Concept: Modeling the new Vanilla server.
Idea: To give people a requested vanilla server, with all its glory and hardcoreness.
User base: Hardcore people —NOT that span of market which expect accelerated growing.
I think this is what people expect in a Vanilla server:
-> Vanilla maps. No modified zones.
-> Vanilla stats for NPCs. No nerfed versions to feed the sense of easy accomplishment.
-> Legacy nightmares like insane grinding, re learn weapon skills if weapon changes, failing at mining, etc.
<i>"You see, back in my day gathering herbs didn't give experience; gathering the herb was the experience!" —wowcrendor</i>
Non-vanilla things that could be implemented if user base agrees:
-> Achievements. A vanilla version of the achievement system which includes achievements for classic things (level, dungeons, raids) and achievements or feats for unusual things: kill world bosses, reach rep with booty bay / Shendralar, Rivendare mount, Naxx boss killed in les than 30 minutes, Kel'thuzad killed at first try without wipes, etc.
-> Creation of both Alliance and Horde characters in the same vanilla realm.
-> Bugs solved. Those tons of bugs solved in later expansions that affected players since vanilla.
To avoid:
-> Things that are actually useful but just doesn't fit in a vanilla server: Dungeon finder, BG emmisary, summon friends.
-> Think casual. The main essence of this vanilla fenomenon is the one about the path of the hardcore, not the road of the casual.
To discuss:
-> Ahn'Qiraj opening. (It's a unique server, so if new people enters later and they're not able to participate in things like Ahn'Qiraj opening, it would be a great downside, not to talk about that black scarab).
-> Anniversary rewards.
-> Other unique events that I forgot.
-> Start fresh 1.0.0 or 1.12.3?
Product: A new downloadable client of World of Warcraft.
Here are the reasons:
-> Original maps, not cata versions.
-> Vanilla achievement system.
-> Integration with Battle.net account.
What Blizzard needs in order to achieve this:
-> Pre-order. In order to see what level of seriousness have the potencial customers, a minimum userbase must be reached through a pre-order to launch the server.
-> A new department to maintain the server. It's not a good idea to assign an employee the task of having two universes in their mind in order to solve problems, issues, attend tickets, or check for quests. It is needed a team focused on Vanilla.
And finally:
-> THINK IN THE MONEY BLIZZARD.
Yes, this company is about making awesome games, creating good experiences and building a cool fan base, but this is also about money —why not, of course?—, so, let's think about this also.
Concept to develop with the help of Blizzard staff and community of truly Vanilla users.