IGN interviewed Kris Zierhut (Principal Game Designer) and Tim Jones (Lead Classic Designer). These are statements by Blizzard staff to a third party, so they are reported: Blizzard has not published them itself, and plans like these are not promises.
The rhythm
- Major patches: "the correct rate is something closer to once every four months or 17 weeks or three times a year".
- Raid tiers: at least four months apart.
- PvP: "there will be PVP seasons, is four months between seasons".
- Between patches: some content unlocks through an event calendar, without a patch of its own.
- For comparison: Season of Discovery's eight to ten weeks "felt way, way, way too fast".
Talents and progression
- Dual spec at launch. A third spec is not ruled out. Swapping single talents on the fly is something Blizzard does not want.
- Player housing is not planned "right now". Silvermoon is coming "eventually".
- Molten Core, Blackwing Lair and Ahn'Qiraj will come, but: "We're not starting with Molten Core."
Where the world grows
- The Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor stay home. No new capital cities, and no auction houses or inns elsewhere.
- Short trips to Northrend, Outland or Pandaria are conceivable at some point.
- On the wishlist: the Emerald Dream and Grim Batol.
- Gilneas terrain is already in the game ("Sharks will eat you"); a story there is planned eventually.
- A goblin town like Mudsprocket in southern Dustwallow is an idea.
Lighting and water
Forever's new lighting and water are coming "for retail as well". Blizzard gave no date.
What this changes here
The honor and ranks page said the length of a season was unknown. It now gives the four months, marked as reported.