/blog

I'm looking forward to watching the reveal of the next World of WarCraft expansion.

The current expansion, Shadowlands, has been very mixed hence why I took an extended break from the game. It has, however, been described as the end of the first chapter of WoW hinting at big changes to come.

There needs to be changes. The game been crying out for a massive refresh for quite a while, whether it's gameplay or a new graphics engine. The upcoming cross-faction play coming in patch 9.2.5 is going to open things up and should be increased (guilds?) in 10.0 or a later patch.

If the announcement doesn't include something big then I think the player base will be very unhappy, especially as we will have to wait until next year for it to come out.

I have mixed feelings about the future of WoW. On the one hand I hope Blizzard can provide the shakeup it needs but, at the same time, am not overly optimistic that sufficient change will be made to carry the game forward. We've been in this position before with promises made and new systems suggested only to have the rug pulled in favour of "more of the same".

10.0 is a massive opportunity, not to mention a hugely significant, symbolic milestone. If major changes do not come at this stage in the game then I fear they never will.

Initial reaction: very optimistic. Okay, I'll admit it: totally buzzing!

• long awaited dragon-themed expac ✓
• beautiful new zones ✓
• new race and class combo ✓
• redesigned talent system ✓
• customisable UI without add-ons ✓
• no indication of release date ❌

Well, we all knew it wasn't going to be just round the corner.

While walking Jac around the lanes and alleyways of the village ¹ I saw movement out of the corner of my eye as we walked past a playing field. Stopped half way across was a deer. I tried to whip out my phone but, as quick as it appeared, the deer looked about, sniffed the air, and was gone. I didn't even know there were any nearby and, as the village is bounded by main roads, it was quite an unexpected surprise.