Guild Wars 2

Hello GW2 community,

I am not writing this to complain about game balance or a feature I don’t like, but rather a problem I feel is extremely hindering to ArenaNet in comparison to other MMORPG content releases, such as WoW for example.

Today is the day before the expansion release. I am still unsure exactly what is happening. I am looking for a source to find every change so I am ready for tomorrow, but I can’t find it. I can’t find full expansion notes anywhere, so I resorted to the stream videos… “PoI”, “GuildChat”, whatever it may be. Not to call anyone out in particular, because I notice it EVERY video.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/esl-guild-wars-2-pro-league-and-legendary-weapons-on-guild-chat-a-summary/

I was watching the stream on the action camera and I could not grasp the changes. The actual content and changes were unbelievable clouded by the “nerdy” and “geeky” jokes happening between Rubi and whatever game developer. I was borderline disgusted by the lack of professionalism in the streams, as this is where I am going for my information on the expansion.

I have a friend who was considering joining GW2 from WoW, and he was repelled from the game by how the content was discussed on stream.

It may just be me, but this unprofessional and “joking” attitude makes me not take the content seriously. It makes me not want to play Guild Wars 2 as my primary game. Apologies for using WoW as the example, but it is the game I have the second most experience with. Prior to the release of Warlords of Draenor, the latest expansion, content streams were EXTREMELY clear, decisive, and felt like an interaction between people who develop games as a career and people who pay money to play them. On the forums I could find a wall of text with every detail of new content and features. The expansion felt well put together, prepared, and professional.

Heart of Thorns worries me, because while trying to research new content, I’m forced to sit through literally hours of joking around and pointless conversation with information buried inside.

I love GW2 and I think ArenaNet is doing a great job, but if you want to be taken seriously as a top MMO, please act accordingly…

Some streams are more professional than others, depends on who is there other than Rubi. Still, I semi-enjoy their fun loving nature on the streams.

While the streams are intended to present some information, they really aren’t the be all and end all for it. More for a smattering of general discussion, some minor Q&A, and some show and tell. Its good to see that the devs enjoy their work and take pride in it.

They really don’t have the time to use the streams to really get into the nitty gritty on a lot of things. But between the blogs and the streams, you can usually get a decent feel for…most.. things.

It is a good thing that the streams are not made exclusively to sell a product. But as a way for the developers to show off a new feature to the community. I am very happy with the way the streams are presented. I do not want to be sold a product, I want to see who made the new features and to hear them discuss what it will bring the the game.

They have do banners on their home page linking to all the information that has been released about HoT….

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/heart-of-thorns/

Also

https://heartofthorns.guildwars2.com/game/

I do realize your post was about the streams, but maybe this will help your quest for information.

Agreed. The action camera stream was garbage. That dev had no idea how to present information. I would not allow that person back on camera without him writing a dialogue that was then proofed by an individual responsible for the stream’s agenda and viewability.

Terrible inside jokes aside. Have some common sense and do not put an individual that has zero abilities at public presentation in a position of public presentation.

+1 out with the skilless, in with the skilled.

I felt like the dev who was working on reaper was extremely professional and was actually annoyed at ruby’s jokes n stuff lol

Stop watching streams and play the game. Let the game do the talking for you. GW2 >WOW. Period.

I disagree, I enjoy the fun vibe and the fact they actually try to interact with the community in the streams.
It would suck if all they did was try to sell you a product the whole time…
Also, since you seem to be new to Arenanet…there not ones to give away everything about an expansion. Expect some more developer posts and articles after it releases.

As a very “intellectual” player, I enjoy reading all the information before playing it. I don’t want anything in HoT to be a surprise… I just want to know exactly what is coming in a very clear, concise, and consolidated manner.

Also, they already sold the product… I want to know what I bought.

Personally I agree with you. I find the stream difficult to watch.

I would suggest using Dulfy.net for the information. She updates her site immediately following any stream with a concise list of notes and screen shots that have all the information available with none of the wasted time or jokes.

Best way to get information is a 3rd party source? I agree Dulfy.net is a great place to go, but it’sa big issue that that’s the case

+1 to Dulfy.net if you want just the facts with non of the fluff or filler.

I like the casual nature of the streams, it makes the devs feel like real people rather than just a talking head for marketing.

Rhego.6590:

Best way to get information is a 3rd party source? I agree Dulfy.net is a great place to go, but it’sa big issue that that’s the case

Or use the News Blog, which recaps each stream, as well as usually presenting the information beforehand. Or try the Wiki. Maybe the official Heart of Thorns site.

Also, for more feedback on your topic, you can peruse the previous thread from a couple of days ago.

Good luck.

The community of players would be better served if ANet had a central point for providing information about the game. Instead, we have the official site, official forums, streams, social media and a host of 3rd party sites. Also, expecting developers who are not trained in making presentations to provide clear, concise info is a big ask. This is why companies and politicians have someone on staff whose job is to present information.

Well then they need someone to do that job, because watching Rubi and whoever else try to reveal expansion content seems like a joke to me. Its extremely unprofessional in my opinion.

Triangulator.2867:

Agreed. The action camera stream was garbage. That dev had no idea how to present information. I would not allow that person back on camera without him writing a dialogue that was then proofed by an individual responsible for the stream’s agenda and viewability.

Terrible inside jokes aside. Have some common sense and do not put an individual that has zero abilities at public presentation in a position of public presentation.

+1 out with the skilless, in with the skilled.

Huh… funny, because after that stream there was an eruption of praise from the community for that Dev. They absolutely loved him.

Rubi does like to crack jokes right in middle of someone explaining something, so I know what you mean. Personally I’ve gotten used to it, so it doesn’t bother me anymore. But the first time I watched GW2 streams, I was put off by it somewhat. Notably that time when Mr. Gee was explaining Necro/Reaper and he kept getting interrupted by random jokes that had nothing to do with the subject at hand.

Anyways, you get used to them eventually. If you’re new to the game, give it time, you’ll come to like them.

Twitch streaming is a side thing. They do it for fun, and I love it’s not a stale tuxedo Bob sitting there presenting information. I like they show the different personalities of the company, even if they are energetic or not.

What game companies do these kind of streams these days anyway?

Rhego.6590:

Today is the day before the expansion release. I am still unsure exactly what is happening. I am looking for a source to find every change so I am ready for tomorrow, but I can’t find it. I can’t find full expansion notes anywhere

What info are you looking for that isn’t covered on the official wiki?

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Guild_Wars_2:_Heart_of_Thorns#Features