Anyway, it’s really hard to say. Sometimes I think they build certain zones as a creative release or trial. Quel’Thalas was on the northern part of Eastern Kingdoms before the isle was released. I’d imagine it’s also the result of changes in planning or direction, too.

But… I bet the next expansion will have more to do with the Emerald Dream. That’s my guess anyway.

I’m a silly klutz and didn’t put my stupid name in last time. Anyways… off to Atlanta. Might post there if you’ve responded by then. (Assuming you’ll respond).

I’ve seen some of the videos for the Emerald Dream, including the untextured variations of all-green terrain like what you linked. If past exploration has suggested anything, oftentimes these placeholders seem to be just that. Perhaps they will use the general layout–but there’s a possibility they might not. It’s a shame, really. Although there wasn’t much in the video (linked above) of the mostly flat, slightly hilly terrain–it’s parts like that which I’d find immensely fun to explore. It really does look like the start of a dreamscape. But, knowing Blizzard, they might just pull it off.

I do hope they work on the Emerald Dream next, though. Outlands gave me enough of the “obscure demon-ridden world” taste to last for a few more years. We need something genuinely new!

As far as the Emerald Dream goes, they will be releasing it (And milking it for all its worth, I’m sure). Exploration videos like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hpieQL6w8U already exist and more can be found on the well-know YouTube.

Not much has been developed yet but there is one Easter egg that involves engravings left on the terrain by the developers. I thought it was quite humorous.