Chris Metzen on the Worldsoul Saga | WoWCast

Summary

In this engaging podcast transcript, Scott Johnson interviews Chris Metzen, discussing the upcoming 'The War Within' expansion for World of Warcraft. Metzen shares his excitement about the game's 20th anniversary and the challenges of crafting a saga that honors the franchise's history while pushing its narrative forward. They delve into character development, the creative process, and the importance of player agency, hinting at a storyline that will span multiple expansions and evolve beloved characters like Anduin and Thrall.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Scott Johnson, host of The Instance podcast, interviews Chris Metzen about his return to work on the World of Warcraft (WoW) expansion, The War Within.
• 🚀 The War Within is part of the Worldsoul Saga, marking a significant moment as it's been 8 or 9 years since Metzen shipped a video game.
• 🎉 There's a sense of excitement and anticipation for the launch of The War Within, especially as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of WoW.
• 🔄 Metzen discusses the challenge of balancing the inclusion of iconic characters while ensuring new characters have room to develop and the player retains agency.
• 🌟 The interview highlights the importance of the creative team's passion and ownership over the game's development, with Metzen emphasizing the value of their input.
• 📈 Metzen speaks about the complexity of developing a three-part saga and the need to plan and map out the narrative well in advance.
• 👴 The characters in WoW, such as Anduin and Thrall, are evolving and aging, reflecting the passage of time and the personal growth of the team behind the game.
• 🎨 The creative process involves pouring personal experiences into the game's storytelling to create genuine and affecting content for the players.
• 🔮 The expansion and saga are designed to build upon the past 20 years of WoW's storyline, aiming to create a fulfilling narrative experience for long-term fans.
• 🛡 There's a careful consideration of character deaths in the story, as they carry significant weight and impact the ongoing narrative and player engagement.
• 🌍 The inclusion of allied races and diverse character options enriches the game world, offering players more choices for character customization and expression.

Q & A

What is the significance of the upcoming 'The War Within' expansion in the context of the World of Warcraft franchise?

The 'The War Within' expansion is significant as it marks the beginning of the Worldsoul Saga and is part of the 20th anniversary celebration of World of Warcraft. It aims to bring together various storylines and characters that have been developed over the years, creating a convergence of narratives.

How does Chris Metzen feel about returning to work on World of Warcraft after a long break?

Chris Metzen expresses a mix of excitement and a sense of privilege to be back working on World of Warcraft. He describes the feeling as both overwhelming and immediate, acknowledging the weight of the franchise's history while focusing on the present development process.

What is the 'Worldsoul Saga' and how does it relate to the 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft?

The 'Worldsoul Saga' is a new narrative arc for World of Warcraft that is being introduced as part of the game's 20th anniversary. It is designed to bring together various elements and characters from the game's history, aiming to create a cohesive storyline that builds upon the existing lore.

How has the development process for World of Warcraft evolved since Chris Metzen's return?

The development process has become more democratized, with team members finding their voice and contributing to the vision of the game. Chris Metzen emphasizes the importance of listening to the team's instincts and incorporating their ideas while maintaining a balance between including iconic characters and allowing new ones to develop.

What challenges does Chris Metzen foresee in creating a saga that spans multiple expansions?

The challenges include managing the complexity of developing three expansions simultaneously, maintaining a cohesive narrative, and ensuring that the team's creative vision is reflected in the game. Additionally, there is the pressure of meeting player expectations and building a story that can stand as a culmination of 20 years of World of Warcraft storytelling.

How does Chris Metzen approach character development in the Worldsoul Saga, especially for long-standing characters like Anduin and Thrall?

Chris Metzen aims to show aging and progression in characters like Anduin and Thrall, giving them a sense of maturity and development over time. The goal is to capture the characters' growth while ensuring they remain relatable and engaging to the players.

What is the significance of the sword from the BlizzCon trailer in the upcoming expansion?

The sword introduced in the BlizzCon trailer is a significant narrative element that is set to play out over the course of the Worldsoul Saga. It is not an immediate resolution but rather a plot device designed to build anticipation and drama over time.

How does Chris Metzen view the inclusion of allied races in World of Warcraft and their impact on the game's world-building?

Chris Metzen appreciates the inclusion of allied races as they add diversity and new player expression options. He sees it as a positive development that enriches the game's world and allows players to connect more deeply with their characters and the game's setting.

What can players expect from the narrative structure of 'The War Within' and the subsequent parts of the Worldsoul Saga?

Players can expect a narrative that is designed to unfold over time, with interconnected story threads and developments that will span multiple expansions. 'The War Within' is the first part of a larger story, and it is intended to rise and crescendo with its own max level campaign.

How does Chris Metzen perceive the role of creative direction in the development of World of Warcraft's story?

Chris Metzen views creative direction as a balance between having strong ideas and allowing the team to express themselves through the story. It involves listening to the team's instincts, incorporating their vision, and ensuring that everyone feels a sense of ownership and pride in the game's development.

What is the intended impact of the Worldsoul Saga on the future of World of Warcraft, especially in terms of setting up the game for the next 20 years?

The Worldsoul Saga is intended to be a culmination of 20 years of storytelling, creating a crescendo that fulfills the game's narrative promises while also setting the stage for future developments. It aims to establish a strong foundation for the game to continue evolving and engaging players for years to come.