ArenaNet:In-game talk/Archive Nov-Dec 2007

Gaile Gray Talks Monday December 31, 2007

Summary

to be done

Gaile Gray Talks Wednesday December 26, 2007

Summary

• 3rd year birthdays will not occur until April.
• Hall of Monuments is designed to recognize certain achievements as opposed to all forms of achievements.
• Regarding game balancing, developers look at aspects of the game which put players at a disadvantage as opposed to, as suggested by the player who asked the question, trying to deliberately ruin certain players' enjoyment of the game, which sometimes is based on having an overpowered advantage in-game.
• It is currently unknown whether players will be able to visit "uncharted" lands (the unexposed map areas of the world map).
• Tournament Tokens may be without a useful purpose in-game but this needs to be verified.
• GW will not return to the previous favor system as of this time.
• Players are encouraged to share their thoughts regarding Heroes Ascent on fan forums.
• New NPCs are introduced to Wintersday 2007 on this date.
• Vista and GW are compatible.
• Believes GW2 will be supported by both Vista and XP.
• Designers are likely to design GW2 with the "middle ground" computer specs (note - this probably means average specs likely to be found among players at the release).
• ArenaNet are continuing to work on different payment options for the in-game store.
• GW2 Beta Test is likely to occur during second half of 2008 but no date has been set as of this time.
• There are players who met via GW and even got married.
• It is doubtful that GW will receive new guild hall options.
• Only 2 Wintersday hats this year.
• Grenth's Wintersday hat is a modified Ice Crown from the art submissions.
• Dwayna's Wintersday hat is still unknown
• Gaile knows nothing of the Polar Bear pet rumor.
• Surprised at the name "Charles Dickens" being censored by in-game filter. (note - even some NPCs' names get filtered)

Gaile Gray Talks Saturday December 22, 2007

Summary

• Anet is exploring ways of making reporting gold sellers more efficient
• Anet is looking into different paying methods for European players and has people working on this issue
• Again explained about why Anet cannot allow players to choose log-in screens
• Wrote a document explaining why Anet cannot always make a world-wide promotion, which will be posted soon - often it's due to legal issues
• Four tiered guild system may be considered for GW2
• Considers the game economy to be balanced
• Again explained that the game is designed for 3 Heroes and a full Heroes party will not happen as of this time
• There are no plans to make adjustments to the HoM as of this time
• It is very unlikely that clipping and other graphical issues in GW will be addressed - GW2 is a higher priority
• There are no new skills planned as of this time for GW
• 3rd Year birthday presents are likely
• Standard Wintersday information such as starting time - she did hint that there are a lot of new things planned for December 25
• Stresses that developers do not single out a profession to be nerfed: they look at the overall balance and go from there
• Clarified that chat within team, guild, and alliance channels are not held to the high standard that the general channel is, but a player being abusive within those channels is not acceptable
• Anet does have people monitor districts, but there are not enough people; hence the report system is an important tool

Gaile Gray Talk Monday December 17, 2007

Summary

• Likely new unknown secrets in the Zaishen Chest
• They are definitely thinking about another way to acquire the Bonus Mission Pack, she hopes to tell us more after the holidays
• SMS and IVR are actively being worked on, and will be rolled out more thoroughly in the future. SMS and IVR will offer additional means for some players to purchase via the in-game store
• There are many ideas that can't be implemented in Guild Wars, but they keep them in mind for Guild Wars 2
• Likely second half of 2008 for beta test of Guild Wars 2
• More RPG and PvP in Guild Wars 2
• Future contests may offer a small number of the so-called Asian minipets, i.e. Panda, Kanaxai and Naga
• Balance update in January
• Hero rank 15 emote is top secret, not even Gaile herself knows of what the design is. The only way it will be introduced is once a player reaches this tier.
• The closest player to the Hero rank 15 is still pretty far from achieving it

Gaile Gray Talks Thursday November 22, 2007

Summary

• ArenaNet is doing everything they can against gold sellers.
• They are banning those accounts, but the sellers are creating new ones every day.
• If you are getting no Tournament Reward Points for your (correct) bet at the Xunlai Tournament House, write an email to tournament@arena.net, in English if possible.
• Gaile is working on new minipet ideas
• There are no planned changes to storage.
• Gaile confirmed the existence of the Eternal Blade—it's very rare.
• Hall of Monuments: They don't know yet what the rewards will be in Guild Wars 2.
• Guild Wars 2 is on schedule.
• It is unsure if the Bonus Mission Pack will be available in the official store, no fixed decision made yet.
• No Hard Mode ever in Pre-Searing.

After the talk, Gaile motivated players to experience the Thanksgiving event.