User talk:Regina Buenaobra/Archive Community and Website/Aug 2008

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Only for speedwriters?

Dear Regina,

could you please tell us how we're supposed to participate in this competition? We were informed about it on Monday, 04th August, 2008. The deadline for entry is, and I quote:

Deadline: All entries must be received by Monday, 04th August, 2008.

I kinda need more time, please. 145.94.74.23 09:41, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

When was that actually posted up on the website? I need to check GuildWars.com more. 000.00.00.00 10:47, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

I just checked. Apparently it was posted on the 24th August,so easily enough time. -- Salome 12:05, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

I think you mean July 24th. -- Inspired to ____ 14:08, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Since its on the European site and appears to be limited to that region, this would probably be better addressed to Martin, the European CM. -- Inspired to ____ 14:08, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Opppsss i'm such a numpty! indeed i meant July not august. God I'm cabbaged today. -- Salome 14:10, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

European content is localized for the European market, and is located here: http://eu.guildwars.com/. It has its own separate RSS feed. Detailed information about all the Guild Wars activities at the Leipzig Games Convention were published on the European Guild Wars site on July 15, July 22, July 24, and July 30 in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. The website at GuildWars.com is mainly targeted to the North American market. --Regina Buenaobra

The American site has a link to info on the Leipzig Games COnvention. Idk if that was intened or not. --Wolf 15:59, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Explaining more the game

Soon after the release of Prophecies, players noticed something odd: in order to have a fully infused armor, players were expected to do the Iron Mines of Moladune missions five times, as each time would infuse only one piece of armor. Players made groups of “runners” and grinded a bit, all the while complaining about it. Eventually Arena Net heard the complaints, and the Infusion was changed so doing it once would infuse the entire armor. Soon the matter was forgotten, but it remained a small “WTF?” inside the head of some players.

...Yet, with a bit of research, a different picture appeared. It turns out players could actually get infused in different places – the Iron Mines, of course, but also in the Ring of Fire mission, in the Abaddon's Mouth mission, and in the Mineral Springs explorable area. What would have happened if players were capable of earning infusion only once in the same place? We would have ended with a system in which characters become more powerful as they progress through the game (since the last few missions would grant more infusions, and therefore make the characters stronger against the Mursaat) and in which exploration would be actually awarded with slightly more power (since few players bothered to explore the Mineral Springs), both ideas that could improve the game. It stands within reason that this was Arena Net’s original plan, and that they added the ability of being infused multiple times at the same place as a way of giving a choice to players – we would be able to choose how we wanted to get infusion.

If that’s true...Then the mess we had, with players complaining often against the grind “required” by the multiple infusions runs at the Iron Mines, could have been avoided if Arena Net had explained the above to players.

Months later, Factions was released. And it had two quests that puzzled players – Befriending the Luxons and Befriending the Kurzicks. Both require players to earn 10.000 faction before being able to progress through the storyline, and so players complained against what was perceived as the need to grind in order to advance through the game. It was inquired if Arena Net really expected players to do the repeatable Luxon and Kurzick quests over and over, or worse, to be forced to play Alliance Battles.

…Yet, again a bit of research shows a different picture. Doing all available quests for one side actually gives more than enough faction to meet the 10.000 quota. In other words, instead of making the “Befriending the Kurzicks” quest to require 10.000 faction, Arena Net could have made it so players had to do all (or most of) the common Kurzick quests (the non repeatable ones). The end result would be more or less the same, but Arena Net decided to give more options to the players, and thus gave us more ways of going through the Befriending quests: we could do the common quests, or we could do the repeatable quests over and over, or we could play Alliance Battles over and over, or play Fort Aspenwood and Jade Quarry, or any combination of those.

But many players didn’t realize that. So for months we got complaints against the Kurzick and Luxon grinds, and people still complain about those once in a while. If Arena Net had actually explained to players the reasons behind the 10.000 faction requirement, and how it actually gives more choices than just asking people to do other quests, maybe players would have understood better this aspect of the game.

I could give other examples, but text is already long enough as it is. Some ideas are added to the game and are not immediately understood by some (or a few, or most, or even all) players, and so people complain against what is perceived as bad or meaningless or etc. Giving an explanation with the reasons behind some ideas would likely prevent some of those conflicts from happening again.

(And before someone mentions the Developer Updates as explanations: they help, but they’re not enough. Recently the Zaishen title was introduced, and some players complained against what they saw as just one more meaningless title, or as a waste of Arena Net’s already stretched resources. Yet it was explained, hidden in one talk page of this wiki, that the title was actually implemented as a way to reward PvP players, given how the monetary rewards for the monthly tournaments were going to end that month and Arena Net wanted to give some kind of reward instead of money. That explanation would have answered the queries of some among those players who didn’t understand why Arena Net had added a new title, but it was too hard to find to be useful for most of the community. That kind of explanation needs to happen more often, and to be more visible, IMO.) Erasculio 01:47, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Great stuff. Agreed. Mango 04:05, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

agreed! -- Salome 04:24, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Indeed, that there are bigger things that needs to be explained or strongly hinted on. As far as what I can remember from previous conversations from Gaile, is that the Devs wanted people to "find" things out for themselves. It's part of the "fun" and the exploration of the game, if you can remember the Polar bear Mini-pet in the same sense that they did not really want everyone to find out and to be pleasantly surprised by the addition. Granted that what has been explained are - in my opinion - the bigger things that needs to be fleshed out a little more. Renin 04:29, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

I agree with the theme of this discussion. Arenanet needs to maximise the processes of information release, and this information must be clear and concise. I have said it before, they need to use the Login Screen, its a powerful tool that they aren't using and would be a very nice tool on certain communication aspects. I think that made sense... its 1am here. I'm going to bed 000.00.00.00 13:02, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

I disagree with this, actually. It's easy to say "Anet should have explained their reasoning behind this problematic feature from the start!"... but how on earth was Anet to know this particular feature would end up confusing players? Its problems may seem obvious now, but at release, and for a few weeks or even months after release, it looks as fine as all the other features that nobody ever ends up complaining about. If you expect Anet to justify everything they do, you'll end up with a huge list of boring, repetitive information and all the important stuff will be drowned out. --Mme. Donelle 13:33, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Well, you don't have to rationalize it all from the start, just when it becomes and issue. iN the case of the iron mines and befriending the luxons/kurzicks, instead of changing anything like in iron mines, you just simple say, hey, go get infused here too, and hey, there's a whole load of options available for you to get faction, and Z-Title is a rewards system, not something every player is ment to max out. I have stated this before in some ursan talk threads, but not everyone goes to those (no, its not ursan related), a lot of problems comes from a very elitest attitude of the general community, since max weapons, sheilds, foci, and armor are so easy to get, and seen as requiered by everyone, everything else shares that same light. People seen to get the idea in their head that everything must be max and at its highest levels. lvl 18's and 19's can't get parties, almost perfect weapons and mods don't sell, wanting people to all have max armor is understandable, and inorder to get into an ursan group in DoA you have to be r10 norn and 8 Lightbringer. I went throught all of prophacies 3 years back with a close to max weapon with horrible mods and was just fine. I have done DoA with r3 LB and r4 norn. I think since GW is supposed to be anti-grind, it makes it a bit more suceptable to people trying to find a grind in it, or when they run into something that looks like a grind, to simply call it a grind and not explore other options. These same people that require r8/r10 for DoA are the kind of people that see the Z-Title as something to be maxed, and not a measureing stick of how good someone is at predicting tourney results. The same can be said for any PvP oriented title. There is a reason they can be added to the HoM at a level far below max. Some of thses titles are not ment to maxed, more-over, serve as a measuring stick for how skileld that player is. When I see a Renowned Hero (rank 9), I dont think "Gee they must have a lot fo time on their hands to grind out that title", I think something along the lines of "Wow, they must have been doing HA for a long time and be realy good at it". Anyway, I'm starting to ramble and get off topic. You dont always have to change something just because the players think its broken when it is just missunderstood. Sometimes it just takes an explenation. --Wolf 14:06, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Mme. Donelle, my main beef is with the stuff they change: such as when they brought out the Z-key title track, it took us ages to find out all the information that was spread out needlessly. But yes, there are features that Arenanet will not be immediately able to identify as an issue, but there are things from the get go, such as they Z-title, that could have been presented in a more clear and concise way that didn't have the players leaving with only half the information.

Its easy for me to say "Arenanet needs to more clear and concise with their planning and delivery" but it is as simple as that. We're not stupid, but then again we're not mind readers and are not going to spread the day searching through every page we can get our hands on to make sure we have all the facts. When I learnt that, with the Z-title as my prime example, was brought in for the PvP rewards reason and the change: money go bye bye, not as a waste of time and resources title track, I did question why it wasn't just stated as this in the first place. Looking through the Game Updates section on GuildWars.Com, I did question why all the information wasn't presented to us on that one link, clear and concise, if we had to go to another page(s) to find the information, that is when Arenanet made it needlessly unclear.

Wolf, a lot of people see the Z-title as just another title to max because it can be brought, one doesn't actually have to do anything with PvP to get it. One can easily max a PvP-orentiated title track without stepping into any PvP only zones ever. So, it can easily be seen as "just another title to max" because there's no real requirement for it for a lot of people, bar the money aspect. Don't even get me started on Arenanet's decision to let non-maxed titles be shown in the Hall. Also, saying something like "some of these titles are not ment to maxed" is a very puzzling thing to hear, title tracks were brought in to be maxed, but a lot of them Arenanet made needlessly high, Luxon and Kurzick a good demonstration of this, well, I think they're needlessly high. 000.00.00.00 21:39, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Can you come up with a different example than zrank to support your argument? I ask because zrank seemed to me, before Anet clarified, to be quite obviously a tournament title: the fact that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to max indicates it's primarily a PvP title; the sheer cost of maxing, or coming close to maxing, the title using cash alone is impossibly high, further indicating its PvPness; and the update came with an increase in the tourny reward points for winning in tournaments, thus implying the easiest/intended source of keys. Ordinarily I might have agreed with you that Anet should have been clearer on the purpose of this new title, but I can honestly see why they didn't feel the need to be. --Mme. Donelle 22:11, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

By the way, before anybody tries to argue that zrank is "easily buyable"... please do the maths. Actually, this annoys me so much, I will do the maths for you: if we assume that you farm 2000 Balthazar faction in Zaishen Challenge every day, and obtain an average of 100 reward points a month for predicting tournament results, you will have 1930 zrank points after one year. That leaves 98070 points, or 19614 keys, you need to buy. Assuming you purchase every key for 2.5k (current market price as I understand it is 3-5k, so this is generous), it would take 49035 platinum, or 49 million gold, to buy them all, plus 365 days in which to earn those extra 1930 points. For comparison, the other "expensive" PvE titles, namely Treasure Hunter and Wisdom, only cost (assuming you buy lockpicks at 1.25k each, they break 50% of the time, that you sell chest drops for an average of 100g each, that 20% of chest drops are golds which you put towards Wisdom, and that unids cost 800g each) around 5-6 million gold, each, to max. Sorry for being a total nerd but really, 49 million? Easy? --Mme. Donelle 22:51, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

The argument that the Z-title is buyable is valid, just because it would take a lot of gold doesn't take away from the fact that is it completely buyable, as I said, you don't have to step foot in a PvP zone ever to get the title. Anything that doesn't require the player to actually do it themselves is a buyable title. Some people just have a lot of time on their hands and for some raising gold may be easier than changing into PvP. [shrugs]

Secondly, to your first comment, yes it did seem and easily read as to be a tournament title and also catering to those who make predictions, but also the first bits of information we were given didn't say all the facts now did it? Where it could have easily have done, instead of requiring to navigate to another set of pages to find out that it was also there since the money-rewards were been removed. But, then again, the Zaishen title track isn't just limited to Tournaments, since you can get Balthazar points in most aspects of PvP. 000.00.00.00 23:40, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

Oh, I never said it was impossible to buy: just very, very difficult. I question "anything that doesn't require the player to actually do it themselves is a buyable title", however. Raising huge amounts of gold is something a player has to do himself, and it takes a lot of effort -- look at the numbers again if you don't believe me -- and anyone with a high zrank is completely deserving of it, regardless of his methods in obtaining it. So what exactly are people complaining about? I can only presume they're pissed that they themselves can never hope to max it despite the wide variety of title-raising options available, and I genuinely understand why it is frustrating when looked at from that perspective. Another way of looking at it, however, is understanding that the higher tiers of the title are a trophy for those with real skill in tournaments, or as a massive gold sink, and that the lower tiers are essentially a gift from Anet: an easy to obtain emote, and an easy to obtain HoM statue. If anything, they were probably trying to avoid pissing people off by not making the title exclusive to tournament players! --Mme. Donelle 00:46, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

I totally get what you're saying, Mme, like I said, my main beef is with the information and they way they release it. 000.00.00.00 02:45, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

Duhh, I'm so autistic. I forgot to write the second paragraph. -_- And now I just couldn't be bothered because I've exhausted myself writing an essay in the gender topic, lol. --Mme. Donelle 03:36, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

(RI, I really don't like those things : P) I agree with Mme. Donelle, in that Arena Net may not know which issues would be a problem before they are released to everyone; my Iron Mines example was just one trait from GW1, and I doubt Arena Net would have been able to realize it would be any more of a problem than any other trait from said game. Plus, there are some things I doubt we'll ever see in an "official" announcement like the Developer Updates - I don't think we'll get a "sorry, we're understaffed" comment there, given how that would hurt Arena Net's image.

However, when something becomes an issue, then I think Arena Net could explain things more. The Iron Mines thing was discussed for months before Arena Net changed it; the fact they changed that mechanic shows they realized it was an issue, but they choose not to explain it. Same thing with the Zaishen title thing - Arena Net saw some comments questioning why that title exists, hence the explanation about how it's replacing the money rewards. But said explanation was hidden too deeply for what is a common doubt among players. And so on...Like Zero said, information becoming more clear and more concise would help how players see Arena Net and GW, IMO. Erasculio 11:36, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

More information can be a double edged sword. You don't want to spoil too much for those that love to find those things out and you don't want to be too secretive so those that can't or won't figure it out are left in the dark.

(about the luxon and kurzick faction, you can get as much Luxon faction from quest as Kurzick faction. Sadly, most of the Luxon faction can only be gained after you've done Gyala Hatchery, in contrast to Kurzick, where you get the majority before the mission.)--Lady Rhonwyn 12:15, 28 July 2008 (UTC)

Your suggestions have been noted and taken on board. --Regina Buenaobra 18:38, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Green day in LA

Hi Regina,

I am hosting the community event "Green day in LA" and i was wondering if you would like to be a prt of the party. For more info, visit the wiki page-http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Green_Day_in_LA

Best wishes,

--Burning Freebies 13:09, 31 July 2008 (UTC)

um... green day is on April 20. 71.230.145.170 04:50, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Possible Regina appearances in forgotten places?

It would be nice if you could pop ingame to give updates and information. Nobody there knows who you are.

The same is true of Guild Wars Guru, which you don't seem to visit at all, either. [1] Guild Wars Guru is an elite fansite, and the first fansite listed on the Guild Wars official webpage.[2] It has an easy-to-read tan layout, and is a pretty standard haunt of many Guild Wars players. -- Spazz|Talk 05:01, 10 August 2008 (UTC)

Im sorry but GURU isnt that elite of a site. Unless you call mods that delete posts and ban users when those mods get proven wrong. And other mods allow a certain known hacker to remain a part of that forum. But yes Regina you stop around ingame a little more. Its nice to have you around though. Manitoba1073 09:11, 10 August 2008 (UTC)

She's been visiting Guru a little more recently incase you haven't noticed, just check the Game & Dev Tracker for proof there >_> --Stu 10:17, 10 August 2008 (UTC)

As much as I would enjoy seeing the developers in game its far too chaotic. I saw Gaile, for the first time ever, in International English District 1 on her birthday and it was a mess, people swooning all over her and she hardly said two words because the chat screen was filled with "Gaile, do something cool" or "Gaile this" "Gaile that". A lot of people want one on one time with developers, everyone wants to be their friends and to get the scoop [its funny how so many people talk as if they're buddy buddy with the developers], just the same as the Wiki and forums but at least its in a more controlled manner. I'm sure Regina gets spammed enough in-game already. 000.00.00.00 11:29, 10 August 2008 (UTC)

I met two ANet employees in TF2 once. I said hello and they both left. One was the d00d who had a weapon named after him. Ah well. I just don't see the point of putting [ANet] in your name if you're going to all be anti-social about it. Vael Victus 00:33, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

Spazz: I was in-game on Wednesday talking about the Thursday game update. I spent 45 solid minutes doing nothing except answering questions about last week's update. None of the GW community managers except me do this. I generally only appear in game when I actually have something to talk about, because to be honest I have found that the vast majority of players are only interested in me for the information I can give them. After 45 minutes, the spam gets to be too much because there are more people and they get impatient and irate very quickly if they believe you're ignoring them. It's hard to continue answering questions _and_ mute the misbehaving players at the same time. I don't do "cool" things (fireworks or whatever) because it would just distract from answering questions and make people impatient.

I visit Guru and half a dozen other forums every single day at work. Just because I am not on the forums when _you_ visit doesn't mean that I don't visit at all. --Regina Buenaobra 16:50, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

Out of sight =/= out of mind. For example, just b/c I dont post something on the wiki every day (which I almost always do >.<) does nto mean I'm not reading and keeping up with the wiki every day (which I do >.<) --Wolf 18:17, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

I love you Reggie. We know you participate in the community. =< (( Can I call you that? xD )) But yeah, IF your ever playing the game just to play, I'm a l33t wh0re. Give me a message, or I'll message you and ask xD. See you in game, I hope we get to team up sometime. BTW, My Main is {Aux the Sacreligious}. ~Phill Gaston ‎ 18:13, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

While we are on the topic of not visiting forums, any update on this?