Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.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['Hundreds of thousands' have already bought Guild Wars 2, played beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/#comments ImageThe Guild Wars 2 beta opened the weekend of April 27 to anyone who had pre-purchased the title, free from NDAs or embargoes, and "hundreds of thousands" of people signed on to test it out, ArenaNet president Mike O'Brien writes. ArenaNet couldn't handle all of the potential players, but as any practiced spokesman would, O'Brien frames the insufficient server capacity in its most positive form:

"The number of people who pre-purchased the game far exceeded our expectations, and we had to temporarily disable pre-purchases," O'Brien says. "In the end that wasn't enough, and even with 48 worlds we didn't have enough server capacity to meet the huge demand. Fortunately, the vast majority of players were able to get into the game and experience Guild Wars 2 in all its glory."

If a developer has to have a problem, we think "too many people want to play our game" is a pretty good one. ArenaNet will host a stress test tomorrow, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT, again open to anyone (including us) who's pre-purchased Guild Wars 2.

Joystiq'Hundreds of thousands' have already bought Guild Wars 2, played beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbetaGuild-Wars-2mike-obrienpcSun, 13 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the beta and beyond in Guild Wars 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/exploring-the-beta-and-beyond-in-guild-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/exploring-the-beta-and-beyond-in-guild-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/exploring-the-beta-and-beyond-in-guild-wars-2/#comments ImageIn a time when all MMORPGs charged a monthly subscription fee, Guild Wars was the shining light that said a monthly payment wasn't the only future for the genre. For enthusiasts of the first game in the series, ArenaNet didn't need to change much in Guild Wars 2, but the upcoming title adds upon the instanced gameplay of the original by adding events and making the universe feel more alive than ever before.

Gone are the healers and quests have been abandoned, but you shouldn't see that as a bad thing, as ArenaNet's new direction really drives home why Guild Wars 2 doesn't seem to be your average MMO.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2 (2/20/12)

Continue reading Exploring the beta and beyond in Guild Wars 2

JoystiqExploring the beta and beyond in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetGuild-Wars-2pcSat, 05 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 preview: Common sense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/guild-wars-2-preview-common-sense/#comments Of the many -- so, so many -- MMOs represented on the PAX Prime 2011 show floor, ArenaNet's long-in-development Guild Wars 2 easily presents the most outside-the-box thinking. Where other entries in the genre tend to look at their contemporaries and attempt to iteratively repair their rough edges, Guild Wars 2 throws out baby, bathwater and tub, starting with a base that's altogether unprecedented.

Take, for instance, this core conceit: Why do other MMOs require you to stand still to use most of your character's abilities? Why not allow them to fire off powers while ducking and dodging through salvos of enemy attacks? Why not let heroes use their powers, regardless of whether or not they're targeting an enemy? Why not put some action in your MMO, or vice versa? ArenaNet seems to have noticed most developers' proclivity for sacrificing streamlined gameplay for staple MMO characteristics, and repeatedly asked that very question: Why?

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 preview: Common sense

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 preview: Common sense originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsGuild-Wars-2mmommorpgncsoftpax-prime-2011pcSat, 27 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 to avoid standalone MMO expansion model [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/guild-wars-2-to-avoid-retail-mmo-expansion-model/#comments MMORPG developer ArenaNet is no stranger to implementing standalone additions to its subscription-free title Guild Wars, but it sounds like the studio won't follow the same strategy for the game's long-developed sequel. Speaking to Gamerzines, Guild Wars 2 lead designer Eric Flannum explained, "At this time we don't plan to continue with the standalone expansion model," adding that such add-ons "split our player base unnecessarily and also caused us to focus development effort on things that were redundant with the original release of the game such as tutorial areas and duplicates of already existing skills."

Update: An earlier version of this post misunderstood Flannum's message, which does not count out the possibility of traditional expansions -- only standalone add-ons which do not require the base game, such as Guild Wars: Factions and Nightfall. We apologize for the confusion, and thank the commenters who pointed out the error.

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 to avoid standalone MMO expansion model [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetexpansionGuild-Wars-2mmommorpgncsoftpcWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's GDC presentation now available on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/guild-wars-2s-gdc-presentation-now-available-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/guild-wars-2s-gdc-presentation-now-available-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/guild-wars-2s-gdc-presentation-now-available-on-video/#comments At last, we know why ArenaNet and NCSoft haven't realeased too many gameplay trailers for their upcoming MMO, Guild Wars 2 -- they were just waiting for GDC 2011, where they'd reveal enough video from the game to drown the internet. Check out four clips from their presentation below!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2's GDC presentation now available on video

JoystiqGuild Wars 2's GDC presentation now available on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetgdc-2011guild-warsGuild-Wars-2ncsoftpcvideoSun, 06 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars retrospective does more with less]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/guild-wars-retrospective-does-more-with-less/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/guild-wars-retrospective-does-more-with-less/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/guild-wars-retrospective-does-more-with-less/#comments If you don't believe anything can be accomplished by some folks crammed in a spare bedroom, then you've gotta watch this video chronicling the creation of Guild Wars. We wonder what was worse: sitting elbow-to-elbow all day with colleagues or slow suffocation from all that Cheetos dust.

Continue reading Guild Wars retrospective does more with less

JoystiqGuild Wars retrospective does more with less originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetGuild-Wars-2mmopcFri, 07 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars surpasses 6.5 million sales, sequel will be released 'when it's done']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guild-wars-surpasses-6-5-million-sales-sequel-will-be-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guild-wars-surpasses-6-5-million-sales-sequel-will-be-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guild-wars-surpasses-6-5-million-sales-sequel-will-be-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As Guild Wars 2 preps for its US hands-on debut at PAX this weekend, we followed up with NCsoft about the current state of the series. The publisher informed us that the original Guild Wars has now sold over 6.5 million units. Roughly half of those copies found homes in Europe, with Germany making up the largest fan base, which is why the publisher debuted hands-on gameplay for the sequel at this year's Gamescom.

As for Guild Wars 2's speculated release window, NCsoft is taking the Blizzard approach to the game's launch status and saying "when it's done." A representative for the company told us an MMO -- even one like Guild Wars 2 that is going down a different path -- can't be released nowadays until it's finished. It's a lesson NCsoft learned harshly through Tabula Rasa. Hopefully the eventual launch of Guild Wars 2 will wipe the slate clean of that painful memory.

JoystiqGuild Wars surpasses 6.5 million sales, sequel will be released 'when it's done' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsGuild-Wars-2mmoncsoftpcsalesTue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 trailer explains the MMO Manifesto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/guild-wars-2-trailer-explains-the-mmo-manifesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/guild-wars-2-trailer-explains-the-mmo-manifesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/guild-wars-2-trailer-explains-the-mmo-manifesto/#comments Rarely do we ever associate the word "Manifesto" with anything positive -- but this recent trailer/dev diary for Guild Wars 2, which uses the ominous M-word as its moniker, fills us with something close to unbridled joy. Check out what NCSoft and ArenaNet are doing differently in the video below.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 trailer explains the MMO Manifesto

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 trailer explains the MMO Manifesto originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetGuild-Wars-2mmorpgncsoftpcWed, 11 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 trailer introduces us to the game's races]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/guild-wars-2-trailer-introduces-us-to-the-games-races/#comments Let's see, there's the human race, the nomadic warrior race, the mystical forest people race, the big ugly race, and the miniature race. Looks like all the MMORPG archetypes are covered! Fine, there's a bit more lore contained within the above trailer for Guild Wars 2, which explains all the motivations and backstories for each of the game's five races. Still, who cares about that stuff? Where's all the loot?

For a comprehensive breakdown of the trailer's plot elements, and some speculation on how the story of the sequel will unfold, we suggest checking out our sister site, Massively. This kind of thing is right in their wheelhouse.

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 trailer introduces us to the game's races originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsguild-wars-2mmommorpgncsofttrailerFri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCSoft hints at Guild Wars 2 beta in 2010 and launch in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ncsoft-hints-at-guild-wars-2-beta-in-2010-and-launch-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ncsoft-hints-at-guild-wars-2-beta-in-2010-and-launch-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ncsoft-hints-at-guild-wars-2-beta-in-2010-and-launch-in-2011/#comments The last we heard on the tentative launch window of Guild Wars 2 was a fairly vague "2010 or 2011." Fortunately, if comments made by NCSoft CEO Jaeho Lee during a recent investors' call are on the level, it seems NCSoft has made up its mind about the game's release year. Kind of. Somewhat. A little.

While speaking about the game (and another of the company's titles, Blade and Soul), Jaeho stated, "I believe there will be certain public events in the year 2010 ... at least a closed beta test for those titles. Commercialization will be expected, at this point, probably some time in the year 2011." We can stick it out until the year after next before getting our hands on this good-lookin' sequel -- we just hope it's not pushed back any further. See, we'd really like to invest some time in the game before the world ends.

JoystiqNCSoft hints at Guild Wars 2 beta in 2010 and launch in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsguild-wars-2mmommorpgncsoftTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 site opens, first trailer revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/guild-wars-2-site-opens-first-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/guild-wars-2-site-opens-first-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/guild-wars-2-site-opens-first-trailer-revealed/#commentsAnd what a trailer it is! NCSoft and ArenaNet are taking their sweet time getting the upcoming sequel to their free-to-play MMO, Guild Wars 2, all put together. Finally, we get a look at the delicious fruits of their labor. The five-minute-long debut trailer for the game (posted above) reveals the game's five playable classes, gives a brief summary of the game's overarching plot, and caps it off with a stunning look at the title's varied environments.

There's also a fairly comprehensive FAQ sheet up on the game's recently-opened site -- the highlight from which is a re-confirmation that the game will feature zero subscription fees. Penny-pinchers, rejoice! This particular cost-efficient online RPG is looking phenomenal.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 site opens, first trailer revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild-warsguild-wars-2mmommorpgncsofttrailerThu, 20 Aug 2009 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars franchise sells 6 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/guild-wars-franchise-sells-6-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/guild-wars-franchise-sells-6-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/guild-wars-franchise-sells-6-million-copies/#comments
According to Videogamer.com, NCsoft and ArenaNet announced today that the Guild Wars franchise has now sold over 6 million copies. To celebrate the news, the subscription-free MMO will receive a new content update that will add new quests and more storage options. The party will also be extended into the Guild Wars universe itself starting April 28. We're not sure what the in-game celebration will entail, but we can only hope it will involve digital party hats and confetti.

Enjoy the party, Guild Wars fans. Hopefully, it will ease the wait for Guild Wars 2.

JoystiqGuild Wars franchise sells 6 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbusinessguild-warsncsoftFri, 24 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Massively's exclusive pre-launch Moria interview with Jeffrey Steefel
Massively chats with Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer for Lord of the Rings Online the night before the release of LotRO's first expansion. Mines of Moria is now live, and from the sounds of things the servers and players are having a great time of it.
Massively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP
Massively catches up with ArenaNet Game Designer Isaiah "Izzy" 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.
Massively checks in on The Agency with Lead Designer Hal Milton
Massively talks over the current state of The Agency's development with the animated and always-interesting lead designer Hal Milton. Hal shares with us a bit of insight into what they're currently working on, give us a few fun facts to chew on, and makes us actually look forward to next year's summer con season.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteve-onlinefeaturedguild-warshal-miltonlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCstar-wars-galaxiesthe-agencyTue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars expansion, sequel announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/guild-wars-expansion-sequel-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NCSoft subsidiary ArenaNet has announced two new Guild Wars titles: a full-blown sequel and an expansion for the original that serves to bridge the full games together. Guild Wars 2 will follow in its predecessor's footsteps by foregoing a subscription fee but feature a fully persistent world. Little else is known; the current planned release date is second half 2008.

An expansion for the original Guild Wars was also announced. Entitled Eye of the North, the expansion will unlock exclusive items and weapons in Guild Wars 2 for those who continue with the series. In the meantime, Eye of the North will feature more of everything, including weapons, titles, items, armor sets, 18 dungeons, 10 new heroes, and 150 new skills spread across the ten professions. The expansion is planned for a holiday 2007 release.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqGuild Wars expansion, sequel announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena netArenaNeteye of the northEyeOfTheNorthguild warsGuildWarsnc softNcSoftTue, 27 Mar 2007 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[PepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/pepsico-to-sponsor-guild-wars-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in ChinaThe cola wars took an interesting turn today, and Chinese online gaming host The9 showed they have flexible loyalties when it comes to carbonated beverages. The Shanghai-based developer successfully partnered with Coca-Cola (and pop group S.H.E.) in 2005 to promote the launch of World of Warcraft, and now PepsiCo wants a piece of China's MMO action.

As part of a new marketing agreement, Pepsi and The9 will co-sponsor a national Guild Wars tournament and pimp over 10,000 Internet Cafes using decor based on NCsoft's popular fantasy setting. Cafe chaperones will now have to work twice as hard to keep sticky soft drinks away from the PCs. Beta testing for Guild Wars China begins in two days.

JoystiqPepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetchina gamingchinese gamerscola warscompetitive gamingGuild Warsmmommorpgncsoftonline gamingPCpepsiPepsiCothe9tyriaMon, 27 Nov 2006 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars beta testing to begin in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/guild-wars-beta-testing-to-begin-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars beta testing to begin in ChinaAs if Chinese gamers didn't have enough online gaming to occupy their leisure (and work) time, The9 has announced Guild Wars China will begin closed beta testing on Nov. 29. One of the most anticipated games on the mainland, Guild Wars attracted 200,000 applicants on the first day of beta registration last week. Maybe an aspiring Chinese clan will unseat South Korea's reigning Guild Wars champs The Last Pride at the next world tournament.

The9 also hosts World of Warcraft and Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate Nation, but it is unknown if the Shanghai-based developer's Guild Wars deal with NCsoft also includes the Factions and Nightfall expansions.

See also: Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record

JoystiqGuild Wars beta testing to begin in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbeta testingchina gamingchinese gamersclosed betafactionsGuild WarsGuild Wars ChinammommorpgNCsoftnightfallPCpropheciesthe last prideThe9Mon, 20 Nov 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/metareview-guild-wars-nightfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Metareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall
Nightfall represents the third entry in NCsoft's successful Guild Wars series, and provides the most compelling reason yet for fans of single-player RPGs to try out this subscription-free MMO. While developer ArenaNet continues to push the franchise forward with new professions and exotic locales, some critics expressed concerns over the aging graphics engine and the fact that party formation in the virtual towns remains needlessly difficult. However, there's still the addictive gameplay, and the flexibility of self-contained expansions means you can jump in (or jump out) at any time. How many of you plan on picking up Nightfall?
  • 1UP (90/100) thinks Nightfall will appeal to the NWN-Oblivion crowd: "The most noteworthy addition comes in the form of 14 new nonplayer hero characters who -- unlike the addlebrained henchmen of campaigns past -- offer complete customization options to players. It saves a lot of headaches, and makes Guild Wars feel more like a single-player RPG than ever before."

  • Gamespot (82/100) appreciates the enhanced enemy AI: "Nightfall introduces many impressive-looking, powerful new enemies to fight, and it also seems to have updated their artificial intelligence to make them even more ruthless -- they'll happily go after your party's soft targets, like your monks and elementalists, not just attack the frontline."

  • GameDaily (70/100) had some issues with Nightfall's pacing: "It takes a long time for the story to get started. Unlike previous games, players can't select a secondary profession until level 5. Even so, many players will have made it halfway to level 20 (the game's maximum level) before the story starts to pick up any real momentum. Of course, Guild Wars has never been a game that has put strong emphasis on levels, but it's the only marker players have to see if they've outgrown a particular area."

JoystiqMetareview - Guild Wars: Nightfall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetGuild WarsmmommorpgNCsoftNightfallPCFri, 10 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/nightfall-world-premiere-sets-guild-wars-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars recordNCsoft and ArenaNet have confirmed a franchise record attendance for the world premiere event of Guild Wars Nightfall. This past weekend, nearly 500,000 MMO enthusiasts spent an average of 8.5 hours trying out the new expansion pack, which officially launches Oct. 27. How many of you participated in this event?

If you've been thinking about trying out Guild Wars, the Factions expansion pack is on sale for $30 at Circuit City until tomorrow (and you don't need the original game to play).

See also: 3 million hours spent on Guild Wars Factions preview weekend

JoystiqNightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetCircuit CityFactionsGuild WarsmmommorpgNCsoftNightfallPCFri, 06 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Guild Wars expansion free ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/12/try-guild-wars-expansion-free-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The next expansion in the Guild Wars series, Nightfall, is just around the corner -- but for anyone who can't wait until October, NCsoft are running an open preview event on September 22-24. During that weekend, Nightfall will be free to play for just about anyone, regardless of whether you have Guild Wars already.

The previous expansion, Factions, had a very successful preview event, so it's no surprise the idea's being repeated. It makes sense for NCsoft to capitalise on Guild Wars' free nature by, well, making it even freer -- if only for a short while. Those of us already resigned to paying monthly for MMOs may find it a nice change to try a new one without cost, but as every hour spent on a free game is one that we have already paid for on another MMO, it's hard to drag us away.

JoystiqTry Guild Wars expansion free ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetdemofreeguild warsGuildWarsmmommogmmorpgncsoftPCpreviewrpgTue, 12 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/guild-wars-nightfall-arrives-oct-27/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27
NCsoft and ArenaNet have announced that both the standard and collector's editions of Guild Wars Nightfall will be available Oct. 27. If you can't wait that long to begin exploring the new continent of Elona, the pre-release bonus pack ships in three weeks.

Achtung! For those of you attending the Games Convention in Leipzig this weekend, be sure to check out the final rounds of the Guild Wars Factions Championships.

See also: New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer

JoystiqGuild Wars Nightfall arrives Oct. 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArenaNetdervishelonagames conventionGuild WarsGuild Wars NightfallleipzigmmommorpgNCsoftparagonPCThu, 24 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/new-guild-wars-nightfall-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Guild Wars Nightfall trailer
With Nightfall's pre-release bonus pack just one month away, NCsoft and ArenaNet have released a trailer for the next Guild Wars campaign. The video includes sweeping panoramas of the African-themed landscape where Nightfall takes place, as well as battle footage featuring the new paragon and dervish professions.

For some tips on what makes a successful guild, the game's official web site has posted interviews with top international teams from the Guild Wars Championships.

JoystiqNew Guild Wars Nightfall trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetfactionsguild warsncsoftnightfallPCpropheciesWed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars Nightfall pre-release bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/guild-wars-nightfall-bonus-pack-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall bonus pack announced
The exclusive PvP preview event for Guild Wars Nightfall just ended, but fans of the series won't have long to wait for the game's pre-release bonus pack. NCsoft has announced Sept. 15 as the launch date for the pack, and the bonus content is too numerous to list here, but we'll mention the exclusive weapons for the two new professions. Should you choose the Dervish profession, the Icy Soulbreaker of Enchanting is yours to wield, while the Paragon will master the Firey Sunspear of Shelter. I don't have a clue what these weapons do, but they sound neat.

How many Joystiqers have joined a guild?

JoystiqGuild Wars Nightfall pre-release bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsmmommorpgncsoftnightfallPCpvpTue, 01 Aug 2006 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars: Nightfall announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/guild-wars-nightfall-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars Nightfall announcedNCsoft has announced the third Guild Wars campaign, Nightfall, which will have an exclusive PvP preview for current members on July 28-30. Like its predecessors, Nightfall is a standalone module with a new continent to explore, and will only require the earlier games if you have characters to transfer. However, veterans might be tempted to start fresh with one of the two new professions -- the angelic Paragon or the scythe-wielding Dervish, both of which are previewed at GameSpot.

Visit the game's official web site for more details on the Nightfall preview event, as well as updates on the Guild Wars Factions Championship.

See also:

JoystiqGuild Wars: Nightfall announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetcanthadervishguild warsmmommorpgncsoftnightfallparagonPCWed, 19 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars goings-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/guild-wars-goings-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Factions updateThe Europeans are currently dominating the rest of the field, while the Americans struggle to hold ground, and the Japanese and Korean teams scarcely put up a fight. World Cup headlines? Nah, we still have another week to go for that. How about a Guild Wars Factions Championship update?

Europe's undefeated Esoteric Warriors won the latest qualifying round, and the European teams hold seven of the top ten spots. South Korea's The Last Pride, winners of the first Guild Wars World Championship, currently sit in fourth place hoping to add another US$50K to their earnings. Americans must be too busy playing World of Warcraft.

See also:

JoystiqGuild Wars goings-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsguild wars factionsncsoftPCWed, 31 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spectator sports: competitive MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/11/spectator-sports-competitive-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NCsoft is trying to establish Guild Wars as a competitive game as well as a more casual MMO, but appealing to such a diverse audience isn't easy. However, the crowds gathering at NCsoft's booth to watch two hardcore Guild Wars PvP teams duke it out seemed to enjoy the show.

At this particular event, Team EvIL and Team PnH were going head to head. The commentator did an excellent job of both explaining the game and getting enthusiastic about the action. We're somewhat familiar with the Guild Wars mechanics, but the action was incomprehensible -- while it's fun to watch the truly skilled ply their trade, it's hard to follow the intricacies of MMO as a spectator.

Guild Wars introduced an observer mode last December, but we'd have to spend a lot of time watching before tournaments like this became easily accessible. On the other hand, watching the pretty colours flash by is relaxing amidst the buzz of E3.

Continue reading Spectator sports: competitive MMOs

JoystiqSpectator sports: competitive MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaarenanetchampionshipse3e32006fightingfpsguild warsGuildWarsncsoftteam gamesTeamGamesThu, 11 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars: Character slots for cash coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/guild-wars-character-slots-for-cash-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Buying virtual goods with real money is becoming a trend these days, but this new Guild Wars announcement turns the game's small number of character slots (four) into a money-spinner: starting this summer, you'll be able to buy more slots for $9.99 each. The upcoming expansion, Factions, will also provide more slots, so the number of characters on a single Guild Wars account should be approaching that of other MMOs soon.

Other virtual services that cost real money include realm-to-realm character transfers (EverQuest) as well as approved real money transfer (Second Life) -- micropayments for a little bit of database juggling are on the rise, though Guild Wars at least has an excuse for charging for extra functionality, as it has no monthly fee.

JoystiqGuild Wars: Character slots for cash coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsGuildWarsmmommorpgncsoftPCrmtrpgFri, 21 Apr 2006 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[I'm too sexy for my Guild Wars Factions armor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/im-too-sexy-for-my-guild-wars-factions-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars Factions armorFirst, there was a World of Warcraft video featuring the trendy denizens of Azeroth dancing to the beat of Right Said Fred. Now, ArenaNet and NCsoft are playing dress up with the stars of Guild Wars Factions, or should we say, "Fashions"? The game's web site has 16 new screens of armor sets that will be available in the first sequel to the popular MMO.

For the most part, these fresh battle threads blend in nicely with the Asian-themed continent of Cantha, where Factions takes place. All that's missing on this catwalk is a phone-wielding Naomi Campbell character class.

[via GameBanshee]

JoystiqI'm too sexy for my Guild Wars Factions armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetguild warsncsoftPCFri, 14 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST