Addons in World of Warcraft are too powerful. With the next patch, Blizzard wants to impose even more restrictions.
It is now hard to imagine a World of Warcraft without interface addons. However, where addons have helped to customize the gaming experience, enable creative interface representations, or even allow role-playing in the game, there are also downsides. Especially in raids, addons indirectly lead to fights becoming increasingly difficult.
Something that Blizzard wants to actively address in the future – a path that has been started long ago.
What is the problem with addons? Addons (sometimes also “mods”) can change World of Warcraft in many ways. They overhaul the entire interface, provide role players with numerous options for character descriptions, allow an overview of all cooldowns within the group, or track performance in the form of a “damage meter”.
However, especially in raids, addons often make some fights significantly easier than originally intended by the developers. The infamous “Weak Auras” can often solve complex problems almost independently.
This leads Blizzard to a dilemma. If addons are widely used, mechanics must become more complex to make the fight more exciting. This, in turn, means that players without addons have a harder time and are more likely to resort to addons. A vicious circle that has reached its peak over several patches.
What is Blizzard doing about it? Already in past raids, Blizzard has indirectly limited the functionality of some addons. So-called “Private Auras” describe effects in the game that cannot be read by addons. This seems to have only been the beginning, as in an interview with PCGamer magazine, Game Director Ion Hazzikostas stated that further adjustments will follow:
I believe this is an area where it is very likely that we will continue to restrict functionality, as long as we ensure that the basic player experience provides players with the information they need to have an engaging time.
When will we see the effects of this? In a few weeks, the test realm for Patch 11.1 Undermine(d) is set to start. Then, the new raid will surely be tested, making the various bosses accessible. By that time, it should be clear whether Blizzard is already implementing the changes with the upcoming update and limiting the functionality of addons.
What do you think of Blizzard’s plans? Do you think it’s good if raid addons lose some functionality so that fights do not become overly complicated? Or can one not really play World of Warcraft at a high level without such addons?
WoW has some new ideas – especially for dungeons. But they are dividing the community.
