battleaxe
10-11-2008, 07:12 PM
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The World of Warcraft User Interface discussion was an interesting one at BLizzCon 2008 on Friday. Several changes that accompany the launch of Wrath of the Lich King were highlighted.
The User Interface lead for World of Warcraft, Tom Thompson, and designer Derek Sakamoto, began the panel discussions by outlining some of their approached to UI design. Of the greatest importance was the need to have game play flow through the UI with ease. Enabling gamers to enjoy a the plethora of elements within the UI in a quick and simple manner. They went on to mention that some things required a few minutes to comprehend but in the end they were very pleased with the capacity for gamers to master the UI.
Several mock up designs for the UI were on display and the y guys explained the painstaking effort that went into the process for such a vast number of functions in a User Interface. The challenge their team faces show great skill on their part - definite gurus of ergonomics, aesthetics and game play...
Death Knight - Hero Class UI
As their presentation progressed, they jumped into the foray of the Death Knight class. Complete with health meter, rune timers in the character portrait area.
Some changes to the key rings, and there is an additional 'show row' button to open rows for the main menu bar at the bottom. The lag meter was moved and the bag icons are a little smaller. Pets and mounts will be stores in the character menu via a new tab and tokens will show along side currencies, freeing up the valuable bag space that gamers have been clamoring for, and the cheers in the audience were soon echoed in the forums.
The duo eluded to a 'dual spec' system that would save time for gamers who would often go and 're-spec" between in game activities (i.e. going for a PVP battleground to a PVE dungeon or instance)
All in all the improvements show again that Blizzard is focused on it gamers and will spare no effort to keep them interested.. and of course PlAYING.
The World of Warcraft User Interface discussion was an interesting one at BLizzCon 2008 on Friday. Several changes that accompany the launch of Wrath of the Lich King were highlighted.
The User Interface lead for World of Warcraft, Tom Thompson, and designer Derek Sakamoto, began the panel discussions by outlining some of their approached to UI design. Of the greatest importance was the need to have game play flow through the UI with ease. Enabling gamers to enjoy a the plethora of elements within the UI in a quick and simple manner. They went on to mention that some things required a few minutes to comprehend but in the end they were very pleased with the capacity for gamers to master the UI.
Several mock up designs for the UI were on display and the y guys explained the painstaking effort that went into the process for such a vast number of functions in a User Interface. The challenge their team faces show great skill on their part - definite gurus of ergonomics, aesthetics and game play...
Death Knight - Hero Class UI
As their presentation progressed, they jumped into the foray of the Death Knight class. Complete with health meter, rune timers in the character portrait area.
Some changes to the key rings, and there is an additional 'show row' button to open rows for the main menu bar at the bottom. The lag meter was moved and the bag icons are a little smaller. Pets and mounts will be stores in the character menu via a new tab and tokens will show along side currencies, freeing up the valuable bag space that gamers have been clamoring for, and the cheers in the audience were soon echoed in the forums.
The duo eluded to a 'dual spec' system that would save time for gamers who would often go and 're-spec" between in game activities (i.e. going for a PVP battleground to a PVE dungeon or instance)
All in all the improvements show again that Blizzard is focused on it gamers and will spare no effort to keep them interested.. and of course PlAYING.