Actually, since Arenanet is responsible for thier own marketing, this won't really affect GW2's launch. However, if NCsoft wants Aion to come out before GW2, then there's nothing they can do. I highly doubt that if GW2 is finished and ready to go, NC will delay it much longer. Guild Wars was my first MMO, and I agree that it could have been better, but I've tried WoW, and it has just as many flaws. Home is where the heart is, and I'll always like GW games best. Can't await for 2, and I hope that they implement persistance well.