We sat down with Ion to chat at length about the big changes coming with the 9.1 ‘Chains of Domination’ update, developing Shadowlands, community feedback, the differences between Modern and Classic, and what’s in store for Sylvanas Windrunner.

A snippet.

From an overhaul to the rogue-light Torghast mode to the introduction of new progression tiers and a brand new end game quest zone called Korthia. Plus, a few little wish-list items like the ability to mix and match shoulder transmogs. And fly. Chains of Domination also sees players finally go up against Sylvanas in the new ‘Sanctum of Domination’ Raid. An event that has been years in the making.

And it’s there where our conversation with World of Warcraft Game Director Ion Hazzikostas began. A lengthy chat where we talked about the challenges of developing WoW during the ongoing pandemic, what goes into the smaller changes that come alongside major content drops, and the philosophy behind the mysterious new zone Korthia.

“It’s a heavy burden on the shoulders of our narrative team, of our encounter designers, to deliver something that's been years and years and multiple expansions in the making,” World of Warcraft Game Director Ion Hazzikostas says. “Getting the chance to face off against a figure of her stature, people are going in expecting a lot.”

World of Warcraft - Our Big Interview with Game Director Ion Hazzikostas