Blizzard has announced plans to alter the visual appearance of the new Skyborne race in World of Warcraft: Forever, aiming to better align them with the game's original 2004 aesthetic after receiving player feedback. The developer stated in a blog post that the Skyborne "didn't quite meet the consistency and cohesion we are aiming for."
The Skyborne, a faction of High Elves visually similar to existing Blood Elves, were introduced as a new playable race in World of Warcraft: Forever. While some players appreciated the addition of a long-requested race, others felt their modern visual fidelity clashed with the game's intentionally retro presentation. Blizzard has committed to adjusting the Skyborne's appearance for players using the "HD" model setting to achieve a more consistent look.
An example provided shows the Skyborne's druid forms with harsher lines and shapes on their feathers and fur, a noticeable departure from the smoother, brightly colored original iterations. This adjustment is intended to make the new race feel more at home within the older graphical style of WoW: Forever.
For players who opt for the "SD" (Standard Definition) models to fully replicate the 2004 experience, the Skyborne will receive their own visual updates in early next year. These "SD" Skyborne will feature more jagged, low-poly shapes, further emphasizing the retro theme. Blizzard indicated that further updates on these models would be provided as development progresses.
The decision to visually adjust the Skyborne, particularly to make them appear less refined, addresses player concerns about the authenticity and cohesion of the World of Warcraft: Forever experience. The game is set to launch on November 4, with these visual changes expected to be implemented by then for HD players.