Why chances for a new class are slim

#0 - Feb. 1, 2007, 6:18 p.m.

Because for one, they've pretty much covered all the meelee, caster, and hybrid ideas. Most all of the special moves and hero abilities from WC3 have already been applied to the 9 classes, and to take the leftovers and make a new class out of them would be too unfocused. More than like ly they will find more ways to expand on the current classes, maybe create some more talent branches or something.
For two, if only one new class came out with the expansion, then EVERYBODY would roll one at the same time, and there would only be a bunch of new whatevers running around in the newbie zones with none of the other classes to balance out parties. Imagine only being able to get a party with four other people of your same class because nobody wanted to roll any of the old classes?

Tseric

#6 - Feb. 1, 2007, 6:40 p.m.

I don't know if any of you saw or read the transcript of Rob Pardo's keynote speech at the GDC not too long ago.

One of his topics was the idea of 'concentrated coolness'. Part of what has gone into class foundation was taking some of the classes from previous Warcraft games, like Blademaster and Grunt, and merging abilities into a single class. Each class in the World of Warcraft draws some characteristics from Warcraft design history to make them a distinct class in this game.

Part of that relies on purpose of the class and its place in the 'pantheon' of all classes. While many folks obviously want a new class, the distinction of this class should be defined by new abilities and purpose, not just a fresh coat of paint to make it seem new at the start, but really not bring anything original in terms of game play or long-term usefulness. We don't really want to copy/paste a bunch of old abilities and rearrange them into a new class, rather this new class should have distinct abilities and purpose for the game.

For discussion, what other 'jobs' (referring to things like DPS, CC, Tanking, Healing, etc.) would a new class bring to the table that would find them a desirable addition to a group scenario?

Keep in mind, if you say something along the lines of 'pure support' or 'a bard-like character', they still need the necessary tools to solo through the game, which means some sort of DPS or attack power.

Tseric

#14 - Feb. 1, 2007, 6:48 p.m.

Q u o t e:
seems like most class roles are already filled, what would a new class do besides "steal" from other classes?

Indeed. While we continue to develop technology and new code to allow for continued addition to the vast database of player/creature abilities, we still work within certain conditions of what 'can be done' within the architecture of the game. Iterations or varieties of tanking abilities or healing abilities have been and will likely continue to be assigned to the appropriate existing classes. Considering, also, that talents of the existing classes will continue to be developed.