Guild Wars 2

So as I understand it that HoT includes the core game. But I have some questions about that.

1. Does the purchase of HoT mean that I will be purchasing an additional account?
2. If one already has the core game, how will HoT be applied?
3. Will HoT be available as a stand alone? (just the expansion without the core game)
4. Will the core game included in HoT be a new build in which HoT will operate on? And if so will I be able to update my current game to that new build in order to play HoT? (meaning I won’t have to re-install the core game included with HoT)

I know right now there is a lot of confusion and a lot that we don’t know with the announcement of HoT on pre-order. Any clarification on these things will be great!!
Thanks!!

1. Does the purchase of HoT mean that I will be purchasing an additional account?

The way the advertizement reads, yes.

2. If one already has the core game, how will HoT be applied?

I have not found an answer to this. It looks like you have to buy a new account.

3. Will HoT be available as a stand alone? (just the expansion without the core game)

It had better be. Considering the core game is $39.99 and the Core+HoT is $49.99, it better only be $10.00.

4. Will the core game included in HoT be a new build in which HoT will operate on?

No idea

All-in-all:

Report ANet for Deceptive/Bad business practices. Here is the link to the Federal Trade Commission

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0054-how-file-complaint

How is this a Deceptive/Bad Business practice?

They are advertising and selling HoT exactly as stated. However, there isn’t much more information. That doesn’t mean that they are doing anything illegal.

I get that many people are upset about this, but it’s because of a lack of detailed information. Thats why I am asking for clarification.
In a way it makes sense to package the core game and expansion as a single unit. It’s not unheard of. Games do it all the time. However, those same games also have an option to purchase the expansion as a stand alone.

But reporting them for packaging the expansion in this way is just silly, and really has no basis for doing so.

https://help.guildwars2.com/entries/94582027-Heart-of-Thorns-Pre-Purchase-FAQ

This might answer some of your questions

Let me amend this…

I called the FTC and told them is was going to sound strange because this is a video game.

They said it was not strange and that they actually get calls about deceptive business practices like this (and they said this IS a deceptive practice) often and pointed me to the Better Business Bureau in order to report this.

Ravion Hawk.4736:

Let me amend this…

I called the FTC and told them is was going to sound strange because this is a video game.

They said it was not strange and that they actually get calls about deceptive business practices like this (and they said this IS a deceptive practice) often and pointed me to the Better Business Bureau in order to report this.

How exactly is this a deceptive practice?
You can file a complaint with the BBB for just about anything, but that doesn’t mean that they are in violation of anything.

So again, before we start jumping to conclusions, lets try to get more information.

pdavis.8031:

So as I understand it that HoT includes the core game. But I have some questions about that.

1. Does the purchase of HoT mean that I will be purchasing an additional account?

Depends. It will, if you apply it on a new account. it won’t if you apply it on already existing account (see below).

2. If one already has the core game, how will HoT be applied?
If you add expansion pack key to the core game, it will get updated to the core + HoT version. Notice, that in this case you won’t be getting a second core version as it is already unlocked on this account.

You can also add the key to a completely new account, in which case it will update it to core+HoT version, while your old account will remain what it is now, with no access to expansion content. In that option you will end up with two accounts and two core games (one of which – the new one – will also have HoT unlocked).

3. Will HoT be available as a stand alone? (just the expansion without the core game)

According to what we have heard so far, no, there won’t be a separate expansion-only version. They may change their minds on this issue later on, of course.

4. Will the core game included in HoT be a new build in which HoT will operate on? And if so will I be able to update my current game to that new build in order to play HoT? (meaning I won’t have to re-install the core game included with HoT)

You will most likely be able to use the same game files, but you will have a different access depending on the login used. So, it will behave just the same as a patch, albeit a very big one.

1: No, you will be buying HoT which is the core game now. If you own the game you will upgrading that account to HoT. If you don’t own it already then you only need to buy HoT and not GW2 vanilla(which shouldn’t exist after release).

2:You will get a key to add to your account.

3. See #1. HoT is the core game now and the value is based off of that. The addition of “GW2 included” is to avoid confusion with other MMOs and Xpacs.

4. It will be an update to the existing, so just a large update but probably no need to reinstall.

1. Does the purchase of HoT mean that I will be purchasing an additional account?

No. However it is a new account for new customers or people wishing to purchase it as a new account.

2. If one already has the core game, how will HoT be applied?

The process is explained here.
https://help.guildwars2.com/entries/94582027-Heart-of-Thorns-Pre-Purchase-FAQ

3. Will HoT be available as a stand alone? (just the expansion without the core game)

It is for existing players, see answer to question 1.

4. Will the core game included in HoT be a new build in which HoT will operate on? And if so will I be able to update my current game to that new build in order to play HoT? (meaning I won’t have to re-install the core game included with HoT)

See above answers. The down low. Current players are purchasing the expansion only which is applied to their current account. When purchased you get a serial code that you apply to your current account which will then upgrade your account to HoT. Or you can purchase it through the in game gem store and it will automatically upgrade your account. New customers that buy the pre-order get the core game and the expansion.