Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 writers talk (at length) about MMO story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/guild-wars-2-writers-talk-at-length-about-mmo-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 - Human concept art
What's it like to pen the narrative for one of the most anticipated MMORPGs, well, ever? It's quite different from writing a novel or a screenplay, according to ArenaNet's Angel McCoy. She joins Guild Wars 2 lead writer Bobby Stein and Peter "The Explorer" Fries for an MMO story-flavored sit-down with fan site Under the Pale Tree.

The interview is a lengthy one (who knew that writers could be so wordy?), and it covers a bunch of ground including the megalithic sprawl of GW2's narrative, the challenges inherent in writing particular races, and the differences between in-game dialogue and cutscene exposition. There's more to it, of course, but honestly the thing is so huge that we're going to go finish reading it after we've jotted down this here news post.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 writers talk (at length) about MMO story originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetangel-mccoyarenanetbobby-steinfantasyguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-interviewguild-wars-2-storyguild-wars-2-writersgw2gw2-storyinterviewmmo-storynarrativencsoftpeter-friesstoryWed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: GW2 field trip edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-mmo-report-gw2-field-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-mmo-report-gw2-field-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/the-mmo-report-gw2-field-trip-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey treks to Burbank, California, to check out Guild Wars 2's voice-acting studio and interview ArenaNet lead writer Bobby Stein. Stein tells the crew that his team has been working on GW2's voice-overs for three years, resulting in approximately 70 or 80 times the amount of voice work for Guild Wars 1's final installment, Eye of the North.

Casey also interviews a trio of women portraying female Charr characters, but it just wouldn't be an MMO Report field trip if Casey hadn't given the voice acting a try himself. Rising to such stage directions as "he's a cat" and "now try it drunk," Casey receives a hard-earned standing ovation from the sound booth.

All this and more in the MMO Report video tucked behind the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: GW2 field trip edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: GW2 field trip edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbobby-steinburbankcasey-schreinercharreotneye-of-the-northfield-tripguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gwgw1gw2gwenmmo-reportnewsthe-mmo-reportvideovideosvoice-overvoice-oversvoice-workFri, 25 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet lead writer Bobby Stein interviewed on script-writing, voice-overs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/arenanet-lead-writer-bobby-stein-interviewed-on-script-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/arenanet-lead-writer-bobby-stein-interviewed-on-script-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/arenanet-lead-writer-bobby-stein-interviewed-on-script-writing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today, Tap Repeatedly has an exclusive interview with ArenaNet's lead writer Bobby Stein. The interview covers a variety of script-related details, such as the difference in approach between Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2, what led to the decision to implement full voice-overs, and some of the difficulties the studio faces in doing so. He also offers some juicy tidbits on just how voice-acting will affect the atmosphere of the game, one exciting example being:
"Say you're travelling a road between two towns, when a guard approaches you in a frenzy. He emphatically tells you that the estate he's guarding is under attack, and that the family-including a small child-is in danger. You storm the property and cut through waves of pirates. Meanwhile, you hear the owners down below cowering in fear. But you've arrived a few moments too late. You overhear the kidnapping take place, and the pirates whisk the little girl to their hideout for ransom. If you're quick about it you can even watch them make the journey."
It's an absolute gold mine for anyone anticipating GW2, and doubly so for any of you who are particularly interested in the writing end of game development. Click on over to Tap Repeatedly for the full interview.

MassivelyArenaNet lead writer Bobby Stein interviewed on script-writing, voice-overs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbobby-steinguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2ncncsoftvovoice-oversvoiceoverswritingSat, 07 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 Norn week continues with new video and developer interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/guild-wars-2-norn-week-continues-with-new-video-and-developer-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/guild-wars-2-norn-week-continues-with-new-video-and-developer-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/guild-wars-2-norn-week-continues-with-new-video-and-developer-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In what might well be the highlight of Norn week, ArenaNet has released a wealth of information to Guild Wars 2 fans this morning. A new video, screenshots and art, and an interview with the developers combine to tell players all about what they can expect if they choose to play a Norn character.

Where and how will you live? What are your surroundings like? Jeff Grubb, Ree Soesbee, Eric Flannum, and Bobby Stein gathered to deliver some insight on the Norn and gave us some exciting new details in the bargain. For example, the Norn trait of being in sympathy with nature isn't limited to the animal forms we're familiar with so far. For example, Eric Flannum explained that Norn players can use that affinity to call upon the wurm spirit and summon a temporary wurm pet to assist in battle. While we're not sure you'd want one sticking around and following you home, they make for handy companions to call on in a pinch.

The new video, set to Jeremy Soule's instantly recognizable background score, offers sweeping views of some of the Norn home areas. The video, which is a combination of familiar and new footage, deserves at least two viewings to allow you to take it all in -- thanks both to the sheer size of it all and the intricate detail. From the shields mounted high above to the weapons on the fences below, there's more to see than can be parsed in one viewing.

The screenshots are a combination of new and old too, but even the familiar ones have new bits of information here and there. The Norn female we saw way back when is now clearly identified as a Ranger in the image title, for example.

Follow along after the jump for the video, a gallery of the new images, and the developer interview!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 Norn week continues with new video and developer interview

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Norn week continues with new video and developer interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbobby-steineric-flannumguild-wars-2gw2interviewinterviewsjeff-grubbncsoftnornnorn-weekraceracesree-soesbeethis-is-definitely-better-than-shark-weekvideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/new-arenanet-blog-post-details-dialogue-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just yesterday, we talked a bit about the fact that Guild Wars 2 fans love the small details just as much as the large ones. As we learn more and more about Guild Wars 2, so much of what is exceptional about the game is found in those little details. Attention to the little things, right down to the stitching on a ranger's armor piece, adds up to create an overall sense of immersion and depth that helps make a good game a great one.

That attention to detail comes heavily into play when the GW2 team looks at how the story is presented. Way back in May, Lead Designer Colin Johanson spoke at length about the traditional system of quests and quest text. We know that ArenaNet is actively rejecting the traditional -- and immersion breaking -- system, but what will take its place?

We got some exciting news on that very thing last night, and as always, it's all in the details. Follow along after the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading New ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyNew ArenaNet blog post details dialogue in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogaudiobobby-steincolin-johansondialoguefeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-audiogw2jeremy-soulencsoftvoice-overvoiceoverFri, 06 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet introduces house style for Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/arenanet-introduces-house-style-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/arenanet-introduces-house-style-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/arenanet-introduces-house-style-for-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

ArenaNet's latest blog entry is a bit of a departure from what we've grown used to lately. Rather than another big announcement or new information, they've focused a bit on the writing in Guild Wars 2 -- specifically, changes that they'll be making.

Guild Wars 2 Lead Writer Bobby Stein gives some entertaining information on the process behind this new style, pointing out the inconsistencies and occasional silliness in the way things have been done until now. The short version is that they'll be conforming to the Chicago Manual of Style. The long version is contained in the blog post and a great read whether you've got the word nerd gene or not.

Take a look at the full entry for all the details on how the writing in Guild Wars 2 will differ from that of Guild Wars.

MassivelyArenaNet introduces house style for Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-blogbobby-steinchicago-manual-of-styleguild-warsguild-wars-2ncsoftWed, 02 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO storyline writing: ArenaNet style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/mmo-storyline-writing-arenanet-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/mmo-storyline-writing-arenanet-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/mmo-storyline-writing-arenanet-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In a recent interview with Ten Ton Hammer, ArenaNet's Bobby Stein explains a great deal about the process of creating such an intriguing storyline as we have in Guild Wars. The company's Writing Team Lead speaks candidly about how they were able to concentrate the plot into the most efficient and interesting quest lines, walking that fine line between a boring wall of text and "nothing more than quest dispensers."

Speaking briefly on the upcoming Guild Wars 2, Stein adds, "We were able to keep the coolest things from the world while letting the rest remain in the annals of history. Despite all that has changed, Tyria is very much in need of heroes. A lot can change in a few hundred years. New races have risen to prominence. New threats have surfaced. You'll see threads of current Guild Wars history, along with some new stories." Even as there's no new information on Guild Wars 2 here, it's still a compelling article for those interested in learning more about the storyline writing process from one of the best in the business.

MassivelyMMO storyline writing: ArenaNet style originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbobby-steinguild-warsguild-wars-2plotquestsstorylineten-ton-hammerTue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST