Guild Wars 2

Is it allowed to be used?

http://v2.gw2stuff.com/resources/misc/overlay-help.jpg

Its not a mod as it doesn’t interact with the GW2 Exe or the game in any way shape or form (apart from the API’s which the webpages use) . You can run this overlay outside of the game. Its just a screen on top of your GW2 Screen.

No, it’s a mod.

as far as I remember you can mod the game as long as it doesn’t give you any advantage over other players and doesn’t make you bot. Though I would like a developers word on this.

You can do the same with Enjin Overwolf by opening the overlays browser and putting it on the page. I don’t see an overlay like this being a problem as it is basically just allowing you to not have to swap out much like how overwolf does. But Arenanet would have the final say here, but they can’t because of how they address this problem. They can’t vet or deny something really. If it IS like the overwolf overlay I don’t think it would be considered bad though, many players would like this considering how annoying it is to tab out.

Also, I’m surprised that the creator of the cool new dragon timer hasn’t tried and incorporated this as an enjin app, I think they are opening that availability soon.

Overlays are not mods as they don’t interact with the client in any way. Fraps uses overlay, so does vent if you want.

A different thing would be, say, an overlay that shows ranges from your character as colored aoe circles on the ground. That would require client interaction and thus be ilegal.

At least that’s the way I understand it, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

it doesn’t modify or even interact with the game client. it uses data from gw2stuff’s website. there is absolutely no way arena net can patrol or forbid the use of this desktop application. it is like saying it’s against the rules to use a vent/mumble overlay.

Donari.5237:

No, it’s a mod.

LOL. On a serious note I’d say it’s perfectly fine to use, after all http://v2.gw2stuff.com was advertised for our use by ANET themselves here: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/community/api

Doesn’t interact with the client so it is not a mod. It is the same as having a window open in the background and checking that.

i want to be sure!

id like an answer from a moderator myself.

this counts as a bump :P

From a reddit thread (I am not the author, I’m just copying and pasting):

From: Me

Today I read a reposted answer from a support representative on Reddit.

quote: “Basically, anything that touches the game client in any fashion, including but not limited to visuals, overlays, controls, inputs, outputs, automation, sounds, or play experience is going to be referred to as a mod. The Guild Wars 2 software package is meant to be delivered and used AS-IS, with zero flexibility for the end user. If your script changes anything about the game itself, how it’s displayed, or how it’s played, then it’s forbidden 3rd-party software.”

Now, I’m really horrified by this, because this covers a lot of software that I’m using.

In particular this covers:

any gaming grade equipment (mouses, keyboards, headsets, special equipment)
any recording or streaming tools like Fraps or Xsplit
any reasonable graphic card drivers (nvidia in particular)
any overlay tools (Steam, Enjin, TeamSpeak)

I could go on.

So was this response meant seriously? Are really all these tools forbidden?

I’m actually using a dedicated Windows installation for games, just to avoid issues of this type, but it’s really impossible not to violate such broadly defined rules.

So please could I get a clarification?

From: Gaile

This is a very interesting question, and I appreciate hearing your thoughts.

As you are aware, we cannot approve or review or “vet” any third-party program; that is a given. However, our position is somewhat different than the one expressed in the GM response, so I’ve already contacted the team to be sure that everyone is on the same page.

Our general statement is that anything that gives advantage is forbidden. There are many utilities that help the player without taking a hit on others, without, for instance, being a detriment to the other players in a match. TexMod is one example of a program that doesn’t really give anyone an advantage over someone else. I’ve heard about certain programs that help disabled players, and those seem just fine, too. And of course there are others. We can’t say “Sure, use this and that and that other thing” because that’s tantamount to “approval,” but we do recognize the distinction between advantage-giving programs and those that simply make it easier to play the game under specific circumstances.

Thanks for pointing out that response. We’ll get things clarified so that future responses are consistent with our policies.

From: Me

Could I get your permission to share this answer? Because I really believe that people would like to have this information.

From: Gaile

I think it’s ok to share this. I just want to be very clear that:

(1) we don’t review or approve programs, and

(2) programs can sometimes contain components that a legitimate player doesn’t realize is a cheat element

In the end, it’s good to go VERY cautiously with the use of any third-party program, but we appreciate that there are definitely situations when a helpful, non-advantage-giving program is extremely beneficial to players.

Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/10a0qk/official_response_clarifying_the_stance_on_mods/

So, in short, it’s a “use at your own risk” and chances are you won’t get an official answer aproving or disaproving any add-on for GW2

Well if you want an answer, go down to the API’s subforum and read there. There are a couple of overlays that have come out and as long as they don’t interact with the client they are fine. I have been using this overlay for a month or two now without any problems.

This doesn’t even do anything to the GW2 file. Anet has no control and will never know that you are using it.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/community/api/Is-this-API-allowed/2118969

It’s our intent to allow API-derived apps like GW2Stuff’s overlay to be used by players. From our perspective, having an overlay is just a different way of presenting content. We are not currently banning players simply for using overlays, and have no plans to do so.

Donari.5237:

No, it’s a mod.

I do not think that word means what you think it means..

We really don’t need an Anet response on this. It is not a mod. It doesn’t modify or interact with the game client in any way. It is an overlay and that may be what’s confusing you, i.e., that fact that it looks like a mod. But, hey, it will overlay firefox or any other program. It really has nothing to do with GW2 except for reading the publicly available api’s around events.

The overlay is pretty bad though. Heck, the site is pretty bad. When was the last time you saw a timer run on time?