WoW Shades FF14 with Housing Improvements

World of Warcraft's upcoming housing system: A contrast to Final Fantasy XIV

Blizzard Entertainment has offered a sneak peek at the player housing feature coming to World of Warcraft (WoW) with the World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion, subtly contrasting its approach with that of Final Fantasy XIV. The WoW team highlighted accessibility as a core design principle.

Unlike Final Fantasy XIV's often criticized housing system, WoW aims for broad inclusivity. Blizzard explicitly stated its goal of "A Home for Everyone," promising readily available housing without exorbitant costs, lotteries, or demanding upkeep. Furthermore, players won't lose their homes due to lapsed subscriptions.

The WoW housing system will allow players to purchase and personalize homes, creating spaces for social interaction. While Final Fantasy XIV's housing has fostered impressive player creativity, resulting in in-game constructions such as theaters, nightclubs, and museums, it's also known for its limited plots, high Gil costs, lottery system, and the risk of demolition for inactivity.

WoW's design appears to address these concerns. Housing is shared within a Warband, allowing multiple characters, regardless of faction, to access the same home. While character restrictions based on faction remain (a Human character cannot own a house in a Horde zone), Warband members can circumvent this limitation.

Although WoW's housing will initially be limited to two zones, each containing "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots, these neighborhoods are instanced and offer both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated as needed, suggesting a potentially scalable system without a predetermined limit on housing availability.

Blizzard's commitment to WoW's housing system extends beyond the initial launch. The team intends for housing to be an ongoing feature, evolving through future patches and expansions, emphasizing "boundless self-expression," "deeply social" interaction, and a "long-lasting journey." This long-term vision, while acknowledging the shortcomings of other MMO housing systems, suggests a deliberate effort to avoid similar pitfalls.

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