The Human Touch Behind World of Warcraft's Newest Soundscape

February 27, 2026 - 16:12

In a fascinating dive into game audio, the lead composer for World of Warcraft has revealed the deliberately organic and hand-crafted approach taken for the upcoming The War Within expansion, particularly its subterranean realm of Khaz Algar. Leo Kaliski emphasized moving beyond synthetic sounds to capture the essence of a ancient, dwarven kingdom.

The score for the expansion's first chapter, "Midnight," features a significant shift toward acoustic instrumentation. Kaliski's team utilized a wide array of real-world instruments, including hammered dulcimers, nyckelharpas, and a massive collection of percussion tools like anvils and stones. This choice was driven by a desire to reflect the "hand-made" nature of the dwarven culture, creating a soundscape that feels forged and tangible.

Kaliski explained that the music aims to tell a story of craftsmanship and deep history. By recording the nuanced imperfections and physicality of live performances, the audio team builds a more immersive and believable world. This philosophy extends throughout the development, ensuring the music feels intrinsically woven into the environments and narratives players will explore, marking a return to the foundational, earthy tones that characterize Azeroth's oldest races.