Wildstar comparisons to "dated" World of Warcraft are "flattering"

Wildstar developer Carbine Studios is honoured to have the new MMO's art style compared to World of Warcraft, since the Blizzard MMO has stood the test of time despite its age.

Art director Matt Mocarski told Gamerzines that comparisons between Wildstar and World of Warcraft's art styles are welcome.

"This is me being very sincere. In one part, and even when I think it’s meant as a jab, I actually find it flattering because WoW has been out for nine years now, right? And there’s still people playing it, and it’s still a beautiful game," he said.

"Sure it’s dated, but it has lasted nearly a decade and people still love it. The art has evolved over time, but Blizzard created a great foundation for a style that could last that long, because it’s about the craftsmanship and the art of it, not the latest new graphics or high-tech tricks."

Mocarski said he's aiming for a style that is distinct and unique to Wildstar, and that although at first glance the two may seem similar, putting the two games side by side really shows the difference between Blizzard's work and Carbine's "more cartoony, more exaggerated and more colourful" look.

Carbine tried not to be too "reactionary", he added, and decided to plough ahead with its chosen style despite the inevitable comparisons - which, he added, often fail to mention other similar styles.

“I thought that more people would mention Team Fortress 2. Some people even mention Ratchet & Clank, and we didn’t even think of that," he said.

“I hope people don’t say, 'Oh it’s just a WoW clone' and don’t even give Wildstar a shot. It’s almost like Coke and Pepsi, they look like the exact same soft drinks but when you taste them they are completely different.”

Carbine said earlier this year that it hopes Wildstar hopes to "fill the void" for people wanting a hardcore but accessible MMO at a time when World of Warcraft is shedding subscribers.

The MMORPG is expected in the first half of 2014. It will be supported by subscriptions, but players can earn time in-game, something like EVE Online.