World of Warcraftis making history in its next content update. For the first time ever, Patch 10.1.5, Fractures in Time, is adding a brand-new specialization to the game with the Augmentation Evoker. Were that not exciting enough, Augmentation provides a unique support playstyle to the DPS role that shines by buffing their allies. This spec is creating a new paradigm forWorld of Warcraft.
Game Rant talked toWorld of Warcraftsenior game designer Graham Berger about how the new Evoker specialization came to be. Designing a new specialization partway through an expansion is no easy task, let alone making a completely new style of play. Berger shared the process of how the Augmentation Evoker came to be, and what it could mean for the future ofWorld of Warcraft.
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Creating World of Warcraft History with the Evoker
The idea for the Augmentation specialization came into being early on in the process of designing the Evoker. “It was something we talked about super early on from the very beginning,” Berger confirmed. However, the unique quality of the Augmentation Evoker as a support DPS meantWorld of Warcraftneeded time to perfect the idea. “We decided we were going to need time to get [Augmentation] right, where we can fit it in later while stillbeing a part of Dragonflight’s storyoverall.”
That said, the concept for Augmentation was a natural fit. The Devastation spec primarily uses Blue and Red magic, while Preservation focuses on the Bronze and Green Dragonflights. This left the magic of theBlack Dragons ofWorld of Warcrafton the table, waiting for use. “We have a couple [class-wide Black Dragon] spells in the class,” Berger said, ”but that’s not the same sort of full kit you see with the two specs.” The Augmentation spec also focuses on Bronze magic due to its unique nature. “We don’t get to mess with time magic as players very often, so taking that to its fullest was really exciting.”
When players first discovered hints of a third specialization coming for Evokers, many assumed it would be a tank. “The themes of Black Dragon magic would lend themselves to a tank pretty naturally,” Berger admitted. Even so,World of Warcraftdecided to make it a support DPSfor two reasons: the Evoker’s core identity is as a mid-range caster, and the idea of finally making a support archetype was too tempting to pass up.
“Frankly, this support playstyle, as we started to talk about it, the team was just really excited. It was less that we don’t want to do a tank for some reason, but we wanted to build this support playstyle. This sounds awesome, we’re all stoked about it. Any time you can get the team really excited and passionate about something, you know it’s going to be awesome.”
Balancing the Augmentation Evoker is a tricky task. Part of their contribution to a party’s damage comes from the buffs they give to other players. But, at the end of the day, Augmentation is a spec like any other. “Every value they have, every buff they give is numerical in some way. We can adjust that up and down as needed.” Though it provides a unique challenge for balance, Berger believesWorld of Warcrafthas what it takes to make the Augmentation Evoker shine.
How Augmentation Could Change World of Warcraft Forever
Making the Augmentation Evoker required the perfect storm. The time, story, and gameplay all supported the creation of not only a third spec, but a new damage-dealing archetype as well. “Doing something as cool as getting a new spec for [the Dracthyr’s story]? I don’t know if we could do something bigger than that!” However, Berger explained that players shouldn’t expectWorld of Warcraftto do so again lightly.
“It took a lot of boxes being checked to make [Augmentation] a reality. Going forward, which I think is the natural question, those things still have to be true. What’s the story the game is trying to tell? Is this the right time? What are we adding to the game? Is it something players want? Is it something that’s going to help us push World of Warcraft forward? All those things have to be in place.”
World of Warcrafttechnically did add a new specialization once before by spinning off the Guardian Druid from Feral, but Augmentation is the first time it has added a fully-original one. Now thatWorld of Warcrafthas proven it can add new specializationsto existing classes, it is not off the table in the future if the time is right.
Berger also explained that adding the Augmentation Evoker in the middle of a raid season was ideal. “We’re not disrupting the race to world first or things like that. Things are on farm for a lot of groups, so get in there, try it out. If it gets tuned up or down before Season 3 comes out, you’ll have a lot of notice in advance.” Having therest of Dragonflight Season 2to iron out the specialization will hopefully ensure it does not disrupt the balance of Season 3.
The support-style damage dealer archetype added by Augmentation is an exciting one for both players and the developers. While Berger confirmed no such specializations are being worked on right now,World of Warcraftis open to exploring support classesfurther in the future, especially if Augmentation is a big hit.
“Whether we do them or not is really going to depend on how the community reacts to Augmentation. We believe there’s an audience for this playstyle. Is it an audience that wants a ton of options? Are they looking for more? And again, does it fit with the story we’re telling in future expansions?”
At the end of the day, player reception is what will make or break the idea of adding extra specializations to existing classes, or building up the support archetype further. ”Players are excited to play it,” Berger said. “That’s always the main goal. Are people having fun?“ As always,feedback is important to Berger and theWorld of Warcraftdevelopers, so if players like how this new support archetype plays, they should be sure to let Blizzard know that they would love to see more in the future.
