Lead Encounter Designer, Ion Hazzikostas, was on the newest episode Convert to Raid. Here are a few notes of interest:
- SoO starts in Pandaria because they didn't want players to feel like they spent months there for nothing.
- No valor gear in 5.4 was largely due to LFR players Best in Slot lists being composed of 70% valor gear.(This made me want to smash my iPod)
- Flex raids are not intended to ever replace LFR, both will serve their own niche.
- A new tank who can get silver in Proving Grounds should have no issue tanking 5 man's.
- His favorite "new mechanic" is a new spin on mind control in the Garrosh fight where the MC spreads through the raid if not handled properly.
- The heirloom drops were added as a way to give incentives for raiding at a higher difficulty, but will not be vital to have in the next xpac.
Overall it was a good interview and if you have time a link will be on the RSS feed to the left of this on the homepage. Give it a listen.
Subject: Ion Hazzikostas interview notes 
Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:26 am