Tigole on quest design problems
WoW-designer Jeff Kaplan (aka Tigole) recently shared some thoughts on quest design (or more specifically, common problems in quest design) at GDC. Most of these issues will ring a bell with anyone familiar with the game, but it’s interesting to see some of the reasons for certain design choices explained. It’s reassuring that Blizzard is aware of these problems and it’s impressive how upfront they are about their own mistakes. The most striking aspect Kaplan touched on is probably medium envy (Terra Nova has some interesting comments on this):
I feel like we need to deliver our story in a way that is uniquely video game. [...] we need to engage our players in sort of an inspiring experience, and the sooner we accept that we are not Shakespeare, Scorsese, Tolstoy or the Beatles, the better off we are.
If it makes us feel better, Shakespeare couldn’t 3D model his way out of a paper bag.
He also confessed that he’s the one responsible for the infamous “Green Hills of Stranglethorn” collection quest, apparently intent on introducing new players to the auction house.
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