The randomness factor in WoW is worse than ever. Or is it? At least the WoW lead developer sees it differently.
Many veterans of World of Warcraft often fondly remember the “good old days” of Classic and The Burning Crusade. Back then, the air was cleaner, the fel was greener, and RNG was not a fixed part of the game – or was it?
In an interview with the YouTuber and streamer from FatbossTV with Ion Hazzikostas from Blizzard, many small niche topics were discussed, including one that has been a particular thorn in the community’s side since Legion: RNG.
The community’s perception that WoW currently has more RNG “than ever before” is simply wrong.
Hazzikostas explains Blizzard’s approach: The number of items that an individual player receives (Personal Loot, World Quests, Bonus Rolls, etc.) has been significantly increased. As a result, the chance of obtaining at least a small upgrade from one of the many sources has risen.
Certainly, there are some points – such as legendary items – where the RNG is considered particularly annoying by some players.
In Burning Crusade, RNG was much more devastating
But back then, during The Burning Crusade, the problem was even more severe. Good gear was almost exclusively available from raids. An item like the Drachenwirbeltrophäe from Gruul made a difference of nearly 15% DPS. And that item dropped only about 20% of the time and then had to be distributed to a single player in the group. Those who simply had “bad luck” fell far behind their colleagues – much more than is the case today.
The basic feeling of the hunt for the “perfect” item is something that one wants to preserve at all costs. A currency system where all things are guaranteed would ruin that feeling and also take away the joy of finally holding the coveted object in one’s hands.
Therefore, World of Warcraft has always had a share of RNG, and it was significantly higher in the past – especially with The Burning Crusade.
Do you agree with Hazzikostas’ view? Or was the RNG in WoW back then not that significant? Or did people simply not perceive it as strongly because not every detail was discussed?
