Curse

Puebert · Jul 16, 2009, 05:20 PM // 17:20

I voted #2.

I'm sure they see how frustrated all the fans are with a lack of news, they must have some very good reasons to keep some features hidden from Blizzard and other upcoming MMOs.

That being said, I wish they would release some more concept art/more detail on races/lore to at least present some new info.

Operative 14 · Jul 16, 2009, 05:22 PM // 17:22

There is plenty that they can show that wouldn't reveal secrets or share concepts with other developers. There has been little-to-no official GW2 concept art, definitely no screenshots, and absolutely no information in two years other than that there will be a crafting system implemented in the game.

On the other hand, other games I've been following since their very start (Stargate:Worlds, Star Trek: Online) have had concept art with the first announcement, and new pieces every few months. Or at the very least they've kept up with expectations. I realize that there is GW2 concept art if you look hard enough, but they really need to be using it as advertising instead of hiding them like Easter eggs. Especially since the original development timeline (Beta in 2008? New website?) was shoved aside with very little comment.

I voted #1. I think that we are all frustrated, to some extent, by the lack of information. Though I'm mostly just looking for concept art and similar items used in an official capacity, like on the website, instead of the absolute silence that we have had for more than two years. The very existence of this thread (and others like it) bespeaks of a discontent within the player base about how its been handled. I do not think that Arenanet is handling it 'badly', I think that is too strong a word. However I think it could be handled far better.

This is the only game I have ever watched from the start where threads like this have popped up. People shouldn't be worried about the games existence, they should be looking forward to it. If the developers aren't excited enough about it to be willing to show off some concept art, then that makes me wonder what's going on. I have every faith in the Arenanet development team to make something that will be absolutely spectacular. I just don't get why they can't allow even a bare minimum to keep us excited about it instead of meeting us with deathly silence.

Test Me · Jul 16, 2009, 05:28 PM // 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operative 14

People shouldn't be worried about the games existence, they should be looking forward to it. If the developers aren't excited enough about it to be willing to show off some concept art, then that makes me wonder what's going on.

Precisely.

And if we're to think this in a "Occam's razor" way, the simplest explanation is that *nothing* is going on and they have nothing to show.

PS: And if they ever get real competition I will remember the treatment they gave us when switching over.

slowerpoke · Jul 16, 2009, 05:30 PM // 17:30

my thoughts on gw2: pics or it didnt happen.

ANet need to get their act together and make an official forum for GW2. That way they have one place they can concentrate interacting with the fan base instead of spreading themselves thin over a whole list of them. Id also like direct developer interaction on those forums, just like other companies do. With an official forum, they could have a proper suggestion and feedback area, so all of that data can be concentrated in one place and not spread all over the web.

It would also solve the secondary problem of the Wiki, which is currently being misused by alot of players who fill it with discussion and suggestions. Not to mention all the developer pages being swarmed by little groups of sycophants. Wiki should concentrate on documenting the game and providing information, not the hangout of the buttkissers.

Nothing against the fansites, those would still have a place, but it just feels lazy how they expect the fan base to maintain forums while they themselves hardly even bother to interact with them. Time to man up and provide proper avenues of interaction instead of being cheapasses.

Back then · Jul 16, 2009, 05:34 PM // 17:34

Anet doesn't release info because, frankly, they are incompetent and they know it. Some games release information months ahead of time, because they know they'll get it done. Anet knows there's a good chance they WONT get whatever they announce done, so they announce nothing.

I really don't have much hopes for gw2. I expect it to be riddled with bugs, and basically still completely outdated compared to other games.

fallot · Jul 16, 2009, 05:44 PM // 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operative 14

...

Yes, exactly, well said.

Edge Igneas · Jul 16, 2009, 05:46 PM // 17:46

I don't know what to think anymore.

Its weird because I always get this feeling that Guild Wars is looked upon as not so successful for NC-Soft because of the income it makes, and lets face it, Guild Wars is a huge cash sink for NC-Soft. It has a very risky market design, I just don't hope for the worst, even in spite of the economic recession which doesn't help.

They really HAD to announce that they were working on GW2 back then because people would have been wondering why they stopped with the expansions. I just feel that keeping the information about GW2 in the same position over all this time is very uncanny.

As far as advertising goes, I don't expect anything different from Guild Wars. I remember when Guild Wars was announced the hype was just there, wasn't over the top, it was just there. If they just release GW2 and start pulling out information in the final stages of development then I understand that, its better to keep it enclosed if its still far from being finished, then giving us screenshots to drool about for a week; only to get even more needy for the game itself.

It needs to be able to compete with other games, even though few people realize it, GW is roughly the 2nd most played MMO.

Revenent · Jul 16, 2009, 05:51 PM // 17:51

There has been some speculation here and there as to whether Guild Wars 2 even really exists. Oddly enough its pretty easy to find out that it does in fact exist.

First:It's Listed on Amazon with a release date.

Now I know there is a very good chance that the release date won't be accurate, however it is already listed in various stores, complete with cover art.

2. The Guild Wiki that Guild Wars uses on their main page, while a wiki has a surprising amount of information, while storyline seems to be mainly speculation they do have some confirmed information as well.

Its an interesting read to be sure. Opinion wise, I beta tested Prophecies, and REALLY wish they were allowing a beta such as that to happen again. However I understand why they are choosing not to. As for release of information....there is info out there, and it is listed in stores, with a release date (though I would not depend on said release date.)

Have a good one,
Revenent

Gun Pierson · Jul 16, 2009, 05:57 PM // 17:57

There should be a 4th option:

The lack of information is understandable, and I think ArenaNet had no choice after massively pulling in mmo-rpg players with their 'free to play' bait while their design was not fit for it and they had to start from scratch.

I see some people are talking about and comparing the situation with Diablo3 so I can't resist, forgive me. This is what we know about Diablo3 so far:
- focused on solo and cooperative play
- 3 classes revealed
- uses technology that makes it easy for them to create new content
- will use the new battlenet
- loot is important in the game and they use a complex loot generator that takes your current equipment into account.
- no fixed creeps so every dungeon feels different when you play it again, same for loot.
- you can join your friends, even if they have a lower or higher progressed character than yours, so zoning will be something like in GW I guess.
- easy interface as you can use the mouse only to use skill combos.
-...

I can go on and on, here's a compilation of all known vids and dev interviews, enjoy:
http://diablo3x.com/compilation-of-all-diablo-3-videos
Next month we'll see BlizzCon 2009 and more will be revealed.

Big difference if you compare this to the info about GW2, but whatever. You first have to have something decent before you can show off some eye candy.

Test Me · Jul 16, 2009, 06:00 PM // 18:00

Duke Nukem Forever was listed on amazon, and still is with a big red tag: Out of Print--Limited Availability.

nvmu · Jul 16, 2009, 06:01 PM // 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revenent

First:It's Listed on Amazon with a release date.

Now I know there is a very good chance that the release date won't be accurate, however it is already listed in various stores, complete with cover art.

Revenent

You need to go back to your link and do a little more reading... The box itself says "Not Official Box Art".

Racthoh · Jul 16, 2009, 06:05 PM // 18:05

So long as it doesn't become the next Duke Nukem Forever I'm fine with whatever information they decide to release. My one concern is whether they learned from the mistakes of Guild Wars or not, and really until I actually have the game in my hands will I be able to determine that for myself. Basically if it's fun then good, if not, oh well. Other games I can move onto.

Cluebag · Jul 16, 2009, 06:05 PM // 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowerpoke

ANet need to get their act together and make an official forum for GW2. That way they have one place they can concentrate interacting with the fan base instead of spreading themselves thin over a whole list of them. Id also like direct developer interaction on those forums, just like other companies do. With an official forum, they could have a proper suggestion and feedback area, so all of that data can be concentrated in one place and not spread all over the web.

It would also solve the secondary problem of the Wiki, which is currently being misused by alot of players who fill it with discussion and suggestions. Not to mention all the developer pages being swarmed by little groups of sycophants. Wiki should concentrate on documenting the game and providing information, not the hangout of the buttkissers.

Nothing against unofficial fansites, those would still have a place, but it just feels lazy how they expect the fan base to maintain forums while they themselves hardly even bother to interact with them. Time to man up and provide proper avenues of interaction instead of being cheapasses.

AMEN!

Can I get a hallelujah out there?

Organized, logical and concise communication is good. No/limited/poor communication is bad. Communication is our friend.

OT, I vote #2, but still feel that this is somewhat football-battish, keeping completely silent on things. I'm not asking for source code here people. All I'd like to see is something other than, well, the almost nothing that we currently have.

HawkofStorms · Jul 16, 2009, 06:07 PM // 18:07

GW2 was announced much earlier then other games are, and therefore, doesn't have as much info to be released. D3 was in development for 5 years before it was announced. GW2 was in development for about 6 months before it was announced (and was announced soley to explain the tie release in that is Eye of the North).

People comparing a game in development for around 2 years so far (very VERY normal for a game development cycle) to a game that was in development for over a decade (duke nukem forever) are overreacting to a ridiculous level.

Revenent · Jul 16, 2009, 06:12 PM // 18:12

Actually I did read, but that added with the information on the wiki, which has a surprising amount of information, leads me to believe that it does in fact exist and will be out...eventually. That's just my opinion. To me there is enough proof to support its existence. While I did say right up front I don't have a lot of faith in the release date, since the cover art is used in many places. ( http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/News (Check external links.) and it is listed in stores, and arena net does say it exists. (The backlash from finding out that it was a hoax would not serve them well from a business stand point.) and the various information easily available such as what races will be included lead me to believe that it does exist. But hey to each their own, I'll buy everyone a cookie if it never comes out lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvmu

You need to go back to your link and do a little more reading... The box itself says "Not Official Box Art".

Gun Pierson · Jul 16, 2009, 06:12 PM // 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkofStorms

D3 was in development for 5 years before it was announced.

Wrong, it was in development for 3 years. Like you hear the dev say in the following interview:
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/diabl...-iii-interview

Konig Des Todes · Jul 16, 2009, 06:26 PM // 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenomortis

Information for Diablo 3 has been paced (if only a bit) and crucially, we've seen gameplay videos.

All we have on GW 2 is the developer's word that something playable exists.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

Wrong, it was in development for 3 years. Like you hear the dev say in the following interview:
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/diabl...-iii-interview

I heard that the game has also been in development since before Blizzard North went out of business. Which, if I remember correctly, was about 6 years ago (2003 I think?). @Gun specifically: It is possible they lied. Of course, it is just as possible that where I heard that D3 has been in development since before Blizzard North went out could be wrong.

So D3 is much later in development, being over 6 years into development. It's either going to be big, has been hardly worked on while other games were focused on (such as WoW and SC2), or Blizzard's teasing people and it's much further in development than people think and it is nearly done.

Either way, comparing GW2 development and info and D3 development and info is not very convincing. Blizzard is more open, ArenaNet isn't as open. Ok... And? The point? If you really look at it, in info we have an equal amount. There is just more concept art for D3. That's the only difference. Equal amount of game mechanic knowledge, equal amount of game lore information (most of the stuff, such as the timeline and cain's journal is just an overview of D1 and D2). It's just comparing 1 to many official concept arts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Test Me

Or you'll just totally miss it... and come back to GW after a break asking in-game if there is anything new in this "rotten" world, like I see more and more people doing.

They think it's rotten because they compare it to games people must play due to subscriptions. Which is an idiotic move.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Test Me

You have to be really into GW and do a lot of detective job to get news about GW. Which is assuming people are so passionate about it that they would dig info up... instead of them pushing info out.

Or you can just keep an eye on new threads in Riverside, things will pop up sooner or later. Even if it is just a restatement of things said in past threads.

As for the poll, I want info, I don't like the lack of info (mainly for the constant Ancient Dragon theories that are made due to said lack of lore info), but I find it mostly understandable since Regina said they wanted to make it a "big splash" - which I think will be at PAX this year.

Though for how Anet is handling the situation. Well, could be worse?

I voted option three because on this topic I'm lenient, patient, and optimistic. Also hating the constant "vaporware" naysayers.

Eddie Frenzy Spam · Jul 16, 2009, 06:28 PM // 18:28

I chose option 2.

As a player obviously I would like to hear more information and certainly the lack of information since the first few interviews has been quite annoying.

However saying that I do not "hate" ArenaNet for the lack of information and contrary to what a lot of people might think, I do not think they are stupid and therefore I do believe there must be significant reasoning for not releasing anymore information on the game.

I do also think that, although releasing information early in development might lead to other companies copying ideas, it could also lead to the game being quite a lot better, especially in terms of the PvP side of things where players who know what they are talking about can contribute to ideas and be able to give useful feedback.

NiukNiuk · Jul 16, 2009, 06:32 PM // 18:32

I don't like the lack of information, though ArenaNet might have a reason for it.

My main concern, but it could be an advantage for Arenanet, is that right now everytime I read an article about upcoming big MMO's, nearly all the time they forgot to mention Guild Wars 2...
All I see is a cruel lack of popularity/hype about GW2

On another note, I seriously hope that Arenanet/NCsoft will CORRECTLY promote GW2 this time, and won't do the mistakes of GW1's advertising :

-nearly no advertising in the gaming mags I read back then and gaming shops (friends worked in gaming shops, and there was only one or two small posters that were sent by the publisher to advertise GW1...). Nightfall/EotN adverts were inexistent.

-And a lot of people didn't understand its "mechanics" and thought that 20 levels/8skills wasn't enough... I seriously hope that arenanet has a real marketing team now.

Antares Ascending · Jul 16, 2009, 06:35 PM // 18:35

.

I voted 3. Nothing ANet of NC says will make it happen sooner. The game is in develepment which means there are still changes being made. Lastly, it would be foolish to give away real info on any new ideas before the game is ready.

Hi, competitors..this is what you are going to have to have to compete with. Not good business practice.