Blizzard Ends Biggest WoW Beta for $60 Classic Expansion Ahead of Nov. 4 Launch
Updated
Updated · Engadget · Nov 3
Blizzard Ends Biggest WoW Beta for $60 Classic Expansion Ahead of Nov. 4 Launch
3 articles · Updated · Engadget · Nov 3
Summary
Blizzard wrapped the largest beta in World of Warcraft history for WoW: Forever, a Classic-era expansion that launches on Nov. 4.
More than 1,000 new quests, new Azeroth zones, dungeons and raids anchor the release, while Blizzard keeps the level cap at 60 to emphasize horizontal progression over big power resets.
A $60 premium bundle was required for beta access, and Blizzard said the test still generated heavy player feedback as it tried to meet long-running demand for a 'Classic+' version of WoW.
Michael Nuthals said the team had to 'unlearn' modern WoW habits, repeatedly replaying original dungeons to make new content feel as if it could have shipped in 2004.
That design push also extends to class and item rebalancing, a new lighting pipeline and the addition of the Skyborne Elves, a new race that could test how much change Classic fans will accept.