VR just hired a new Dev for programming. Lack of available programmer time has been a bottleneck for some time now.
There is a ton of Crafting system aspects that have been long done and waiting to get coded, tested and ingame. This is my biggest hope for the future.
I know that here is also a great deal of Lore generally waiting to get into the game. That could also signal a bunch of Perception for next year's map.
Badia De Cara is supposedly going to open up some islands (I think) so travel to more places could certainly happen. I believe we were recently told that Badia will also open up the first serious underwater area of game play. While I've often avoided underwater areas that didn't work well, I'd love to explore one that IS done well.
Possibilites are endless....
Ooo, I never considered Islands, Underwater would lead me to assume they will do some much needed swimming improvements as well as underwater breathing spells and or potions. My Ranger may be able to continue that exploration of the depths of the WellPond that cost him all those deaths.
Good to hear they are clearing some bottlenecks