touches on issues like why they’ve elected to deal with altering photographs within the recreation versus doing different issues which may appear extra pertinent to the scenario. Hazzikostas’ response was prolonged, however one vital level was that this isn’t an “or” scenario however an “and” scenario…that they’re not making these adjustments “as a substitute” of doing the opposite issues that all of us really feel they need to be doing, however along with. He additionally famous that these in-game adjustments are simply one thing we’re going to see sooner however that they’re nonetheless engaged on the larger issues.

The interview goes on to handle what they’re doing to create extra range inside Blizzard and, particularly, the WoW tea, by adjusting not simply hiring practices however how they even publish an inventory to start with, in order that they entice a extra numerous group.

If you happen to’re , you’ll be able to read the full interview on GamesBeat. There’s fairly a bit there.