ArenaNet:In-game talk/20070307

Summary

 * Campaign 4 information partially correct, partially misleading
 * Sunspear and Lightbringer titles and the hard mode are tied together. Timeline not this month.
 * Splitting the skill hunter title coming. No timeline yet.
 * Pet controls and improved bow skills coming soon. Mesmer buff coming.
 * Inscriptions not coming to old campaigns.

Complete log
''Gaile Gray:' Armour is fun

Gaile Gray: So do 2,999,999 other people. :)

Gaile Gray: It's lovely armour, I agree. I feel very fortunate to have saved and gotten it. Finally!

Gaile Gray: Oh, lovely armour! I'd seriously wear that, for a formal event. Very pretty!

Gaile Gray: I'm a member of the Development Team. They gave me purple text as a gift. :)

Gaile Gray: Yes. I play a lot of Guild Wars. I have 9 accounts. :)

Gaile Gray: I'm Gaile. I don't let other people mess with my accounts. Might mis-arrange my dyes. :)

Gaile Gray: Or get my miniatures all upset. They have a certain order you know. :)

Gaile Gray: That's ok, I find ranking to be a perfectly acceptable greeting, here. Doesn't bother me at all.

Gaile Gray: I so agree with you. I think the Mini Asura will be very cute.

Gaile Gray: And you've not see the little animation he makes.

Gaile Gray: He puts his paws up and growls. :)

Gaile Gray: You're very observant. It's true that your armour, on your char, is higher res than that on others.

Gaile Gray: I don't know exactly where the Asura are from. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Gaile Gray: Yes, I think it's to save CPU power, right.

Gaile Gray: I would not judge what's coming until we have a chance to share with you.

Gaile Gray: Personally, as I've said, I'm sort of baffled by the latest "info." It's not right, not wrong, but not very useful.

Gaile Gray: Yep, there is some truth, but what that truth is, we have to wait to talk about. :(

Gaile Gray: They don't spent five minutes "telling her what to say." Silly. :)

Gaile Gray: Yes, totally a bot. Complete with occasional typos, to keep it real. ;)

Gaile Gray: GMs block, it's not my job assignment. But they'll block anyone who abuses anyone. I'm not special.

Gaile Gray: Hehehe, I can Error 7 people? Cool!

Gaile Gray: So in PvP, I just hit a switch and the opponent disappears?! Neato!

Gaile Gray: We'

Gaile Gray: I am sure when we release the new campaign - and you all know we're working on _something!_ it'll have weapons. :)

Gaile Gray: No word on a unique cape, but my friends who are guild leaders tell me ''Way to get insta-kill" if you give him/her...

Gaile Gray: ... a special cape.

Gaile Gray: Yes, diamond weapons would rock!

Gaile Gray: From what I hear, the Animation Team is working on something or other. :)

Gaile Gray: I know that you're right, that there is a tie between this Hard Mode concept and the max titles for...

Gaile Gray: ... Sunspear and Lightbringer. I frankly don't have the details, and I think the timeline is, oh...

Gaile Gray: ... at least not this month, for sure. I will ask James again. :)

Gaile Gray: I do not intentionally avoid any questions, sorry. :(

Gaile Gray: Mr. Phinney is great. Very nice guy, and such a pleasure to work with. I'm serious.

Gaile Gray: He's got like 5,000 people asking him things but he's always very kind when I ping him.

Gaile Gray: I respect him enormously.

Gaile Gray: I think you're right. I think the Level 15 Rank is not yet "emoted" so to speak.

Gaile Gray: Hey! What SHOULD it be???

Gaile Gray: Gwen, eh? :)

Gaile Gray: When I see the Asura, I have to say I see Stich, I see Gizmo, I see bunnies a bit, too.

Gaile Gray: Earlier, people were pretty taken by the fact he has floppy ears and little pants. :)

Gaile Gray: I can't really say what the PC Gamer will have (aside from an Asura key, of course) but I do honestly believe...

Gaile Gray: ... you won't be disappointed. PC Gamer and several Euro mags have a LOT to share with you.

Gaile Gray: Joystick -- fine mag!

Gaile Gray: I don't remember that we've talked about a Guild Wars 2, so I can't recall if we've said there'd be a link.

Gaile Gray: I think maybe that's just someone's faulty memory. :)

Gaile Gray: No words on the birthday gifts yet, but I know the designers are looking at several ideas.

Gaile Gray: They've not really settled on an idea, they're thinking about it, and reading player thoughts.

Gaile Gray: Pet Controls? I think it's safe to say that won't be long at all.

Gaile Gray: Skill Hunter Title -- Splitting is supposed to happen, but I recently asked and could not get a time. Sorry.

Gaile Gray: PC Gamer May Edition: On shelves April 3; in subscriber hands sometime after March 15th.

Gaile Gray: I think one can add only one miniature key per account, but I need to verify that.

Gaile Gray: Yes, that means you are free to read the article and post what you've learned the instant you get it. :)

Gaile Gray: Out of respect, we'd like there not to be scans. I'm sure you understand.

Gaile Gray: I won't be posting a news article right away. Not that day. I don't think.

Gaile Gray: See, there's the subscription date and the shelf date, so we won't have a page on March 15th.

Gaile Gray: I think South America would be a lovely setting. There are so many lovely places in the world.

Gaile Gray: Canada, New Zealand/Australia, Scandinavia...

Gaile Gray: I ... I don't know when you get the miniature! Wow, that's a good question!

Gaile Gray: I will ask that tomorrow!

Gaile Gray: I do not believe we'll go with more than 3 heroes in a party. THat's a design decision, but I don't think it'll go up.

Gaile Gray: Yes, another great theme: Native America. Russia, too.

Gaile Gray: Oh, great name! "I was a ballerina. Graceful. Delicate. They gave me Malibu Barbie!" :)

Gaile Gray: I think that going back to holding will depend on many things, including party size and of course map configs

Gaile Gray: ((sorry if I'm disrupting things. this is my home turf. I hope you understand. :) ))

Gaile Gray: The latest were, I agree, nerfs in the truest sense of the word. Why? Because they were overpowered.

Gaile Gray: Have you used a few of those? I mean, they were great, but more than a little imba.

Gaile Gray: Next update will be tomorrow. That will be the skill update I posted about on the forums.

Gaile Gray: Oh, sorry, I am making an assumption there. You may not read the forums, I understand that.

Gaile Gray: Very small number, and Andrew and I posted on all the Honored and Elite Sites.

Gaile Gray: The designers gave a listing, and an explanation for all the skill changes. I think there are <10.

Gaile Gray: I dunno. I've held Halls for days with my super-secret Mending Spike. :)

Gaile Gray: As we've said, that article has some truth, some untruth, and quite a bit that's misleading.

Gaile Gray: Like bits and pieces of info, without the full info, or misstated. It's not our release.

Gaile Gray: And really, I wish it hadn't come along to confuse people. :-/

Gaile Gray: Auction house is often requested. I have noooo idea if that's coming, or what if it does. :(

Gaile Gray: What fun! Like a Lost City of Atlantis setting?

Gaile Gray: The small update tomorrow, the skill balance and the Hero Battle change, is due afternoon PST.

Gaile Gray: No word yet on Polish districts. I have asked, but there's no answer at this time. I do apologise for not knowing mor

Gaile Gray: more

Gaile Gray: Rangers will be getting some lovin' soon, with pet controls and improved bow skills.

Gaile Gray: This Ranger is VERY happy.

Gaile Gray: Nothing new on Rajah acquisition. The team is working on so many thing, no word on this yet.

Gaile Gray: But assuredly folks know this is a concern.

Gaile Gray: The Mesmer buff isn't coming tomorrow, but I know the designers are going to do that, yes.

Gaile Gray: Do you see the E/Me build as powerful as the original 55?

Gaile Gray: *curious*

Gaile Gray: I have not see an amour bug. By chance have you passed that to Support?

Gaile Gray: They can get things into the fixing queue.

Gaile Gray: I have heard nothing of an island nerf, not at all.

Gaile Gray: I will ask about the farming build, sure.

Gaile Gray: Yes, it's funny, some love KC and some hate it. I am sure it will continue to be tweaked.

Gaile Gray: If the majority don't like it, it may be removed, I suppose, but so far I think it's pretty popular....

Gaile Gray: ... with the changes made to it.

Gaile Gray: I'd like more storage, I agree with you. Dyes, Keys, Miniatures...

Gaile Gray: I bet if we had a race, I could type up more requests for storage than anyone.

Gaile Gray: <-- pack rat

Gaile Gray: New guild halls? Or hear Hall of Heroes?

Gaile Gray: Yes, the reason that you see rubberbanding is that your client is catching up to the server.

Gaile Gray: So it's a visual glitch, and when you rubberband, you're actually going to where your char _really_ is.

Gaile Gray: Like that? I think that GM sign is a bit... large and flashy, personally. :)

Gaile Gray: I will ask about alliance lists, but right now, there are so many other requests and I think that that one...

Gaile Gray: ... isn't at the top or the list just now.

Gaile Gray: I have asked about inscriptions and cross-campaign use, and so far no change is planned.

Gaile Gray: Yes, inscriptions _are_ part of Nightfall, and that's why they may remain a Nightfall-only element.

Gaile Gray: King, you're very kind but you should keep that. :) (Happy birthday, btw. :) )

Gaile Gray: I don't know what future campaigns will offer. Inscriptions are SO good. I hope they'll continue in the future.

Gaile Gray: Well, considering the size of the list, and the size of the screen, what's a realistic size for a Friends List?

Gaile Gray: TY Mistwalker. :)

Gaile Gray: If your friends stopped playing when Nightfall came out, they missed a really great experience.

Gaile Gray: I think your friends need a firm talking to. :)

Gaile Gray: Thanks, CAW

Gaile Gray: Yes I have a Mesmer. I like them very well.

Gaile Gray: I confess I'm not as experienced with them as I am with Rangers. :)

Gaile Gray: Nice. Kartok! Good find! :)

Gaile Gray: I am seriously considering going for the whole Explorer thing, but I skip around so much I don't have it yet.

Gaile Gray: Yes, I do love my job very much. It's great to be able to do what I do.

Gaile Gray: Working with a great team, relaying info to and from the team... good stuff!

Gaile Gray: Hold on. news flash: HA isn't PvP?!

Gaile Gray: But if it's not PvP, what IS it? :D

Gaile Gray: Oh, no, you should keep that. It's very nice, thanks though

Gaile Gray: It seems to be that with the cleverness of the player base, there will be FotM or even FotW coming and going all...

Gaile Gray: ... the time. There's no way to avoid that, is there?

Gaile Gray: I mean. someone comes up with a good build, it gets copied, countered, and then a new something good comes along

Gaile Gray: Oh, I WANT that Froggie Plushie in the store. I've practically begged for that!

Gaile Gray: You're right, spiking is the FotS (flavour of the season) I guess.

Gaile Gray: You gotta admit, spiking is very fun. :)

Gaile Gray: Not that I would know, of course. :)

Gaile Gray: I see. I can ask about spike reduction with KC, sure

Gaile Gray: My number? Oh, 1-800-yourejokingright? ;)

Gaile Gray: What's his name? Duwash the Pirate, is it? He's make a cute mini.

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Lets.

Gaile Gray: We're still pulling info from players on the 2nd Birthday Present. I guess we have to decide pretty soon.

Gaile Gray: I mean if you guys really want new laces for your boots, we better get working on that!

Gaile Gray: We're not currently working on a Sorrow's Furnace update no.

Gaile Gray: Ranger quiver is a nice idea, but it's so singular. What do we do for the other 9 chars?

Gaile Gray: Skill Pins! Oh, you should see Set No. 2!

Gaile Gray: I have not heard of plans to change older armours.

Gaile Gray: The Asura will be available across a lot of countries: NA and Euro. It's a little extra, that's all.

Gaile Gray: Cute as a button, I must say.

Gaile Gray: I moved to Britain as a child; I spell armour properly, thenkyewveddymuch. :)

Gaile Gray: Pet Parrots -- adorable idea

Gaile Gray: You can see the Asura on the main page of the website.

Gaile Gray: As to what it is exactly, I don't know. Sort of a Stitch/Gizmo/Bunny combo, I guess.

Gaile Gray: I can see Dobby, too, you're right.

Gaile Gray: Yes, there are a lot of messages, and I am sorry that I miss some.

Gaile Gray: No news on Hard Mode, but last I heard, it wasn't that far away, so I'd better check on that.

Gaile Gray: I think the team is very swamped right now, working on a bunch of stuff.

Gaile Gray: I don't foresee a St. Patrick's Day event. Sorry about that.

Gaile Gray: Pie is good. Chocolate Satin is best. There endeth my take on pie. :)

Gaile Gray: Hmmmm... do you think Paras need improvement? I loooove mine!

Gaile Gray: Cepts they nerfed one of the skills and... No, no, sorry, we never do that! ;p

Gaile Gray: Last I heard, the designers were looking at DoA, yes.

Gaile Gray: They're looking at so many things, it sort of boggles the mind, really.

Gaile Gray: Multitasking ftw

Gaile Gray: Someday, when we can talk about future games, we can talk about that. I understand your concern, certainly.

Gaile Gray: Well, yes. I see the value of a kick vote, but I also see the abuse factor, right.

Gaile Gray: It's a dangerous path to take. And yet, I appreciate the leeching concern.

Gaile Gray: I think a firm talking to won't do it, will it? :)

Gaile Gray: Consider: Dying takes no skill whatsoever and can be easily abused. I don't see a death title.

Gaile Gray: Now that's a good idea! Mini pet collector title. :)

Gaile Gray: XP title sounds good to me, too, but remember, I'm not on the decision making team for that. :)

Gaile Gray: My associates, Andrew, suggested that a while back. Keep at Level 20, but look at the XP for a title or two. :)

Gaile Gray: Oh, rats, yeah, I guess some people would cheese it. :(

Gaile Gray: Oh, no, this girl is Level 7 to stay. I don't know why, it just amuses me.

Gaile Gray: I hope to make a FoW run with her to get the amour. :D

Gaile Gray: I don't know of any guilds or alliance mission plans. I can ask about that.

Gaile Gray: No I don't run. This isn't a player character, so she's able to go to the map.

Gaile Gray: But I'm really sort of philosophically opposed to running... although to each his/her own.

Gaile Gray: I was thinking a whole line of "Partier" titles for using sparklers, fireworks, and so forth. I love that.

Gaile Gray: Yes, I don't look down on others who run, not at all. They're welcome to do so!

Gaile Gray: And again, this girl is not a playing character. The most she does it Dragon's Nest once in a blue moon.

Gaile Gray: The whole issue of Rajah and the acquisition of a Rit Hero is one that the dev team is aware of.

Gaile Gray: On the one hand, you don't want to diminish what others have done. On the other hand, we understand...

Gaile Gray: ... that there are other goals, and that there's a disparaity in getting that hero.

Gaile Gray: TY, Mistwalker.

Gaile Gray: Word yet to come on the max titles.

Gaile Gray: TY Taala

Gaile Gray: I can sure ask about an inscriber npc.

Gaile Gray: Hmmm, no word on an cinematic, but that's a good question I should pursue.

Gaile Gray: We will not make one for Nightfall, I know that. But you're asking for the future, sure.

Gaile Gray: To the best of my knowledge, there will be no ''variable profession" hero.

Gaile Gray: Funny, a gold-retrieving miniature. :)

Gaile Gray: E3 has changed radically. I will let you know if we're going to be there when I know more.

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Crison

Gaile Gray: Yes, of course we plan to continue to sustain Guild Wars into the future!

Gaile Gray: TY Anamchara.

Gaile Gray: We've updated the engine while sustaining Guild Wars; we can continue with upgrades in the future.

Gaile Gray: Pixel shaders and other tech was added after the game was released.

Gaile Gray: I don't see us adding blood. :)

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Star

Gaile Gray: I should go. I have a couple of emails to send out with your questions. :)

Gaile Gray: My pleasure to be here.

Gaile Gray: Oh, yes, the famous "Conga Title!" Shall we?

Gaile Gray: Ok, to conga, click me or someone nearby. Then hit space bar to start.

Gaile Gray: Pet Controls, coming soon.

Gaile Gray: Ok, congoing now. But putting my little turtle away, I think he can't keep up.

Gaile Gray: Ready?

Gaile Gray: Oh, yes, music for congas! I should beg Jeremy! :D :D :D

Gaile Gray: Come on. let's CONGA!

Gaile Gray: I am so sorry!

Gaile Gray: My computer has some issues. :(

Gaile Gray: For instance, half of the NPCS are jumping instead of standing still. :(

Gaile Gray: So not a bluescreen, no. The monitor turned off!

Gaile Gray: I figure that I should run some tests. Memory is fine, but something is wrong in this system.

Gaile Gray: Yes, hotkey for relogging, good idea!

Gaile Gray: I'm a little nervous. Maybe I've offended the God of Conga?!

Gaile Gray: But yes, let's give it another go. :)

Gaile Gray: If I crash again, well, I'll shut down and let the system cool or something.

Gaile Gray: Ok, let's give this another try!~

Gaile Gray: Get ready!

Gaile Gray: Set!\

Gaile Gray: Go!

Gaile Gray: OOOh, Mini Mallyx is the lavender one, right?

Gaile Gray: Well, that worked. Maybe it was the sparkler. Let me try that.

Gaile Gray: No problem there!

Gaile Gray: I looked at FoW, but I'm awfully fond of this look.

Gaile Gray: I understood that Halls are meant to be held, but I guess a question would be for how long?

Gaile Gray: Oh, my pleasure, it's nice to meet a contest winner. :)

Gaile Gray: Contests are neither PvP or PvE.

Gaile Gray: Check the Design-A-Weapon contest. All are welcome.

Gaile Gray: And with that, I shall wish you a good night, good morning, or whatever it might be for your region. :)

Gaile Gray: It was very nice to visit with you. Thanks for all the good ideas and excellent questions!

Image log courtesy of Earnbrand Aelbwine of The Boat Crew [boat] guild.