As a passionate gamer myself, I can wholeheartedly relate to the profound impact video games like World of Warcraft have on people’s lives. The game has been a beacon of joy and camaraderie for countless individuals across the globe, including myself. It’s a unique platform where we can forge connections that transcend geographical boundaries, fostering friendships and shared experiences that often spill over into real life.
In a conversation with ComingSoon, Holly Longdale – Vice President and Executive Producer at World of Warcraft – discussed the game’s 20th anniversary milestone, Blizzard Entertainment’s involvement in the captivating Netflix documentary titled “The Extraordinary Life of Ibelin,” and how the game has consistently fostered connections among its players.
In the synopsis for the film, it’s stated that Mats Steen, a Norwegian gaming enthusiast, passed away at 25 due to a progressive muscle disorder. His parents believed he had led a solitary existence, until they began receiving condolences from online friends worldwide.
Tyler Treese: Initially, I’d like to discuss the exceptional community that World of Warcraft fosters in the gaming world. It’s not just about virtual battles; it’s a place where real-life connections are made. I’m curious if you could share some extraordinary tales from this community, and of course, we’ll delve into Mats’ story, which is truly amazing. But I’m also interested in hearing about other memorable moments from your years of involvement.
Holly Longdale: There’s a wide range of experiences. Often, we engage in games with friends, family, or alone, and then encounter other people’s narratives. I once spoke to a war veteran who had been abroad and was affected and wounded. The trauma from that incident, along with managing its aftermath, and seeking a secure environment were her struggles. She found solace in World of Warcraft, claiming it rescued her. It provided her motivation to wake up when she was in so much pain and healing. It offered her a group to connect with, including other veterans as well. Notably, the World of Warcraft community is quite dynamic, and we do have veterans within it. So, that’s one story.
Many players have families scattered worldwide who bond through the shared experience of playing World of Warcraft. This keeps families connected and brings them happiness. For instance, discussing my mom’s Mahjong games feels like saying, “I’m glad you went and played, Mom, but let’s team up and create some fun moments together.” It provides an enjoyable escape and resonates with many people. Couples have even gotten married, named their children after game characters and locations, and numerous pets share these names too! There are countless ways in which players connect on multiple levels. We also welcome deaf players who accomplish remarkable feats together, as well as visually impaired individuals who have mastered our game with the help of tools. Our community is filled with diverse stories of people who have triumphed over obstacles and found joy within World of Warcraft.
Here are some impressive instances, and it’s terrific that you brought up the accessibility features and the ongoing efforts in making gaming more inclusive, known as the a11y movement. It’s truly wonderful to observe this progress.
One captivating aspect of World of Warcraft lies in its two-decade longevity, serving as a consistent sanctuary for many. It’s like having a dependable friend that you can always return to, with its community remaining steadfast throughout. What makes this game particularly intriguing is witnessing it maintain support and endure – a new expansion has recently been released – truly standing the test of time.
Absolutely, it’s truly remarkable. As a veteran player with over two decades under my belt, I’ve been playing since the beta version launched. It’s the collective effort of an exceptional team, especially the pioneers who created Warcraft, that deserves much praise. The return of Chris Metzen has certainly rekindled our commitment to infuse every aspect of Azeroth with passion. Essentially, it’s not just about the gameplay experience, but also the emotions and joy it evokes. There’s a unique charm to it, a touch of humor that we’ve always preserved, making it a delightful journey throughout.
I find immense pleasure in coming up with names for our questlines that are both witty and punny. It brings a smile to my face. I believe it’s due to our enchanting, nostalgic art style which provides a refreshing break from daily routine. There seems to be a magical quality about it that keeps it relevant. Unlike other games, we don’t follow trends because we are distinct and consistent. Although we’ve updated and enhanced over time, maintaining the essence of WoW – whimsy, charm, and difficulty – has been crucial.
This game thrives on collaboration, where the essence lies in the idea that togetherness enhances life significantly. We constantly strive to strengthen these roots, understanding that community is paramount. Simultaneously, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the players are our partners in this journey. Their insights and feedback have been instrumental in shaping our decisions over the past two to three years. We listen attentively to their voices, observing their actions within the game, and endeavor to reinforce positive playstyles with the concept of “leave no player behind.” With a myriad of players enjoying diverse gaming experiences, we aim to offer as much variety as possible to preserve relevance, joy, and player engagement in World of Warcraft.
I think you made just an incredible point, which is that the actual game design leads people to the community. It’s so easy to be like, “Oh, I just want to disconnect from the world. I’m gonna isolate, I’m just gonna play this game for the next four hours.” But when it comes to World of Warcraft, you’re actually getting human interaction and even if your intention was to just get away, you’re actually getting rewarding human interaction in all that. That’s such a great result of the gameplay. That kind of loop of getting people into interacting with others is so special and makes World Warcraft so unique as well.
I do think, to your point, there’s something really magical about even if you do decide, “I’ve got an hour. I’ve got this goal. I wanna get in the game and just spend time on my own and take a breather.” You’re still surrounded and see people around you. There’s this idea of that even if I may not be grouping with someone or chatting with them directly, they’re there. You’re not alone. There’s something really comforting in that, even while you’re toodling around and soloing and taking on your tasks, that you’re part of something bigger.
I’d like to discuss an exceptional documentary, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin. I spoke with the director, Benjamin Ree, about it, and there’s an old saying: “It’s better to seek forgiveness than permission.” He shared that they were incredibly anxious because they had produced the film, then approached Blizzard, asking if they could use their IP and characters in this project. I was wondering if you could share some insights about the decision to approve it? It’s truly captivating to see the story expand, and the inclusion of those characters in the movie brings a unique, enriching dimension to this documentary.
Initially, when you encounter someone like Robert Steen, it’s not merely the tale that touches you, but meeting his family that truly resonates. The extraordinary story of Mats and his kin becomes inseparable from your feelings, and this is especially true given that you too have a family. Notably, Robert has become an advocate for gaming, emphasizing its potential to save lives, provide purpose, comfort, safety, and foster meaningful relationships.
This documentary is truly captivating. The scene that particularly moved me was when the father, at his son’s funeral, expressed regret about Mats not living a fulfilling life. However, as he learned about the overwhelming support and shared experiences Mats had through the online community, he came to understand the depth of his son’s friendships. It was a poignant moment. There’s even a humorous line where he admits that his son was quite the womanizer in World of Warcraft. It’s amusing, yet it underscores the multifaceted nature of Mats’ life and connections within the community. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this film.
The work we do each day has a significant and personal impact on people’s lives, which is both astounding and deeply meaningful for many of us on the team. Although we get engrossed in the nitty-gritty details and deadlines, it’s a powerful reminder of the influence our work holds and the positive difference we can make in people’s lives. We treat this responsibility with utmost seriousness and find it highly motivating, pushing us to strive for more and assist an even wider range of individuals. For instance, our recent arachnophobia filter transforming spider enemies into crabs is just one example of how we aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where people can be themselves and live as they choose. In essence, the impact of our work transcends the realm of making games, reaching an essential, profound level that matters deeply to us.
A key point the documentary emphasized for me was the worldwide popularity of the game, as it brought Mats into contact with players from various European countries. I’m aware that World of Warcraft is also incredibly popular in China, and this global appeal of the game is truly astounding. Could you elaborate on this aspect, as it’s easy to be oblivious to the fact that there are gamers engaged with this title across the globe, making it all the more mind-boggling when you consider it.
Mats’ guild, Starlight, gathered to comfort each other following Mats’ passing and to celebrate their friendship. It’s a reminder that despite the diverse ways people around the world play games, influenced by their unique cultures, we continually strive to be more understanding and serve our global community effectively over time.
We’re thrilled about our China re-entry and the dedicated team there who’s exploring unique ways of engagement. Even at ChinaJoy, I was accompanied by Ion Hazzikostas, our game director, and the enthusiasm for Warcraft was overwhelming. It’s a massive fanbase! Experiencing such passion reminds us of the profound influence games can have on people’s lives, bringing immense joy through digital entertainment and a connected community. We strive to continuously improve in this regard, ensuring that players worldwide find themselves represented within our game.
This week is significant for the game as we’re unveiling celebrations marking our 20th anniversary! What aspects of this event are you particularly looking forward to, so players can truly immerse themselves in the experience?
The revamped Tier 2 sets are a veritable treasure trove of nostalgia, brimming with exciting and interactive content. The developers have put in a considerable amount of effort, crafting a rich tapestry of newness that honors our past and present. In essence, we’ve taken a journey around a full circle, even as we’ve grown and changed over time. The narratives we’re revisiting now span the last two decades, much like our previous statement about the Worldsoul saga launching with The World Within, hinting at a return to familiar grounds.
For the past 20 years, our narrative has been unfolding, guiding us to where we are now, and this saga continues. This month, we’d like to pause and celebrate this significant milestone. In the coming weeks, we’ll be revealing some exciting news and updates – much like we do during our anniversary month. We’re thrilled! It’s not just about this particular moment, but we’re also looking forward to what lies ahead in Azeroth. We don’t foresee an end, only more adventures and fun!
Is it an ideal moment, given our latest expansion and festivities, to entice those who’ve taken a break to revisit the game again?
Without a doubt, this seems like the perfect moment, as far as I’m concerned. You’re essentially joining at the beginning stages of a fantastic tale. The response from the audience feels reminiscent of returning home with the storytelling. We’ve found our stride, and it’s working out well. With the new additions like Delves, the mini dungeons that allow you to advance either alone or with a companion, and Follower Dungeons for all dungeons in this expansion, allowing solo play with some companions if you prefer – we’re aiming to make the game accessible for everyone, regardless of playing style. In essence, yes, now is an excellent time. You’re embarking on a grand adventure. So why not join us?
Back at it again, daily gaming sessions with my better half. Life gets hectic sometimes, but when it comes to us, we’re more about the laid-back, “We can’t get enough of World of Warcraft” vibe. It’s pure delight, I tell you! Being a WoW enthusiast has never been this thrilling. Absolutely, it’s a fantastic time to be part of the WoW community!
Ultimately, what moved me deeply within the documentary was the portrayal of a mother connecting with her neurodivergent son through gaming. The boy disliked physical touch, but in the game they managed to hug, and this act helped them establish trust that carried over into real life. Witnessing this story in the film was incredibly heartwarming. It’s wonderful to see such unique bonding experiences unfold, whether it’s you and your spouse or that family, as gaming provides a special platform for people to connect on a deeper level.
Absolutely, thank you for your kind words. Your sentiment resonates deeply with me. If only we could share conversations like this with everyone, as there are countless heartwarming tales of how this game has added depth to lives, including mine. Reflecting on the past 25 years, who would have thought that I’d be not just involved in gaming, but spearheading what I believe is the finest game ever created? It truly feels like a dream come true, and it’s nothing short of magical. To work on this game with such an outstanding team and alongside our dedicated players is indeed a privilege.
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2024-10-22 23:40