WoW Jabs Final Fantasy 14 with Housing Plans

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: Midnight, highlighting a design philosophy that contrasts sharply with the system in Final Fantasy XIV. The WoW team emphasized accessibility as a core principle, stating their goal is "A Home for Everyone."

Unlike Final Fantasy XIV, where housing is notoriously competitive and expensive, WoW aims for inclusivity. Blizzard explicitly stated there will be no exorbitant costs, lotteries, or demanding upkeep. Furthermore, subscription lapses won't result in house repossession.

The core functionality remains similar: players can purchase and personalize homes, which can then be visited by others. However, WoW’s system addresses some of Final Fantasy XIV's common criticisms. For example, housing is shared within a player's Warband, allowing access for all characters regardless of faction. A Human character, for instance, could utilize a house purchased by a Troll Warband member in a Horde zone.

While WoW will initially feature only two housing zones, each divided into "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots, these are instanced, offering both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated as needed, removing the fixed plot limitations present in Final Fantasy XIV.

Blizzard's commitment extends beyond the initial launch. They envision player housing as a "long-lasting journey," promising continued development and updates across future patches and expansions. This long-term vision, coupled with their acknowledgement of Final Fantasy XIV's challenges, suggests a deliberate effort to avoid similar pitfalls.

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