Gameplay of World of Warcraft - Miscellaneous Features

Miscellaneous Features

A number of features have been added to World of Warcraft, either prior to the original release or in one of the following content updates. From early in the game's development, Blizzard has allowed players to customize their game interface through the use of modifications, also known as mods or add-ons. These mods can help the player by automating simple tasks, grouping similar spells or abilities together and enhancing the way information about the game environment is presented to the player. Mods are developed using the Lua and XML scripting languages, while images and models use the Targa and BLP image formats. Blizzard provides support to allow players to generate their own mods through the User Interface Customization Tool, although it does not provide support for any third-party mods. Some programs that operate alongside World of Warcraft, typically to automate repetitive tasks and allow the game to be played without input from the player, are against the game's Terms of Use. Use of these is considered an exploit and may lead to suspension or closure of a player's account.

The ability for players to communicate with each other using voice chat was added some time after the release of the Burning Crusade expansion. Using this, players could chat to other players they were grouped with or set up their own custom channels to talk on. This was a significant development as it no longer required players to use third-party applications in order to communicate by voice with others. However, most players prefer to use Ventrilo or Teamspeak, as they come with more customizable features and provide better sound quality than the voice service in-game.