It's Really Happening, Folks - Job Listings for Classic Servers Posted - World of Warcraft News

SBFord

It's Really Happening, Folks - Job Listings for Classic Servers Posted - World of Warcraft News

Blizzard has posted a number of job listings for Classic World of Warcraft. At the moment, most are centered around the engineering side of the move, but it's a sign that Blizzard is serious about the implementation of the

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winghaven1

Very nice! I hope they find enthusiastic and talented gaming engineers that have great love and admiration for what wow classic is and was to a lot of people.

SEANMCAD

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

SBFord

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

SEANMCAD

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

no that doesnt make sense unless you are trying to integrate the old game into the new game.
The old code should be stand alone, put on a seperate networking system. make any alterations needed for hardware technical changes that arent virtualized. Think 'find me machine where I can run windows 95 please' to explain it simplistically

from reading it, it sounds like what they are doing is creating a new version of the old classic game, not an exact copy. 

Sovrath

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

SEANMCAD

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Theocritus

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Right it does sound like "lets completely rebuild WoW classic from the gound up"

SEANMCAD

Theocritus said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Right it does sound like "lets completely rebuild WoW classic from the gound up"

exactly.

So I would think they also might be looking at integrating the old version with the new version features. aka stats, looking up characters, transferring characters and the like.

as well as maybe adding some cash shops or something?

anyway, yeah I bet its not an exact copy of the classic experience.

Sovrath

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

SEANMCAD

Sovrath said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

ok then do you feel any better? stop replying then..please we get it or do you want something specifically from me?

Sovrath

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'
Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99

That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

ok then do you feel any better? stop replying then..please we get it or do you want something specifically from me?

oh sean, you're always a joy. Carry on.

Sovrath

I should add that this is excellent. It's nice to see that they are taking this endeavor seriously and that players will not just get a classic experience that needs work. I just hope that those players who are looking for the classic experience can find the good in this as I suspect there are players who just want the game EXACTLY as it was in their favorite period of time.

winghaven1

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:



'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'

Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99



That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

No they need to do a lot of things differently. WoW Classic wouldn't uphold to Blizzard's principles in their game development philosophy and expectations they make to themselves in terms of quality assurance. They will have to update a lot of the systems they had in Classic but not change them, only make them more reliable and easier to deal with should any errors occur.

If you played WoW Classic you would understand. I assume you don't, however, judging by your showcase in ignorance to blatant facts in how the game operated back then. It is also no secret that Blizzard development team has progressed a lot since those days and lots of new people have joined and replaced some key people that worked tirelessly on the original WoW, which only means dealing with the ever looming decade old code from respectable but undeniably inexperienced MMORPG developers (note: MMORPGS were not as common then) to be a vast undertaking.

TL;DR : They have made it clear they want to maintain the Vanilla experience as pristine as possible. However, they are adamant about updating the game systems to be more reliable and easier to maintain. That is key. Doing so could call for a total code-remake. Especially if they mean to incorporate the game in the Blizzard Launcher's with its own unique features to boot.

SEANMCAD

winghaven1 said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:



'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'

Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99



That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

No they need to do a lot of things differently. WoW Classic wouldn't uphold to Blizzard's principles in their game development philosophy and expectations they make to themselves in terms of quality assurance. They will have to update a lot of the systems they had in Classic but not change them, only make them more reliable and easier to deal with should any errors occur.

If you played WoW Classic you would understand. I assume you don't, however, judging by your showcase in ignorance to blatant facts in how the game operated back then. It is also no secret that Blizzard development team has progressed a lot since those days and lots of new people have joined and replaced some key people that worked tirelessly on the original WoW, which only means dealing with the ever looming decade old code from respectable but undeniably inexperienced MMORPG developers (note: MMORPGS were not as common then) to be a vast undertaking.

TL;DR : They have made it clear they want to maintain the Vanilla experience as pristine as possible. However, they are adamant about updating the game systems to be more reliable and easier to maintain. That is key. Doing could need a total code-remake.

'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.' Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99  

 in addition to that it sounds like they will be changing the game play experience a bit as well as maybe integration into their existing game framework so that information can be shared. Frankly Ford got to the point in one quote. discussion is over now as far as I am concerned.

typically you would not 'rebuild UI elements' in such a case.


Personally I think some people might become disapointed because its not going to be exactly the same front end experience

calibek

I would bet, more than likely, a lot of the game is going to be classic but with new models, coding, db designing. So yes it isn't most likely going to be a copy paste of old WoW but current WoW's visuals just with the classic ruleset. I am certainly curious to see how they will handle what the community considered imbalances (windfury 2h shaman for instance).

SEANMCAD

calibek said:

I would bet, more than likely, a lot of the game is going to be classic but with new models, coding, db designing. So yes it isn't most likely going to be a copy past if old WoW but current WoW's visuals just with the classic feel.

that sounds like the plan.
One wouldn't be looking for someone to ' building UI elements' given the UI elements already exist so clearly they are likely wanting to make a change.

For me specifically I would prefer an exact copy. There are a few games I would love to replay. for example Darkfall 1 exactly as the original was to the tee a few times for nostalgia for example. I would not be happy with graphic updates or UI changing

calibek

SEANMCAD said:

calibek said:

I would bet, more than likely, a lot of the game is going to be classic but with new models, coding, db designing. So yes it isn't most likely going to be a copy past if old WoW but current WoW's visuals just with the classic feel.

that sounds like the plan.
One wouldn't be looking for someone to ' building UI elements' given the UI elements already exist so clearly they are likely wanting to make a change.

For me specifically I would prefer an exact copy. There are a few games I would love to replay. for example Darkfall 1 exactly as the original was to the tee a few times for nostalgia for example. I would not be happy with graphic updates or UI changing

Exact copy would never happen. Change in tech alone over the last decade is extensive enough to warrant a rewrite. Then there are the old models. While some like them I would more than guarantee that Blizz won't put in old models and spell effects and keep them more how they are now.

As I edited in my previous post I want to see how they handle imbalances and class uselessness such as 2h windfury shaman and ret paladin.

Kootur

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:



'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'

Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99



That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

ok then do you feel any better? stop replying then..please we get it or do you want something specifically from me?

Are you autistic.?

SEANMCAD

Kootur said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:



'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'

Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99



That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

ok then do you feel any better? stop replying then..please we get it or do you want something specifically from me?

Are you autistic.?

wow! now THAT i think I can call insulting without being insulted by doing so. you guys really need to just get off it

calibek

Kootur said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SEANMCAD said:

Sovrath said:

SBFord said:

SEANMCAD said:

This makes zero sense to me:





'Responsibilities include building gameplay systems, transforming database data, building UI elements, repackaging binary distributions, and working closely with designers to revive the classic game elements.'


Read more at http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcraft/news/its-really-happening-folks-job-listings-for-classic-servers-posted-1000046307#mJRZAkxiZoVIs7wU.99





That seems to suggest that they are basically redoing the vast majority of the game, I dont understand why they would do that when they already have the code.

Because they have redone the entire file system more than once since the original coding was created. Additionally, they need to spruce it up to today's standards. After all, most of that code is 2 decades old and needs to be redone as well as to add functionality including integration with modern GPUs and operating systems and with BattleNet.

I and others have said this to him but he just doesn't want to accept it because it doesn't fit in with how he thinks.

@SEANMCAD: dude! It is what it is. Clearly more is going on then what you think should be going on.

just please..stick to the subject at hand. its really getting old.

from reading the quote it sounds to me like they are NOT making a direct copy but rather a new version that is 'like' the old. now if you please, can you just address that observation or stop replying, one of the two

Except I did. We've already discussed this ad nauseum. In any case you pretty much got it with your last post.

It's going to be classic World of Warcraft but as they said before, they want it to be more than just booting up some old code. They have a certain level of quality that goes along with their brand and they want to make sure that "Classic World of Warcraft" fits that.

ok then do you feel any better? stop replying then..please we get it or do you want something specifically from me?

Are you autistic.?

He actually brings up a good point. He seems like a classic purist and, from the sounds of it, Blizz is trying to basically do WoW Classic: Remastered. I think that alone is going to piss off a few of others like him.

SEANMCAD

Torval said:

calibek said:

SEANMCAD said:

calibek said:

I would bet, more than likely, a lot of the game is going to be classic but with new models, coding, db designing. So yes it isn't most likely going to be a copy past if old WoW but current WoW's visuals just with the classic feel.

that sounds like the plan.
One wouldn't be looking for someone to ' building UI elements' given the UI elements already exist so clearly they are likely wanting to make a change.

For me specifically I would prefer an exact copy. There are a few games I would love to replay. for example Darkfall 1 exactly as the original was to the tee a few times for nostalgia for example. I would not be happy with graphic updates or UI changing

Exact copy would never happen. Change in tech alone over the last decade is extensive enough to warrant a rewrite. Then there are the old models. While some like them I would more than guarantee that Blizz won't put in old models and spell effects and keep them more how they are now.

As I edited in my previous post I want to see how they handle imbalances and class uselessness such as 2h windfury shaman and ret paladin.

For one thing they may not use Oracle anymore.....

why would that be? Oracle is still a very well used database engine. you are making up a lot of theories and calling them explaination of facts which is odd to say the least


anyway...from Fords post of the job description its very clear to me this is not really WoW Classic but rather WoW Classic Remastered (to borrow a phrase from another poster).
They want to change even the UI...

calibek

Torval said:

calibek said:

SEANMCAD said:

calibek said:

I would bet, more than likely, a lot of the game is going to be classic but with new models, coding, db designing. So yes it isn't most likely going to be a copy past if old WoW but current WoW's visuals just with the classic feel.

that sounds like the plan.
One wouldn't be looking for someone to ' building UI elements' given the UI elements already exist so clearly they are likely wanting to make a change.

For me specifically I would prefer an exact copy. There are a few games I would love to replay. for example Darkfall 1 exactly as the original was to the tee a few times for nostalgia for example. I would not be happy with graphic updates or UI changing

Exact copy would never happen. Change in tech alone over the last decade is extensive enough to warrant a rewrite. Then there are the old models. While some like them I would more than guarantee that Blizz won't put in old models and spell effects and keep them more how they are now.



As I edited in my previous post I want to see how they handle imbalances and class uselessness such as 2h windfury shaman and ret paladin.

For one thing they may not use Oracle anymore. Maybe they've switched to a friendlier license or different platform like postgres or t-sql. The old system doesn't work with their current network technology and client platform. There is a lot to resurrecting old code. Sean has had this explained to him before and is a self-ascribed developer so he should know this or at least understand the concept.

I think your last paragraph really nails the challenge ahead. There are technical hurdles in order to adapt the old code base to the new tech. But the real challenge will be in deciding what classic means, what gets translated exactly, what gets modified, and what gets added or dropped. Even from launch to BC there were a lot of changes. Some of the changes that happened post "vanilla" are because they needed to make balance adjustments. How will those things play out in "classic".

In any event, I think this could be one of the most fun dev projects to work on. Maybe a classic WoW lead dev will return. I doubt it, but you never know.

You are correct, the tech and coding are the easier parts. The hardest part is WHAT patch are they going to go for? Is it going to be 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc?

I will not play the classic server (maybe), because I lived through that era and was absolutely NOT impressed with end game. I'm happy for people who do want it but, quite honestly, the problem with this undertaking is determining what does and does not get put in. On the WoW forums you have people saying I will not play this if X is not in, X is in it, etc. The problem with nostalgia is that people remember specific things fondly and if it is deviated from in the slightest people are going to be angry and, inevitably, some group is going to be upset it usn' t exactly what they want.

Wellspring

Any word on a release date for the server?

calibek

Wellspring said:

Any word on a release date for the server?

From what all i read about it they haven't even started with anything other than concept. I would venture 2 years minimum before one would even go online, especially if they are doing all of these updates they are hiring for.

Vrika

My personal guess would be that they're aiming to run WoW classic with same engine that's currently used in WoW.

I think it would be good idea: The new engine should have capacity to run nearly 1:1 version of Vanilla WoW, while giving us better graphics, stability and less engine and server related bugs.