Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 mixes up its WvW matchups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/guild-wars-2-mixes-up-its-wvw-matchups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/guild-wars-2-mixes-up-its-wvw-matchups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/guild-wars-2-mixes-up-its-wvw-matchups/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Invaders from another very similar dimension.
There's a problem in the Guild Wars 2 World vs. World matching system, and it's a subtle one that's almost invisible until you look closer. Because of the way ratings are calculated and how the matchups happen, the net result for each server is always being matched up against the same servers. No matter how well you perform, you wind up locked into a certain tier without any hope of changes. It's a problem that the development team is both aware of and is moving to address.

The short version of how things will work is that servers will be matched up semi-randomly, with ratings taken into account to assure that the spread between opponents isn't too severe. More math beneath the surface takes into account both the current rating of a given world and its overall deviation, producing a "real" rating that will facilitate fair matches. Take a look at the official blog for all the hard details.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 mixes up its WvW matchups originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playdevelopment-blogfantasyguild-wars-2gw2matchesmatchmakingncsoftpvpranking-systemwvwFri, 24 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Catching crabs in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/flameseeker-chronicles-catching-crabs-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/flameseeker-chronicles-catching-crabs-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/flameseeker-chronicles-catching-crabs-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles
My goodness, that lady's bikini is awfully close to body tone from this far away, isn't it?

If the sun and sandy beaches didn't give it away, I've spent most of the last week or so of Guild Wars 2 time in Southsun Cove. Karka Island! Sunny Orr! Whatever you call it, I hope we can all agree that Southsun Cove is a terrible place filled with awful monsters that nobody in their right mind, in-universe or otherwise, would ever want to visit without the lure of titles and shiny -- literally, one of them glows, and the other glistens -- backpieces.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Catching crabs in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Catching crabs in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcrab-tossfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2karkakarka-islandlost-shoresncsoftopinionsecret-of-southsunsouthsun-covethe-secret-of-southsunTue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 developers share APIs, hopes for the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/guild-wars-2-developers-share-apis-hopes-for-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/guild-wars-2-developers-share-apis-hopes-for-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/guild-wars-2-developers-share-apis-hopes-for-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 developers share APIs, hopes for the future
This morning, ArenaNet dropped the price point of Guild Wars 2 by $10 across all available editions. In a follow-up chat about some of the decisions behind that move, Game Director Colin Johanson talked a bit about community support, the game's regular update cadence, and the company's hopes for bringing Guild Wars 2 into new markets.

While a $10 price drop is not an extreme move, Johanson is confident that the change will bring Guild Wars 2 to new people. The company seems to be currently focused on building up community support. Just yesterday, some APIs were made available to the public for the first time. We've already seen them put to use in real-time WvW tracking and event monitors. Johanson also talked about recent efforts to shore up the support for sPvP and how the additions of custom arenas and spectator mode has led to viewers for sPvP streams "more than doubling" in the last few weeks. The game appears to be moving towards a twice-monthly update schedule. Johanson said that while ArenaNet has "not ruled out" the idea of future expansions, the company is committed to the idea of the living story.

Johanson mentioned that Guild Wars 2 is sitting solidly at "well over 3,000,000 copies sold" without tapping into the Chinese market. He added that the game just had its first closed beta test in China and that the team is optimistic. ArenaNet hopes to make the Chinese version of the game as similar as possible to the existing one.

[Source: ArenaNet conference call]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 developers share APIs, hopes for the future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapiapplication-program-interfacearenanetbuy-to-playcbtchinachinese-betaclosed-betacolin-johansonfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpvpspvpTue, 21 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet permanently lowers Guild Wars 2's price point]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/arenanet-permanently-lowers-guild-wars-2s-price-point/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/arenanet-permanently-lowers-guild-wars-2s-price-point/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/arenanet-permanently-lowers-guild-wars-2s-price-point/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ArenaNet permanently lowers Guild Wars 2's price point
ArenaNet has made the call to permanently lower the price point for Guild Wars 2. The game previously sold for $59.99 for the Digital Edition and $79.99 for the Deluxe Edition. Both of those prices are being lowered by $10. This is not a sale, but the new regular price of the game. ArenaNet expects that this change will bring in new players and make the game more accessible.

Content releases in Guild Wars 2 continue apace. Since launch, we've seen a handful of special events alongside one-time content, persistent content, and added features. On the other hand, NCsoft recently reported lower sales for this quarter than the previous one, citing "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales" as part of the cause.

We're scheduled for a chat with ArenaNet's Colin Johanson later today; we'll be sure to update you with more information as soon as we can.

MassivelyArenaNet permanently lowers Guild Wars 2's price point originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbusiness-modelsbuy-to-playeconomyfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftTue, 21 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 prepares for Southsun showdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/guild-wars-2-prepares-for-southsun-showdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/guild-wars-2-prepares-for-southsun-showdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/guild-wars-2-prepares-for-southsun-showdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 prepares for Southsun showdown
The big baddie of Guild Wars 2's recent living story has been called out. He's Canach, a renegade who thinks that that the answer to every urban planning problem is "more monsters." The Sylvari is behind a plot to use the creatures of Southsun to free settlers from the grasp of the Consortium.

A showdown with Canach is set to happen when the next chapter of the game's living story rolls out on May 28. The update, titled Last Stand at Southsun, will contain a solo dungeon where players will go mano-a-planto with Canach. ArenaNet says that those who defeat Canach will then open up new group content to tackle.

Other changes on deck include a zone-stomping monster and plenty of changes to world-vs.-world content. Southsun living story events, achievements, and rewards will be available until June 11th.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 prepares for Southsun showdown originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcanacheventfantasyguild-wars-2gw2in-game-eventlast-stand-at-southsunliving-storyncsoftsouthsunsouthsun-coveworld-vs-worldwvwMon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Looming death
Hey Gwen, how's it hanging? Find that flute yet? Yeah, don't worry, I'm sure it'll turn up around here somewhere. Don't get too near the river there, girl; those skale have a nasty bite! Say, what's that sulfurous smell in the air? And those distant screams that are drawing nearer at an incredible rate? And a sudden looming premonition that the property values around here are about to take a nosedive?

Reader Sharvis sent in this Guild Wars picture with a modicum of pity: "Here is Gwen moments before the Searing. Poor girl."

Don't feel too sorry for her, Sharvis! She gets an entire expansion, after all!

Continue reading One Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray

MassivelyOne Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefantasygalleriesgalleryguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2internet-spaceshipsncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsspreadsheets-onlineuser-submissionswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 gives voice to the Consortium]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/guild-wars-2-gives-voice-to-the-consortium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/guild-wars-2-gives-voice-to-the-consortium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/guild-wars-2-gives-voice-to-the-consortium/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 puts a voice to the Consortium
"The Consortium is neither good nor evil. The Consortium is capitalist," ArenaNet Narrative Designer Scott McGough begins as he introduces this faction to gamers in a new video. If you've been playing Guild Wars 2's new living world content in Southsun Cove, then you've undoubtedly bumped into one or two of the representatives from this firm.

McGough explains that the Consortium is angling to be a competitor to the Black Lion Trading Company, and that means selling people all sorts of feel-good products that they want and need. They also appeared to be the savior of the refugees from the previous living story, offering the dispossessed a place to live and work. Unfortunately for the settlers, the Consortium is not prepared to let them go any time soon, and Southsun Cove is a much more dangerous place to live than the Consortium realized.

Check out the backstory video for the Consortium after the jump!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 gives voice to the Consortium

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 gives voice to the Consortium originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playconsortiumfantasyguild-wars-2gw2living-storylorencsoftscott-mcgoughsouthsun-covethe-consortiumvideoSat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch ArenaNet's Spring Break tour of Southsun Cove replay on Twitch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catch-arenanets-spring-break-tour-of-southsun-cove-replay-on-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catch-arenanets-spring-break-tour-of-southsun-cove-replay-on-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catch-arenanets-spring-break-tour-of-southsun-cove-replay-on-tw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Catch ArenaNet's Spring Break tour of Southsun Cove replay on Twitch
Did you miss ArenaNet's Southsun Cove developer livestream? Do you have a spare 27 minutes and 31 seconds? If you answered yes to both of those questions, you can head to the Guild Wars 2 Twitch page and watch the replay. Even if you didn't answer yes to both of those questions, you can still watch the replay, and yes, I am attempting to fill out what is otherwise an extremely cut-and-dried news post.

Let's see, what else? ANet's Scott McGough and Leah Rivera are the developers on record, and there's plenty of gameplay footage and commentary packed into the half-hour block.

MassivelyCatch ArenaNet's Spring Break tour of Southsun Cove replay on Twitch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyguild-wars-2gw2leah-riverancsoftscott-mcgoughsouthsunsouthsun-coveWed, 15 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft clarifies stance on Guild Wars 2 expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ncsoft-clarifies-stance-on-guild-wars-2-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ncsoft-clarifies-stance-on-guild-wars-2-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ncsoft-clarifies-stance-on-guild-wars-2-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NCsoft clarifies stance on Guild Wars 2 expansion
During the most recent NCsoft earnings call, there was a slightly surprising statement regarding a possible expansion for Guild Wars 2. An NCsoft rep sent Massively an email to clarify what the publisher is thinking in regards to the future of GW2. The statement reads as follows:
"In regards to your recent post on a Guild Wars 2 expansion, there is a slight misunderstanding when interpreting the answer from the NCsoft earnings call. We are considering an expansion, but we are taking a wait-and-see stance. We are evaluating the performance of the game and deciding on when would be the best time to launch an expansion. But right now, our living story approach is very successful in keeping players engaged with new and exciting content. Launching boxed expansions are a great way to package content, but if we can do this on a more regular basis, something we've been doing since launch, it provides players with new content to explore and experience every time they log into the game."
So if you're trying to categorize this, an expansion to Guild Wars 2 should go in the "maybe, possibly, probably, some day, one day, soon, later, never, ignore the man behind the curtain" column.

MassivelyNCsoft clarifies stance on Guild Wars 2 expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playexpansionfantasyguild-wars-2gw2living-storyncsoftstatementTue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: The matter of alts in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/flameseeker-chronicles-the-matter-of-alts-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/flameseeker-chronicles-the-matter-of-alts-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/flameseeker-chronicles-the-matter-of-alts-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles The matter of alts in Guild Wars 2
As is no secret, I'm something of an altoholic. This is the case in pretty much every game I play that allows for that sort of thing. If I can make multiple characters, I will.

While it's not solely responsible for the longevity of my involvement in MMOs, it sure doesn't hurt. I'm presently sitting at four max characters in Guild Wars 2. That'll turn into five fairly soon, and then I've got plans for another six or seven after that. (For those of you keeping score at home, that does involve having more than one max-level character of the same profession. It's a disease.)

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The matter of alts in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: The matter of alts in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altitisaltoholicaltoholismaltsanetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2ncsoftopinionwvwTue, 14 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today
Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun patch has released today, bringing with it new quests, a crab toss mini-game, traps in WvW and more.

This patch is part of the on-going content updates that ArenaNet has brought to the popular MMO since launch, including the ongoing Flame & Frost content. Word of an expansion pack came out during the NCsoft earnings call earlier this week, although nothing has been officially confirmed from ArenaNet.

Check out new screenshots from The Secret of Southsun in the gallery below, and read up on the patch at the official site.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcrab-tossfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpatchthe-secret-of-the-southsuntrapsupdatewvwTue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year
A recent earnings report suggests that NCsoft's sales have slipped from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, although the studio is quick to point out that the showing was "solid" particularly when compared to sales from a year ago. While sales were down 35% and net income was down 49% from the last quarter, sales were up 31% and net income was up 322% year-over-year.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 21% of sales in the first quarter, in addition to Blade and Soul's 9%, Aion's 16%, and the usual Lineage cavalcade (Lineage 1 represented 38% of sales alone with its subscriptions).

While 64% of NCsoft's sales were in Korea, only 13% were in North America and 8% in Europe. The decrease in NA and EU contributions was due to "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales," according to the report. All of NCsoft's subsidiaries posted drops in sales from last quarter except for NC Taiwan.

[Update: Also of note in the earnings call is the news that NCsoft's Nah Seong Chan says the company is "preparing an expansion pack" but has yet to decide when it might launch. Very interesting news indeed as ArenaNet said as recently as March that it was not working on an expansion. Thanks to Mike and Robert for the tips!]

MassivelyNCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1q-2013aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq1-2013truly-freeSun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's living story takes us back to Southsun Cove]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/guild-wars-2s-living-story-takes-us-back-to-southsun-cove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/guild-wars-2s-living-story-takes-us-back-to-southsun-cove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/guild-wars-2s-living-story-takes-us-back-to-southsun-cove/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's living story takes us back to Southsun Cove
As the Flame and Frost living story in Guild Wars 2 draws to a close, ArenaNet is gearing up for the next step of its story delivery system. Starting on May 14th, the team will be enticing players to return to Southsun Cove, the location of the controversial Lost Shores event.

A new dev blog on the official site outlines what the team is looking to do with the living story: "May represents a transition: The Flame and Frost arc is now complete, and our plan calls for content to build on what came before while also kicking things off in a new direction. With that in mind, Team Spring Break first focused on the essentials: characters, story, and gameplay."

In this first chapter of the new living story, players will team up with Inspector Ellen Kiel of the Lionguard as she and her allies address a tense situation between the settlers and the Consortium. It's only the start of the story, however; events won't be heating up until the summer proper.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's living story takes us back to Southsun Cove originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyguild-wars-2gw2living-storylost-shoresncsoftsouthsun-covethe-lost-shoresFri, 10 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Look behind the living world in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/look-behind-the-living-world-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Now why can't every class have its own version of this to pilot all the time?
Have you been out of the loop in Guild Wars 2? There's been big stuff going on with the game's narrative, sure, but it's easy to lose the thread if you're not playing the game on a regular basis. The latest developer video from ArenaNet is meant to address this, with narrative designers Angel McCoy and Scott McGough talking about the events of the Flame and Frost storyline and how the game's previous stories are leading into future developments.

The crux of Flame and Frost is the allegiance between the Dredge and the Flame Legion, with the former lacking in magical artillery and the latter being cut off from traditional Charr machinery. That alliance led to the capture of civilians, which in turn led to a push by two young heroes to free former prisoners... which in turn has led to a population move to an unexpected place. Watch the full video for a glimpse at how the story elements lead into one another and to get hints about what's around the bend.

Continue reading Look behind the living world in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyLook behind the living world in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackgroundbuy-to-playfantasyflame-and-frostguild-wars-2gw2living-worldlorencsoftnewsstoriesstoryvideovideosTue, 07 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

subtitle LIS HAS OPINIONS
With Guild Wars 2's first multi-month living story arc drawing to a close, I thought this might be a good time to do a little bit of reflection on how the living story is treating Guild Wars 2 so far. Sure, what we've seen so far isn't necessarily indicative of the way things are always going to be, but it's a good starting point. (In fact, it's our only starting point. Unless, of course, you like rampant and foundless speculation as a starting point. This is, after all, the internet.)

To expand the conversation a bit, I think we're including holiday updates as part of the living story. It's seasonal, but it also fits into the grander scheme of providing changing content to keep the world moving and to keep players engaged. That means that what we've seen to date includes all of Flame and Frost, Wintersday, Halloween, and the Lost Shores event. Also, I guess the Super Adventure Box? I mean, it's returning and it had a lore tie-in and stuff. Maybe? I'm not sold.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-preludeflame-and-frost-razingflame-and-frost-retributionflame-and-frost-the-gathering-stormflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2halloweenliving-storylost-shoresncsoftopinionpontificationshadow-of-the-mad-kingthe-lost-shoreswintersdayTue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun adds mini-game, WvW traps [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun will end culling, add WvW features
May has just gotten started and already ArenaNet has another content update scheduled for Guild Wars 2. Called The Secret of Southsun, this May 14th update comes right on the heels of the final installment of Flame and Frost and extends the episodic content that began with that first series. This time, the adventures focus on troubles brewing on the tropical island of Southsun Cove where players must quell the rising violence and discover the secret that hides there.

The Secret of Southsun also brings an end to culling in the rest of the world (it was previously only disabled in World vs. World) and introduces two an improvement to WvW -- traps and an improved award system. Traps will remove supply from enemies. and players will gain reward for a wider range of activities in the Mists, such as destroying siege weapons, escort missions, and repairing walls. Players can also try their hand at a new crab toss mini-game.

On top of the update announcement, ArenaNet has recently posted additional lore expanding the story of Rox, the Charr. Read on to see where her latest adventures lead.

[Update: It seems ArenaNet let some of this info out before it intended to, as detailed in this forum post. So the WvW award changes won't be in just yet. ArenaNet has also informed us that it will be holding off on the culling as well and has now altered its official announcement to reflect these changes.]

[Source: ArenaNet press release]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun adds mini-game, WvW traps [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon
Massively's Richie "bogotter" Procopio is concerned for you. He's concerned that you might not have tried out Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon, the latest installment of the game's "Living Story" arc Flame and Frost: Retribution. He's equally concerned that you might have missed the memo about just how temporary this dungeon really is: It's over on May 12th, meaning you don't have long to check it out before it's gone. Forever.

But it's all good because Richie has put together a brand-new video guide to the dungeon, so you can either watch it and get a jump on playing through the zone yourself this weekend or just live vicariously through him, which would certainly involve less death. Enjoy his walkthrough after the break! (Dead goat sold separately.)

Continue reading A guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon

MassivelyA guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playdungeonfantasyflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionguild-wars-2gw2living-storymolten-weapon-facilityncsoftretributionRichie-ProcopiotrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 03 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Why broken economies hurt guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-guild-counsel-why-broken-economies-hurt-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-guild-counsel-why-broken-economies-hurt-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-guild-counsel-why-broken-economies-hurt-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel Why broken economies hurt guilds
I have to admit, I read the recent article by Ramin Shokrizade on the pre-endgame economy of Guild Wars 2 and shrugged. He made a lot of great points, but the problems with GW2's economy are really not that unique. One of the biggest dilemmas is the fact that dropped items, like weapons and armor, really don't have any value prior to the endgame. As in many MMOs, the broker or auction house is flooded with pre-endgame armor and weapons and there's just no demand for it.

There are several design flaws that play a role in why dropped items, and virtual economies in general, feel stagnant. Let's look at a few common problems in MMOs today and see why broken economies actually hurt guilds as well.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Why broken economies hurt guilds

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Why broken economies hurt guilds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceeconomieseconomyeqeverquestfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-wars-2guildsgw2leadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 02 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost: Retribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/arenanets-guide-to-gw2-flame-and-frost-retribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/arenanets-guide-to-gw2-flame-and-frost-retribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/arenanets-guide-to-gw2-flame-and-frost-retribution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost Retribution
If you're excited about Guild Wars 2's Flame & Frost: Retribution, ArenaNet is one step ahead of you with a new guide they've provided on the game's site.

This spoiler-free mini-guide covers today's Living Story release (with a spoiler-rific version toward the end) and provides a schedule of events for the Flame & Frost epilogue, starting May 12.

Be sure to also read through today's patch notes for more details on Flame & Frost: Retribution.

MassivelyArenaNet's guide to GW2 Flame & Frost: Retribution originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionguideguild-wars-2gw2mini-guidencsoftspoiler-freespoilersTue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles It's time for some retribution
Another patch day is upon us. Among other things, Guild Wars 2's Flame and Frost: Retribution is bringing in a new living story dungeon and some much-needed structured PvP improvements. Over the weekend, members of the press were invited to preview some of the incoming content. I'd like to talk about it with you, so be warned that there are spoilers for the living story dungeon ahead.

Something that I found particularly interesting about all of this is that the Molten Weapons Facilities dungeon is going to be available for less than two weeks. The dungeon is due to exit on May 12th. I had expected it to be time-limited, of course, but I think I was expecting a little more time than that. Anyway, let's dive right into it.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcustom-arenasdungeonfantasyfeaturedflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2hands-onliving-storyncsoftopinionpatchpatchespreviewpreviewsretributionspectator-modespvptrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 30 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST