For developers Darren Williams and Ely Cannon, World of Warcraft is a labour of love. They've been working on the MMORPG for a combined 33 years and have seen countless evolutions – from design to technology to community – throughout the game's history.
The pair spoke about the franchise's roots and what makes it so special today. Learn how the art, engineering and lore teams work together – alongside the fans – to make the game's setting of Azeroth feel like a real place.
00:00 Introduction
02:55 The developers' first experience with Warcraft
04:07 What makes Warcraft 1 & 2 special?
06:38 How early Warcraft influenced World of Warcraft
09:27 What Makes World of Warcraft feel like World of Warcraft?
12:06 How does art & engineering bring World of Warcraft to life?
13:55 The Kul Turas and creating a new civilisation
16:55 Building underground zones
18:22 The World of Warcaft Lore team
20:51 Working on a new expansion
26:38 Graphics updates and retaining style and identity
35:49 Combat – the first major World of Warcraft update
40:40 World of Warcraft Classic – capturing 2004 nostalgia
45:40 Running World of Warcraft Classic on modern tech
49:05 Easter eggs
55:09 Advice for new game developers
1:03:28 Maintaining team culture over 21 years
1:07:12 - Has player behaviour led to a new mechanic or content
1:08:11 - Design principes in cinematics
1:12:12 - The game engine
1:15:57 Is there a Secrets team?
1:17:00 Favourites