Guiding Principle
Heyman and Scott made their guiding principle for evolving World of Warcraft set in the classic world clear for WoW Forever: "Everything must be authentic."
Rendering Technologies
Scott also covered rendering technologies and highlighted fog, lightning, and water. Below are examples the panel brought up specific to those to showcase them, including Dustwallow Marsh and Wetlands (fog), The Badlands (lightning), and Ashenvale (water).
Duskwood (Old and New)
Old Duskwood (left) / New Duskwood (right)
Zephras Isle Look and Feel
Here's a look at the new Zephras Isle starting zone for the Skyborne.
Theramore (Old and New)
Old Theramore (left) / New Theramore (right)
Ashenvale (Old and New)
Old Ashenvale (left) / New Ashenvale (right)
The Barrens (Old and New)
Old Barrens (left) / New Barrens (right)
Darkshore (Old and New)
Old Darkshore (left) / New Darkshore (right)
Felwood (Old and New)
Old Felwood (left) / New Felwood (right)
Durotar (Old and New)
Old Durotar (left) / New Durotar (right)
Dustwallow Marsh (Old and New)
Dustwallow Marsh was highlighted as an example zone for the new fog mechanics showcased during the "Evolving a Timeless World" panel.
Old Dustwallow Marsh (left) / New Dustwallow Marsh (right)
Wetlands (Old and New)
The Wetland was another example of their fog mechanics. Now, instead of the fog concealing the mountains near Ironforge, it's used differently, with the mountains visible off in the distance.
Old Wetlands (left) / New Wetlands (right)
The Badlands (Old and New)
The Badlands was another zone showcased specifically for lightning. In Classic WoW, the shadows below the building stayed there regardless of the time of day. Now, in WoW Forever, the shadows reflect the actual day/night cycle and the sun's position.
Old Badlands (left) / New Badlands(right)
Ashenvale River (Old and New)
Finally, Blizzard discussed the water in the game. In Classic WoW, water remained stagnant. In Wow Forever, the water is enhanced and actually flows downstream.
Old Ashenvale (left) / New Ashenvale (right)
