2020 is a year that has seen all forms of entertainment adapt and change due to cultural, political, social and physical shifts. One of the most significant is the greater awareness and necessity of diversity within the entertainment industry. It was earlier this week that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled new diversity requirements for best picture nominations at the Oscars. Yet the video game industry is not exempt from the new social movement and even older games are making some changes.
World of Warcraft might be nearing two decades since the original version of the immensely popular MMORPG first released, but the game is still getting supported with new content. The upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands expansion is one of the biggest games of the fall with its October release date, but it seems the latest expansion is bringing a smaller but crucial change.
The news comes from Blizzard's recent Shadowlands Press Event where it was announced that the NPCs of Stormwind City would be getting a shakeup. Both guards and civilians around the capital of the Alliance, including some named NPCs, will be updated to reflect greater representation. This change stems from the announcement at Blizzcon 2019 that Shadowlands was introducing diversity options for player characters.
Website WoWHead had previously interviewed World of Warcraft Art Director Ely Cannon who acknowledged that the change needed to happen back in July. With the game adding more diversity to character customization, Cannon was asked about those character tools and the possibility of applying them to NPCs. Cannon stated then that players should "expect to see more of that diversity and customization" going forward with World of Warcraft as a whole.
While mega-industries like films and video games are making these changes for more inclusive mediums, even more niche entities are stepping up to create more welcoming products. Wizards of the Coast announced that it would be making changes to the now near 50-year-old Role Playing Game Dungeons and Dragons. The company stated that it would promote diversity in DnD with regards to races and writing.
While it might seem like a small change, diversity is an important aspect within any creative effort and games are no different. Blizzard is attempting to make World of Warcraft more welcoming, even 16 years after it released to dominate the MMO landscape. Stormwind may only be the start of the whole of Azeroth getting a much needed makeover for NPCs.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands will become available on October 27th, 2020 for PC.