Jump to content
FORUMS
Sign in to follow this  
Stan

Patch 7.3: New Caster Animations

Recommended Posts

LiKiHNV.jpg

With 7.3 on the horizon, Blizzard did an official preview of new caster animations with videos and developer comments.

Blizzard LogoBlizzard (Source)

With patch 7.3 on the horizon, we thought it was time to share some updates to combat animations for several casting classes. Similar to what we did with the melee classes at the launch of Legion, these updates are all about priests, mages, Restoration and Elemental shaman, and some additional refinements to Restoration druid casting animations! We’re also continuing to work on even more enhancements for additional classes at a later point in development.

A little over two years ago, we set our sights on revamping combat animations. The team has wanted to renovate it somehow, but what exactly does that mean? To determine the answer, our development leadership put together a small group of people to come up with a prototype of what we thought could use some cleaning up. You are currently experiencing the fruits of this work with the new melee animations. Our final goal was to create new melee moves that would make the game feel better, but not change how the game was played. During this prototype phase, we also came up with a plan for casters, but didn’t have time to put it into production until now. Let’s dig into some of the things we did.

WoW has grown a lot over the last decade, and after we took stock of our combat pacing, it was clear that we needed to deliver a much tighter and more responsive experience for every button you press. Back in the days of simply chain-casting Frostbolt, it didn’t really matter how much time it took your character to go from precast to missile launch. Today, you have a suite of spells at your fingertips where cast times have sped up and split-second decision making is key. To help the way the game is currently played, we wanted more timing consistency.

Keeping this split-second decision making in mind for the new cast animations, we found a sweet spot between game play responsiveness and striking, weighty animation. The punchiness of our new animations were working so well, we decided to revisit our original cast animations with a fresh eye on what we had learned—while keeping the style and uniqueness of the classic cast animations for every race. The only thing we touched was the time it took to hit the cast pose since, in the live game, each race’s cast timing is different. This ensured that every spell cast with our new class animations or our iconic racial animations had the same punchy and responsive feel.

Ultimately, our main goals remained the same for our next chapter in updating combat; retain the individuality and identity of what came before, pay off epic moments over the course of a battle, and update the game as seamlessly as possible. If we did our jobs right, it should feel as though it has always been this way. Our work should blend into the background so you can focus on melting, smashing, cursing, crushing, igniting, stabbing, purifying, and exploding your foes into unfathomably tiny bits.

ADAM KUGLER, LEAD CLASS DESIGNER

With animation, the first things you might notice are all new caster ready idles. Currently, after you cast a spell, the character goes back to their stand animation. For this revamp, we wanted to create distinct idles that conveyed the personality of the caster much like how a melee class does while holding two swords or a giant, two-handed axe. This was tricky since class fantasy is very personal and no two people have the same idea on how a mage or shaman should stand.

We also looked at what we could do with spells that had a cast time. Currently, directed and omni (area of effect) spells loop as the spell builds up before firing. These are distinct animations we had no intention of removing, but to fit the idea of a spell building up, we thought a strong, progressive motion showing the character pulling magic from the ground or gathering it from the air would look cool. So that’s what we did with the new precast animations. Again, class fantasy was a factor with this—how exactly does a shaman pull magic from the ground?

We also created a bunch of quick, single-handed animations to add variety to instant spells. These look especially neat as you run around casting with your right and left hands. Beefier spells now have stronger straight arm moves, while curses fire with a flick of the wrist.

KEVIN RUCKER, SENIOR ANIMATOR

The next step for revamped animations was revamped spell effects to go along with them! This was a tricky undertaking, especially for iconic spells. The goal was to pay homage to the original—but in some cases, we needed to completely reimagine the spell. It gave us a chance to define what each kit of magic should look like and with higher fidelity than what was possible in classic WoW. With that in mind, we aimed to work our way towards snappier, more modern spell effects without trampling too much on sacred ground. Overall, we needed the combat for casters to look and feel more exciting and rewarding while keeping a unique visual identity for each class and spec.

For example, with the BlizzardBlizzard spell, we kept all the same elements of the original, but brought them in line with more modern effects. We also defined what makes this frost mage-like (wispy, magical, precise) as opposed to shaman frost (naturalist, elemental, realistic) or death knight frost (bitter, aggressive, sinister). This is a good example of an homage spell, where we wanted to keep the intention of the original spell.

With Arcane MissilesArcane Missiles, on the other hand, we reimagined what it could look like. We kept the iconic structure of five bursts of four missiles, but got creative with the rest. What should a mage’s Arcane magic look like? Chaotic firecracker-like sparkle explosions? We think so!

The effects revamp effort was all about the balance between paying homage to the original feel and reimagining everything. How do we breathe new life into each spec, but make sure we retain the core identity? How do we build a tighter, more cohesive class fantasy around spells players have been casting for 12+ years? How do we make sure all these fancy new effects don’t tank your graphical performance? It has been a long, careful balancing act between what we, as artists, want it to look like and what you, as players, want it to feel like. We’re psyched about how it turned out and we hope you’re equally psyched to run around casting your improved spells!

SARAH CARMODY, FX ARTIST

We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at the new caster visual updates. We had lots of fun creating all these animations and effects and look forward to hearing your thoughts on them.

  • Like 4

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, that whole cheesy talk of the next expansion having custom model changes doesn't seem so far-fetched after all; with those new animations seem polished enough that Blizzard is planning a complete overhaul to the characters. I really like how smooth those movements are. Each class having its own battle stance is something I've been wanting for a long time.

Edited by Valhalen
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I remember across games I've played there's always been that signature little move or spell that you use upon logging in and keep it running, toggled on or refreshed as necessary that you cannot imagine your toon being without. For a long time, it was Inner Fire for my Priest; Aspects for Hunters was a nice idea, but the concept has never been 'yeah, this is it' to me. I'm hoping these animations bring back a little bit of that magic and sentimental attachment to the class and spells themselves. 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This looks really cool, but I don't understand that they didn't use any weapon at all. I mean those are artefact that are supposed to be the strongest weapons ever ! I wouldn't mind if it was "normal" weapons and I think the main issue is that we have so many different weapon possible to equip that if they want to bring class fantasy animation + alternative with weapons equipable that would be a lot of work. But that's just sad :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

most of these are hit and miss for me some are like huge fireworks in the sky while others are those lame little sparklers. 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
On 8/17/2017 at 11:52 AM, Tri said:

most of these are hit and miss for me some are like huge fireworks in the sky while others are those lame little sparklers. 

+1 to this. Getting seriously mixed vibes from them so far. Hopefully seeing them on live and playing with them will change my mind a bit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Seeing as they're still working hard on updating animations (Warlock specifically) even post-7.3.0, I remain hopeful that they'll continue to polish these!

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
On 8/19/2017 at 9:00 AM, Yridaa said:

Seeing as they're still working hard on updating animations (Warlock specifically) even post-7.3.0, I remain hopeful that they'll continue to polish these!

Yeah - I'm a bit disappointed honestly that Warlock isn't coming out with the others, but I can't wait to see them when they are done.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
Sign in to follow this  

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

  • Similar Content

    • By Staff
      Blizzard responded to some unclear issues around the Slayer Hero Talent tree, clarifying Bladestorm-related issues. You can check out the Slayer Hero talent tree here. 
      Slayer (Source)
      Hello. We’d like to answer a couple of questions we’ve seen for Slayer:
      The brief Bladestorm from Frenetic Flurry will fit in the GCD from the ability that triggered it, the intent is that it should not impact your rotation. The ability to use Pummel and Storm Bolt while Bladestorming applies during all Bladestorms, not just the one triggered from Frenetic Flurry.
      Likewise, all Bladestorm damage events will trigger Overwhelming Blades, including Frenetic Flurry and the additional ticks from Imminent Demise.
      Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming!
    • By Stan
      In a Media & Society class, the professor decided to show their students the iconic Leeroy Jenkins video, which is nearing its 19th anniversary on May 11.
      A Reddit user, MineChris395, shared an interesting story about how their professor used the video to illustrate the growing influence of video games and their emergence as a form of viral media.
      The professor took the opportunity to explain how video gaming aligns with historical media trends, emphasizing the vast market gaming occupies today and its potential future growth.
      You can watch the video below in glorious 420p.
      The class was engaging and filled with laughter, as students enjoyed both the humor of the video and the insightful discussion on the impact of gaming in the media landscape, according to the OP.
      Source: Reddit
    • By Stan
      Dragonflight Season 4 is set to launch in just a few weeks, and we're checking out the rewards that will be removed when it kicks off. 
      Season 4 is just a few weeks away, and although Blizzard hasn't set a concrete release date for the newest Dragonflight season yet, there are certain achievements and rewards that will vanish once it kicks off. Let's take a closer look!
      Mythic+ Category
      Dragonflight Keystone Master: Season Three
      First, the Season 3 KSM achievement that requires players to obtain a Mythic+ Rating of at least 2,000 is going away, and with it, players will no longer be able to earn Verdant Armoredon.

      Dragonflight Keystone Hero: Season Three
      While this achievement does not come with any notable rewards, you can no longer earn it come Season 4.
      Mythic Dungeon Portals
      With Season 4, the dungeon rotation is getting a shake-up, meaning some dungeon teleports will become unattainable, unless they make a comeback in a later season. To secure these teleports, you'll need to complete a Mythic +20 or higher keystone dungeon within the time limit in Season 3.
      Keystone Hero: Atal'Dazar Keystone Hero: Black Rook Hold Keystone Hero: Darkheart Thicket Keystone Hero: The Everbloom Keystone Hero: Throne of the Tides Keystone Hero: Waycrest Manor Raids Category
      Two achievements are going away with the launch of Season 4:
      Ahead of the Curve: Fyrakk the Blazing
      The Amirdrassil AoTC achievement will be removed with Season 4. You must defeat Fyrakk on Heroic Difficulty or higher to get it.
      Cutting Edge: Fyrakk the Blazing
      The achievement to defeat Fyrakk on Mythic Difficulty is going away too.
      PvP Category
      The Season 3 Elite PvP transmog gear will no longer be obtainable when Season 4 starts.
      Gladiator: Dragonflight Season 3
      Verdant Gladiator's Slitherdrake, the Season 3 gladiator mount will no longer be obtainable when Season 4 starts. To get the mount you must win 50 games as a Gladiator in Dragonflight Season 3 in 3v3.

      Verdant Gladiator: Dragonflight Season 3
      The "Verdant Gladiator" title is going away in Season 4. You must end Dragonflight PvP Season 3 in the top 0.1% of the 3v3 arena ladder to get it.
      Verdant Legend: Dragonflight Season 3
      The "Verdant Legend" title from the Solo Shuffle ladder is going away in Season 4.
    • By Starym
      The final week of 10.2.5 has (almost) passed and we also have the results of last week's class tuning to check out as well! Tomorrow's 10.2.6 isn't looking to bring too many class changes (if any), but we can't be sure since we don't even know what the patch is. Season 4 isn't starting yet so we'll be hanging out in Amirdrassil for a few more weeks at least, so let's see how things are shaping up.
      Note: We are using Normalized scores instead of raw DPS for the Warcraft Logs rankings. The u.gg rankings at the bottom are raw DPS. Normalized scores take into account the outlier boss fights where certain specs could stack massive DPS (due to the nature of the fight, whether it's AoE spam or something else), which would then affect their overall score for the whole raid.
      Mythic
      Overall Damage 95th Percentile
      We're seeing some big changes around the top, but they're not at all tuning-related! The DKs have joined forces, but it's the non-Fyr'alath-wielding one that's taken the lead, as Frost moves into 2nd, while Unholy takes 3rd. Fury and Retribution move down to make room for the red ones, and we do see the first results of the tuning right after them.
      Frost took its buffs and moved a colossal 16 spots up into 6th, bumping fellow Mage Arcane down one in the process. Elemental takes down Shadow for 9th, using its 3% buff to move up 8 spots, and the Priest closes out the top 10, sitting in a Shaman sandwich. Marksmanship and Survival stick together and use their 3% buffs to move out of the bottom. They land in 13th and 14th, with Survival making a much bigger leap, gaining 10 spots and escaping the bottom 3. Speaking of the bottom, we see Beast Mastery drop down to the final 3 as Survival escapes, joined by Affliction, which showcases the huge difference in the raw DPS and points-based rankings, as the Warlock spec is No.1 in the raw DPS ones below!

      95th percentile Mythic data by Warcraft Logs.
      Overall Damage All Percentiles
      The generalist bracket is more stable and slower moving, as usual, so there isn't that much to see at the top. Down in 6th we do see a big change, as Survival uses it's buff to make an 11-spot leap, just past Unholy. Arcane loses two spots to the Hunter and DK, landing just above a stable Fire and Frost DK. Frost Mage's buffs haven't had a big impact here yet, but the spec does move out of the bottom 3, gaining 4 spots and moving up. Marksmanship moves towards the middle of the pack, buffs in hand, and finds itself gaining 6 spots. This opens up the bottom 3, and it seems there must always be a Hunter at the bottom, with Beast Mastery taking its place there, joined by Feral.
      All percentiles Mythic data by Warcraft Logs.
      Boss Only Damage All Percentiles
      Survival is on the move here as well, gaining 8 spots and moving into 7th, as everything above it remains stable. Elemental also makes a move using its 3% buff, closing out the top 10 and gaining 7 spots.
      All percentiles Mythic data by Warcraft Logs.
      Heroic
      Overall Damage All Percentiles
      We go down to 8th to see the first change in Heroic, as Shadow moves 4 spots up, just ahead of Survival, which gains 9 spots in 9th.

      All percentiles Heroic data by Warcraft Logs.
      U.GG Raw DPS Rankings
      U.gg's rankings are based on actual DPS taken from Warcraft Logs data, focusing on the top players and span the past two weeks. This chart is for Mythic only.
      We're not going to be seeing quite as many drastic changes here, as the raw DPS chart tracks the past two weeks, but there's still plenty to see. Affliction ends the patch at the very top, pretty much the opposite of its position in the points-based rankings. Fury manages to push into 2nd, bumping the Rogue down to 3rd. Unholy makes some more moves and gains two in 9th, joining up with its fellow DK. We do see Frost Mage starting to make its buffed move up, gaining 4 spots to get out of the bottom 3, where it leaves Feral to take its place.
      Mythic chart by u.gg.
       
      Meanwhile, if you're looking for more information you can check out our Dragonflight class guides, Amirdrassil boss guides, the raid DPS tier list, as well as more data from Warcraft Logs here.
    • By Staff
      This week's highlights include the launch of Patch 10.2.6, the Hearthstone anniversary event continues through Friday, and more.
      Additionally, Blizzard is set to unveil a content creator event on March 21st, with new Twitch Drops following on March 22nd.
      For further information, take a look at the official blog post linked below.
      (Source)
      Each week we’ll look ahead to what’s in store for World of Warcraft, share the latest news, and keep you in the know byte by byte. Content update 10.2.6 arrives March 19.
      The 10.2.6 Content Update Arrives March 19
      Mark your calendar for March 19 when the 10.2.6 content update goes live with a bold, new, limited-time event. You won't want to miss out on the fun. It's important to note that Dragonflight season 4 will go live several weeks after the release of the 10.2.6 content update. For heroes working toward the Amirdrassil Feats of Strength, you'll need to obtain Ahead of the Curve: Fyrakk the Blazing before Season 4 begins, and the achievement is no longer available to earn.
      Hearthstone’s Anniversary Event in World of Warcraft Extended to March 22
      Join in Hearthstone’s 10-year anniversary celebration beginning March 11. Players can log into Hearthstone to collect a new Fiery Hearthsteed mount in World of Warcraft for free!*
      Players can also seek out special “Hearthstone” matches in capital cities from March 11 to March 22. Stick around long enough and you’ll face a special encounter where you can defeat iconic minions to add to your deck and earn other fun new Hearthstone-themed rewards! Learn more about collecting the Fiery Hearthsteed and the in-game events in our latest article.
      Visit the Hearthstone official site to learn more about the full slate of festivities.
      * No additional purchase necessary for the Fiery Hearthsteed mount. Limited-time offer only available to those who login to Hearthstone between March 11 and May 14. Mount not available in World of Warcraft® Classic games. 
      News and Events This Week
      Stay on top of all the upcoming news and in-game activities right here.
      March 17 (Event) Un’Goro Madness Micro Holiday (March 17 – March 19)
      The dinosaurs in Un’Goro are getting restless. Time to go pay them a visit! March 19 (Article and Event) Content Update 10.2.6 Reveal and Now Live (Article) New Twitch Drop Revealed (Event) PvP Brawl: Shado-Pan Showdown (March 19 – March 26) (Event) Battleground Bonus Event (March 19 – March 26)
      While this event is active, random Battlegrounds will award Honor at an increased rate. Glory awaits in the fields of battle! March 20 (Event) The Trial of Style Returns (March 20 – March 26)
      Dust off those pauldrons and compete in a fashion competition of Azerothian proportions! Speak to a transmogrifier in any major city to participate in the Trial of Style! March 21 (Article) New Content Creator Event Announced March 22 (Article) Blues News (Event) New Twitch Drop Now Live Stay tuned to the official World of Warcraft news site as we journey through the week together.
×
×
  • Create New...