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

World of Warcraft's upcoming housing system: A contrast to Final Fantasy XIV.

Blizzard has offered a sneak peek at the player housing feature coming to World of Warcraft: Midnight, highlighting key differences from Final Fantasy XIV's approach. The WoW team emphasizes accessibility, stating a goal of "A Home for Everyone." Unlike FFXIV's system, WoW's housing will avoid exorbitant costs, lotteries, and harsh penalties for lapsed subscriptions. Players will be able to acquire and personalize homes without fear of repossession.

World of Warcraft aims to address common housing frustrations experienced in other MMOs. The design prioritizes inclusivity, allowing shared access among Warband members regardless of character race or faction. While a Human character might not purchase a home in a Horde zone, a Warband member's Troll character can, providing access for all.

While the number of housing zones will be 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 less restrictive approach compared to FFXIV's server-limited plots.

Blizzard's commitment to player housing extends beyond the initial launch. They envision a "long-lasting journey" with ongoing updates and expansions planned for future patches. This commitment, coupled with their acknowledgement of FFXIV's housing challenges, suggests a deliberate effort to avoid similar pitfalls.

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