Posted by Amatera on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 - 6 Comments
Tags: 3.3, icecrown, new feature, ptr, quest log, world map
The PTR is abuzz with all sorts of changes right now, at least when people aren’t getting disconnected! Through the 30 second gaps of up-time, though, I managed to score a few screenshots of the new quest tracking features that Blizzard’s been working on. And guess what? They’re integrated right into the World Map!
I knew something had to be up when I read this in the patch notes:
Quest Tracking Feature
- This system is currently under development and is not fully functional.
And apparently, this is it:
As you can see, your quest log is now integrated into the map screen when you bring it up (though if you prefer the old log, you can still use it by hitting the appropriate icon). Checking a box in the lower-right corner will allow you to actively track objectives on the map. Presumably, the numbers that correspond to quests in the panel on the right while be displayed on the world map where your goal is. Sadly, this must be the part of the system that “is not fully functional” just yet.
As for that green box in the upper-right corner? The final graphic obviously hasn’t been added just yet, but clicking on it allows you to window the world map, something you couldn’t do previously without add-ons like Cartographer. Here’s what it looks like:
Since the feature is still in development, it’s not guaranteed that it will make it to live servers in the form you see it here, but I’m still rather excited by changes like this. If I can log onto the test server for more than a few minutes (I haven’t even had enough time to re-allocate my talent points), I’ll be sure to bring you more (and, hopefully, some details about the new 5-man dungeon that is currently open for testing). What think you of this feature, good readers?
Related Posts: New Map/Quest Interface Tour [Video], PTR 3.3: Patch Notes Update, New Map/Quest System Implemented, Wishful Thinking: Quest Collector, More Treachery: Stealing Raid IDs, Blizzard Developing a Fifth Unnanounced Title,
By Zreena on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 11:29 pm
This seems like it could be a nice addition if done right.
Boy, I remember the old days when nearby quests weren’t even displayed on your mini map.
By Rinrin on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 3:11 am
This certainly was some good news. I’m looking forward to this. Thanks for the screeneis
By Uhnk13 on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 am
Is it just me, or does it seem with each passing patch that Blizzard is steadily decreasing the need for addons by integrating features from some of the most popular ones directly into the interface? Not that I’m necessarily complaining minde you; less addons = less memory usage and therefore potentially less lag and latency issues for folks with slower machines. Still though, seems the addon developers are almost being forced out of business.
By pattyboy1971 on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
It would be really nice if they added the ability to keep track of quests you completed. There maybe addons that already do this, but I would it come from blizzard.
By Pegraath on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Mobmap tracks the quests you’ve completed, but only the ones you’ve finished since you installed Mobmap.
By p3lim on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 7:25 am
@ Uhnk13:
Even tho Blizzard adds this to their default interface it doesnt mean you automaticly get lower memory usage than running an addon that did this before.
It merely means that you don’t have to update that addon you used to have all the time.
It rather means Blizzard added it, but it still will use memory, and it would go directly into the game memory (which is bad for people that doesnt give a shit about this feature at all).
@pattyboy1971:
Blizzard added new functions to get a list of completed quests in 3.3, so you will soon see addons that can list finished quests and/or scan/match through them :).
As for me, I’ve already started making an anti-addon for this new map :p