WoW Challenges Rival MMO with Improved Housing

World of Warcraft's upcoming housing system: A fresh take on player homes.

Blizzard has offered a sneak peek at the player housing feature coming to World of Warcraft (WoW) in the World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion, subtly contrasting its approach with Final Fantasy XIV's system. The WoW team emphasizes accessibility, stating a goal of "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 repossession.

Player housing in WoW will function as expected: players purchase and personalize homes, which can be visited by others. This contrasts with Final Fantasy XIV's system, known for its player-created marvels – theaters, clubs, cafes, and museums – but also its notorious housing scarcity, high Gil costs, lotteries, and the risk of demolition for inactivity.

WoW aims to address these concerns. Housing is shared within a Warband, allowing characters to access the same home regardless of faction. For example, a Human character can utilize a home purchased by a Troll Warband member, even in a Horde-controlled area.

While WoW will initially feature two housing zones divided into "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots each, these are instanced and offer both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated by the servers, suggesting a scalable system with no immediate limit on Neighborhoods.

Blizzard envisions WoW's housing as an ongoing project, emphasizing "boundless self-expression," a "deeply social" experience, and a "long-lasting journey" with updates planned for future patches and expansions. This commitment, while subtly acknowledging the shortcomings of other systems, suggests Blizzard is learning from past experiences.

Further details are expected before the summer reveal of World of Warcraft: Midnight.