Big news from Blizzard today for all those players that are looking forward to starting new characters in Cataclysm.

Cataclysm Preview: New Tinkertown and the Fight for Gnomeregan

As Gnomeregan's exiles set out to reclaim their beloved capital from the treasonous Mekgineer Thermaplugg, we bring you a first look at how this wondrous techno-city will exist in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Following the conclusion of Operation: Gnomeregan, High Tinker Mekkatorque and his people have gained a foothold just outside the city in New Tinkertown. Soon, though, they'll find that the surface is rife with a host of new perils that they couldn't have prepared for.

Read more about the new introductory questing experience for gnomes in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm here.

This is important because until now Gnome players have essentially shared the Dwarf starting experience for quests. Sure they have their own little starting video, but past that they are functionally playing the Dwarf starting zone. When Cataclysm Launches they will have their own starting area to play through and quest in.

It only really makes a difference for the first 10 levels or so, and those pass by so quickly that it's a flash, however it is important. Those first levels and the story lines involved set the tone for your character for the rest of his or her levels. They get you involved in your character and introduce who they are and what they care about.