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 developer talks combat attributes and iteration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/guild-wars-2-developer-talks-combat-attributes-and-iteration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/guild-wars-2-developer-talks-combat-attributes-and-iteration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/guild-wars-2-developer-talks-combat-attributes-and-iteration/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Game development isn't just about flashy class reveals and unveiling new screenshots -- the fine-tuning behind the scenes is just as important, if not more so.

Developer Isaiah "Izzy" Cartwright addressed this process in Guild Wars 2 development today in the newest ArenaNet blog post about attributes and iteration. Balancing these two aspects of combat, even with Guild Wars 1 combat to build upon, is a long process of trial and error as well as planning.

For example, a popular weapon choice for a Warrior character was a bow and sword combination -- a weapon set that the player could switch back and forth between as necessitated by combat. Unfortunately, the attribute system as originally created made this a hindrance, forcing the player to divide his attributes between strength and agility, creating a mediocre setup at best. This is one of several examples Izzy gave in the blog post.

ArenaNet will reveal more information at PAX later this week, but this serves as a detailed preview for those eager to know more. You can read the full story at the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 developer talks combat attributes and iteration originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogattributescombatguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2isaiah-cartwrightiterationizzyncsoftTue, 08 Mar 2011 14:00:00 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[ArenaNet team discusses elite skills and PvP in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/arenanet-team-discusses-elite-skills-and-pvp-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/arenanet-team-discusses-elite-skills-and-pvp-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/arenanet-team-discusses-elite-skills-and-pvp-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday's interview with ArenaNet at Kill Ten Rats ended on a promising note: "to be continued."

That promise was fulfilled today when Ravious posted part two of the interview. While much of yesterday's discussion revolved around energy usage and potions, today's focused more on skill usage -- particularly elite skills.

Elites in Guild Wars 2 will be quite a bit different from what we're used to in Guild Wars. Ravious described them as "ace-up-your-sleeve" skills used to turn the tide of battle when they're most needed. Martin, Regina, Jon, and especially Isaiah had plenty to say about elites and how they work, including a few specific examples.

The team also addressed weapon skills and PvP, two subjects of great interest to the community. Head over to Kill Ten Rats to check out the full interview!

MassivelyArenaNet team discusses elite skills and PvP in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gwgw2isaiah-cartwrightjon-peterskill-ten-ratsMartin-Kersteinncsoftraviousregina-buenaobraTue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet talks energy and group dynamics in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/arenanet-talks-energy-and-group-dynamics-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/arenanet-talks-energy-and-group-dynamics-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/arenanet-talks-energy-and-group-dynamics-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After the recent Guild Wars 2 news drought, new information is certainly welcome. Ravious over at Kill Ten Rats provides just that today with a new interview with several members of the ArenaNet team.

Ravious chatted with community managers Martin Kerstein and Regina Buenaobra as well as developers Jon Peters and Isaiah Cartwright for some fascinating discussion on part of the development process. The group discussed energy use in Guild Wars 2, and gave us some interesting news on how your gameplay style will affect it.

They also covered some ground on group dynamics and how you can best work with your teammates in Guild Wars 2. The best part of this interview is that it ends with "to be continued." Head on over to Kill Ten Rats to see the interview for yourself, then join us in anxiously awaiting the next installment!

If you are looking forward to GW2 but aren't a current Guild Wars player, you might want to check out the great deal on the Guild Wars Trilogy at Best Buy. What better way to pass the time while you wait for more GW2 news?

MassivelyArenaNet talks energy and group dynamics in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gwgw2interviewisaiah-cartwrightjon-peterskill-ten-ratsktrMartin-Kersteinncsoftraviousregina-buenaobraMon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Guilds, grind, and Gamescom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/flameseeker-chronicles-guilds-grind-and-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/flameseeker-chronicles-guilds-grind-and-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/flameseeker-chronicles-guilds-grind-and-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Thursday evening was fairly eventful for me. Thursday is our regular Massively night in Guild Wars, so [MVOP] arrived in The Wilds and began setting up for our run through the mission. We found a few players waiting for us, extended guild invites, sorted out our grouping, and off we went. We made it through the mission with only one hitch -- which I'll address in a moment -- then headed over to the Eye of the North to begin tackling the Asura storyline.

The plan was to make the full trek through Vloxen Excavations to the Asura Gate, but once we arrived at Umbral Grotto, certain party members (me) were falling asleep in their seats and had to bow out and get some rest. The plans for this week are all set, and everyone is welcome to join us.

Now, about that little hitch. We were traipsing around the jungle in The Wilds when I got an IM telling me that the level cap had been set for Guild Wars 2. What? No way. A quick check confirmed it, and my wonderful group sent me off to a safe corner to leech and knock out a quick news story while they continued the mission. They even came back to find me after I returned and demonstrated my truly dismal navigational skills, because they are wonderful like that.

The leveling and progression information was pretty big news, so there was no question that I'd look into it a bit more deeply for this week's Flameseeker Chronicles -- follow along after the jump.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Guilds, grind, and Gamescom

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Guilds, grind, and Gamescom originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80anetarenanetarenanet-blogfeaturedgamescomgrindguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2i-want-to-go-to-gamescomisaiah-cartwrightizzylevel-caplevelingleveling-and-progressionmassively-overpoweredmvopncsoftprogressionMon, 02 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 level cap confirmed at 80]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guild-wars-2-level-cap-confirmed-at-80/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guild-wars-2-level-cap-confirmed-at-80/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guild-wars-2-level-cap-confirmed-at-80/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a huge question for months: What will be the level cap for Guild Wars 2? Eager fans have grabbed onto every piece of information looking for clues over time, and tonight Isaiah "Izzy" Cartwright, Guild Wars 2 game designer, confirmed it: the level cap will be 80.

No, hold on, there's still no grind. Grind in most games with a high level cap comes in because it takes longer to level the higher you go. In Guild Wars 2, this is not an issue, says Izzy: "Instead of taking longer and longer to reach each level, it takes about the same time to go through each level."

In short, it's still all about the content and the journey, and you won't find yourself stuck at level 60, endlessly grinding the same mob to advance. Check out the newest ArenaNet blog post for all the information.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 level cap confirmed at 80 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogbreakingdev-blogdev-diaryguild-wars-2isaiah-cartwrightizzylevellevel-caplevelingncsoftThu, 29 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 devs talk crafting, PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-crafting-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-crafting-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-crafting-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The folks over at GuildWars2Guru.com have scored an impressive interview with ArenaNet Lead Developer Eric Flannum and Game Designers Ryan Scott and Isaiah Cartwright. The trio drop a few interesting nuggets about the highly anticipated Guild Wars 2. The piece touches on everything from World Versus World (WvW) PvP, to the game's unique take on healing classes, to crafting and gathering.

"We're still designing many of the specifics but players should expect crafting to enhance their adventuring experience and not be a system that tries to replace it. What I mean when I say that is that crafting will not be something players can engage in as a career without ever going out and slaying monsters and being a hero. We think that systems that allow players to do that can be a lot of fun but just aren't right for what we're doing in GW2," said Flannum.

Check out the full text over at GuildWars2Guru.com. Also be sure to look at The Flameseeker Chronicles this Monday as Rubi breaks down all of the Guild Wars 2 details flooding the net in recent days.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 devs talk crafting, PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteric-flannumfantasyguild-wars-2gw2interviewsisaiah-cartwrightncsoftryan-scottFri, 14 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massivelys-arenanet-interview-the-past-present-and-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massivelys-arenanet-interview-the-past-present-and-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massivelys-arenanet-interview-the-past-present-and-future-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Since the game's launch in April of 2005, ArenaNet's Guild Wars has set the bar a bit higher for future MMOs in relation to gameplay, their unique business model and skill balance. Their constant attention to detail when balancing literally hundreds of game skills between PvP and PvE has been an ongoing progression for everyone on the ArenaNet team.

Often seen by hardcore players as the name behind this constant balance is Isaiah "Izzy" Cartwright, Game Designer at ArenaNet. We were able to catch up with Cartwright for a brief interview regarding the past, present and future state of PvP in Guild Wars. Follow along after the cut for the full interview and some exclusive PvP screenshots supplied to us by ArenaNet.

Continue reading Massively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP

MassivelyMassively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetfeaturedguild-warsguild-wars-2interviewisaiah-cartwrightizzyjoystiqfeaturesnc-westncsoftpvpWed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The PvP future of Guild Wars explored]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/the-pvp-future-of-guild-wars-explored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/the-pvp-future-of-guild-wars-explored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/the-pvp-future-of-guild-wars-explored/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Over at Massively's sister site Big Download, the PvE vs. PvP column is exploring the future of Guild Wars' Player vs. Player elements. Talking to game designer Isaiah Cartwright, the site offers up a bevy of questions on the current and future game's signature arena-style combat. The designer touches on the interesting question of game balance when it comes to balancing the needs of one type of player over the other.

Cartwright as much as admits that the challenge of keeping skills balanced for both sides of the coin is a daunting challenge. In the future, they might even completely separate out the mechanics for these game components. A skill might do one thing in PvE, for example, and another in PvP. That would be for future projects, though: Arena.net's focus on Guild Wars is on maintaining the game's quality, not shaking things up. Other subjects of conversation include the impact of the skill unlock packs, the introduction of 'casual' PvP with Factions, and the possibility of tools for player-run tourneys in the future. Be sure to check it out for context on one of the most unique MMOs on the marketplace.

MassivelyThe PvP future of Guild Wars explored originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena.netguild-warsgwisaiah-cartwrightpvepvpTue, 20 May 2008 10:15:00 EST