A World of Warcraft: Forever player is developing a first-person modification that pays tribute to classic role-playing games such as Hexen and Morrowind.
Arhkain is developing Retro Forever, a private first-person mod for World of Warcraft: Forever inspired by Morrowind and Hexen, without generative AI.
Background: A First-Person Vision for Blizzard's MMO
Modder Arhkain is trying to turn Blizzard's new MMO endeavour, World of Warcraft: Forever, into a first-person fantasy RPG. He says he always wanted to view the world of Azeroth through his character's eyes, but did not find adequate options to support that style of play. That gap led him to build Retro Forever.
So far, Arhkain has published two development vlogs detailing the nature of his work. The project aims for fully immersive first-person graphics across combat, cooking, and flying, with a presentation style reminiscent of classic first-person fantasy games such as Morrowind or Hexen. It also carries retro animations harkening back to the good ol' days. A gameplay trailer for World of Warcraft: Forever is available on YouTube.
Development: Existing Addons, Borrowed Assets, and Spell Animations
Retro Forever is described as a clever combination of addons that already exist. The mod includes a custom user interface and animations attached to specific spells and abilities. If a mage attacks an enemy with a spell, the player sees a custom animation of the character doing that spell.
The current build uses assets pulled and modified from Morrowind or Hexen. The mod is not publicly available right now. It currently works with a selection of mage spells and other class abilities. However, Arhkain says that support is set to expand.
Latest Progress: Artist Interest and a No Generative AI Approach
The project also has no generative AI in sight. Arhkain said the tool would not help in the mod's development. When Retro Forever is updated with original art to replace its currently borrowed assets, it should also dodge any legal pitfalls.
An artist has expressed interest in joining the project for original asset creation. That planned move away from borrowed assets gives the mod a clearer path toward a more complete first-person presentation without relying on generative AI.
Current Stage: A Private Mod Before a 4th November Launch
World of Warcraft: Forever is set to release this Wednesday, 4th November. Excitement is building for the new spin on an old MMO. Judging from the source's hands-on time with the beta, the game is looking rather good.
Retro Forever remains private at this point, with limited abilities and borrowed retro assets. Its next stage is expansion: more class support, original art, and a first-person version of World of Warcraft: Forever that does not use generative AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Retro Forever?
Retro Forever is a first-person modification for World of Warcraft: Forever being developed by modder Arhkain. It aims to make Azeroth feel like a classic first-person fantasy RPG, with inspiration from games such as Morrowind and Hexen.
When is World of Warcraft: Forever released?
World of Warcraft: Forever is set to release on Wednesday, 4th November.
Is Retro Forever available now?
No. The mod is currently private and not publicly available. It only works with a selection of mage spells and other class abilities for now.
Does Retro Forever use generative AI?
No. Arhkain says the project has no generative AI in sight, and that such tools would not help the mod’s development.
Will the mod still use borrowed assets?
At present, the mod uses assets pulled and modified from Morrowind or Hexen. The next stage is to add original art, replace borrowed assets, expand class support, and create a more complete first-person version.
TagsRetro GamingWorld of WarcraftModsrole-playing gamesdevelopment
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