Leo Kaliski, World of Warcraft’s lead composer, told Game Informer on February 26, 2026 that Blizzard created the music for the Midnight expansion without using generative AI, with Midnight now in early access and scheduled to release for everyone on March 2, 2026.
Kaliski argued that AI-generated audio still has telltale problems. He said, “I feel lucky that AI in music still feels quite a way off. Sometimes you look at AI photos, and if you don’t look closely, you might not know it’s AI. Music is not there yet. Usually, you hear it, and you instantly know something is not right about it, or the fidelity isn’t there. So in some ways, it’s not as top of mind as it probably is for other artists.”
He added, “we here at Blizzard feel very lucky and happy that we’re not using generative AI” and that the team is “just writing what we think is cool, and are happy to do that.”
The conversation came as generative AI continues to be debated across the games industry, including controversies over AI-driven textures and the use of synthetic voice tools in other projects. The topic has also surfaced in corporate moves such as large layoffs tied to automation and publishers describing shifts toward AI centered workflows.
Players who want more context on Midnight’s rollout can read the piece on the launch date and exact unlock times, which notes early access began February 26 and the full release is set for March 2, 2026. The expansion’s pre-patch activities were detailed in coverage of the Midnight pre-patch event, which began January 27 and runs until Midnight launches, sends players to the Twilight Highlands, and is available to characters level 10 and above.
Kaliski’s comments frame the soundtrack choice as a practical and artistic one. He suggested that, at least for music, the current limitations of generative systems make handcrafted composition the safer option for fidelity and authenticity. Have thoughts on Midnight’s soundtrack or the decision to avoid generative AI? Tell us in the comments and follow for updates on release timing and features on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram.
World of Warcraft: Midnight
Developed by Blizzard Entertainment
