Blizzard Reveals Exciting New Housing Features for World of Warcraft, Taking a Subtle Jab at Final Fantasy 14

Blizzard has disclosed a popular affirmation regarding the housing system they are incorporating into the MMORPG World of Warcraft, not without a sly jab at its major competitor Final Fantasy 14.

Although it still lacks a release date, the system has been in development for five years and was initially revealed at last year’s Warcraft 30th anniversary event in November.

Blizzard’s primary goals for the housing feature are to offer “limitless self-expression,” to ensure the system is “greatly social,” and to create a “long-lasting experience.” As such, the toolkit aims to be user-friendly, can be enjoyed solo but is more delightful with other players, and will be a continual enhancement to the game with its own timeline of updates and expansions.

The developer also hopes to make housing widely embraced by players. “Most gamers should desire a home in Azeroth, and if a player wishes for a home in Azeroth, they can have one,” states this new message on the system.

This also serves as the basis for several not-so-subtle jabs at Final Fantasy 14. Square Enix‘s MMORPG has had a similar housing system for a while; however, it has become a point of frustration for players.

Despite updates, players must enter a lottery to acquire one of the coveted plots. Moreover, even on owned properties, players must access their home at least once every forty-five days to maintain it, or it is forfeited. This means continuing to pay the subscription fee for the game.

“If you desire a home, you can have a home,” the blog post states. “No excessive requirements or high acquisition costs, no lotteries, and no burdensome upkeep (and if your subscription lapses, don’t worry, your home won’t be repossessed!).”

It is a cheeky remark, but it’s also refreshing to see Blizzard learn from its major competitor, as both games have long competed for player loyalty. While World of Warcraft has been lauded for its user-friendly menus, Final Fantasy 14 shines with its storytelling and welcoming community.

Executive producer and vice president for World of Warcraft Holly Longdale communicated with Eurogamer last year, stating that it is “time to make a bold statement, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the next twenty-plus [years].”

Housing is part of that vision. The recent post highlights two housing zones, one for the Alliance and one for the Horde, designed to encourage interaction among players.