World of Warcraft Takes a Jab at Final Fantasy 14 With Its Housing Plans

Player housing is coming to World of Warcraft, and Blizzard has offered a first glimpse into its implementation. A recent preview detailed early plans, even playfully contrasting their approach with Final Fantasy XIV's housing system.

World of Warcraft: Midnight will introduce this highly anticipated feature. A key goal, as stated in a recent developer blog, is to make housing accessible to all players. Blizzard emphasizes inclusivity: "A Home for Everyone." They explicitly state there will be no exorbitant costs, lotteries, or demanding upkeep. Furthermore, your house won't be repossessed if your subscription lapses.

Player housing, simply put, provides players with personalized homes within the MMO world. These homes are customizable and open for visits from other players. This is a popular feature in Final Fantasy XIV, where player creativity has led to impressive creations like theaters, nightclubs, cafes, and museums.

However, Final Fantasy XIV's housing system also has its drawbacks. Limited plots per server, high Gil costs, lotteries, and the risk of demolition due to inactivity are common frustrations.

World of Warcraft aims to address these concerns. Housing is shared among a player's Warband, allowing characters to access and share rewards regardless of faction. While a Human character can't buy a house in a Horde zone, a Troll Warband member can, granting access to the Human character.

While World of Warcraft will initially feature two housing zones with "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots each, these are instanced and offer both public and private options. Public neighborhoods are server-maintained and created dynamically, meaning the number of neighborhoods isn't currently capped.

Blizzard envisions a long-term commitment to player housing in World of Warcraft. Their stated goals include "boundless self-expression," a "deeply social" experience, and a "long-lasting journey" with ongoing updates and additions in future patches and expansions. While acknowledging Final Fantasy XIV's system, Blizzard's approach suggests a conscious effort to avoid similar pitfalls.

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