Guild Wars 2

The motives behind this post is mostly to reaffirm my beliefs, rather than to act as a suggestion; given that I am positive what this post seeks to discuss has probably been thought of, and is in the process of implementation. That being said.

As I applaud the developers of GW2 for their alteration on what is commonly known as ‘end game content’, there are certain features within the traditional style of endgame that need not to be altered, because frankly they work. Specifically I am speaking toward the massive encounters we experience, where a large number of players band together to take down epic monsters. The giant bosses that are seen throughout the world certainly satisfy the need for epic battles, but it does fall short in terms of cooperation, at least when comparing to structured dungeon raids. Within the world, although you band together and cooperate with a team of complete strangers, there is still a disconnect and sense of camaraderie. I am not stating to remove the large dynamic events, of course not, I am only suggesting that large boss battles should also be encountered through forming a guild, or a large party.

As I said, this is probably going to happen. I just wanted to suggest that completing objectives with your guild, such as taking down a large boss, adds tremendous value toward end game. This value is not lost, but muted, when comparing to taking down large monsters with strangers. Certainly you could tackle large dynamic events with your guild, but it eliminates the exclusivity of your guilds accomplishments and creates organizational and communicational problems because it is difficult to structure a raid fight, when the system is inherently dynamic.

Just a thought (which of course has been thought of :P). Love what you guys are doing. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store throughout the coming years!

Cheers,

Kawa

There definitely needs to be some sort of device in the game that encourages group and guild play more, and not just within a PvP structure.

Dungeons do this to a degree: IE provide an experience where a group bands together/works together to conquer the obstacles, but as Kawa/Cristo pointed out … be nice to see more of this, or this element expanded upon.

I like the epic zerg fights in Orr, but there does need to be more encouraged guild play. It’d be great to see a squad of guild mates roll up on the dragon and visually stand a part from the zerg as they bring down the beast.

Such things would encourage Alliances as well. Would be nice if later there was perhaps a dungeon where teams of 4 groups could be created to explore a dungeon instance.

People need to visually feel rewarded of their accomplishments not only at the end of an event with a rewarded object from a chest, but also during the act of bringing the beast down.

I remember in DaoC dragon raids we would have groups assigned to the dragon lair entrance whose jobs were to keep any outside agro from rushing in. While another group was designated as primary aggro takers for the dragon, etc. It really allowed people to pick a job, focus on their job, and feel a sense of accomplishment that they were helping in the big picture. The current zergs seem like a button smashing contest till the creature dies.

WITH THAT ALL SAID:
I know the game is brand new. I’m not at all criticizing. I love the product delivered on release, and am glad I don’t have to wait another 4 years to have the ultimate dream package delivered. Thats the point of an MMO, to enjoy what you have now, and look forward to newer/grander adventures in the future.

Also… I only hit 80 this Tuesday, and have only done 2 of the dungeons. There is lots still to discover.

A lot of talk lately seems to be about “lack of endgame” … however I wonder if this is primarily due to the psyche that once you hit the lvl cap “you’re done”. I myself hit 80 and said, ok now what?

The answer? There is lots still to do! Dungeons I have not explored. Regions I have not explored. Tons of PvP/WvW (which I intentionally held off on till I hit 80). I’m sure there is plenty of end game to satisfy my needs, I just haven’t found it yet because the game is so deep, and I wager a lot of people are in the same boat.

My exploration is only at like 40% … so at least theres still that 60% left for me to go after before I really can complain that there’s “nothing to do”.

Tangent aside, I look forward to seeing more encouraged organized group play in PvE.