WOW getting iterative graphics updates

Author: Joe Martin
Published: 1st September 2008
Comments (11) Stumble
World of Warcraft will be getting more gradual, iterative upgrades to the graphics according to Blizzard.

World of Warcraft will be getting more gradual, iterative upgrades to the graphics according to Blizzard.

World of Warcraft is getting a slow and gradual graphical update according to producer J. Allen Brack, not the mammoth graphic patch which some fans had hoped for.

Brack had previously intimated that a full graphics expansion would go hand-in-hand with the Wrath of the Lich King expansion due our later this year, but now it appears that the developer is favouring a more organic and iterative approach to development.

"It's important to note that in general we're taking an iterative, organic approach to graphics upgrades, going feature by feature as opposed to thinking in terms of an overall 'new graphics engine'," Brack said in an interview with a WOW fansite.

"For example, we've discussed plans for new visuals for water, but this would be for a future content update or expansion."

Thankfully, Brack did offer some news about what players can expect to see in the upcoming expansion, which should titillate all of those who haven't had a beta invite.

"We do have some graphics updates coming with Wrath of the Lich King, namely in three areas: shadow system, shader technology, and view distance. The shadow system will greatly improve the look of existing shadows, and players will be able to display both character and structure shadows," he said.

"The new shader technology we've implemented enables the team to create even better looking terrain, as well as some cool ice effects. And, the view distance has been increased, so players will be able to see farther than ever before in Northrend."

Are you are World of Warcraft addict or do you abhor MMOs like WOW, along with all other abbreviations? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
Quote liratheal 1st September 2008, 11:51
I.. Simply don't understand the point of that. Unless the idea is to change it in such small amounts that the users end up not noticing?

God only knows.
Quote HugoB 1st September 2008, 11:51
It's a muh-mor-puh-guh!

Seriously, though, who plays WoW for the graphics anyway?
Quote wuyanxu 1st September 2008, 12:07
not only people don't play WoW for graphics, people who plays WoW usually don't have a good computer.

Crysis get better graphics = good
WoW get better graphics = meh
Quote TomH 1st September 2008, 13:08
The reasoning is obvious: keep your new, potential players interested. If there's one thing we should have learnt over the years, it's that idiots (and even your more seasoned gamer) will buy games that 'look' good.

They're just trying to ensure that some new MMO with flashier graphics, doesn't steal their new (and old) user bases. There does seem to be a lot more MMO competition out there, since Blizzard's whirlwind (arf) success.
Quote docodine 1st September 2008, 20:57
Quote:
Originally Posted by TomH
The reasoning is obvious: keep your new, potential players interested. If there's one thing we should have learnt over the years, it's that idiots (and even your more seasoned gamer) will buy games that 'look' good.

They're just trying to ensure that some new MMO with flashier graphics, doesn't steal their new (and old) user bases. There does seem to be a lot more MMO competition out there, since Blizzard's whirlwind (arf) success.

+1

WoW is aging a bit, what's the harm in upgrading their #1 franchise? If it ends up looking like Oblivion, I might even start playing.
Quote Fishlock 1st September 2008, 21:36
I myself look forward to even the smallest of graphical updates. No harm in it, is there?

/Looks forward to WotLK very much.
Quote EmJay 1st September 2008, 21:47
Sounds like as good a plan as any. This'll keep it from looking too horribly out of date, without alienating the people who are already running it. At least, in theory. I hope it works out well.

I need to do a platform upgrade (socket 939 board is dying), maybe now I have an excuse to update the graphics card as well...
Quote Jasio 1st September 2008, 22:20
EVE Online did something similar not long ago, overhauling their circa 2001 graphics with a free expansion that overhauled huge parts of the game engine, added DX10 graphics and made the game look like a 2008 title. Though CCP did it all in one nice big update so there was a real "wow!!" factor when you logged into and crapped your pants when your ship went from looking like a colorful shape to an actual warship :P

Though I don't play WoW anymore, a graphics upgrade is always a good thing, especially for your #1 title.
Quote Cobalt 1st September 2008, 22:28
Wow graphics are eye bleedingly bad. There are much older games out there which manage to look good despite the obviously low poly counts and small texture size. The garish colour pallet doesn't help.
Quote *mat-ster* 2nd September 2008, 01:03
I deleted my level 70 Pally and gave over 8000 gold to the guild bank last week...!

:(

WoW is a VERY addictive game but when you realise the graphics are truly woefull (the boat for axample)........and the "gameplay" is non-existant and toatally unbalanced you wake up and smell the roses....:|

What you don't believe me ok - how many times do you get owned by groups of rouges in BG's, how may 10 year old kids play this game instead of doing "homework".

Can you go on WoW for a 10 min blast!

Killing the same boss over and over again for a "1 arm bandit style" drop is stupid....!
I would like to see a MMO that uses realtime ability e.g. FPS along with talent style powers and "strategy" instead of "corner pull" for example..

I am sure a new MMORPG will start to threaten WOW, a game that rewards skill rather than time spent playing...the NEW Star Wars
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/New-Star-Wars-MMORPG-in-the-Making-7052.html has big money backing and is rummored to be using the latest graphics etc......

Lets just hope the mistakes of Hellgate are considered carefully...

Matt
Quote UrbanMarine 2nd September 2008, 15:14
4years of wow is enough and new graphics are not going to bring me back. Come on WAR sept18.
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