Ion Hazzikostas, the game director for World of Warcraft, has pushed back against rumours that recent changes to the game’s addons, custom tools made by players, are being done to prepare for a version on the new Xbox console. In a recent interview, he made it clear that Blizzard’s focus stays on PC players, and consoles are not driving the updates.
The talk comes amid excitement and worry in the WoW community. Blizzard announced earlier this year that it plans to limit some combat addons in the upcoming Midnight expansion.
These addons help with things like tracking enemy skills or showing health bars during tough fights. The company wants to build similar features into the game itself, so players rely less on outside tools. Some fans thought this was to make the game easier for console players, who might not use addons as freely.
But Hazzikostas told Windows Central: “Consoles are not a priority.” He explained the changes aim to make the game better for everyone on PC, especially new players who feel overwhelmed by complex addons. Blizzard is adding built-in helpers, like better warnings for boss attacks and damage trackers, so the core game feels more complete without needing downloads.
He also stressed no console version is in the works right now. “Our focus remains on the PC-based experience,” Hazzikostas said on the Unshackled Fury podcast. This echoes past statements, but it quiets fresh speculation tied to Microsoft’s next Xbox, which some say could run PC games more easily.
The addon tweaks have split opinions. Hardcore raiders worry it will make end-game content tougher without their favorite tools. Blizzard promises to keep useful addons safe, like those for tracking cooldowns outside fights, and is working with creators to smooth the shift. They even talked to groups like the Undaunted guild, which helps deaf and hard-of-hearing players, to ensure accessibility addons stay.
Hazzikostas noted the game has grown complex over 20 years, and these updates help balance skill with fun. “We’re not looking to turn all our raid encounters into giant puzzles,” he said in another chat.
World of Warcraft launched on PC in 2004 and has millions of fans. The Midnight expansion, set for next year, brings new zones and stories. Addon changes start rolling out soon, but Blizzard says they won’t fully kick in for a couple patches.
Players can follow updates on WoW forums and Blizzard’s site. For now, Hazzikostas’ words reassure the community: PC stays king, and changes are for better gameplay, not a console jump.