alt="Human Character Female Update" />

At BlizzCon 2013, we got our first look
at the new character models set to make their debut in Warlords of
Draenor, the freshly announced World of Warcraft expansion. The
updated character models are something WoW players have desperately
wanted for a long time, and something the aging game vitally has
needed. So the reveal was (understandably) met with more than a
little bit of excitement. However, hopefully without sounding like a
spoiled child, I couldn't help but wish we had gotten to see just a
little more.

Fears of the Community

I wasn't the only one wishing for a
little bit more than a glimpse of the new character models. With
limited information, many players found themselves worried that their
characters would be totally unrecognizable after the change. While
Blizzard had assured us this wouldn't be the case, players were still
fearful and with good reason.

Most of us have invested a lot of time
in our characters, especially the way they look. While customization
options are pretty limited in World of Warcraft, it is still possible
to pour a lot of time into it. Not to mention the special emotional
connection you make with that character after playing it for hours on
end.

Sure, we can change our character's
look with the Barber Shop or by paying a small fee, however, it is
totally the player's choice. It makes sense that players wouldn't
want that character to be changed without their direct consent. When
players log in, they want to see that character that they have grown
to know and love.

alt="Human Female Model Compare" />

Enhancing Character Models, Not
Reinventing

Now, after weeks of waiting and a bit
of teasing from Blizzard, that little bit more is finally here. Chris
Robinson, senior art director at World of Warcraft, has released the
first set of blog posts in a series of articles dedicated solely to
the character revamps happening in Warlords. To say the least, even
after the long wait, we weren't disappointed and some of the fears of
the community (hopefully) were put to rest.

The new Human female character model is
everything we could have hoped for and more. In my opinion, compared
to the old model, the new is first-rate. It also serves to show that
Blizzard is taking a good thing and making it better, not reinventing
it totally. In fact, after reading the blog, you really get the
feeling that Blizzard has done their best to really keep the feel of
the old models while giving them their updated look.

The model is the same size and the same
general shape, it just feels less like you are no longer looking at
the model with beer goggles on. The characters we will see in
Warlords of Draenor will be more realistic and be much more pleasant
to look at. With the beer goggles off, the shape of the models are
smoother, more contoured, and better detailed than ever before. This
is especially noticeable in the feet and hands of the characters who
now have distinguishable fingers and toes!

alt="Human Female Character Revamp" />

Looking at the face of the model, we
can also see that it is simply a better looking version of what
already was. The shape, size, and style of the original face are
there, but the beer goggles are off and it looks great. Looking into
the face of the new character model, it almost feels real.

The hair of the character is the same
story. While the style is very obviously the same, it looks
indisputably better. It appears more lustrous and you can even
discern individual pieces of hair. Looking at this hair style, it
makes us hope that Chris's hinting at new hairstyle options comes to
fruit.

alt="Human Female Revamp" />

If you want to check out all Chris has
to offer about the process of creating the Human female character
model for Warlords of Draenor, head on over to
Artcraft – A First
Look on the official Blizzard blog
. It has some interesting insights
and is definitely worth the read, even if you aren't into the art
scene. Even though I wasn't very concerned, it cleared up any doubts
I had about how my character would look after the model revamp in the
next expansion. I am now more fully on board with the new models than
ever and looking forward to seeing more of them showcased in future
posts.

What do you think about the Human
female character model? Are you still concerned about how the update
will change your character's appearance? Share your thoughts with us
in the comments section below!


To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our World of Warcraft Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

About The Author

Amunet, also fondly known as Memtron, is an organic life form best known for its ongoing obsession with Blizzard Entertainment's numerous properties. To that end, Amu has authored hundreds (thousands?) of the most popular World of Warcraft guides, editorials, and Top 10 lists on the planet. When not gaming and writing, Amu is busy chasing after her three children in a perpetual loop of ongoing disaster.

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