WoW and FFXIV: Housing Showdown ERupts

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 a design philosophy that contrasts sharply with other MMOs, notably Final Fantasy XIV. The WoW team emphasized accessibility as a core principle, stating their goal is "A Home for Everyone."

Unlike some MMOs with limited plots, high Gil costs, lotteries, and harsh upkeep penalties, WoW aims for inclusivity. Blizzard explicitly stated there will be "No exorbitant requirements or high purchase costs, no lotteries, and no onerous upkeep. If your subscription lapses, your house doesn't get repossessed!"

The housing system will allow for extensive personalization and decoration, mirroring the creativity seen in Final Fantasy XIV's player-built wonders (theaters, nightclubs, etc.). However, WoW intends to avoid the frustrations of XIV's notoriously competitive housing market and its potential for demolition.

WoW's housing will be shared amongst a player's Warband, enabling access for all characters regardless of faction. While character restrictions will still exist (a Human cannot own a house in Horde territory), Warband members can circumvent this limitation.

While the number of housing zones is limited (two, with "Neighborhoods" of approximately 50 plots each), these zones are instanced, offering both public and private options. Public areas are dynamically generated, suggesting scalability and a lack of a fixed plot limit.

Blizzard's commitment to player housing extends beyond the initial launch. They envision a long-term development plan with ongoing updates and expansions in future patches. This suggests a proactive approach to addressing potential issues and refining the system over time.

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