Player Housing with Taliesin & Evitel: Who Should WoW Copy To Make It Happen?

wowhead.com:

Taliesin & Evitel have released a video about Player Housing and how it could work in World of Warcraft, co-written by our own DiscordianKitty! Check it out below.

WoW's Failed Attempts at Player Housing

Before we can talk about what would make player housing succeed, we need to take a look at where it failed — and why.

Sunsong Ranch

Sunsong Ranch was a little farm that players gained access to through a series of quests in Mists Pandaria, and arguably World of Warcraft's first attempt at Player Housing.

Pros:

• Since Sunsong Ranch was phased, individual players were alone on their farm, but there was always activity around the farmer’s market nearby.
• Upgrades to the farm included items that made farming easier, a variety of aesthetic upgrades like various animals and some furniture, a mailbox, and a stove.
• Ultimately, no one had to bother with the farm if they didn’t want to. Sunsong Ranch was not related to any player power. Though the farm did provide some reputation quests, none of its upgrades made it feel essential to the game.
• This might have honestly been the farm’s strongest trait. Rule: Player housing should always feel voluntary.

Cons:

• Planting and harvesting crops couldn’t help but feel like a mobile-game style chore.
• The aesthetic upgrades to the farm were minor, and customization was nonexistant.
• Sunsong Ranch was very much tied to the expansion it featured in. The moment the rewards became obsolete, players lost any reason to return.

Garrisons

Garrisons from Warlords of Draenor were World of Warcraft's most serious attempt at Player Housing.

Pros:

• A lot more customization. The stables and pet areas could display mounts and pets from players’ own collections. Pedestals around the Garrison could be used to display special monuments, unlockable through a variety of achievements
• Garrisons had their own special holiday events, and they introduced Pepe — who has managed to remain evergreen for many players.
• Garrisons were