Thank you Daniel, and congratulations Horia

Thank you Daniel, and congratulations Horia

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Posted by: Mike O Brien

Mike O Brien

President -- ArenaNet

Daniel Dociu will be leaving ArenaNet. Daniel has been defining the art direction for ArenaNet since 2003, before the launch of Guild Wars, and the impact he’s made on the studio and industry will be seen for years to come. It’s been a pleasure to work with him. Daniel, thank you for thirteen wonderful years creating worlds together. We’ll miss you. We look forward to your continued success.

Horia Dociu now takes over as the art director of Guild Wars 2. Horia also first joined the Guild Wars art team in 2003. He loves the game, he lives and breathes the art, and he continues our tradition of putting art at the forefront, never settling, relentlessly pushing ourselves to new heights. With Horia as art director, the game is in great hands.

Mo

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Posted by: EU Guy.1803

EU Guy.1803

Is that his son?

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Posted by: Fay.2357

Fay.2357

Best wishes to Daniel in the future!

…does this mean no more trenchcoats and butt-capes?

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Posted by: DevilishLyx.2340

DevilishLyx.2340

Is that his son?

Yes.

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Posted by: Alga.6498

Alga.6498

Farewell Daniel & congratulations Horia!
Looking forward for your work, Horia!

|GW1 2008~|GW2 BETA player|Separatist|Nightmare Court|Ebonhawke|Ascalon|White Mantle|71 characters|

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Posted by: Khisanth.2948

Khisanth.2948

So … commando in expansion 2? :P

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Posted by: Inculpatus cedo.9234

Inculpatus cedo.9234

Daniel, you will be missed; best of luck. Congratulations, Horia; looking forward to many more years of your fantastic work. =)

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Posted by: DBZVelena.5186

DBZVelena.5186

Good bye Daniel Dociu, I wish you luck and good health in your future endevors. I will always treasure my GW2 art book.

Proud Medic of the Splinter Warband. PM me to know more.

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Posted by: X T D.6458

X T D.6458

Nuuuuuu not an artist. The people that designed this game deserve so much credit because it is absolutely beautiful. If the game engine were better optimized more people could enjoy it…cough cough…… I had to.

Best of luck to him and Horia!

P.S.- Please give Maclaine Diemer ANYTHING HE WANTS lol. If that genius ever leaves I will cry

I say what needs to be said, get used to it.
Honesty is not insulting, stupidity is.
>Class Balance is a Joke<

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Posted by: Ashen.2907

Ashen.2907

Goodbye and good luck!

And, grats on the promotion.

Thank you Daniel, and congratulations Horia

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Posted by: IndigoSundown.5419

IndigoSundown.5419

Loved your work. Best wishes.

Thank you Daniel, and congratulations Horia

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Posted by: Supreme.3164

Supreme.3164

Thank You Dociu for the fantastic 12 years! Between GW1 and GW2 I enjoyed the best concept art ever seen in a MMO

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Posted by: Endless Soul.5178

Endless Soul.5178

Thank you Daniel for entertaining me since 2005. It’s been a wonderfully beautiful journey thanks to you.

Welcome and good luck Horia!

Asura characters: Zerina | Myndee | Rissa | Jaxxi | Feyyt | Bekka | Sixx | Akee | Tylee | Nuumy
| Claara
Your skin will wrinkle and your youth will fade, but your soul is endless.

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Posted by: Lyger.5429

Lyger.5429

The artwork & environments in this game are absolute brilliant. Thanks for all your hard work!

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Posted by: Amaimon.7823

Amaimon.7823

I hope this doesn’t affect the painting-like animations/cutscenes we’ve had until now, I think they’re a beautiful and also unique one of a kind

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Posted by: TheOrlyFactor.8341

TheOrlyFactor.8341

So … commando in expansion 2? :P

Not gonna lie even if they just released the skins for the Commando I’d throw money at Anet so fast to get them.

Playing GW2 for the story is like expecting plot in a porno. You’ll be left disappointed.

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Posted by: Lumpy.8760

Lumpy.8760

THANK YOU DANIEL

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Posted by: Tyncale.1629

Tyncale.1629

Add my well wishes to both Daniel and Horia. The art in the GW games is top notch, it is definately one of the main reasons I keep coming back to play the game. Every nook and cranny seems to have handmade details and the landscape feels real, yet has that Fantasy feel.

Such a huge choice in great-looking armors and weapons, and the avatars themselves have managed to steer clear of the uncanny valley which is a great accomplishment in my book.

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Posted by: Stand The Wall.6987

Stand The Wall.6987

thanks dan, your work on gw1 was awesome. it was also the first mmorpg I played.
out with the old in with the new as they say! hah, nah nah. glhf.

welcome horia, good luck.
protip: best way to get people on your side is this.
grawl master race!

Attachments:

Team Deathmatch for PvP – Raise the AoE cap for WvW – More unique events for PvE

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Posted by: Orpheal.8263

Orpheal.8263

another one leaves the boat, again looses this game a big piece of its old spirit that can’t be simply replaced.

Bad days for GW2

Personally I like the idea behind sub classes ~ quoted from Chris Whiteside

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Posted by: flog.3485

flog.3485

another one leaves the boat, again looses this game a big piece of its old spirit that can’t be simply replaced.

Bad days for GW2

Erm….the person leaving started at the same time as the person who is taking charge. Old spirit is still there

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Posted by: leviathan.2148

leviathan.2148

Very sad to see Daniel go. He was a big inspiration for me. But hey! Horia is incredibly talented also so I’m sure we’re in good hands.

I am an engineer – a pianist of destruction! Now please go back to standing in my AOE.

http://wpwhendead.tumblr.com - a GW2 webcomic about a Charr and a Skritt

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Posted by: Orpheal.8263

Orpheal.8263

another one leaves the boat, again looses this game a big piece of its old spirit that can’t be simply replaced.

Bad days for GW2

Erm….the person leaving started at the same time as the person who is taking charge. Old spirit is still there

Horia might be his son, but hes not the same person, the same spirit as he might make different decisions as like his father.
Different people can always have different opinions what might lead to different decisions when different people are in charge for something.

Each personality is unique and can’t be simply replaced by someone else, even if that somebody is your own son.
All I wanted to say is basically, that the dev team loses again somebody, who was responsible for it, that the game did become even so great – for the game and us is he a great loss – so thats why bad days for GW2.

However, I also don’t want to say, that eventually some people will see/interprete this change as something positive, when I read some specific posts here xD
But I personally interprete it rather as something negative, cause I’m an old GW1 Veteran who started with the game 2005 and thus appreciate his works and for what Danial stood for in this game much more most likely, than maybe some GW2 newbies, which haven’t played GW1 and just know him and his works from GW2

Personally I like the idea behind sub classes ~ quoted from Chris Whiteside

(edited by Orpheal.8263)

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Posted by: Dondarrion.2748

Dondarrion.2748

P.S.- Please give Maclaine Diemer ANYTHING HE WANTS lol. If that genius ever leaves I will cry

I believe Maclaine already left, or was never employed, but hired as freelance. But yes, I hope they will use his talents again when time comes for xpac2, etc.

But back on topic; thank you for everything Daniel Dociu, best of luck in your future career!

And gratz to Horia grabbing the reins!

Lord Sazed / Hasla the Huntress / Seaguard Hala
Seamarshal Belit / Initiate Xun Tsu / Mistwarden Roshone
Seafarer’s Rest | Northerner @ Dragon Season

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Posted by: sephiroth.4217

sephiroth.4217

After 7,300 hours, thank you for making my game visuals glorious!

I mostly play for the new Free-For-All arena in PvP lobby.
….. And Elementalist.

(edited by sephiroth.4217)

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Posted by: Odinius.9826

Odinius.9826

Thank you Daniel for all the magical artwork you have put into this franchise.
And grats Horia on the deserved throne.

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Posted by: Valento.9852

Valento.9852

Oh my God! Daniel, we will miss you so so sooo much. The art in this game is impeccable, and I think it’s fair to attribute Daniel most of this.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck. Guild Wars universe wouldn’t be the same without you.

Also, welcome Horia! I’m glad to have a Dociu joining this game. I hope to see your wonderful works.

This is such a sad day because of Daniel’s departure that I let a tear escape haha… all the best, Sir Daniel.

Attempts at ele specs:
Shaman
Conjurer

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Posted by: Maethor.2810

Maethor.2810

Thank you for all you have done, Daniel. We’ll miss you! Luck be with you in your next venture

Horia – Welcome to the game!

~Signe Grimsdottir | Wynne Everheart | Magiere Massing~
The Archivist’s Sanctum [Lore] – Just Us Grown-Ups [JUGS]

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Posted by: Silmar Alech.4305

Silmar Alech.4305

How sad! Many thanks for making every minute of my Guild Wars gaming a visual experience. You created new original things; things that did not exist before. Your artistic hand will be missed. Without you, Guild Wars will not be itself in the future.

Wish you all the best.

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Posted by: Danikat.8537

Danikat.8537

Thank you Daniel (and Horia and the rest of the team) for all your amazing work over the years!

I have literally thousands of screenshots of GW1 and 2 because I’m forever finding things which look beautiful or interesting. I’m not normally one to worry about graphics but I love the art style in this game.

And congratulations to Horia on the new job!

Danielle Aurorel, Dear Dragon We Got Your Cookies [Nom], Desolation (EU).

“Life’s a journey, not a destination.”

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Posted by: Khisanth.2948

Khisanth.2948

thanks dan, your work on gw1 was awesome. it was also the first mmorpg I played.
out with the old in with the new as they say! hah, nah nah. glhf.

welcome horia, good luck.
protip: best way to get people on your side is this.
grawl master race!

I guess you didn’t see the Commando video.

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Posted by: Telemin.7380

Telemin.7380

Always <3d the Aesthetic behind Gw2. You did well in your time here. Good luck in future endeavors.

And welcome Horia.

<- This player has high expectations for you.

Teh Ouchies

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Posted by: Donari.5237

Donari.5237

Also, welcome Horia! I’m glad to have a Dociu joining this game. I hope to see your wonderful works.

You’ve probably seen some of them already, given that he’s been with ANet/GW since 2003 per the OP from MO He’s not just “joining this game.” Check http://horiadociu.weebly.com/ and scroll down to see his style.

Bravo Dociu the elder for amazing art that broke away from the standard style to become something instantly recognizable as yours. I hope that you continue to create wherever you go.

Hurrah Dociu the younger! I feel that Tyria’s look is safe in your hands. Congratulations on your new position.

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Posted by: RoseofGilead.8907

RoseofGilead.8907

Thank you for your hard work!

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Posted by: MithranArkanere.8957

MithranArkanere.8957

Horia does quite some nice stuff. I really like the art he has done that looks more ‘metal’. I’d love to see more of that.

I can’t imagine a better successor.

Can we get my favorite model from GW1 based on Horia’s art as an outfit next Canthan New year as a commemoration of this event in our lives? Eh? *wink* *wink*

SUGGEST-A-TRON says:
PAY—ONCE—UNLOCKS—ARE—ALWAYS—BETTER.
No exceptions!

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Posted by: Phoebe Ascension.8437

Phoebe Ascension.8437

Mike, i’d like to know when Colin Johanson spot will be replaced (other then you doing your own job and his) at same time. I think that would be a good think for company. Make sure to hire someone with the right mindset.

Legendary weapons can be hidden now!
No excuse anymore for not giving ‘hide mounts’-option
No thanks to unidentified weapons.

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Posted by: Chiorix.5361

Chiorix.5361

I was worried to read that we’re losing our OG art director, but I’m glad to see such a weathered successor is taking over!

Congrats to both of you, and best of luck!

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Posted by: Galen Grey.4709

Galen Grey.4709

The art in Guildwars has always been top notch, thank you for your amazing work Daniel and good luck in your future endeavors!

Congrats to Horia, eager to see what comes next!

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Posted by: Justine.6351

Justine.6351

Thank you Daniel, and congratulations Horia

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Posted by: Elothar.4382

Elothar.4382

A good opportunity to say how much I enjoy the art in this game. Top notch. Thanks, Daniel, for all you’ve done and best of luck to you. And to Horia, congrats on the promotion. Look forward to more great things.

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Posted by: Inspirational memories.2506

Inspirational memories.2506

Best of luck Daniel, hope it turns out for perfect for you.
Congratulations, Horia! Looking forward to the work. :>

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Posted by: Smooth Penguin.5294

Smooth Penguin.5294

This is sad. The other year, he came out with a futuristic Cantha-like conceptual art piece that I fell in love with. I was really hoping he’s make modern day Cantha like a Ghost in the Shell world.

Attachments:

In GW2, Trading Post plays you!

(edited by Smooth Penguin.5294)

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Posted by: Walay The Brave.6813

Walay The Brave.6813

Good luck Dan,one of the reason i loved GW1 …the loading screens!!!(Desert and KC rooftop were my fave)./thanks.And Horia, /congrats !!!! Good luck and best wishes to both:)

[TEAR] – Stormbluff Isle
There is no time to talk! We must concentrate on the matters at hand — Brother Mhenlo
http://www.gw2guilds.org/view-guild/893

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Posted by: Deaeira.2651

Deaeira.2651

I’d just like to join in and say thank you – the artwork of Guild Wars is one of the foundations which makes so unique. Good luck in all your future endeavours!

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Posted by: BrotherBelial.3094

BrotherBelial.3094

Good luck Dan,one of the reason i loved GW1 …the loading screens!!!(Desert and KC rooftop were my fave)./thanks.And Horia, /congrats !!!! Good luck and best wishes to both:)

Yeah the loading screens in GW1 where amazing.

i5 4690K @ 3.5Mhz|8GB HyperX Savage 1600mHz|MSI H81M-E34|MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2GB|
|Seasonic S12G 650W|Win10 Pro X64| Corsair Spec 03 Case|

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Posted by: Sirius.4510

Sirius.4510

Sad news, but Daniel Dociu has built something of an institution at the ArenaNet art department… I expect they’ll be able to carry the flame capably. All the best to all!

Just a random PuGgle.
Stormbluff Isle ( http://www.stormbluffisle.com )

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Posted by: coso.9173

coso.9173

I just joined the game less than 2 years ago, but in this time I’ve seen the awesome art this game has. So congratulations on his impeccable work!
And to his son, welcome and good luck! Even the best work can always been improved and I wish you the best! How about starting by making more skimpy armor for males? Hehehe

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Posted by: Avster.1935

Avster.1935

Daniel Horia! You’re the one who did the concept art for the “Thief Queen” that never came in the game!! maybe now it will?

http://horiadociu.weebly.com/

Evelyn Whitehawk | Exalted Legend | Demons’s Demise | I Transmuted My Legendary Medium Coat

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Posted by: Aenaos.8160

Aenaos.8160

Respect and good luck.

-Win a pip,lose a pip,win a pip,lose a pip,lose a pip,
lose a pip,win 2 pips,lose a pip,lose a pip…………..-
-Go go Espartz.-

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Posted by: Wargameur.6950

Wargameur.6950

Thank you Daniel for that incredible atmosphere you created for the game. Those loading screens, those concept arts, they were gorgeous. I grew up playing guild wars and your art is definitely a memory I won’t forget.

Good luck to Horia for his new position too

main ~ Esper Jace (Thief )/ Ellundril Jiluan
(mesmer ) – EU [Teef]