An Aussie Working on WoW

Blizzard Entertainment has a rep like few others in the games industry. Much-loved for its quality releases and its 'when it's done' ethic, the company is riding higher than ever at the moment, thanks to the incredible success of World of Warcraft (ten million subscribers and counting). And with Starcraft 2 on the way there's little doubt that Blizzard is one of the game development studios of the moment. But what's it like working at Blizzard? What's it like inside those walls? And what is the team cooking up for the new Sunwell Isle patch? We caught up with Julian Morris, an Aussie ex-pat working as an exterior level designer on World of Warcraft to find out. Brand new screens included!

IGN AU: What's your background? How did you get your start in the industry?

Julian Morris: My background is certainly far from traditional, at least as far as industry schooling or art training. I was actually a chef for about nine years prior to getting into the games industry. For many years after work, I would come home after a long night in the restaurant and play games to unwind. At some point along the way I started having just as much fun using the various game editors as I did playing the games. I really enjoyed using game editors to build the mountains I was familiar with from snowboarding or to create worlds from my favorite books.

For a few years, my brother and I would design various maps and send each other our work so we could brainstorm ideas. One day, I noticed I was creating level layouts on white boards at work, and realized that it might be time to seriously look at the possibility of moving out of the kitchen and into the games industry.

My first job in the industry was for a game developer in Sydney, Australia. The company was looking for a world builder/level designer, and I thought this would be the perfect time for me to apply for a job outside of the kitchen. After several intense interviews I got the job, and I've never looked back.

IGN AU: Were you a fan of Blizzard's games before you got the job? Is this a dream gig for you?

Julian Morris: I have always been a huge admirer of all things Blizzard Entertainment, especially the Warcraft series of games. To say it's a dream gig is a huge understatement. I get to contribute to the future of my favorite game, World of Warcraft, on a daily basis, and I'm working with a great group of people. They quickly got me up to speed on how everything works at the company and helped me adjust to the area by advising me on what beer to buy outside of work!

IGN AU: You're an exterior level designer – what exactly does that entail? Can you give us any examples of work you've done in WoW that you're particularly proud of?

Julian Morris: The exterior level design team is responsible for designing and building all the outdoor areas in World of Warcraft, including all the zones and Battlegrounds. From Azeroth to Outland we shape the mountains, forests, seas, lakes, rivers, roads, and every land feature in between. We also texture the terrain to support the environment concepts. We basically create a base for the layout and placement of every city, town, building, rock, tree, ancient ruin and all the thousands of other objects that make up the cultures and details of the world.

I had a blast working on Netherstorm for World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, and was pleased with how the ethereal eco-domes came out. The Stormspire in particular is such an impactful place of contrast in Netherstorm, and I was really proud of how that turned out. Every aspect of working on World of Warcraft is a truly collaborative effort, and the ethereal eco-dome idea is no exception. Its conception came from a meeting in which the entire exterior team was brainstorming all sorts of crazy ideas, and the "shielded forest" idea was born. From there it transitioned to the other World of Warcraft teams, such as level design, programming, and art. We all worked together to bring it to life.

IGN AU: How much can you bring your own personal style to the work that you do? Have you drawn inspiration from any unusual sources?

Julian Morris: World of Warcraft clearly has a strongly defined art and design style. However, everyone on the exterior level design team is able to bring a personal touch to their work. Each of us has certain strengths within art or design; and we often work together to continually evolve the techniques and styles that we utilize as a team. This approach helps us define the unique variety of locations and environments found in World of Warcraft.

As far as inspiration goes, I draw upon my colleagues (designers, programmers, and artists) that I work closely with on a daily basis. They are a constant source of motivation to me. I'm still surprised and in awe of the stuff that I see coming out of the various departments every day.

As far as unusual sources are concerned, well, snowboarding is a great love of mine. While it's a bit odd, I seem to get a ton of ideas while riding in the mountains. In fact, there are many times at work where I draw on my experiences in the mountains and snow for inspiration.

IGN AU: Do you have any advice for other Aussies hoping to land a job with Blizzard?

Julian Morris: Yes. I highly recommend that you have a strong passion for games, and it definitely helps to know as much as possible about the games we develop. Oh, and if you want to be an exterior level designer, you have to roll with the Horde--just kidding!