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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 writer laments racial lopsidedness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/guild-wars-2-writer-laments-racial-lopsidedness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/guild-wars-2-writer-laments-racial-lopsidedness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/guild-wars-2-writer-laments-racial-lopsidedness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 writer laments racial lopsidedness
It's never been a secret that a majority of MMO players tend to gravitate toward human (and the most human-like) races when it comes to rolling characters, so if you thought Guild Wars 2 was going to break that trend with interesting races like the Asura and Sylvari, think again. ArenaNet Writer Peter Fries sent out a recent tweet in which he lamented the lopsided racial balance: "Guild Wars 2 race popularity makes me sad. People avoiding Charr and Asura are missing the strongest story stuff in our game, IMO."

According to a numberless chart from Game Economist John Smith, Humans were by far the most popular race in the game, often twice as much as the others. Norn have the second place, with the remaining races roughly equal.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 writer laments racial lopsidedness originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasuracharrfantasyguild-wars-2gw2humanhumansjohn-smithncsoftnornpeter-friesraceracialracialssylvariTue, 16 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a sneak peek at Guild Wars 2's Twilight Arbor dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/get-a-sneak-peek-at-guild-wars-2s-twilight-arbor-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/get-a-sneak-peek-at-guild-wars-2s-twilight-arbor-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/get-a-sneak-peek-at-guild-wars-2s-twilight-arbor-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's Twilight Arbor dungeon
You've got only a few more days to wait 'til you're playing Guild Wars 2 for keeps, but if the wait is just too much to handle, maybe this new video of the beginning of the Twilight Arbor dungeon will help. With the gracious company of members of ArenaNet's QA team, PC Gamer took a spin through the level 50 dungeon and released the first 12 minutes of the experience.

Twilight Arbor takes place in the Tarnished Coast and revolves around a struggle against the Nightmare Court. Each boss in the dungeon's story mode is built around an emotion: The horror knight Graingor focuses on fear attacks, while the knights of envy and remorse use different tactics to punish their foes. The dungeon is rife with traps, puzzles, and potential random events. Skip below the cut to catch a glimpse of what's in store for your character! Be warned that there may be spoilers.

Continue reading Get a sneak peek at Guild Wars 2's Twilight Arbor dungeon

MassivelyGet a sneak peek at Guild Wars 2's Twilight Arbor dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcaithedungeondungeonsfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftsylvaritwilight-arborvideovideosMon, 20 Aug 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New fan videos detail racial armor in Guild Wars 2 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/new-videos-detail-racial-armor-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/new-videos-detail-racial-armor-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/new-videos-detail-racial-armor-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

New videos detail racial armor in Guild Wars 2
One of Massively's own livestreamers has put together four videos highlighting the racial armors of the Sylvari, Norn, Asura, Humans, and Charr in Guild Wars 2. Richie Procopio, aka Bog Otter, offers fans not only a look at the appearance of the cultural armor sets but also exact details on where to obtain the armor, how much it will cost, and what level you'll need to be to wear it. Richie even gives players the scoop on how to get the appearance of the sets before attaining the appropriate level to wear them.

Each race has multiple sets of armor, and the pieces can be dyed different colors. Watch as Richie models all the individual pieces (and offers amusing commentary on things such as the brussel sprout and pine cone helms) in the four videos after the cut. Also be sure to watch more of Richie during his Massively livestreams each week!

[Update: Richie has added the Charr race to the collection of racial armor set video previews. Check it out below!]

Continue reading New fan videos detail racial armor in Guild Wars 2 [Updated]

MassivelyNew fan videos detail racial armor in Guild Wars 2 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetAsuraBog-OtterBogottercultural-armorfantasyguild-wars-2gw2HumanncsoftNornpreviewracial-armorracial-armor-setsRichie-ProcopioSylvarivideoFri, 17 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turning over a new leaf in Guild Wars 2's Sylvari starting experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-starting-exper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-starting-exper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-starting-exper/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Guild Wars 2 -- The Grove
The Sylvari have been my race of choice ever since they were announced as a playable race in Guild Wars 2. It's not often that you see races outside of the generic Orc-Elf-Dwarf-Human spectrum, so the sylvan-esque race really appealed to me as something different. So of course, when time rolled around to stake claims on the impressions piece of the newly introduced Sylvari starting experience during the final beta weekend, you better believe I pounced on it.

So here we are: Guild Wars 2's final beta weekend is over, and it's just a matter of time before launch is upon us. But you'll be happy to know that I spent my entire weekend prancing around Tyria in the leafy soles of a Sylvari's boots. It was a journey full of mystery, surprises (both pleasant and otherwise), and a whole lot of oversized foliage. Follow along past the cut, where I shall make like a tree and get the hell on with it already.

Continue reading Turning over a new leaf in Guild Wars 2's Sylvari starting experience

MassivelyTurning over a new leaf in Guild Wars 2's Sylvari starting experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabeta-testbeta-testingbeta-weekend-eventbeta-weekend-event-3bwe-3Caledoncaledon-forestfantasyfeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-previewgw2hands-onncsoftomg-gay-sylvaripreviewpreviewssylvaritestingtrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 23 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Guild Wars 2's Sylvari cinematic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/a-look-at-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/a-look-at-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/a-look-at-guild-wars-2s-sylvari-cinematic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

They need to get out of the sun or they'll get fat.
How do you introduce the Sylvari in Guild Wars 2? It might seem like a simple question, but this is a race that's completely new to Tyria. Every element of introduction is up to the opening cinematic. All of the other four races can call back to Guild Wars, but the Sylvari are a blank slate. As Ree Soesbee explains in her rundown of the process for the trailer, this made the Sylvari opening especially challenging for the designers.

At the same time, being able to introduce the race with no preconceptions freed up the creative team to make the fundamental elements of the race comprehensible right from the start. That means covering the Dream of Dreams that all Sylvari share as well as the nature of a race whose members are born as fully developed adults. How well did it work? Jump on past the cut and decide for yourself.

Continue reading A look at Guild Wars 2's Sylvari cinematic

MassivelyA look at Guild Wars 2's Sylvari cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackstorycinematicsfantasyguild-wars-2gw2introductionslorencsoftracesree-soesbeesylvarivideovideosFri, 20 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 beta will include new PvP map, live gem store, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/guild-wars-2-beta-will-include-new-pvp-map-live-gem-store-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/guild-wars-2-beta-will-include-new-pvp-map-live-gem-store-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/guild-wars-2-beta-will-include-new-pvp-map-live-gem-store-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
We've already told you that you can play as the Asura and Sylvari in the upcoming Guild Wars 2 beta weekend, but the fun doesn't stop there! Along with a chance to meet the last two races, characters will have access to a brand-new map for characters in the 17 to 20 level range. The new map, the Brisbane Wildlands, borders the areas of the Asura, Sylvari, and humans, with a heaping helping of Skritt thrown in for good measure. There's trouble in paradise, though, according to Game Designer Kim Kirsch. "The Inquest, Nightmare Court, and human bandits now flood the area, preying on skritt and disrupting lab operations. Worse still, each of these groups seem to have their own dark intentions -- plots that could be catastrophic if left unchecked."

If you're torn between keeping your existing beta characters or rolling anew as an Asura or Sylvari, ArenaNet has made your choice a great deal easier. All existing beta information (characters, items, and likely server selection) will be deleted. You'll keep your contact list, but that's about it! This wipe will happen both before and after the upcoming beta weekend, so you'll have a clean slate for the last test and then again for the headstart weekend or launch proper. In addition, transactions in the in-game gem store will require actual credit card or PayPal purchases. While items bought in the store this weekend will be wiped, a record will be kept of how many gems were purchased, and those gems will be waiting for you after Guild Wars 2 launches.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 beta will include new PvP map, live gem store, and more

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 beta will include new PvP map, live gem store, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasurabetabeta-weekend-eventbrisbane-wildlandsbwebwe3fantasyguild-conquestguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betagw2gw2-betahoelbrakkeg-brawlkim-kirschncsoftpvp-mapsylvaritrailertrailersvideovideosvistaMon, 16 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asura and Sylvari races playable in final Guild Wars 2 beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/asura-and-sylvari-races-playable-in-final-guild-wars-2-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/asura-and-sylvari-races-playable-in-final-guild-wars-2-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/asura-and-sylvari-races-playable-in-final-guild-wars-2-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GW2: Invasion of the tiny, snarky geniuses
We know Guild Wars 2's release date. We know when the last beta weekend will take place. Now, the last great mystery has been answered. A blog post scheduled to go live later this morning (link coming soon) details the changes that ArenaNet has in store for the beta schedule for July 20th to 22nd. Spoiler alert: The Sylvari and Asura will be playable!

Previous beta weekends gave players access to the home cities and two explorable zones apiece for the Humans, Charr, and Norn, as well Lion's Arch and Gendarran Fields. In the upcoming beta, the last two playable races will also be open for exploration. Like the other races, Sylvari and Asura characters will see personal story content up to level 20 and access to their respective capital cities, the Grove and Rata Sum. In addition, a new Guild-Conquest PvP map will be available for playtesting.

If you've always wondered what sort of city snarky magitech geniuses would build or have been waiting for ever to play as a humanoid plant, your time is now.

[Edit to add: ArenaNet's blog post has been published, and Gamespot now has a video of Asura gameplay.]

MassivelyAsura and Sylvari races playable in final Guild Wars 2 beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasurabetabeta-weekendbeta-weekend-eventbwebwe3capital-cityfantasyguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betagw2gw2-betagw2-bwencsoftpale-treeracesrata-sumsylvariMon, 09 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 devs answer anything, including launch date speculation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/guild-wars-2-devs-answer-anything-including-launch-date-specula/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/guild-wars-2-devs-answer-anything-including-launch-date-specula/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/guild-wars-2-devs-answer-anything-including-launch-date-specula/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 dev team AMA
ArenaNet President Mike O'Brien and his motley crew of pirates, flibbertigibbets, and developers just stormed the seas of Reddit and fought valiantly through a dynamic event of Q&As concerning Guild Wars 2. No topic was off-limits, although the team didn't necessarily address all of the hundreds of queries put forth.

Some of the questions answered included confirmation that there will be a way for guilds to raise their membership cap, word on bug fixes, a detailed explanation of the new trait system, and excitement for the upcoming beta weekend event. For those hoping to hear word on playable Asura or Sylvari, however, the rote response throughout the Q&A was, "Watch this space."

What bug will the team actually miss? "Sit jumping," Mike Ferguson replied. "I don't know why, but it seems like everybody loves it (except the guy that introduced it). I'll actually be sad to see it go."

O'Brien did directly address the rampant curiosity surrounding the game's launch date: "The fundamental issue here is that we just don't have a release date right now. We're using beta testing in the traditional sense. When beta testing shows that the game is where we want it to be, we'll lock in a release date. We're not that far off. We're obviously going to release in 2012, and any statements to the contrary are absurd."

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 devs answer anything, including launch date speculation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaanetanswersarenanetask-me-anythingasurabetabeta-weekendbeta-weekend-eventcommunity-q-and-afantasyflibbertigibbetsguild-wars-2gw2launchlaunch-dateMike-Fergusonmike-obrienncsoftq-and-aquestionsredditreleaserelease-datesylvariwatch-this-spaceWed, 06 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Utopia
Aztecs. Chronomancers. Mounts. Halberds. Golems. Dual wielding.

These are all but a hint of what a fourth Guild Wars campaign could have been, a campaign that was under development in the mid-2000s but was scrapped by 2007. Replacing it was the expansion Guild Wars Eye of the North and the workings of a super-secret sequel to the game (which you've probably never heard of). It was the forgotten campaign, swept under a rug while it was still under the rug.

But what if, in some alternative timeline, ArenaNet had gone ahead with this campaign? What if it became an established part of the Guild Wars legacy, as familiar to us today as Nightfall and Factions?

What if Guild Wars Utopia had lived?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasuraazteccampaignchronomancerclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdestroyersEric-Flannumeye-of-the-northfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-eye-of-the-northguild-wars-factionsguild-wars-nightfallguild-wars-propheciesguild-wars-utopiagwgw2ncsoftnightfallnostalgiaopinionpropheciesSidhesummonersylvariTannecksthe-game-archaeologistutopiaTue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
April's had some exciting moments, has it not? The month is going to end on a high note for many Guild Wars 2 fans. Even if you're not one of the many many people who'll be in the upcoming beta weekend event, the lack of a non-disclosure agreement for participants of this round means that anyone can stream, post, and chat about her experience. That means a new level of transparency and insight, hopefully, so that's cool.

You know what won't be available in the beta? The Sylvari and the Asura, once again. ArenaNet's included Lion's Arch in this newest beta build, but that's about all that's new. I've gone on record as saying that I'm perfectly content to wait 'til launch for the Asura and Sylvari so that they're all pristine and new and ready to be explored, but I've got to say that that contentedness gets a little more strained each time we hear or see new stuff about the Sylvari. That's been true for months upon months, but it just keeps getting better.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2ncsoftopinionsylvarisylvari roxorzSylvariRoxorzTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 Necromancer, Thief gameplay videos captured at Eurogamer Expo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/guild-wars-2-necromancer-thief-gameplay-videos-captured-at-euro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/guild-wars-2-necromancer-thief-gameplay-videos-captured-at-euro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/guild-wars-2-necromancer-thief-gameplay-videos-captured-at-euro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 - gameplay
If you're a Guild Wars 2 fan who couldn't make the trip to London for this weekend's Eurogamer Expo, Cynical Brit's Total Biscuit has the next best thing.

The site sent a gaggle of its community members to the event, and their impressions are collected in an ever-expanding threadnaught sure to put a smile on ArenaNet fan faces. The news post also features a series of gameplay videos shot live at the event, and all told the three clips clock in at just under an hour of footage. The videos feature both Norn Thief PvP and high-level Sylvari Necromancer shenanigans.

Check them out after the break and head to Cynical Brit for more info.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 Necromancer, Thief gameplay videos captured at Eurogamer Expo

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Necromancer, Thief gameplay videos captured at Eurogamer Expo originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenaneteurogamer-expofantasygameplay-videoguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-gurugw2necromancernornreal-world-eventssylvarithiefvideoSun, 25 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Sylvari week wrap-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/flameseeker-chronicles-sylvari-week-wrap-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/flameseeker-chronicles-sylvari-week-wrap-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/flameseeker-chronicles-sylvari-week-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles
Guild Wars 2 Sylvari week is over, much to the relief of abused F5 keys everywhere. We've finally seen the redesign, we've read the lore, we've gotten more details about the culture, we've watched new videos, and best of all, we've talked the subject to death.

Now that it's all over and we've had a chance to process the infodump, it's time for my standard post-race-week Flameseeker Chronicles analysis. Follow along after the jump, where I'll recap a few of the high points of Sylvari week.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Sylvari week wrap-up

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Sylvari week wrap-up originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetaudioelfelvesfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftopinionraceracessylvarisylvari-weekvoice-overvoice-oversvoice-workMon, 15 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guild Wars 2 blog entry talks Sylvari personality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/new-guild-wars-2-blog-entry-talks-sylvari-personality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/new-guild-wars-2-blog-entry-talks-sylvari-personality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/new-guild-wars-2-blog-entry-talks-sylvari-personality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On this final day of Guild Wars 2 Sylvari Week, designer Ree Soesbee steps in for a thorough look at who the Sylvari are: their desires, personalities, and even their darker side.

Ree presents a long list of new details about the Sylvari in her post. She covers the various cycles during which Sylvari are born and how that affects who they are; some frequently asked questions about Sylvari biology; the dreaded Nightmare Court; and much more. The blog entry is also punctuated with some storytelling that serves to expand our view of the tougher, more aggressive side of the race as well as give some insight into an important figure in Sylvari culture.

Check out everything she has to say at the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyNew Guild Wars 2 blog entry talks Sylvari personality originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogguild-wars-2gw2lorencsoftree-soesbeesylvarisylvari-weekFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Higher credit rating edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-mmo-report-higher-credit-rating-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-mmo-report-higher-credit-rating-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-mmo-report-higher-credit-rating-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week's MMO Report finds Casey Schreiner looking to exchange sexual favors for a higher credit rating. With that out of the way, he also finds time to talk up a few MMOs.

Highlights include a mention of Blizzard's panda-flavored expansion rumors as well as a bit of commentary on BioWare's Jedi Consular class trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Next up is a blurb about Guild Wars 2's Sylvari week, and in addition to hearing Schreiner utter the phrase "sentient tree-sprout," we get a recap of the recent blog post focused on the character designs.

Bounty Hounds Online also gets a mention, and The MMO Report even has a few beta codes to hand out for the upcoming sci-fi MMO. This week's Massively mention (always the highlight of every MMO Report broadcast) is up next, and focuses on DC Universe Online's superserver merge. Finally, no MMO Report would be complete without Uncle Casey's mailbag, and you can find that -- as well as the rest of the show -- after the cut.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Higher credit rating edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Higher credit rating edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblizzardcasey-schreinerdc-universe-onlineg4tvguild-wars-2jedi-consularmists-of-pandariammo-reportpandasstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorsylvarisylvari-weekthe-mmo-reportvideoworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 12 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The past, present, and future of the Guild Wars 2 Sylvari]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-past-present-and-future-of-the-guild-wars-2-sylvari/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-past-present-and-future-of-the-guild-wars-2-sylvari/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/the-past-present-and-future-of-the-guild-wars-2-sylvari/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars 2 Sylvari Grove
We're coming to the end of Guild Wars 2 Sylvari Week, but the information train isn't slowing down at all. Today's lineup includes a video of the Sylvari starting area, more screenshots, Sylvari wallpapers, and an entry from writer Jeff Grubb.

Jeff talks quite a bit about the history and origin of the Sylvari, touching on several elements that can be found in the current Guild Wars game, such as Ventari, Ronan, and familiar enemies and locations. He also presents some insight into the race's lifestyle, varying personalities, rulers, and more. Finally, he looks at some of the challenges facing the Sylvari, both from within and without.

Check out the new video below along with new media from the Sylvari starting area, and read Jeff's full entry at the ArenaNet Guild Wars 2 page.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2

Continue reading The past, present, and future of the Guild Wars 2 Sylvari

MassivelyThe past, present, and future of the Guild Wars 2 Sylvari originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguild-wars-2gw2jeff-grubbncsoftsylvarisylvari-weekvideoThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 video talks Sylvari background and design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-talks-sylvari-background-and-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-talks-sylvari-background-and-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/guild-wars-2-video-talks-sylvari-background-and-design/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sylvari week image from video
"Trust me, you have not seen every story that a fantasy world can tell. The Sylvari are new." Guild Wars 2 game designer Ree Soesbee emphasizes how different this new race is in today's new Sylvari Week addition.

In the three-minute video, Ree talks about the origins of the Sylvari from a story viewpoint, explaining the history of the tree that bore their race, and how that forms the basis for who they are.

ArenaNet artist Kristen Perry provides a counterpoint from a design perspective. She talks in depth about her desire to design a creature in keeping with the Sylvari race's unusual origins and background as described by Ree: "I didn't want to just make a painted human with pointy ears."

Jump past the break to take a look at the full video for Sylvari Week.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 video talks Sylvari background and design

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 video talks Sylvari background and design originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguild-wars-2gw2kristen-perryncsoftree-soesbeesylvarisylvari-weekvideoWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guild Wars 2 blog post discusses the Sylvari Soul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/new-guild-wars-2-blog-post-discusses-the-sylvari-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/new-guild-wars-2-blog-post-discusses-the-sylvari-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/new-guild-wars-2-blog-post-discusses-the-sylvari-soul/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 Sylvari screenshot
After a minor delay due to technical difficulties, the latest information on Guild Wars 2 Sylvari Week made it to the ArenaNet blog.

"I love how their virtue blends with their innocence and then contrasts with the darkness of the world surrounding them. This disparity illuminates the sacrifices, gallantry, and tragedies of Tyria's war with the dragons," Design team member Angel McCoy writes. She delves into the lives, loves, and duties of the Sylvari race, answering several questions that fans have been asking, such as how they're born, the intricacies of their emotional attachments, their view of the world around them, and much more.

This entry follows the fashion of previous GW2 race weeks and includes several audio clips to flesh out the text, so be sure you give them a listen. The blog post and audio clips can be found at the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyNew Guild Wars 2 blog post discusses the Sylvari Soul originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetangel-mccoyarenanetguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftracessylvarisylvari-weekTue, 09 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 Sylvari Week begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/guild-wars-2-sylvari-week-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/guild-wars-2-sylvari-week-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/guild-wars-2-sylvari-week-begins/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 sylvari
Guild Wars 2 fans can stop mashing the F5 keys: Sylvari week has arrived. The highly anticipated event begins with a blog post from ArenaNet artist Kristen Perry. She addresses her specialty of anatomy and clothing design in a lighthearted, pun-filled fashion: "There's one big root to the design direction of the Sylvari that I hold most dear: It all must stem from anatomy."

The blog post includes 10 images, all of which are much more than just fluff to fill out the words. It's the first look at the redesigned Sylvari race since ArenaNet announced a redesign in 2010. Check out the new design and Kristen's information over at the ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 Sylvari Week begins originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftracessylvarisylvari-weekMon, 08 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Make like a tree and check out ArenaNet's Sylvari Week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/make-like-a-tree-and-check-out-arenanets-sylvari-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/make-like-a-tree-and-check-out-arenanets-sylvari-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/make-like-a-tree-and-check-out-arenanets-sylvari-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Forget Shark Week -- it's Sylvari Week! Today on the ArenaNet blog and the Guild Wars 2 official site, ArenaNet announced that in honor of the Sylvari race's being playable at Gamescom later this month, next week (beginning Monday, August 8th) will be Sylvari week.

So what's the schedule looking like for Sylvari week? Well, things will kick off on Monday with ArenaNet artist Kristen Perry discussing the aesthetic of the Sylvari and explaining how it has evolved over time. Tuesday we get writer Angel McCoy talking about how the writing team intends to bring the race to life through its dialogue. Wednesday, Lore and Continuity Designer Ree Soesbee swings by -- with returning guest Kristen Perry -- the ANet blog to to discuss the roots (Ha Ha! Sylvari are trees.) and development of the Sylvari race. Thursday sees the Sylvari page on the official Guild Wars 2 site updated with buckets of new content, and things finally wrap up on Friday as Ree Soesbee returns with a narrative blog post that expands on the lore of the Sylvari even further.

MassivelyMake like a tree and check out ArenaNet's Sylvari Week originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetangel-mccoyarenanetartguild-wars-2gw2kristen-perrylorencsoftree-soesbeesylvarisylvari-weektreetree-huggerstree-peopleFri, 05 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: And this is a big deal why?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/flameseeker-chronicles-and-this-is-a-big-deal-why/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/flameseeker-chronicles-and-this-is-a-big-deal-why/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/flameseeker-chronicles-and-this-is-a-big-deal-why/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ArenaNet revealed some exciting news this week -- well, technically it revealed exciting news about upcoming news. Gamescom is just a few short weeks away, and Community Team Lead Martin Kerstein penned a blog post telling what fans can expect to see at the event.

Fasten your seatbelts, Guild Wars 2 fans, because whatever you've been waiting to see is probably on the to-be-unveiled list for Gamescom this year. Sylvari, Asura, PvP, mid-level play, character customization -- you name it and it's there.

While exciting, all of this upcoming news has the potential to be really confusing, particularly if you haven't been following Guild Wars 2 news closely for the past year or two. This week I've put together a little primer to help explain the history and basics of each of the big reveals coming to Gamescom. Follow along after the jump to make sure you're up to speed!

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: And this is a big deal why?

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: And this is a big deal why? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasuracharacter-creationcharr-starting-areaflameseeker-chroniclesgamescomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2ncsoftorrpvpsylvariMon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Brace for the flood or get out of the way?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/flameseeker-chronicles-brace-for-the-flood-or-get-out-of-the-wa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/flameseeker-chronicles-brace-for-the-flood-or-get-out-of-the-wa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/flameseeker-chronicles-brace-for-the-flood-or-get-out-of-the-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Convention season 2011 is in full swing, and two of the upcoming events got a lot more exciting for Guild Wars 2 fans over the weekend. The Guild Wars 2 crew had a presence at Comic-Con, and as always, Community Manager Regina Buenaobra kept up a steady stream of information on Twitter for those playing along at home.

One of those tweets caught the eye of the fanbase in a big way: "Panel is over! Kristen let the crowd know that Sylvari will be playable at Gamescom & Sylvari week will happen before Gamescom!" GamesCom, of course, is the European game convention and trade fair held in Cologne, Germany from August 18th through the 21st.

The Sylvari race (and its much-talked-about redesign) has been one of the most fascinating aspects of GW2 for those who have been following the game's development for a while. After months of talk, curiosity, and speculation, it looks like we're finally going to get everything we wanted to know in the next few weeks.

The end of a long wait is the hardest part, so follow along after the jump and let's pass the time with some discussion!

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Brace for the flood or get out of the way?

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Brace for the flood or get out of the way? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetflameseeker-chroniclesgamescomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2ncsoftopinionpaxpax-prime-2010racesrevealssylvariMon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 art director talks racial redesigns and making it as a game artist]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/guild-wars-2-art-director-talks-racial-redesigns-and-making-it-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/guild-wars-2-art-director-talks-racial-redesigns-and-making-it-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/guild-wars-2-art-director-talks-racial-redesigns-and-making-it-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tap Repeatedly has posted the third part of its interview with Guild Wars 2 and ArenaNet art director Daniel Dociu. Unlike yesterday's segment, which focused on game art in general as well as Guild Wars 2's unique aesthetic, today's entry deals with everything from concept artists and breaking into the business to why ANet chose to revisit some of the game's racial designs (specifically the Sylvari).

"For some races the early design didn't stand the test of time. You build and implement things, some grow on you and some tend to age poorly and beg for redesign," Dociu explains.

He also touches on his relationship with the characters and creatures art team, noting that his contributions are more along the lines of managing creative energy and overseeing the big picture as opposed to creating assets, designs, and concept art.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 art director talks racial redesigns and making it as a game artist originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenanetartart-directioncharacters-and-creatures-teamdaniel-dociufantasyguild-wars-2gw2interviewssylvaritap-repeatedlyWed, 06 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet releases Edge of Destiny Guild Wars novel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/arenanet-releases-edge-of-destiny-guild-wars-novel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/arenanet-releases-edge-of-destiny-guild-wars-novel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/arenanet-releases-edge-of-destiny-guild-wars-novel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for that discerning Guild Wars fan on your list? ArenaNet may have just the thing in the newly released Edge of Destiny, the second novel tie-in to the popular gaming franchise. Penned by J. Robert King, the book takes place prior to the events chronicled in the original Guild Wars novel, Ghosts of Ascalon, and approximately five years before Guild Wars 2's time frame.

The novel features the exploits of an adventuring company that you'll meet in the new game, including Rytlock Brimstone (a charr warrior), Snaff (an asura inventor), and Caithe (a mysterious sylvari). You can grab a copy of the novel on Amazon, or sample the first chapter at the official ArenaNet blog.

MassivelyArenaNet releases Edge of Destiny Guild Wars novel originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetasuracaithecharredge-of-destinyfantasyguild-warsGuild-Wars-2j-robert-kinglorenovelrytlock-brimstonesnaffsylvariThu, 23 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyzing the newest Guild Wars 2 trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/analyzing-the-newest-guild-wars-2-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/analyzing-the-newest-guild-wars-2-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/analyzing-the-newest-guild-wars-2-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ArenaNet has a very early, very wonderful holiday gift for Guild Wars fans this morning: a brand new Guild Wars 2 trailer. (Take a moment to cheer, then we'll move on.) The trailer is amazingly beautiful, something we've come to expect from ArenaNet and particularly Guild Wars 2. But if you don't let yourself get distracted by the eye candy -- something that is admittedly hard to do -- there is a lot of new information here, including more details on people and places we've already heard of, and some fascinating possibilities to explore.

Take a look at the video here, then follow along with us as we explore this new information from ArenaNet. If you're unfamiliar with Guild Wars 2, this will help you get acquainted, but we also have some deep lore speculation for current Guild Wars fans. (The video can also be found at the official Guild Wars 2 site.)

Continue reading Analyzing the newest Guild Wars 2 trailer

MassivelyAnalyzing the newest Guild Wars 2 trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetasuraBreakingBreakingNewscharrguild-warsGuild-Wars-2guild-wars-2-trailerhumannornsylvarithe-races-of-tyriaFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST