World of Warcraft Takes a Jab at Final Fantasy 14 With Its 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 key differences from other MMOs, particularly Final Fantasy XIV. The development team emphasizes accessibility, stating their goal is "A Home for Everyone." Unlike some systems with exorbitant costs, lotteries, and strict upkeep, WoW's housing aims for inclusivity. Players can acquire homes without significant financial or time investment, and there's no risk of repossession if subscriptions lapse.

This player housing will function as customizable personal residences within the game world, open for visits from other players. While Final Fantasy XIV's housing has fostered impressive player creativity, leading to in-game creations such as theaters and cafes, it's also known for its competitive housing market and potential for demolition.

WoW aims to avoid these pitfalls. Housing is shared amongst a player's Warband, allowing access for all characters regardless of faction. While character restrictions on zone ownership remain (a Human cannot own a house in a Horde zone), Warband members can circumvent this limitation.

The game will feature two housing zones, each divided into "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots. These neighborhoods are instanced, offering both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated by the servers as needed, negating a fixed plot limit.

Blizzard envisions player housing as an ongoing feature, promising a "long-lasting journey" with continued updates and expansions. This long-term commitment, while playfully contrasting WoW's approach with Final Fantasy XIV's, demonstrates an awareness of potential challenges.

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