ArenaNet:In-game talk/20070419

Summary

 * Party leader will have Hard mode toggle.
 * Gamer weekend may be coming soon.
 * No Day of the Tengu this year or any event planned for the near future as far as she knows.
 * No Hard mode in Pre-Searing.
 * Skill Hunter will be split as soon as Hard mode goes live.
 * The Elite skill from Tomes will count for the Skill Hunter titles.
 * No character slots for GW:EN, they would be unnecessary.
 * Gaile will probably be back later today or after the update goes live.

Complete Log
Gaile Gray: I don't know about that -- Great question. Let me see if I can find out but ONLY if you stop spamming. :)

Gaile Gray: (This is skill hunter question)

Gaile Gray: Back in a second. :)

Gaile Gray: Back.

Gaile Gray: They are having some sort of high-level meeting in the design room.

Gaile Gray: Temperature is at least +8 degrees. Lots of brain power going on. :)

Gaile Gray: So, I will ask about the Skill Hunter Title, but I won't know for a while.

Gaile Gray: Binky's is the super secret project. We're keeping it completely under wraps.

Gaile Gray: Oh dear. ;)

Gaile Gray: Mum, eh? I sort of think of myself as the cool aunt, you know, mums have to be so serious. :)

Gaile Gray: Don't know how to compare the dungeons in GW:EN. Let us show you a few screenshots soon and you can decide. :)

Gaile Gray: Hmmm... that storage issues sounds Iike a bug to me. Could you please submit to Support?

Gaile Gray: Yes, that PC Gamer article is just plumb gorgeous, I agree. So detailed, and great art!

Gaile Gray: Plus handsome photos of a lot of the guys.)

Gaile Gray: Yes, you have to complete the campaign to access Hard Mode.

Gaile Gray: Once you can access HM with any char on your account, then ANY Level 20 can access MM.

Gaile Gray: But only for the campaigns for which you have entry. You see?

Gaile Gray: Hero pet naming may come along, but not real soon.

Gaile Gray: The party leader has a toggle for HM or standard.

Gaile Gray: If the Party leader tries to invite someone who is not eligible for HM, he (leader) will get a message.

Gaile Gray: So no accidental taking of non-HM-ready people into HM.

Gaile Gray: Hard Mode is being released very soon, yes. We have not announced a time or date, but...

Gaile Gray: ...those of you who read the Message of the Day in the game, or the news post, have noted that...

Gaile Gray:... this weekend's event mentions HM as being in. ;)

Gaile Gray: Not a major event, a weekend special dealie, for double Sunspear and Lightbringer points.

Gaile Gray: Yes, I wrote that on GW.com, so it's true: A few hours is probably right for HM. :)

Gaile Gray: But see, someone asked about "Midnight" and we've not been that specific.

Gaile Gray: Yes, you can get Masters on mission in HM

Gaile Gray: Gamer weekend may not be far away. :)

Gaile Gray: Now wait, you're thinking that the chest in Shiverpeaks dropping the fiery sword is an error?

Gaile Gray: As in, you think it should drop icy? Well, that's not a problem. Sword's just trying to keep warm!

Gaile Gray: No, you do not have to have Masters to enter Hard Mode.

Gaile Gray: TY, Turear.

Gaile Gray: Protector Titles remain as they are. New titles will be added, as well.

Gaile Gray: If you did not see it, we've posted a page about Hard Mode, some of the key elements, on the website.

Gaile Gray: Titles for Spearmarshal and Lightbringer are improved in HM, so they're coming soon.

Gaile Gray: Hard Mode effects the entire game, including EA's.

Gaile Gray: But you select it every time you enter a mission, quest, or EA.

Gaile Gray: We don't want to auto-send you to HM if you don't want to be there. Even if we think you're up to the challenge.:)

Gaile Gray: ATS is being tested this week, I expect it will be along quite soon.

Gaile Gray: I have not heard if we will have a Dragon Festival this year. I will add that to my notes.

Gaile Gray: Thanks, BD.

Gaile Gray: Yes, there are new items of all kind, but because I don't want to be a spoiler, I won't detail those.

Gaile Gray: Froggie's just fine. I believe he's expected quite soon. Been away for a few days.

Gaile Gray: TY, Gummy Joe.:)

Gaile Gray: Yes, you will have HM parties and standard parties.

Gaile Gray: You will not have mixed parties with some in a different mode. :)

Gaile Gray: Ahhh, the 2nd birthday presents will be known to you in about one week .:)

Gaile Gray: Maybe we can give a little "preview" before that.

Gaile Gray: I cannot say what other means there are for earning Lucky titles, sorry.

Gaile Gray: Not any more.:)

Gaile Gray: I quite agree with you. Some of the missions in Hard Mode will be "near to" impossible.

Gaile Gray: I don't think DoA is possible, at present, to be honest, but I believe it is being balanced soon.

Gaile Gray: No Day of the Tengu is planned this year, no.

Gaile Gray: Hey, that's an interesting idea — deleting titles you don't want.

Gaile Gray: Obviously that's not possible, but I can ask about that from the Ul team.

Gaile Gray: Hold on, question:

Gaile Gray: What if you deleted a title and then afterwards said, "Oh, I do want to go for that title?"

Gaile Gray: Deleting that record would, presumably, make it impossible to get "credit" for accomplishments in the past, right?

Gaile Gray: Better! Hide option, thanks!

Gaile Gray: I don't know what sort of download data GW requires. Technical Support may be able to help you with that question.

Gaile Gray: There won't be an opportunity to get old masks, no.

Gaile Gray: Masks are a "you had to be there" item. Sorry.

Gaile Gray: Pre-searing is not involved in Hard Mode. :)

Gaile Gray: Sorry, was being asked a question. I mean internally. :)

Gaile Gray: What Skill Hunter issues are you referring to?

Gaile Gray: Oh, and if you have feedback on SF or any skill, please post it in a forum. Shout outs on balance don't work here. :)

Gaile Gray: That's a great idea about transportation of parties to UW from combined regions!

Gaile Gray: I will ask that one.

Gaile Gray: Tirforce, you should keep that, honestly.:)

Gaile Gray: I don't know that Favor of the Gods will remain in its current form forever, it's true.

Gaile Gray: There may be changes to that system someday.

Gaile Gray: Yes, I am going for Sweet Tooth. I think it's a cute title. :)

Gaile Gray: I know that there have been reports of lag, particularly in Europe, and last I heard the tech teams were investigatin

Gaile Gray: My first reaction was "No Europe!" I mean, you had disconnect problems a while back. :(

Gaile Gray: So, we're working on it, and sincerely apologize for the problem.

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Triforce :)

Gaile Gray: Yes, the quests and missions and Exp Areas will all be harder in Hard Mode

Gaile Gray: As we say on the HM page (published today) it is not for the faint hearted! :)

Gaile Gray: TY, Storm.

Gaile Gray: About the changes or research to both Mesmers and Necromancers that we posted in a Dev Update

Gaile Gray: The whole team has been really focused on Hard Mode. It's been months in development and is VERY elaborate

Gaile Gray: That means it requires a great number of team members to work it up, test it, and get it out the door.

Gaile Gray: But, as you know, we're nearly there now!

Gaile Gray: After HM is implemented, the designers will be looking at the recent changes to Necs.

Gaile Gray: They will also be giving a good and detailed look to Mesmers.

Gaile Gray: I posted a Dev Update just yesterday on this, and I would love you to read the Guild Wars Wiki to learn more.

Gaile Gray: NO THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR DUTCH DISTRICTS AT THIS TIME

Gaile Gray: AND PLEASE DON'T ALL CAP. :)

Gaile Gray: Now, back to what I was saying, it'll take a while to research the Nec and Mes situations, but they ARE on the list.

Gaile Gray: And very close to the top!

Gaile Gray: Ok, now, back to questions, sorry for the long answer.

Gaile Gray: I don't know about character slots for GW:EN. I will ask today in case we have that info now.

Gaile Gray: I do know that GW:EN is for your existing characters. There is not starter zone for GW:EN

Gaile Gray: I don't see us adding emotes to the current title tracks, no. Perhaps, but I think not.

Gaile Gray: I am not aware of a taxi to consulate docks glitch! Have you reported that to Support or on a fan forum?

Gaile Gray: TY, Marsc!

The Frog: Yet as The frog has made clear, amphibians would not be appropriate for these things called "pets."

Gaile Gray: Oh, so you FINALLY show up, huh? ;)

The Frog: The Frog had other engagements of great import.

Gaile Gray: Like with a Dwarven Ale? :D

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Haselnuss.

The Frog: The Frog is friend to all. The French have agreed that an ancient amphibian would not make a delicacy.

Gaile Gray: I don't know about end game items for Hard Mode, sorry.

Gaile Gray: Hard Mode is expected very soon. Likely today. Perhaps just hours. :)

The Frog: The Frog understands not this "Hard Mode" reference.

Gaile Gray: And... I don't think I can explain it to you. :\

Gaile Gray: Oh, wait, maybe I can. Imagine areas where the challenges are greater and the rewards better.

The Frog: Ahhh, The Frog understands! Where is this place?

Gaile Gray: What "real event" do you mean? Hard Mode rolling out is a pretty significant "event." :)

Gaile Gray: There is no place for this.. umm... that's why I think I cannot explain Hard Mode to you.

Gaile Gray: Except to say that citizens voluntarily choose to increase the odds against them in return for greater challenge...

Gaile Gray:... and reward.

Gaile Gray: I don't see how a total hour on an account can be given, when someone could simply AFK it. :(

Gaile Gray: No, it is a birthday for the characters, not the account.

The Frog: ???

Gaile Gray: Citizens will be celebrating their birthdays soon, Froggie. That's all.:)

Gaile Gray: I can ask about your suggestions for miniatures, sure!

Gaile Gray: I cannot spoil the surprise for birthday presents.

The Frog: The Frog is shocked at the suggestion! A birthday gift should be a surprise!

Gaile Gray: I don't know about Balth faction titles for GW:EN, sorry

The Frog: The Frog would be most fond of more chapeaux, indeed.

Gaile Gray: The team has been working on Hard Mode. There is no event planned in the immediate future, no.

Gaile Gray: Can't get enough of mat headgear, eh Froggie?

Gaile Gray: No, mere is no way to offer individual gender or appearance changes. That is not on the short list right now.

Gaile Gray: It depends on when "today" is for you. It is just 1:30 (13:30) PST. I believe that you will see HM today, in PST.

Gaile Gray: You can choose what Elite skill you get, but it has to be unlocked on your account and profession appropriate.

Gaile Gray: I already answered: No account birthdays are planned.

Gaile Gray: Yes, Skill Hunter will be split. Let me check that now. If you can wait a second, please.

Gaile Gray: I am checking on the SH title split. Should know shortly.

Gaile Gray: No, not all monsters in HM are bosses.

Gaile Gray: (but the might as well be. *evil grin*)

Gaile Gray: TY, Nina.:)

Gaile Gray: We do not have a major event planned for the 2nd birthday, but we will not let the date go unheralded. :)

Gaile Gray: Call it a special weekend of fun, but not a major event, not at all.

The Frog: Visitors of the unbalanced sort?

Gaile Gray: No, the Mad King is not coming this weekend, silly toad.:)

Gaile Gray: FoW and UW access is free now? That's a surprise to me, too! Are you certain?

Gaile Gray: Aww, that's cute. Did you hear that Froggie? Snow Queen and Amphibian Companion. :)

Gaile Gray: There are new items in Hard Mode, but we want you to discover them yourself.

Gaile Gray: My thought on an increased level cap is that it's very cool. I have to say, I heartily approve of that change.

Gaile Gray: For while I understand the Level 20 cap, I have had friends feel... "constrained" once they hit 20.

Gaile Gray: So I'm totally behind the rising cap. I don't think I'll ever BE the top levels, but I like that we offer them.

Gaile Gray: Some of the Gods haven't been involved in regions, it's true. I think that was intended.

Gaile Gray: TY, Ruurtjan

Gaile Gray: Oh, I just saw someone walk by. If you can wait a couple of minutes (or read a lot later)...

Gaile Gray: (Gad, I hope someone is logging!) then I will ask someone a few questions and come back in a couple.

Gaile Gray: BRB

Gaile Gray: One answer before I go: Skill Hunter Titles will be split in the HM build, yes. :)

Gaile Gray: OK, BRB.

Gaile Gray: So sorry!

Gaile Gray: I talked to 9 people. :)

Gaile Gray: Now, let's talk about the Ul

Gaile Gray: First, I spoke with Austin, who tells me that the Ul changes that were asked about are probably not possible.

Gaile Gray: Here's why: Moving titles around on your bar is VERY complicated programming and we don't feel it's needed.

Gaile Gray: IOW, you won't want to undertake intensively complicated programming for what is just an convenience.

Gaile Gray: The "hide" idea is risky, for someone could conceivably hide "Survivor" and put it at risk.

Gaile Gray: So no changes planned to the Ul in those two areas.

Gaile Gray: Hard Mode — not ETA, sometime today more likely. Within 12 hours is likely.

Gaile Gray: UI is interfact

Gaile Gray: I AM ANSWERING PLAYER QUESTIONS.D

Gaile Gray: That means that I need to do mat, and not have people yelling ideas at me. :)

Gaile Gray: Must as I want to see them, the forums are the better place. :)

Gaile Gray: No character slots for GW:EN. This is High-level content for your existing chars.

Gaile Gray: No starting areas, no tutorial, no new profession = no need for more slots.

Gaile Gray: Sorry, another visitor to my office.:)

Gaile Gray: TY Vivec

Gaile Gray: And I have a meeting in four minutes, but...

Gaile Gray: One last answer: Elite skills from tomes WILL boost your Skill Hunter title, yes

Gaile Gray: That's very kind, GB. :)

Gaile Gray: Ok, How about a quick pre-meeting Conga?

Gaile Gray: Thanks, Intesnive.

Gaile Gray: Ok, click me, hit space bar to start.

Gaile Gray: I will come back later today. Maybe when... certain things happen. :)

Gaile Gray: It's CONGA time.

Gaile Gray: Ok, I'm off to a meeting. Froggie, are you still here?

Gaile Gray: Hmmm... guess not. He sleeps 23.5/7. :)

Gaile Gray: See you later, perhaps, or another day! Take care and thanks for the visit.

Log courtesy of jciarda from [boat]