In an interview with Game Rant, World of Warcraft senior game designer Graham Berger explained the workings of the new Evoker specialization. The Augmentation Evokers, while being a support DPS class, bring a completely unique playstyle to the game. Berger emphasized that the Evoker was designed to be satisfying to play, whether players are solo or in a group.
Despite being referred to as a support specialization, the Augmentation Evoker remains a DPS at heart. Berger clarified, "Augmentation is a damage dealer. You queue as a damage dealer for dungeons or for PvP, and it fills that role." The class has unique tools at its disposal, but it cannot replace a healer or a tank, nor is it a new role entirely.
However, it's important to note that Augmentation Evokers won't be dealing as much raw damage as Devastation or other DPS specs. Even so, the goal is to make the new spec's impact roughly the same as any other DPS class in World of Warcraft. Berger explained, "Whether you’re with one person or five people or twenty people, you are still worth about one other DPS player."
The Augmentation Evoker's presence in a group will differ from a traditional DPS, so players may need to adjust their expectations to see their contribution towards the party’s success. The class has abilities that directly contribute to another player’s damage, which will show up under other players' bars in damage meter add-ons.
World of Warcraft is ensuring that Augmentation players still feel their impact on a group. New UI elements will allow players to see exactly who is getting what benefit, ensuring their abilities are not just adding what Berger called "invisible math behind the scenes."
Berger and his team have designed abilities to help tanks, healers, DPS, and entire parties, ensuring everyone in the party feels the presence of the new class archetype. Tanks can benefit from their Blistering Scales ability to increase their armor and deal thorns damage, healers can get a buff to allow them to cast while moving, and entire teams can get increased speed and stats.
One of the biggest concerns about playing a DPS who contributes damage by buffing others is how they play solo. Interestingly, WoW's new Augmentation Evokers actually play more like a tank while soloing. They have powerful survivability mechanics rare among DPS classes, including ways to cheat death and raise their defensive stats.
The Augmentation Evoker specialization is breaking new ground in World of Warcraft. Its playstyle brings a truly unique spin on DPS, and gives players a way to bring out the best in their allies. Berger is eager to see how players feel about it, stating, "We’re very proud of it. It’s very different, it’s a little scary, but it has been a journey, and I’m really excited to finally get it into players’ hands."
World of Warcraft is available now for PC. With the introduction of the Augmentation Evoker, the game is set to offer a fresh and exciting experience for players, changing the dynamics of the DPS role forever.
Post a Comment