Blizzard is set to introduce an innovative feature to World of Warcraft with the upcoming patch 11.1.7, named Rotation Assist. This feature will revolutionize combat by suggesting the optimal next spell for players to use, based on their class, specialization, and the current combat scenario. For those looking to simplify their gameplay even further, an optional "one button" feature will allow players to automatically cast the recommended spell with a single press. However, this convenience comes with a slight drawback: using the one-button option will extend the global cooldown, leading to slower spell casting and reduced overall damage compared to manual play.
Game director Ion Hazzikostas, in a recent video interview with Team Liquid raid leader Maximum and content creator Dratnos, discussed the motivations behind this new feature. He highlighted the community's reliance on add-ons like Hekili, which offer similar recommendations but lack the automatic casting option. Hazzikostas emphasized the importance of add-ons in the game's history but expressed concerns about their becoming a necessity for competitive play. He stated, "If you ask people 'How can I get better?' The first answer shouldn’t be, ‘Well, download this add-on.'" The goal is to enhance the native functionality of World of Warcraft, reducing the dependency on third-party add-ons for competitive content.
Blizzard's long-term vision involves rethinking the role of add-ons in the game. Hazzikostas mentioned that the team is considering improvements in class design, boss encounter design, and the user interface to integrate essential functions currently provided by add-ons. While add-ons will not be banned, Blizzard aims to limit functionalities that automate combat decisions, such as real-time problem-solving and coordination, to preserve the intended gameplay experience.
The discussion in the video also touched on how the design of raid encounters has been influenced by add-ons. Hazzikostas admitted that some encounters may have been unintentionally designed in a way that encouraged the use of add-ons to solve complex mechanics. This realization has led Blizzard to consider adjusting encounter design to ensure that the challenge remains engaging without relying on add-ons.
Players can watch the full 45-minute video for a deeper understanding of these changes. Blizzard is committed to enhancing the game's core experience and ensuring that the built-in features provide a robust foundation for all players, regardless of their reliance on add-ons.
In our exclusive interview with Ion Hazzikostas, he elaborated on the necessity of add-ons for competitive play, stating, "While certainly people can and do play the game without using add-ons and succeed, I think most players at a high level agree that you are at a disadvantage if you're not using some of these tools." He acknowledged the community's creativity in developing add-ons but stressed the importance of making the game's native UI sufficient for all players.
Regarding specific instances that prompted this shift, Hazzikostas mentioned the historical use of add-ons like Decursive in early raids, which led to adjustments in the game's built-in features. He noted that the community's feedback often focuses on add-ons rather than gameplay mechanics, indicating a need to enhance the game's baseline functionality.
On the topic of taking on more responsibility for features currently handled by add-ons, Hazzikostas argued that it's a responsibility Blizzard should have shouldered earlier. He emphasized the importance of improving the game's clarity and mechanics to reduce reliance on add-ons.
Blizzard plans to continue its dialogue with the add-on community, ensuring that any changes are communicated effectively. The new Rotation Assist feature aims to be versatile, adapting to different player builds and combat situations, though it may not cover every possible scenario.
Addressing concerns about the one-button option potentially leading to misuse, Hazzikostas reassured that the feature is designed to help players focus on other aspects of the game, not to enable exploits. He also confirmed that Blizzard will not restrict add-ons that enhance non-combat aspects of the game, such as quest tracking or profession management.
Finally, Hazzikostas addressed the potential for UI overload, emphasizing a balanced approach to ensure the game remains approachable for new and returning players. The introduction of new features will be carefully timed to match the player's progression and understanding of the game.
Blizzard's approach to these changes is to foster a conversation with the community, understanding their needs and feedback as they move forward with these significant updates.
