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[Player's real-life journey honored in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/players-real-life-journey-honored-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/players-real-life-journey-honored-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/players-real-life-journey-honored-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars player Kelly Wells became inspired to go on a real-life adventure due to her explorations of Tyria and an encouraging TED talk -- and so she did it. Starting from Maine, Wells and her faithful dog crossed America to California by foot, ending the trip with a visit to ArenaNet in Seattle. The developers were so impressed by Wells' journey that they decided to make her part of Guild Wars 2.

In a new ArenaNet blog post, Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson shares how bowled over the devs were when they met Wells and why her epic journey had to become part of Guild Wars 2. "If we all took that perspective on life, deciding to make positive changes and refusing to let anything get in our way, it'd be amazing to see how much we'd all be able to accomplish," Johanson said. The team then collaborated to come up with a similar figure for its upcoming title.

Thus was born Ameranth, a Sylvari explorer who traverses the width of Tyria with her trusty dog, Anna. When players encounter her, Ameranth is known to say, "Ever since emerging from the Pale Tree, I've had the itch to see what the world has to offer. And what better way than with my own two feet?"

MassivelyPlayer's real-life journey honored in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmeranthanetarenanetbetaColin-Johansonfantasyguild-wars-2gw2inspirationaljourneyKelly-Wellsncsoftted-talktyriawalk-across-americawalk-across-tyriaWed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Dynomatic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/flameseeker-chronicles-dynomatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/flameseeker-chronicles-dynomatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/flameseeker-chronicles-dynomatic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 concept art: Centaurs from hell
After the first mostly-open beta weekend event, reaction to the dynamic event system of Guild Wars 2 is mixed. Some people see it as the revolution of gameplay that was promised, others think it's a refreshing and solid system, and others feel that it falls short. All of those are fair, although it mightn't be hard to guess that I don't share all of those opinions.

Some people expecting the dynamic event system to be the trumpet that would herald the arrival of the salvation of the MMO world were rather let down. There've been a couple of bits of confusion about the nature and scope of dynamic events, so let's look into them.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Dynomatic

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Dynomatic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcolin-johansondedynamic-eventsdynomaticfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2ncsoftopinionpveravious-makes-a-good-pointTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a behind-the-scenes tour of ArenaNet's (totally awesome) offices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/take-a-behind-the-scenes-tour-of-arenanets-totally-awesome-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/take-a-behind-the-scenes-tour-of-arenanets-totally-awesome-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/take-a-behind-the-scenes-tour-of-arenanets-totally-awesome-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I want to go to there.
Guild Wars 2 fans are surely champing at the bit to get their hands on the game next week in the game's first public beta weekend, but you know what's cooler than taking part in GW2's beta weekends? Doing so at ArenaNet's offices in Seattle, which is exactly what the folks at Eurogamer got to do just recently.

Not only did they get the opportunity to sit down and play the Guild Wars 2 beta with the team, but they also got the chance to chat with many of the key figures behind it all. Virtually every department of development is represented in the lengthy article, which includes interviews with head honcho Mike O'Brien, QA manager Mike Zadorojny, art director Daniel Dociu, lead content designer Colin Johanson, and many, many more. So if you're interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the studio behind what could be this year's biggest MMO, just head on over and check out the full piece.

MassivelyTake a behind-the-scenes tour of ArenaNet's (totally awesome) offices originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbehind-the-scenescolin-johansondaniel-dociufantasyguild-wars-2gw2interviewinterviewsmike-obrienmike-zmike-zadorojnyncsoftstudioMon, 23 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 to provide private server functionality? [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/guild-wars-2-to-provide-private-server-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/guild-wars-2-to-provide-private-server-functionality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/guild-wars-2-to-provide-private-server-functionality/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 - concept art
One of the more interesting reveals to come out of the post-PAX news glut is a blurb about player-created PvP servers in Guild Wars 2.

Yeah, we did a double-take as well, and the post over on MMORPG.com is pretty light on the actual details while promising more info later in the week. Apparently, ArenaNet's Colin Johanson and Eric Flannum let slip that GW2 will allow players to "create and host their own servers or games with specific rule-sets as well."

The thread title mentions PvP servers, but the "specific rule-sets" bit above seems to indicate that the mechanic could cater to roleplayers, PvEers, or any number of other specialized groups who desire a customizable play experience apart from the meddling masses. Is Guild Wars 2 following the trail that Neverwinter Nights blazed a decade ago? Is it all a misunderstanding? It looks like we'll find out later this week.

[Update: ANet has clarified this topic by posting the following: "In the interview {Eric} mentioned that we are considering allowing players to 'create' their own PvP servers, it is not for certain. And we never mentioned anything about 'private PvE server' -- that is something we will definitely not do."]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 to provide private server functionality? [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenanetcolin-johansoneric-flannumfantasyguild-wars-2gw2player-created-rulesetplayer-created-serverplayer-generated-contentprivate-serverprivate-serversMon, 29 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Guild Wars 2 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-mmo-report-guild-wars-2-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-mmo-report-guild-wars-2-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-mmo-report-guild-wars-2-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In today's MMO Report, Casey Schreiner takes his viewers to Bellevue, Washington for a trip to ArenaNet's offices to preview Guild Wars 2. Casey talks to two members of ANet's team: Game Designer Jeff Grubb and Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson.

Jeff spends most of his time filling Casey in on the lore of Guild Wars 2, detailing the story that leads to the alliance between the Humans and the Charr and the addition of the other three races of the game. He also discusses how the choices players make will influence their story experience.

Colin, on the other hand, is more focused on the gameplay end of things. He talks about how the game's classes will function without the omnipresent holy trinity, explaining that classes can fill various roles, which can be swapped between in combat. Dungeons are another topic covered, and Colin explains the differences between the story mode dungeons (which are more casual, story-driven experiences) and the exploration mode dungeons (which are tailored for more hardcore players seeking a challenge.)

For the full, info-packed video (plus an inside look at the swanky ArenaNet offices), click on past the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Guild Wars 2 edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Guild Wars 2 edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcasey-schreinerclassescolin-johansoncombat-rolesdungeonsguild-wars-2gw2holy-trinityjeff-grubbloremmo-reportncsoftstorythe-mmo-reportThu, 30 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 is skill-based, says lead designer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/guild-wars-2-is-skill-based-says-lead-designer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/guild-wars-2-is-skill-based-says-lead-designer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/guild-wars-2-is-skill-based-says-lead-designer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Although Guild Wars 2 has had many reveals lately, much of the game is still shrouded in mystery, and ArenaNet has generally remained tight-lipped about specific game information. However, in a recent interview with Guild-Hall.cz, Lead Designer Eric Flannum did let fans in on a few tidbits.

A concern for a lot of players is skill vs. level. Flannum revealed that skill will play a significant role in Guild Wars 2 and clarified it by saying, "For really large level spreads of say 10 or more levels, then the gear and raw power of the character is going to be a huge factor. When you are talking about smaller level differences then skill plays a very large role." Given the more action-based combat mechanics of the game, we think this makes a lot of sense.

In a related question, Flannum was asked about the quality of dropped gear vs. crafted gear. "It will be possible to craft items that are comparable in power to the best items available through drops and other rewards," he assured readers.

For the whole interview with Flannum and designers Jon Peters, Jeff Grubb, Colin Johanson, and Ree Soesbee, hop to Guild-Hall.cz.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 is skill-based, says lead designer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetatributescolin-johansoncraftingcrafting-systemeric-flannumgearguild-hallguild-hall-czGuild-Wars-2GW2interviewjeff-grubbjon-petersncsoftree-soesbeeskill-basedskill-based-combatskillsFri, 06 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Johanson: MMO class trinity is "tired"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/guild-wars-2s-johanson-mmo-class-trinity-is-tired/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/guild-wars-2s-johanson-mmo-class-trinity-is-tired/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/guild-wars-2s-johanson-mmo-class-trinity-is-tired/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Have you ever wondered where all the hype comes from regarding Guild Wars 2? Sure, the original game was a financial success, and the sequel has NCsoft's considerable financial muscle behind it. When you get right down to it, though, ArenaNet is a company with one game to its credit, yet the firm still has the courage to openly challenge Blizzard as well as the rest of the crowded MMO market. In a new interview at Eurogamer, lead content designer Colin Johanson says ANet's success and confidence largely stem from a culture of creative fearlessness.

How does this attitude translate into a next-gen MMO? Johanson says the best example is the dev team's willingness to scrap one of the themepark MMO genre's sacred cows: the holy trinity. "We're basically saying, listen, this as a core game mechanic is tired, we can do something better, we can do something more interesting than this," Johanson explains.

The interview also touches on ArenaNet's release-it-when-it's-done mantra, and Johanson elaborates on why Guild Wars 2 has been so long in the making. "We're going to do all of this, we're going to make this the game that offers something for everybody, and we're going to get that right, and if it takes us a little longer to do that, the trade-off is totally worthwhile," he said. Head to Eurogamer for the full report.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Johanson: MMO class trinity is "tired" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenanetcolin-johansondynamic-contentdynamic-eventsfantasyguild-wars-2gw2holy-trinityinterviewstrinityFri, 15 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: More developers weigh in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

In 2009, the staffers of Massively were more than aware of the changes happening in the MMO industry. The game was changing; technology was allowing the MMO to step out of its turn-based comfort zone and take on new challenges. We began to see the MMO-shooter, the MMO-RTS, and the MMO-does-that-even-fit-in-a-genre. The staff penned a series of articles called Redefining MMOs. Have things changed in two years? On the surface, I'd say no. We still can't figure out exactly what an MMO is. If you ask six different people the same question, you'll get six different answers (if not more). In fact, while I was at PAX East, I did just that.

I spoke to six different designers: three from the most anticipated games of this year, two from studios that have been doing this MMO thing for a long time, and one from a studio that refuses to label its game as an MMO. After the break, find out what developers of Guild Wars 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic, City of Heroes, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and Firefall have to say about the new definition of MMOs.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: More developers weigh in

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: More developers weigh in originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyarenanetBioWarecity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscohcolin-johansoncovcoxddodefinitiondefinition-of-mmodefinitionsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEAeletronic-artsfeaturedfirefallGuild-Wars-2gw2james-ohlenlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromark-kernMike-Zadorojnymmo-definitionmmosnate-birkholzNCsoftparagon-studiosred-5-studiosstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTurbineWorld-of-WarcraftwowWed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: The best souvenir from PAX East]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/flameseeker-chronicles-the-best-souvenir-from-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/flameseeker-chronicles-the-best-souvenir-from-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/flameseeker-chronicles-the-best-souvenir-from-pax-east/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When Massively staffer Larry Everett was writing about a PAX East panel he attended, he asked me to help him find a picture of Colin Johanson. I begged him to use the one above, created by GuildWars2Guru member Rolin, but my pleas were unheeded. Since today's Flameseeker Chronicles is in part about Colin, I finally got my way -- albeit indirectly.

Since I didn't get the pleasure of attending PAX East, Larry sent me a wonderful souvenir: recordings of a couple of casual chats he had with Colin and Mike Zadorojny all about the MMO industry and Guild Wars 2's place in it. They were such fun to listen to that I decided to share some of them with you guys in today's column. Follow along after the jump for the best bits of Larry's discussion with these two!

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The best souvenir from PAX East

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: The best souvenir from PAX East originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcolin-johansonfeaturedguild-wars-2gw2interviewinterviewsMike-Zadorojnyncsoftpaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PAX East panel that almost made me late for the Star Wars: The Old Republic Meet 'n' Greet was a panel hosted by MMORPG.com and featuring some of the heavy hitters in MMO development for this year. I am certainly glad I did not skip this one. This was the chance for the fans to hear what the future of MMOs will bring from the people who are making them.

Let me give you a rundown of the panel members -- and tell me you don't just stand in awe of these guys: (from left to right) Curt Schilling, the founder of 38 Studios; Craig Alexander, the VP of Product Development for Turbine; Jeremy Gaffney, Executive Producer at Carbine Studios; Scott Hartsman, Executive Producer for Trion Worlds; Brian Knox, Senior Producer for En Masse Entertainment; James Ohlen, Creative Director for BioWare; and Colin Johanson, Lead Content Designer for ArenaNet.

The opening question really set the stage for the panel. It let us know where the minds of these producers and executives are. The question was simple: Where do you see online games going in the next 10 years? Follow after the cut to find out their thought provoking answers.

Continue reading PAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers

MassivelyPAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosArenaNetBioWareBrian-KnoxCarbine-StudiosColin-JohansonCraig-AlexanderCurt-Schillingdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEn-Masse-Entertainmentfeaturedfuture-of-mmosGuild-Wars-2James-OhlenJeremy-Gaffneylord-of-the-rings-onlinePaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011RIFTScott-Hartsmanstar-wars-the-old-republicTERATrion-WorldsTurbineThu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 unleashes a new demo for PAX East!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/guild-wars-2-unleashes-a-new-demo-for-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/guild-wars-2-unleashes-a-new-demo-for-pax-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/guild-wars-2-unleashes-a-new-demo-for-pax-east/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ArenaNet is always reaching beyond the players' expectations. The demo at PAX Prime received incredible reviews from most people who played it. It even turned the heads of a certain reporter who was there for another game entirely. Unfortunately, Community Manager Martin Kerstein said in a recent entry on the ArenaNet blog that the most exciting thing ANet has planned for the upcoming PAX East is the presence of Game Designer Colin Johanson. The smart-alec Kerstein followed that up with, "Oh, and in addition to Colin, we will have a brand-new Guild Wars 2 demo for you, with loads of new content." He did not elaborate on the specifics but promised to reveal that at a later date.

In addition, Lead Graphics Programmer Jim Scott has created an iPad application called Sketch Club, and ArenaNet would like to see what its fans can produce with the creative tool. This month, the team is throwing a Guild Wars 2 armor competition. Use a Guild Wars 2 character model as a start, then create the best armor you can think of with Sketch Club.

For all the information on everything ArenaNet is doing at PAX, jump to the announcement, or if you're interested in joining the GW2 Armor Compo check out the contest rules.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 unleashes a new demo for PAX East! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-blogcolin-johansoncontestGuild-Wars-2GW2ipadjim-scottMartin-KersteinncsoftPAXPAX-eastpax-east-2012Sketch-ClubWed, 02 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An ArenaNet retrospective: "We're not a video game company, we're a community building company"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/an-arenanet-retrospective-were-not-a-video-game-company-wer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/an-arenanet-retrospective-were-not-a-video-game-company-wer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/an-arenanet-retrospective-were-not-a-video-game-company-wer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"I don't think I've seen a studio more passionate about its work."

Massively contributing editor Larry Everett made this comment regarding ArenaNet in our recent Staff Choice Awards, and his timing couldn't have been better. ArenaNet has begun 2011 in a big way with the ArenaNet retrospective. The 15-minute video is a trip back in time to the earliest days of ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but it doesn't stop there. Over 20 ArenaNet team members give their perspectives on where the company has been, where it's going, the company's take on Guild Wars 2, and what makes it great.

If you loved the Manifesto video, you're likely going to find this one an even bigger treat. Follow along after the jump to see the ArenaNet retrospective video and Massively's take on it.

Continue reading An ArenaNet retrospective: "We're not a video game company, we're a community building company"

MassivelyAn ArenaNet retrospective: "We're not a video game company, we're a community building company" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-j-thompsonanetarenanetarenanet-retrospectivebob-steinchris-lyecolin-johansondaniel-dociuemily-diehleric-flannumguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2horia-dociuisaiah-cartwrightjason-stokesjeff-grubbkaty-hargrovekekai-kotakukristen-perrymike-obrienMike-Zadorojnyncsoftrandy-priceree-soesbeerichard-andersonvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quaggan sad: A look back at the Guild Wars 2 Dynamic Events panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/quaggan-sad-a-look-back-at-the-guild-wars-2-dynamic-events-pane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/quaggan-sad-a-look-back-at-the-guild-wars-2-dynamic-events-pane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/quaggan-sad-a-look-back-at-the-guild-wars-2-dynamic-events-pane/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the top of my to-do list for Saturday morning at PAX was Designing Dynamic Events, a Guild Wars 2 panel with designers Eric Flannum and Colin Johanson. Talk and video of the panel have been everywhere this week, and I wanted to take a little bit of time to give my thoughts on what they did and how it was received.

The panel was billed as a discussion about "how Guild Wars 2 designers create events in the dynamic, living game world and the many factors to consider when designing any kind of MMO content."

It sounded interesting, but it was a ticketed event with limited attendance, which seemed strange to me. I managed to get a ticket and was even more confused when I walked into the relatively tiny room. Why such a small place for something that would certainly have drawn a huge crowd?

It all became clear very soon, so follow along after the cut to hear more about my take on the new things we learned in Designing Dynamic Events.

Continue reading Quaggan sad: A look back at the Guild Wars 2 Dynamic Events panel

MassivelyQuaggan sad: A look back at the Guild Wars 2 Dynamic Events panel originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcolin-johansoncon-paneldesigning-dynamic-eventsdynamic-eventseric-flannumevent-designfeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-panelgw2jeff-grubbkraitncsoftopinionpanelpanelsPAXpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010quagganquest-designsharks-with-laser-beamsthe-mighty-ooohThu, 09 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: PAX 2010 travel diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/flameseeker-chronicles-pax-2010-travel-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/flameseeker-chronicles-pax-2010-travel-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/flameseeker-chronicles-pax-2010-travel-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's Sunday night and PAX is over. My iPhone and laptop are screaming for mercy. It's been a wild ride, I have the Con Crud, my feet hurt so much I keep checking to make sure they're not stumps, and all I want is to turn the clock back to last Friday so I can do it again.

I had appointments and interviews with so many different game studios, and I was excited about every single one of them, but you guys know I was making Guild Wars 2 a top priority. I squeezed in time to indulge at every opportunity and have a lot to say.

When I was spending time with Guild Wars 2 this weekend, something struck me over and over. Every employee whom ArenaNet could possibly spare from the office was there in force. I asked at one point and was told that every person wearing that white shirt was an ArenaNet employee. They were out there doing everything they could to spend time with the fans, and more than one developer told me that it was a huge thrill to finally be able to share all of this with people who love it as much as they do. The inability to share all of this exciting news has been as frustrating for them as it was for us, but it was for a good cause, and I think every fan at PAX this weekend agreed it was worth the wait.

With that in mind, it was an easy decision to share my weekend experiences and photos with you guys for today's Flameseeker Chronicles. Follow along after the jump while I go find more Nyquil.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: PAX 2010 travel diary

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: PAX 2010 travel diary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcolin-johansonelijah-milleremily-diehlfeaturedgameplayguild-wars-2gw2hands-onjohn-corpeningjon-petersmartin-kersteinmike-obrienMike-Zadorojnyncsoftpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010regina-buenaobratirzah-bauerMon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet preparing for gamescom and PAX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/arenanet-preparing-for-gamescom-and-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/arenanet-preparing-for-gamescom-and-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/arenanet-preparing-for-gamescom-and-pax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As gamescom and PAX approach, a fair amount of attention is on ArenaNet -- specifically Guild Wars 2. The prospect of being able to play GW2 for the first time is an exciting one for fans.

ArenaNet has released a few details of what we'll see during gameplay over the past week, including the information that we'll be playing with some staff back at the ArenaNet offices. In the most recent blog post, we hear directly from four of those staffers. Bob Green, Joe Belousek, Anthony Ordon, and Joe Longworth are members of the Guild Wars 2 QA team, the group working to make sure the demo runs smoothly. Check out the latest ArenaNet blog entry to see what they're most looking forward to in the demo.

While the demo is easily the main focus of ArenaNet's presence at these events, there is more to check out while you're there. The event schedule for PAX Prime was finally released yesterday, and it includes a Saturday morning presentation entitled "Guild Wars 2: Designing Dynamic Events." Eric Flannum and Colin Johanson will give insight into how the dynamic event system in GW2 was created -- it's a talk that fans won't want to miss.

It's a ticketed event, so be sure to check the schedule for details on how to attend.

MassivelyArenaNet preparing for gamescom and PAX originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier this week, ArenaNet promised a new Guild Wars 2 video. That announcement came with a warning: no, it's not a new class reveal, and many fans were pretty disappointed. What could possibly serve as an adequate substitute for a class reveal? It's safe to say that the disappointment was blown out of the water yesterday with the unveiling of the MMO Manifesto and the Walking the Walk blog post.

Merriam-Webster defines the word manifesto as a "a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer," but when the word is used in context, there are usually strong feelings behind those intentions. Revolutionary, groundbreaking, and change are words associated with such a thing, and it was a word well-chosen by ArenaNet with this newest reveal.

Follow along after the jump as we take a closer look at what ArenaNet showed us yesterday.

Continue reading This game will care that you're there: Our look at the Guild Wars 2 manifesto

MassivelyThis game will care that you're there: Our look at the Guild Wars 2 manifesto originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogcolin-johansondaniel-dociufeaturedghosts-of-ascalonguild-warsguild-wars-2gw2manifestomike-obrienncsoftree-soesbeetrailervideoWed, 11 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 video features developers and new gameplay footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-features-developers-and-new-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-features-developers-and-new-gameplay-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-features-developers-and-new-gameplay-footage/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You know all those quotes and images ArenaNet has been teasing us with the past few days? Well, we finally found out what that was all about -- the promised Guild Wars 2 video was finally released.


We've known for a long time that the design goals for Guild Wars 2 were to make something bigger and better than what we've come to expect from an MMO. A truly immersive story in which the world around you isn't made up of blocks of quest text, oblivious NPCs, and enemies who loiter in a field waiting for you to come attack.

In the new video from ArenaNet, we hear more on this plan straight from the developers: Mike O'Brien, Daniel Dociu, Colin Johanson, and Ree Soesbee. Follow along after the jump to hear what they have to say, and check out the beautiful new gameplay footage in the video.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 video features developers and new gameplay footage

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 video features developers and new gameplay footage originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcolin-johansondaniel-dociuguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-videogw2mike-obrienncsoftree-soesbeeTue, 10 Aug 2010 13:45:00 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.

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"Loot will never be directly given as a reward for an event. [...] All events reward you with experience, gold, and karma, which you can spend at merchants and vendors in the game to purchase rewards."

There you have it: the answer to the question asked over and over since the Guild Wars 2 dynamic event system was announced a little over a week ago. Guild Wars players have always enjoyed loot distribution that's different from the need vs. greed or free loot systems that are standard in so many MMOs. Pre-assigned items and equally divided gold skirted the entire issue of arguing over who gets what.

Players have been very concerned about the distribution of loot, gold, and XP in Guild Wars 2, but the only hint we received was from Lead Designer Eric Flannum: "[...] each event has its own criteria for determining participation that gauges who actually made a decent effort at participating. It's designed to give no credit or lower credit to players who were AFK during an event or just did a fly-by, using only a few skills and moved on. [...] The intention of the system is to encourage players to participate in fights. We don't define participation as either idling and doing nothing, or using one skill and simply tagging a monster."

That was definitely reassuring, but as with most of the Guild Wars 2 news it raises even more questions. Colin Johanson addressed them briefly yesterday when he introduced the concept of karma as a way of acquiring the things you need, promising that Eric Flannum would explain further tomorrow.

Tomorrow is here and Eric does tell us more about karma, but he's got much more to say. Follow along after the jump for the next round of questions about dynamic events!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 Lead Designer answers more questions about dynamic events

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Lead Designer answers more questions about dynamic events originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetcolin-johansondynamic-eventseric-flannumfeaturedGuild-Wars-2GW2karmancsoftThu, 20 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 Lead Content Designer expands on dynamic events system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/guild-wars-2-lead-content-designer-expands-on-dynamic-events-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/guild-wars-2-lead-content-designer-expands-on-dynamic-events-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/guild-wars-2-lead-content-designer-expands-on-dynamic-events-sys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"The game is lying to you!" Colin Johanson, the Lead Content Designer for Guild Wars 2, made a very good point when he introduced us to the dynamic events system planned for Guild Wars 2.

This is a common theme in almost every MMO -- it's just the way it's always been done. While Guild Wars occasionally falls prey to this just like so many other MMOs out there, ArenaNet do have the advantage of an instanced world in which you can make things a bit more dynamic. In Defense of the Eye is a great example of this. Artificer Mullenix tells you that Centaurs are attacking the Eye of the North: "As we speak their numbers march upon us." He asks you to help defend the Eye, and when you run outside to Ice Cliff Chasms, sure enough: hordes of Centaurs are attacking. If they take you out, you have failed.

Taking that sort of reality a step forward is the central goal of the event system in Guild Wars 2. An NPC who stands there calmly and presents a little black box with white text telling you that something earth-shattering is about to happen doesn't do much for immersion. Hence the introduction of dynamic events: allowing players to truly interact with and change the world of Tyria.

Colin introduced the system last week to great interest from the community, and followed up by clarifying quite a few points -- an interview that sparked even more discussion among the community. Still want to know more? ArenaNet spent some time browsing through forums to see what fans were most anxious to hear about, and called upon Colin again. Follow along after the jump to see what more he has to say about dynamic events.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 Lead Content Designer expands on dynamic events system

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Lead Content Designer expands on dynamic events system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-blogcolin-johansondynamic-eventsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftWed, 19 May 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 Lead Designer reveals new information about questing and content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/guild-wars-2-lead-designer-reveals-new-information-about-questin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/guild-wars-2-lead-designer-reveals-new-information-about-questin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/guild-wars-2-lead-designer-reveals-new-information-about-questin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today brings us more Guild Wars 2 news, this time from Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson who has a few things to say about content and traditional quest systems.

In Guild Wars, we're all familiar with the quest system and the giant green exclamation point. In such an immersive and beautiful world, it's admittedly a bit jarring when an NPC has that strange floaty thing that sticks out like a sore thumb -- or like a giant lime-green exclamation point. Filling your field of vision with a big black rectangle with a few paragraphs of text and a "check yes or no" acceptance option didn't exactly alleviate the problem.

Once you accepted the quest and completed it, the overall world was still unchanged. You were the hero of Tyria but overall, you didn't seem to be making a difference in the world around you. As Johanson points out, if a villager is asking you to kill 10 ogres who are about to ravage his village, they shouldn't be standing around picking daisies. They should actually ravage his village if you don't help.

The Guild Wars 2 team is working to remedy the questing problems of the past, offering some exciting ideas for a "living, breathing world" that changes as its citizens interact with one another and their surroundings. Take a look at what Johanson had to say about how the world of Tyria is going to change, and check out the gallery for the latest Guild Wars 2 screenshots.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Lead Designer reveals new information about questing and content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 May 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbreakingcolin-johansondynamic-contentguild-warsguild-wars-2ncsoftquest-textWed, 12 May 2010 13:45:00 EST