Guild Wars 2

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

yes, a bazaar is a festival. All we’ve done in this chapter, excluding the trials, are festival activities. There was little to no story content at all.

Actually a Bazaar is a market place not a festival, while there might be games at some bazaars, they are just a place for vendors to sell their wares.

MastaNeenja.1537:

wookiee.4631:

Yeah no more events until October would be good, that would be at least two months, considering this one is already underway. I’m sure they are working on a Halloween event already but if that’s all they focused on it for two months it’d be pretty good by the time it was ready for release.

Here’s hoping that when school starts back after summer break they cut down on the events.

Its pretty sad that they drove us to the point we can’t wait for school to start again…

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

i just hope this one doesnt have something go horribly wrong where we have to fix everything like we’ve had to do in all the previous ones.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Zedd.8239:

A bazaar is a market.

If we’re talking about the Middle East, then yes, a bazaar is a market. But in other cultures -specifically american, and I believe, European cultures- it is a temporary market, a festive market, and generally comes but once or twice a year.

In American culture, the bazaar is more like a rummage sale or a flea market.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

Just do me a favor and tell me a pliable story will be involved, i’m not asking for spoilers, just delivery.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

Hang in there, maybe we can all get through this together.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

@ Nekodoken. Regarding the mass release of mini-games simply being a buff to their inventory, and that the addition of mini-games will stop soon, as they are reaching a significant amount; I truly hope this is so. However, I sincerely doubt it. Some of the mini-games, such as aspect arena and sanctum sprint, can’t stay on, as they will not be able to operate without the crystals provided by the Zhepherites, thus many of the mini games are temporary. If their goal is indeed to reach a surprise of games for rotation, I do not believe they are ready. At any rate, I wont believe a word until the game designers speak up.

I understand. I’m not trying to speak as if I know all about what ANet is doing. I’m only sharing some of my observations and guesses to possibly help you remain hopeful and continue to enjoy new releases.

Sanctum Sprint and Aspect Arena are the only 2 games relying on crystals, and ANet is even including one of the (Sprint) in the mini game rotation (set in Lion’s Arch), which is in the Jubilee release page. Sprint will essentially be a permanent installation even when the Zephyr Sanctum leaves, and Poyaqui will be in LA for Belcher’s Bluff, moa race is already permanent, crab toss and southsun survival will also be in rotation. That’s ALL of the mini games released since after Wintersday. They will now be permanent, but at least 4 (per release note) will be on a rotational schedule, so the amount of available mini games is being cut.

That said, you are right that nothing indicates ANet wouldn’t push out another 3 temporary mini games out at the same time (such as now: aspect arena + southsun survival + existing sprint), and the Jubilee indicates only 1 (and can scale in difficulty, so like Trials?) It’s only my personal guess that the trend seems to go the direction you want.

“this time take the mustache off?”

“too bad”

Also I don’t think it matters guys…. Divini….whatever… ’it’s still christmas in July" Town always looks like there’s some outlandish festival going on year-round nomatter what. Asking for the opposite is like expecting a St. Patty’s event in Caledon where there isn’t anything GREEN, or an Event in Rata Sum where the Inquest wasn’t secretly behind it all along or an Event in Hoelbrak where everyone’s Sober

What’s wrong with celebrating things? Now if you would only let my Mesmer wear the same outfit queen Jennah wears… And let us get kasmeer’s outfit too, oh and Countess Anise too… Infact just give us all the armor skins npc’s get! You don’t even need to make new armor as its all there!

Why have a festival at all? When planning the summer releases out was the plan, nothing but releases that play like festivals? (Okay, Pirates excepted, but it did overlap DB).

I’ll power through this one, it could still surprise me (if not, I’ll skip it like I’ve been doing to CP), but I hope the next update will be more serious.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Its pretty sad that they drove us to the point we can’t wait for school to start again…

-evil laughter-

That’s only a problem if you still have to go to school!

sonicwylde.2906:

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Zedd.8239:

A bazaar is a market.

If we’re talking about the Middle East, then yes, a bazaar is a market. But in other cultures -specifically american, and I believe, European cultures- it is a temporary market, a festive market, and generally comes but once or twice a year.

In American culture, the bazaar is more like a rummage sale or a flea market.

No, in American culture it is portrayed as a festival, check out old movies, like “Polyanna”.
http://youtu.be/vN_qEDkiKzk

MastaNeenja.1537:

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Its pretty sad that they drove us to the point we can’t wait for school to start again…

-evil laughter-

That’s only a problem if you still have to go to school!

I don’t, still I have no affectionate memories nor the desire to return.

MMO rule #45 – If you don’t like the content, don’t do it.

There is no reason to complain about new content, EVER!

Obtena.7952:

MMO rule #45 – If you don’t like the content, don’t do it.

There is no reason to complain about new content, EVER!

…There is a reason they set up this forum, they want to hear our opinions. They want to better the content to something that we will all enjoy. Personally I love playing a good story, and I know I’m not alone in that aspect, so I will voice my opinion. Problem?

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

:D

Obtena.7952:

MMO rule #45 – If you don’t like the content, don’t do it.

There is no reason to complain about new content, EVER!

If you can’t listen to people’s opinion then please don’t comment. This is a public forum and everyone is free to discuss their thoughts and opinions about whatever. If you don’t have anything useful to share then please move back to your cave…

Mia you are definitely not alone on this. I have expressed my displeasure with constant packed updates that are filled with Mini Games and the story is merely a cut scene or two, along with spits of dialog to tie it together. I might be with the minority when I say I am lacking connection with the story itself and the Live Story has been merely an Achievement Point race. I usually spend the first day checking out the new content, but it has become stale to the point I am losing interest completely, which I hate to see.

The Karka Evasion was great, but it was up and gone too soon and many missed out. Flame and Frost really had me interested in what was going to happen in the next corner. Unfortunately the dungeon was live for less time than beating on signs. The immersive content has faltered since when it comes to story telling.

The Dragon Bash was fun, it was a break from killing, questing, and being out in the action. The pirate bit was okay, but the Dungeon and Jumping puzzle were awesome. the Sanctum update was fun for like a day or two. A lot of search and find (crystals, kites). The race was cool, but I played for two hours and the same person held first for 80 percent of the time. I was able to place 3rd which sealed my achievements for that and I never looked back. I don’t like saying that. I want to say “man I can not get enough!”

The only thing I like about this update honestly is the fact of players making a choice in the future (Go evon!) but I’m tired of the mini-games…

I would like to see content like “War In Kryta” return (please don’t harass me for saying this, but if you don’t know, it was a Guild Wars 1 Update)

They implemented updates with a finale standout against White Mantle in LA. Tough, fun, rewarding. I liked the gear, the enemies. All and all was well done.

That content was designed for the world, it had impacts, and the lore was interesting. Sorrows Furnace addition (first addition to GW1) was another great piece that wasn’t expansion material.

All respect to everyone behind the scenes who I know is putting more than their work ethics into these projects. They are serious crunch times, and these guys put in more time outside of work just checking/responding on the forums.

In terms of living story Dragon Bash was meant to give citizens of Tyria the avenue they needed to let out their fears and frustrations on dragon effigies. Every party needs a pooper and for this party the Aetherblades were it.

Living story wise the Bazaar of the Four Winds is a nice segue from Sky Pirates of Tyria into the realm of the aspects. It introduces to us to the lore of what happened to the defenders of Glint. It used to be the Dwarves in GW. When GW ended no one knew what happened to them. Through in-game dialog and a short story we learned the guardianship was passed from Dwarves to Humans. These humans would become the Zephyrites and from the shards of Glint’s essences they built their Zephyrite Sanctum. There they could to protect Glint’s crystal essences from surface problems.

Living story wise Queen’s Jubilee is the ten year anniversary of her rule. Like any good King and Queen ceremonies are established to make their subjects happy. That any race is welcome is nice! A Jubilee is a joyous occasion for there is much to be thankful for. With Zhaitan’s defeat Divinity’s Reach can continue to thrive long after Ascalon and Orr fell into history and lore.

If you follow these releases from a lore and story perspective every two weeks it no longer feels like a game and more like an interactive story. A story, I might add, that is free to play.

Another thing I want to express;

If you all look at a big picture, you will see that the Month of August is starting with Queens Jubile (More or Less deemed festive material), the end of the month is the actual celebration of the 1 year anniversary. Of course that’s festive, celebrating material. Then we have the month of September, which holds “Pirate Day”, this was a small annual occurrence that ArenaNet enjoyed, and frankly I did too. But again this is festive (Not sure if they are bringing this back, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see something related to this, even if small)

So we have a few open weeks within September and October that could be used for (imo) more meaningful Live Story updates. But with Halloween being right there on the horizon, leaves a very rushed time frame. Next we have Wintersday which is almost a month long (give or take)

There are patches of time in between the major festivals, but is it enough to keep players interested in Live Story? I hope so.

If someone held a poll that asked their opinion on whether they prefer mini games, festival style content, or prefer growing story, fantasy style content; and the answer was the first then I would honorably stop giving my opinion against the majority.

Korval.3751:

Living story wise the Bazaar of the Four Winds is a nice seque from Sky Pirates of Tyria into the realm of the aspects as it introduces us to the lore of what happened to the defenders of Glint. It used to be the Dwaves in GW. Beyond that no one knew what happened. Through in-game dialog and a short story we learned the guardianship was passed from Dwarves to humans. These humans would eventually become Zephyrites and they built their Zephyrite Sanctum to protect themselves and Glint’s crystal essences from surface problems.

Yes, the Zephyrite Sanctum touched up on the GWs lore, but it didn’t delve into it. They could have done so much more with that chapter than simple mini games. And as for the election, we don’t see the candidates preforming great deeds, or dirty tricks, we don’t see them campaigning at all. All they give us is a candidate trial, and in the next chapter one will be selected, there’s a huge chunk missing there.

@Antara.3189 – Keep in mind Colin stated in the video about the 2-week updates the goal was to release festivals that have been created with minor changes. This frees up the team to continue telling the Living World story even the story falls on a month with historical releases like Adventure Box or Dragon Bash.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

I respect you’re dedication to us, the players Anthony. You are in fact very honest in your opinion even though you directly support the game. Thank you again.

I am slightly curious on why the majority felt compulsion to challenge themselves to provide an astonishing festival with a seductive many mini game. I am starting to feel a burn out on the Live Story due to what the OP stated, and even if this next update is the best yet, I don’t think I will take it with as much as compassion as I otherwise would if it would had been in a couple weeks.

EDIT: I’m not saying I don’t like festivals, but after the majority of summers updates, I wouldn’t mind not seeing them for awhile. (With the exception of 1rst year Birthday which actually affects out characters)

Korval.3751:

@Antara.3189 – Keep in mind Colin stated in the video about the 2-week updates the goal was to release festivals that have been created with minor changes. This frees up the team to continue telling the Living World story even the story falls on a month with historical releases like Adventure Box or Dragon Bash.

(I and T wouldn’t show up for the phrase I thought)
He stated the reason for two week releases and the Live Story was for two reasons,

First being, they saw the numbers fall off after two weeks when it came to the live story updates. So they wanted to keep fans interested by updating the game in that time frame.

Second, the point of the Living Story was to bridge time frames between when the character defeated zhaitan until more permanent personal story updates come later on. I don’t recall him stating this was all festive, mini updates with minor story telling.

I also been seeing this is all supposed to lead into a larger picture, which I’m excited to see how it all fits.

What the OP and I are explaining discontent about is the impression that each living story has been more or less the same idea, festive, backpiece shinies, mini games.

I want to see this story shaken up a bit! Get back out in the world and put our heroes to use!

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Korval.3751:

Living story wise the Bazaar of the Four Winds is a nice seque from Sky Pirates of Tyria into the realm of the aspects as it introduces us to the lore of what happened to the defenders of Glint. It used to be the Dwaves in GW. Beyond that no one knew what happened. Through in-game dialog and a short story we learned the guardianship was passed from Dwarves to humans. These humans would eventually become Zephyrites and they built their Zephyrite Sanctum to protect themselves and Glint’s crystal essences from surface problems.

Yes, the Zephyrite Sanctum touched up on the GWs lore, but it didn’t delve into it. They could have done so much more with that chapter than simple mini games. And as for the election, we don’t see the candidates preforming great deeds, or dirty tricks, we don’t see them campaigning at all. All they give us is a candidate trial, and in the next chapter one will be selected, there’s a huge chuck missing there.

Yes, but to follow the story from start to finish would required an large update or expansion. These update can’t do content that large. Although it be nice to see the story progress from one month to the next.

Korval.3751:

@Antara.3189 – Keep in mind Colin stated in the video about the 2-week updates the goal was to release festivals that have been created with minor changes. This frees up the team to continue telling the Living World story even the story falls on a month with historical releases like Adventure Box or Dragon Bash.

His expressed intent was to create some festivals that could be reused, elaborated upon, and exist while other content is released, however I does not mean they should release nothing but.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Korval.3751:

@Antara.3189 – Keep in mind Colin stated in the video about the 2-week updates the goal was to release festivals that have been created with minor changes. This frees up the team to continue telling the Living World story even the story falls on a month with historical releases like Adventure Box or Dragon Bash.

His expressed intent was to create some festivals that could be reused, elaborated upon, and exist while other content is released, however I does not mean they should release nothing but.

Right, and you make this statement as if we’re one year into bi-weekly updates with nothing but festivals. Give them time.

Korval.3751:

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Korval.3751:

@Antara.3189 – Keep in mind Colin stated in the video about the 2-week updates the goal was to release festivals that have been created with minor changes. This frees up the team to continue telling the Living World story even the story falls on a month with historical releases like Adventure Box or Dragon Bash.

His expressed intent was to create some festivals that could be reused, elaborated upon, and exist while other content is released, however I does not mean they should release nothing but.

Right, and you make this statement as if we’re one year into these bi-weekly updates. Give them time.

No, we are simply explaining how we feel currently about the course of the living story. If we don’t speak up, then how will they know?

I’m not implying “GIVE ME THIS NOW”. I am simply expressing my thoughts, and since I pay very good money into the Gem Shop, and bought the game, and abide by the ToS. I am entitled to give my thoughts

Korval.3751:

Yes, but to follow the story from start to finish would required an large update or expansion. These update can’t do content that large. Although it be nice to see the story progress from one month to the next.

Not so, how many instances did Dragon Ball have? Although they lacked in depth, we were still able to witness the story from start to finish. If the story progressed properly from month to month, then they could more efficiently incorporate and elaborate on the depth. They referred to living story as a TV show, but rather than giving us a continuously developing story like Bleach, they throw us random disconnected Pokemon episodes. They could do this better.

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

Korval.3751:

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

I’m not following what you’re stating here. please explain.

KOPPER.1458:

Call them whatever you like but please less mini games and achievements tied to # of games played, kills earned, points scored etc.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

Ok I can dig that and give it a chance:)

Call the content what you will, it really doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is that these events are coming too kitten fast upon each other’s heels. Personally, I hate temporary content. I hate to feel rushed to get something done and these little events are starting to really annoy me. I didn’t do Dragon’s Bash. I didn’t do Bazaar, I didn’t do Aetherblades, I didn’t do Southsun, etc.

Why? Because the content feels rushed, tacked on, and pointless. The only incentive to do them is some shiny little skin at the end and, quite frankly, I don’t feel like doing the event for them even though I’m a customization junkie. Give me more meaningful content that I can do at MY pace! I have a real life to the point that I can’t even be bothered to get my monthly done with how heavily saturated we are with events.

Antara.3189:

Korval.3751:

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

I’m not following what you’re stating here. please explain.

Each update continues where the last left off.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

So help me Balthazar, if even one achievement/mission/quest is to go smash/kill/find ‘x’ number of anything……..

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

Initially I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of another festival, but our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

Different? Like, this week we get a different ingredient in the bland gruel that has been every “Living Story” so far? When your employer tells you to make bland gruel, I suppose that is all you can do.

Need to change the name. It the “Story of the Horse We are Beating to Death”.

Another one to skip.

AnthonyOrdon.3926:

our team took that as a challenge to implement a festival that plays much differently than the others. I think we accomplished that.

The account wallet pretty much makes me want to forgive ANet everything ATM.
Cautiously looking forward to yet another festival mini-games-poolooza.

Korval.3751:

Antara.3189:

Korval.3751:

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

I’m not following what you’re stating here. please explain.

Each update continues where the last left off.

Honestly don’t see how you get that from temporary random disconnected events, but whatever. Guess in the brave new tyria all it takes is plopping one or two NPCs a player has seen before.

Teofa Tsavo.9863:

Korval.3751:

Antara.3189:

Korval.3751:

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

I’m not following what you’re stating here. please explain.

Each update continues where the last left off.

Honestly don’t see how you get that from temporary random disconnected events, but whatever. Guess in the brave new tyria all it takes is plopping one or two NPCs a player has seen before.

Seriously, this has been answered several times already. They arent random or disconnected even when some of the connections are superficial (such as the Southsun Dragonbash link). Plot wise there are much deeper connection hinted for those who actually want to pay enough attention to find them.

On the topic of festivals, I have to agree that Im starting to feel a bit festivaled out. We dont have that long till Halloween and Wintersday and both of them take up around a month.

Perhaps the solution is to have less focus on the festival and more on the events taking place during a festival for a few of them. That way the festival can be enjoyed but remains a backdrop to the story rather than the focus.

Yeap…. I think it’s totally fine to assume that there would be different festivals going on across Tyria but you’ve got to wonder; if they ever release expansions for other continents, wouldn’t the festivals within each continent overlap?

Lutinz.6915:

Teofa Tsavo.9863:

Korval.3751:

Antara.3189:

Korval.3751:

So all of you are looking for a “Last time in Guild Wars 2…” and continuation?

I’m not following what you’re stating here. please explain.

Each update continues where the last left off.

Honestly don’t see how you get that from temporary random disconnected events, but whatever. Guess in the brave new tyria all it takes is plopping one or two NPCs a player has seen before.

Seriously, this has been answered several times already. They arent random or disconnected even when some of the connections are superficial (such as the Southsun Dragonbash link). Plot wise there are much deeper connection hinted for those who actually want to pay enough attention to find them.

On the topic of festivals, I have to agree that Im starting to feel a bit festivaled out. We dont have that long till Halloween and Wintersday and both of them take up around a month.

Perhaps the solution is to have less focus on the festival and more on the events taking place during a festival for a few of them. That way the festival can be enjoyed but remains a backdrop to the story rather than the focus.

Seriously, your take on it is not an answer, but an opinion, just like mine. Nothing in these dreadful contrived stories effects my play in the open world. Unless you wish to count boxes that appear from the heavens. When the bennies run out, no one will care and nothing will matter. Like the current event.. do you really think it will matter in a month who is on the captains council? The other dungeon will get in eventually anyway. Its all meaningless, transient and shallow, stories contrived to shove in time sink minigame grinds and other “features” in that really are no story at all.

Thats my opinion. Not an “answer” to anything. Take it as you will.

I find all these festivals and achievements to finish exhausting…slow down a bit…

kishter.9578:

The world is tormented by Dragons, Undead and just GOD know what more sleep in Underworld and Fissure Of Woe, YAY lest have another festival content.

What next Dev birthday patch?

And Tyria is not affected by any of those problems right now

Lutinz.6915:

Seriously, this has been answered several times already. They arent random or disconnected even when some of the connections are superficial (such as the Southsun Dragonbash link). Plot wise there are much deeper connection hinted for those who actually want to pay enough attention to find them.

On the topic of festivals, I have to agree that Im starting to feel a bit festivaled out. We dont have that long till Halloween and Wintersday and both of them take up around a month.

The festivals don’t bother me. What bothers me is the sudden difficulty of events like the Trials… esp T4.

As a casual player I find I have no time to do the things I want to do….ie dungeons, map completion etc Instead because the achievements are time limited I waste my time playing a game or fetching items.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Getefix.9150:

bazaar of 4 winds wasnt a festival, its a part of living story
dragonbash was for july 4th
queens jubilee will be for gw2’s anniversary – they arent just doing these for the hell of it, theres a reason behind them

All three of what you listed are part of living story, not just the bazaar… and yes, a bazaar is a festival. All we’ve done in this chapter, excluding the trials, are festival activities. There was little to no story content at all.

The bazaar is not a festival. It’s a introduction to the merchants the sky pirate plunder.

You have to accept the fact that mini games are just part of GW2.

kokiman.2364:

kishter.9578:

The world is tormented by Dragons, Undead and just GOD know what more sleep in Underworld and Fissure Of Woe, YAY lest have another festival content.

What next Dev birthday patch?

And Tyria is not affected by any of those problems right now

Oh? The dragons went on holiday did they?

Onshidesigns.1069:

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Getefix.9150:

bazaar of 4 winds wasnt a festival, its a part of living story
dragonbash was for july 4th
queens jubilee will be for gw2’s anniversary – they arent just doing these for the hell of it, theres a reason behind them

All three of what you listed are part of living story, not just the bazaar… and yes, a bazaar is a festival. All we’ve done in this chapter, excluding the trials, are festival activities. There was little to no story content at all.

The bazaar is not a festival. It’s a introduction to the merchants the sky pirate plunder.

You have to accept the fact that mini games are just part of GW2.

Once again, festival or not, doesn’t matter. And yes, mini games are a part of GW2, but they are not, and never were meant to be the core of GW2, yet for the last 2 chapters, that’s all we’ve been doing. My fault is not that the mini games exist, but that they are the driving factor of Living Story, when it should be the plot.