Guild Wars 2

Devata.6589:

Where did you get that information? The blog says you can unlock instance content but also open world content to repeat later.

Here:

Open world content additions to Living World updates will permanently expand or change the world of Tyria and will tie to the theme and story of the episode. This means you can play the open world content and the story content (if you’ve unlocked that episode) anytime you want, on every character you ever make on your account!

I read that part as that all the open-world things will be permanent, but that the story part must be unlocked in order to play it permanently.

I think the simplest way to ask the question alot of people have (which I would love to see someone ask during the Dev live stream later today), would be:

“How do you plan to make future events like Escape from LA or Tower of Nightmares, which require large numbers of player, replayable with the new Story Journal system?”

lordkrall.7241:

Devata.6589:

Where did you get that information? The blog says you can unlock instance content but also open world content to repeat later.

Here:

Open world content additions to Living World updates will permanently expand or change the world of Tyria and will tie to the theme and story of the episode. This means you can play the open world content and the story content (if you’ve unlocked that episode) anytime you want, on every character you ever make on your account!

I read that part as that all the open-world things will be permanent, but that the story part must be unlocked in order to play it permanently.

Hmm could be, depends on if “unlock” points towards the sentence or only the thing coming directly before it. It’s multiple interpretable. But it would be nice if it would be permanent editions to the world. It’s what am saying al along, they can easily add such content to the world permanently, no need to have it temporary to have a ever changing world. If they now finally came to the same conclusion that would be great.

So totally confused on the 200 gems to buy old episodes. This one doesn’t make sense to me.

Either a Living Story episode is worth 200 gems, or it isn’t. I hope it is — so why not just change the business model so ALL Season 2 Episodes cost 200 gems each!

Now you’d be delivering content that has value (at least 200 gems of value). You’d be funded by content and not cash shop trash. In short, it’s the B2P model (not the F2P with cash shop).

In the long run that preserves the longevity of the game by putting investment into content and therefore content into the game.

juno.1840:

Now you’d be delivering content that has value (at least 200 gems of value). You’d be funded by content and not cash shop trash. In short, it’s the B2P model (not the F2P with cash shop).

No, it would be a P2P model in that case, since you would basically be forced to pay in order to get access to new content EVERY SECOND WEEK.

juno.1840:

So totally confused on the 200 gems to buy old episodes. This one doesn’t make sense to me.

Either a Living Story episode is worth 200 gems, or it isn’t. I hope it is — so why not just change the business model so ALL Season 2 Episodes cost 200 gems each!

Now you’d be delivering content that has value (at least 200 gems of value). You’d be funded by content and not cash shop trash. In short, it’s the B2P model (not the F2P with cash shop).

In the long run that preserves the longevity of the game by putting investment into content and therefore content into the game.

Don’t know why I’m wasting my time typing this as it’ll be buried in a 1000+ response super-thread. Good job moderators (<— sarcasm).

Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 are B2P games. I swear I’m not trying to flame you personally, but we should know they couldn’t get away with completely altering the payment model that drew their player base in the first place, any more than a car dealer could get away with coming back and charging you every couple weeks for a vehicle you’ve already purchased. They’re just doing their best to appease everyone, since everyone seems to hate this game they play so much. Free content on a bi-weekly basis so no one can accuse them of a lack of updates, permanent content so people stop whining about the dynamic world they outlined from the very beginning, available for purchase to placate the folks too busy to log in for fifteen seconds who continually raise hell as if Anet is responsible for their personal schedule. They are bending over backwards to make this game enjoyable and fair for everyone, while still trying to hold on to the tiniest part of their vision of an evolving world.

/rant.

Basically, I think it boils down to judging how many people would be driven into a blind, self-entitled rage by “paid content” versus “free content but pay for missed content,” and choosing the lesser evil.

lordkrall.7241:

juno.1840:

Now you’d be delivering content that has value (at least 200 gems of value). You’d be funded by content and not cash shop trash. In short, it’s the B2P model (not the F2P with cash shop).

No, it would be a P2P model in that case, since you would basically be forced to pay in order to get access to new content EVERY SECOND WEEK.

Except that you would not pay if there was no new content — so it’s still a B2P. In addition you would only buy it if you want to play it (crazy, I know).

juno.1840:

Except that you would not pay if there was no new content — so it’s still a B2P. In addition you would only buy it if you want to play it (crazy, I know).

So if I would want to play new content, I would basically have to pay a subscription in order to experience it.
How does that not make it P2P?

I…I have no words.

Arena Net actually listened to us. They’re adding permanent content to the game, not garbage content that’s done and over within in two weeks. I…I am impressed.

Now, admittedly, I do think it’s kind of a blow to require people to pay Gems for an episode they missed to unlock it, and I do think that’s something that should be revised, but it seems to be in Anet’s nature to bring good news with a touch of bad, and it doesn’t strike me as unusual at all that they’d attempt to monetize this in some way.

But that said, a two week window is more than enough time for most people to log in for a second, unlock the episode, than play it at their leisure. I just feel that instead of requiring people to pay two-hundred gems, it should be unlockable for a small Gold fee in stead.

The sooner we can move away from monetizing everything with Gems, the better. But the Story Journal is definitely a VERY big step in the right direction of bringing this game to where it should be.

lordkrall.7241:

juno.1840:

Except that you would not pay if there was no new content — so it’s still a B2P. In addition you would only buy it if you want to play it (crazy, I know).

So if I would want to play new content, I would basically have to pay a subscription in order to experience it.
How does that not make it P2P?

It’s not P2P because you do not have to pay for anything. All you have to do is log on once every two weeks. That’s all. Just log on. You don’t have to take part at the time of logging on, you can just log on, load a character, log out, and come back in another two weeks. Is that really that difficult? I think not.

I think this new step is a good thing. Don’t forget, not only would you get an episode for free if you log on at the time, but you can also convert some gold into the 200 gems, and I’m sure most people can raise that in less than two weeks just playing the game as normal.

lordkrall.7241:

juno.1840:

Except that you would not pay if there was no new content — so it’s still a B2P. In addition you would only buy it if you want to play it (crazy, I know).

So if I would want to play new content, I would basically have to pay a subscription in order to experience it.
How does that not make it P2P?

You are not paying a subscription — it’s not even a pretend subscription. You are buying content. If that content comes out every two weeks then you buy it every two weeks. Again this is only if you want to buy it.

P2P is a subscription model where you pay X-dollars every month regardless of what the game developers release. If they release nothing you still pay X-dollars. That’s why it’s called P2P — if you don’t pay, you don’t play.

Paying for episodes is a B2P model (although much more granular than the expansion pack method). If you don’t buy the episode you can still play the game (just not the episode). That’s B2P.

Seriously, google is your friend. Do a search on P2P and B2P to educate yourself a bit.

EDIT: clarified some points

penelopehannibal.8947:

It’s not P2P because you do not have to pay for anything. All you have to do is log on once every two weeks. That’s all. Just log on. You don’t have to take part at the time of logging on, you can just log on, load a character, log out, and come back in another two weeks. Is that really that difficult? I think not.

I think this new step is a good thing. Don’t forget, not only would you get an episode for free if you log on at the time, but you can also convert some gold into the 200 gems, and I’m sure most people can raise that in less than two weeks just playing the game as normal.

I understand and like the coming system.
The person I quoted however is advocating that EVERYONE will HAVE to pay. no matter if they log in during the events initial release or not. And doing that WOULD make it P2P.

juno.1840:

You are not paying a subscription — it’s not even a pretend subscription. You are buying content. If that content comes out every two weeks then you buy it every two weeks. Again this is only if you want to buy it.

P2P is a subscription model where you pay X-dollars every month regardless of what the game developers release. If they release nothing you still pay X-dollars.

Seriously, google is your friend. Do a search on P2P and B2P to educate yourself a bit.

Paying for episodes is a B2P model (although much more granular than the expansion pack method).

But if I want access to all content, I will basically be forced (with your system) to pay ever second week in order to access that content. How is that any different from having a subscription that I pay in order to access content?

lordkrall.7241:

juno.1840:

You are not paying a subscription — it’s not even a pretend subscription. You are buying content. If that content comes out every two weeks then you buy it every two weeks. Again this is only if you want to buy it.

P2P is a subscription model where you pay X-dollars every month regardless of what the game developers release. If they release nothing you still pay X-dollars.

Seriously, google is your friend. Do a search on P2P and B2P to educate yourself a bit.

Paying for episodes is a B2P model (although much more granular than the expansion pack method).

But if I want access to all content, I will basically be forced (with your system) to pay ever second week in order to access that content. How is that any different from having a subscription that I pay in order to access content?

I already explained how it’s different. Now it’s your turn to research P2P and B2P — the difference should become clear after you read up on it a bit.

juno.1840:

I already explained how it’s different. Now it’s your turn to research P2P and B2P — the difference should become clear after you read up on it a bit.

I am aware of the difference.
But how is paying once every two weeks to access content really any different from paying once every month to access content?

You don’t HAVE to pay a subscription either, but if you don’t you won’t have access to the content.

lordkrall.7241:

penelopehannibal.8947:

It’s not P2P because you do not have to pay for anything. All you have to do is log on once every two weeks. That’s all. Just log on. You don’t have to take part at the time of logging on, you can just log on, load a character, log out, and come back in another two weeks. Is that really that difficult? I think not.

I think this new step is a good thing. Don’t forget, not only would you get an episode for free if you log on at the time, but you can also convert some gold into the 200 gems, and I’m sure most people can raise that in less than two weeks just playing the game as normal.

I understand and like the coming system.
The person I quoted however is advocating that EVERYONE will HAVE to pay. no matter if they log in during the events initial release or not. And doing that WOULD make it P2P.

I see my bad sorry!

Too many words jumping at me and punching my eyes but I’ve been seeing people treating this (not yet released!) update like it’s some futuristic cyber conspiracy against the people so my statement is basically to everyone anyway not just to you.

From the first paragraph of The Story Journal subheading:
Characters under level 80 will be able to see the available episodes, but will not be able to play them until they reach level 80.

Does this little tidbit bother anyone?

On the positive side, I’m cautiously in favor of the concept of the Story Journal. (Cautiously, because we’ve seen how good concepts can go horribly wrong.) I like the idea of being able to access Story content even if I wasn’t able to play at the time it was new. I don’t even mind the 200 gems much. The company should be able to see a modest profit for their work, IMO. Good content will be unlocked by more people and Anet will be able to see what percentage of players are willing to pay for it.

On the negative side, I haven’t seen one person in this thread mention this giant push to be L80. This game wasn’t supposed to be all about the endgame! What happened to the journey? Why should I bother with another alt, ever? Everything they’re building is for 80s. The new trait system is kitten-burgers for alts and noobs. Now alts and noobs can’t experience the Story? This is NOT a happy thing.

lordkrall.7241:

juno.1840:

I already explained how it’s different. Now it’s your turn to research P2P and B2P — the difference should become clear after you read up on it a bit.

I am aware of the difference.
But how is paying once every two weeks to access content really any different from paying once every month to access content?

You don’t HAVE to pay a subscription either, but if you don’t you won’t have access to the content.

he is right you are wrong.
p2p means you have to pay, to play, if you dont pay, you cannot do anything at all. In a subscription game, you cant event log in.
Buy to play means you buy something, and you own it, and can use it as much as you want, it does not entitle you to new free content later.

if they sold episodes, that would be buy to play, you would have access to everything you paid for, as much as you wanted, and everything that is open world.
Its not very different from gw1 expansions, just different in the size, and the costs. However you will still have access to all the open world parts

Now, i am not saying you have to approve of, or like such a system, but is objectively a buy to play system, just in smaller increments

Kumion.7580:

From the first paragraph of The Story Journal subheading:
Characters under level 80 will be able to see the available episodes, but will not be able to play them until they reach level 80.

Does this little tidbit bother anyone?

On the positive side, I’m cautiously in favor of the concept of the Story Journal. (Cautiously, because we’ve seen how good concepts can go horribly wrong.) I like the idea of being able to access Story content even if I wasn’t able to play at the time it was new. I don’t even mind the 200 gems much. The company should be able to see a modest profit for their work, IMO. Good content will be unlocked by more people and Anet will be able to see what percentage of players are willing to pay for it.

On the negative side, I haven’t seen one person in this thread mention this giant push to be L80. This game wasn’t supposed to be all about the endgame! What happened to the journey? Why should I bother with another alt, ever? Everything they’re building is for 80s. The new trait system is kitten-burgers for alts and noobs. Now alts and noobs can’t experience the Story? This is NOT a happy thing.

Doesn’t bother me since being a non-level 80 character is only temporary. Not to mention, that most of Season 1’s Living World content was pretty much played by level 80 characters anyway.

You’ll have to forgive ArenaNet for trying to give level 80 characters end game!

Kumion.7580:

From the first paragraph of The Story Journal subheading:
Characters under level 80 will be able to see the available episodes, but will not be able to play them until they reach level 80.

Does this little tidbit bother anyone?

On the positive side, I’m cautiously in favor of the concept of the Story Journal. (Cautiously, because we’ve seen how good concepts can go horribly wrong.) I like the idea of being able to access Story content even if I wasn’t able to play at the time it was new. I don’t even mind the 200 gems much. The company should be able to see a modest profit for their work, IMO. Good content will be unlocked by more people and Anet will be able to see what percentage of players are willing to pay for it.

On the negative side, I haven’t seen one person in this thread mention this giant push to be L80. This game wasn’t supposed to be all about the endgame! What happened to the journey? Why should I bother with another alt, ever? Everything they’re building is for 80s. The new trait system is kitten-burgers for alts and noobs. Now alts and noobs can’t experience the Story? This is NOT a happy thing.

the game needed some goals for being level 80, the idea of trying to keep everything at the same level wasnt working out. In someways its sucks, but in other ways its probably for the best.

queensdale farm was an example of this. On one side its nice to be able to hang out in this cool level, on the other side, its really kind of crappy that a super easy farm in the first area of the game is competitive with level 80 zones in terms of rewards, and, in a zerg, difficulty.

That said, i dont really know how difficult episodes will be, they seem to be mostly solo, and are implied to be pretty easy, so i doubt they will really expand the level 80 elder game much, but we shall see

Kumion.7580:

From the first paragraph of The Story Journal subheading:
Characters under level 80 will be able to see the available episodes, but will not be able to play them until they reach level 80.

Does this little tidbit bother anyone?

Yes and no.

On one hand, LS1 was pretty decent for leveling lower characters, although being upscaled meant that some would die…a lot. LS1 was intended for “everyone” so to speak, as long as you could get to the zone, and you may have noted that most of it happened in the lower level areas.

LS2 on the other hand is taking a slightly different approach. They are looking at it as character progression. Something that is happening after the events of the first story, which, by rights would imply that you need to complete the first story to move onto the next one, or at least level yourself up. Just like an expansion, it’s intended as ‘further content’ rather than ‘concurrent content,’ Slightly different twist is all.

To me, I’m looking at this like I did EotN…which also wasn’t really intended to be done while leveling up (although you could, but definitely not advised).

I see your point, Lanfear.

I am still concerned about the ways Anet seems to be shutting out new players, but it’s also true 80s will benefit from new progression.

Blade Syphon.4325:

I just feel that instead of requiring people to pay two-hundred gems, it should be unlockable for a small Gold fee in stead.

“small” gold fee is relative. i’d say they are already giving you this.

converting gold to 200 gems (12-15g) is a “small” gold fee (can be earned in a few days of casual game play….or a day of dungeon running/orr farming).

I think that some of you are missing one important distinction

“To unlock an episode and have it added to your story Journal, you simply need to log in to the game during the two-week period that the release is live to be given permanent, free access to the storyline of that episode……With this addition to the story Journal, content from Living World episodes will be a mix of new story steps and open world content.”

The payment option (for players who failed to login in time) is for the storyline, not the open world content. So regardless of whether you missed an episode or not, everybody (new players, old players, casual players) will be getting the permanent ‘Open World’ content for free.

Open World Content : New Maps (e.g. Southsun), New Dungeon Paths (e.g. Aetherpath), New Dungeons (e.g. Fractals)
Living Story Journal : Storyline instances akin to the Personal Story

In the context of Season 1, and the ‘Lost Shores’ event that introduced Southsun, I imagine the release ‘might’ have looked something like this.

Open World Permanent Content
Additions to the core game and map. Free for all regardless of whether they log in or not

• Southsun Cove Map (DE’s, JP’s, crafting resources etc) [Gated during release period to make sense with the storyline, and then unlocked for all afterwards]
• Fractals of the Mists Dungeon [Gated during release period to make sense with the storyline, and then unlocked for all afterwards]
• Temple of the Silent Storm (PVP Map)

Storyline Content
Free for people that log in during the release, 200 gems for those that don’t (but want to play)

• Defend LA (Instanced Storyline Mission) [On completion, opens access to Fractals during the release period]
• Drive Karka from Morgans’ Spiral (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Drive Karka from Garenhoff’s Harbour (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• LA Scavenger Hunt (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Miyani’s Scavenger Hunt (Multi-Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Retake LA (Instanced Storyline Mission) [On completion, opens access to Southsun during the release period]
• Defeat the Ancient Karka (Instanced Storyline Boss Mission)

Kumion.7580:

I see your point, Lanfear.

I am still concerned about the ways Anet seems to be shutting out new players, but it’s also true 80s will benefit from new progression.

As long as they are playing, they are still getting the content unlocked. They just can’t do it until they hit 80.

If they come in after the season, it’s no different than purchasing an expansion, basically.

Its not like they won’t get access to it ever, unless they choose that route.

Kumion.7580:

I see your point, Lanfear.

I am still concerned about the ways Anet seems to be shutting out new players, but it’s also true 80s will benefit from new progression.

How is shutting out new players?
Before they missed content and story and never could experiment them.
Now If they want they can purchase the missing content… or ignore it and keep playing.

If a new player buy the game, he’s a low level, so can’t participate in the current content. But that content is unlocked, so can be played when the player reach lvl 80.

What’s the problem?

BrotherBelial.3094:

joneb.5679:

Anet how does this affect more casual players wanting to complete the living story but not being the best at the more difficult achievements. Is it a two finger salute to us telling us we don’t get the content and a chance to get nice rewards out of it if we are not in that tier of skilled gamers. Isn’t that alienating a lot of your player base? I do like the idea of a replayable story journal.

The achievements are got to be difficult. But you can replay them as often as you like to gain them. So you will never miss out. His is also a good way to get people to learn how to play the game better rather than just zurg.

I find the zerg happens to me and not the other way around. Content comes out, people zerg it. I join in or not. People stop zerging. Its too difficult because it was built with a zerg in mind. It doesn’t say that’s going to stop in this update.

The impression I get is all that has really developed is its going to be little story as before and even more achievement grind except this time there’s endless time to grind it whether solo, party of 5, or large zerg. And if there is no zerg hard luck.

I’m very cynical towards this new development now and because its telling me in my mind right now that its basic end game to keep hardcore happy and caters not to the casual crowd who enjoy the story level of the game and a moderate set of achievements.

Kaz.5430:

I think that some of you are missing one important distinction

“To unlock an episode and have it added to your story Journal, you simply need to log in to the game during the two-week period that the release is live to be given permanent, free access to the storyline of that episode……With this addition to the story Journal, content from Living World episodes will be a mix of new story steps and open world content.”

The payment option (for players who failed to login in time) is for the storyline, not the open world content. So regardless of whether you missed an episode or not, everybody (new players, old players, casual players) will be getting the permanent ‘Open World’ content for free.

Open World Content : New Maps (e.g. Southsun), New Dungeon Paths (e.g. Aetherpath), New Dungeons (e.g. Fractals)
Living Story Journal : Storyline instances akin to the Personal Story

In the context of Season 1, and the ‘Lost Shores’ event that introduced Southsun, I imagine the release ‘might’ have looked something like this.

Open World Permanent Content
Additions to the core game and map. Free for all regardless of whether they log in or not

• Southsun Cove Map (DE’s, JP’s, crafting resources etc) [Gated during release period to make sense with the storyline, and then unlocked for all afterwards]
• Fractals of the Mists Dungeon [Gated during release period to make sense with the storyline, and then unlocked for all afterwards]
• Temple of the Silent Storm (PVP Map)

Storyline Content
Free for people that log in during the release, 200 gems for those that don’t (but want to play)

• Defend LA (Instanced Storyline Mission) [On completion, opens access to Fractals during the release period]
• Drive Karka from Morgans’ Spiral (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Drive Karka from Garenhoff’s Harbour (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• LA Scavenger Hunt (Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Miyani’s Scavenger Hunt (Multi-Instanced Storyline Mission)
• Retake LA (Instanced Storyline Mission) [On completion, opens access to Southsun during the release period]
• Defeat the Ancient Karka (Instanced Storyline Boss Mission)

while i would love the open world stuff to just be free and permanent, limiting the story journal monetized installments to just these kind of “personal story” missions and cut-scenes would be a bad business decision….unless completing them gave unique rewards/skins that otherwise can’t be gained.

these missions/cutscenes where simply not substantial enough to be worth paying for when so many similar ones or better instanced content already exists in game for free. they would have to tie account-bound unique skins/rewards to it.

if it ends up this way, then hopefully the rewards they tie to completing the missions are unique/valuable skins, because i think they need to find more successful ways to monetize the game outside the realm of pay-to-win tactics. tying content usually introduced in expansion packs (new zones, instanced large event chains, dungeons, races, skills, etc) was what i was hoping they’d do……as its fair and expected to pay for that type of new content. tying aesthetic skins usually associated with a cash shop is a bit tackier, but still better than the cash shop selling things like ascended sigils/runes or more powerful foods than one could craft in-game.

I’m really curious about the “new” more challenging achievements. Will it be pure skill based stuff, will we see more grindy challenges, both?!

What I’d love to see:

• skill based only
• unique skins / part of a set

rincewind.9528:

Kumion.7580:

I see your point, Lanfear.

I am still concerned about the ways Anet seems to be shutting out new players, but it’s also true 80s will benefit from new progression.

How is shutting out new players?
Before they missed content and story and never could experiment them.
Now If they want they can purchase the missing content… or ignore it and keep playing.

If a new player buy the game, he’s a low level, so can’t participate in the current content. But that content is unlocked, so can be played when the player reach lvl 80.

What’s the problem?

\

Exactly so.

since it looks like you can replay the release episode, i hope they implement this for personal story also

i’d like to be able to go back and relive my story

Kumion.7580:

From the first paragraph of The Story Journal subheading:
Characters under level 80 will be able to see the available episodes, but will not be able to play them until they reach level 80.

Does this little tidbit bother anyone?

On the positive side, I’m cautiously in favor of the concept of the Story Journal. (Cautiously, because we’ve seen how good concepts can go horribly wrong.) I like the idea of being able to access Story content even if I wasn’t able to play at the time it was new. I don’t even mind the 200 gems much. The company should be able to see a modest profit for their work, IMO. Good content will be unlocked by more people and Anet will be able to see what percentage of players are willing to pay for it.

On the negative side, I haven’t seen one person in this thread mention this giant push to be L80. This game wasn’t supposed to be all about the endgame! What happened to the journey? Why should I bother with another alt, ever? Everything they’re building is for 80s. The new trait system is kitten-burgers for alts and noobs. Now alts and noobs can’t experience the Story? This is NOT a happy thing.

That’s because the story wouldn’t make sense if it’s not progressed though in a linear path. Since the Personal Story ends at 80, with the defeat of Zhaitan, the Living Story starts after that. It’s one compromise that needed to happen, otherwise the story would feel more disconnected than it already is.

I love it! Infinite replay-ability, a record/tracker of our progress so it doesn’t feel like the story disappeared after we completed it, no time limit on the achievements, and best of all, the intention to expand this system to Season 1 and Personal Story!!!

But wait… how will the addition of Season 1 feature in, will we have to pay for it period, only pay for it if we missed its initial 2-week release, do we have 2 weeks at season 1’s re-release, or is it free for all?

OtakuModeEngage.8679:

I love it! Infinite replay-ability, a record/tracker of our progress so it doesn’t feel like the story disappeared after we completed it, no time limit on the achievements, and best of all, the intention to expand this system to Season 1 and Personal Story!!!

But wait… how will the addition of Season 1 feature in, will we have to pay for it period, only pay for it if we missed its initial 2-week release, do we have 2 weeks at season 1’s re-release, or is it free for all?

Pretty sure the Devs have said nothing about adding Personal Story to this. As for Season One, the Devs have said they would love to add it….some day, but that no one is even working on it at this time.

More information on the latest Twitch Livestream.

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

OtakuModeEngage.8679:

I love it! Infinite replay-ability, a record/tracker of our progress so it doesn’t feel like the story disappeared after we completed it, no time limit on the achievements, and best of all, the intention to expand this system to Season 1 and Personal Story!!!

But wait… how will the addition of Season 1 feature in, will we have to pay for it period, only pay for it if we missed its initial 2-week release, do we have 2 weeks at season 1’s re-release, or is it free for all?

Pretty sure the Devs have said nothing about adding Personal Story to this. As for Season One, the Devs have said they would love to add it….some day, but that no one is even working on it at this time.

More information on the latest Twitch Livestream.

“Because story steps for your personal story contain choices that permanently alter your character, we will not be allowing the replay-story-step functionality for the existing personal story at this time”

That was in the blog post so it gives the idea they may end up doing it one day

Well, it sounded more like the poster felt that PS would be re-playable as of July 1st, or soon thereafter, and that will not be the case.

It’s true, anything is possible, nothing is off the table. =)

If I end up missing out on unlocking an Episode, I’ll be disappointed that I have to use $2.50 or 20-30 gold to unlock it, but nothing that I don’t think is understandable. And $2.50 for an episode, however long, is just as comparable to those who bought The Walking Dead by the episode instead of as the full pack. For those saying 200 gems just for a 10 minute story seem to be confusing Living Story with a single Personal Story event that is only a part of a larger story. There is the ability to replay with all your different characters and try for the challenging achievements that get unlocked (this will really depend on a story by story basis, so will wait and see what the definition of challenging is in this regard).

Living World Season 1 was just temporary content where each Living World development groups would make something available for 2 weeks, and once it was finished, it was over and done with. It didn’t matter if there were still bugs that caused players to miss out on many of the events. I remember when Southsun first came out, the Crab Toss achievements were broken and a lot of players weren’t getting credit for anything happening. Then the 2 weeks were over and it was done, still broken for me on the last day.

With Living World Season 2, I see the 200 gems late fee a reasonable cost for keeping at least someone around to make sure all past events are still working, instead of just saying “It’s Tuesday, we’re done now and on to the next one.” With a lot of people missing out on things because of first week bugs (or just not around), this helps keep things around for longer.
Note: This can easily be countered by the fact that some stories will probably be pretty weak and not as enjoyable, and why would you want to pay anything for something not that great. They might even introduce some freakishly tall Asuran named Jar Jar for some down time comedy relief for people of all ages to enjoy.

Level 80 requirement is something I didn’t even realize that people would be upset over when I first read that. If someone is brand new to the game, with no character at 80, I don’t see why their first thought would be “I really want to play that brand new content that’s out with a story I don’t know very well.” I would have been upset if they said you must have completed all of the Personal Story (they only recommend it, not require it) but not for requiring to be maximum level.
Note: Counter for this would obviously be if ArenaNet ever decides to increase the max level available (because of new maps, content, etc). Level 80 might not be instant (without using items, that is) but doesn’t seem to be that long of a step to reach. But then if they ever start raising the maximum level, you’ll probably just be able to buy an “Instant Level 100” potion from the Gem Store for 2000 gems, so it’ll all just work out in that fantasy world!

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People still pay $60 for games that can’t be played at launch or are just plain bad. I’d rather a $2.50 / 20g gamble (with a chance of free) for more content from a game I love to play since day one over a $60 fail.

I like the concept of the Journal. And I see the possibility to put more modes into it in the future for each episode: Normal mode, Hard Mode, Insane Mode.
The LFG will be good for this.

Making every living story account bound and re-playable opens a lot of instanced type content making GW2 closer to GW1 basic concept, plus it ads more long term goals
Increasing difficulty for an instanced content is a lot easier then doing it for the open world

I think, this journal is one of the best things they do in this game.

wolvz.8791:

“Because story steps for your personal story contain choices that permanently alter your character, we will not be allowing the replay-story-step functionality for the existing personal story at this time”

That was in the blog post so it gives the idea they may end up doing it one day

Indeed, “…at this time,” suggest that it may be developed in the future. Its not a concrete confirmation or the like, but it indulges the idea, and that alone tells me they’re moving in the right direction.

Currently I find it hillarious that people are complaining about the 200gem price in case they’ve missed the episode.

…and then the same people complain about not getting an expansion. Sigh.

Marcus Greythorne.6843:

Currently I find it hillarious that people are complaining about the 200gem price in case they’ve missed the episode.

…and then the same people complain about not getting an expansion. Sigh.

Of course, but now that ArenaNet took their whole “no permanent content” complain away from them, they must find something new.

They must have something to complain about after all.

One of my guildmates was worrying about the potential paywall that could build up for new players. What’s great about the Journal feature is that it stops the problem of telling a friend about the story, but that it only hangs around 2 weeks so they don’t get the game; but instead that friend buys the game and logs in the the first time ever, he has his personal story… and the current episode.

You take your friend through an executive summary of replays, front the gems for the episode you were talking about, but there’s still a lot missed, and if this is mid-season 3 or further, a lot of potentially salty purchases to really catch up on the story.

So here’s my suggestions:

• At or nearing the end of each season, put a substantial discount on the “box sets” for a short period of time, excluding the current/just ended season.
• More importantly, for most new episodes, put one or two episodes in the same season that have the strongest impact on the current story on a massive discount (read: steam sale discount, 60% to 75% off or more).

This does a few things for the new player:

1. It’s not quite as painful to acquire multiple past seasons of the story. This is something you’d like a new player to do, since the point of a story is to be told. More than that, this is the end game, you want them to participate in it.
2. Following the current story naturally leads to catching up on past events. This encourages the new player to continue participating in the current story, continue participating in the community. Not only that, this would highlight currently important parts of history for the entire community, and players that missed those episodes the first time around will be accompanied by others who decided to replay those episodes.

There should be no real effort made to highlight every episode over the course of a season, nor that each should only be highlighted once. Any given episode might be important to several subsequent episodes, although highlighting a single episode this way consecutively is probably not a good idea, nor the immediately previous episode.

OtakuModeEngage.8679:

Indeed, “…at this time,” suggest that it may be developed in the future. Its not a concrete confirmation or the like, but it indulges the idea, and that alone tells me they’re moving in the right direction.

One way they might do it when replaying a story step, you’d talk to an NPC to make a decision as normal, but only the only options to take are the ones you took before. Other decisions would be visible, but not available.

Artanis.4963:

So here’s my suggestions:
….

• More importantly, for most new episodes, put one or two episodes in the same season that have the strongest impact on the current story on a massive discount (read: steam sale discount, 60% to 75% off or more).

Anet don’t do big discounts. This has been the reason I do not buy much from them as on my wage I can not justify spending the money they ask on in game items or simple digital content. If they did 50% of bargains and above they would get more cash from me and poorer folks just the way Steam seems to be flourishing on its business model where poorer folks just have to wait patiently for a bargain whilst the better waged can pay at will.

joneb.5679:

Anet don’t do big discounts. This has been the reason I do not buy much from them as on my wage I can not justify spending the money they ask on in game items or simple digital content. If they did 50% of bargains and above they would get more cash from me and poorer folks just the way Steam seems to be flourishing on its business model where poorer folks just have to wait patiently for a bargain whilst the better waged can pay at will.

You are 100% wrong about this.

joneb.5679:

Anet don’t do big discounts. This has been the reason I do not buy much from them as on my wage I can not justify spending the money they ask on in game items or simple digital content. If they did 50% of bargains and above they would get more cash from me and poorer folks just the way Steam seems to be flourishing on its business model where poorer folks just have to wait patiently for a bargain whilst the better waged can pay at will.

Players can essentially print their own discount coupons in GW2. Anet has implemented a game where 100% discounts are not only possible but relatively commonplace.

Ashen.2907:

joneb.5679:

Anet don’t do big discounts. This has been the reason I do not buy much from them as on my wage I can not justify spending the money they ask on in game items or simple digital content. If they did 50% of bargains and above they would get more cash from me and poorer folks just the way Steam seems to be flourishing on its business model where poorer folks just have to wait patiently for a bargain whilst the better waged can pay at will.

Players can essentially print their own discount coupons in GW2. Anet has implemented a game where 100% discounts are not only possible but relatively commonplace.

Ashen can you explain this concept you have invented?
Kalaris there have been a few freebies given out randomly and different versions of the game have been sold at 50% but the actual gem store items I cant ever remember given for a significant discount as in 50% or above. Turbine did give significant discounts. I use to wait for them when I played DDO and Steam for a fact does extremely good discounts.

joneb.5679:

Ashen.2907:

joneb.5679:

Anet don’t do big discounts. This has been the reason I do not buy much from them as on my wage I can not justify spending the money they ask on in game items or simple digital content. If they did 50% of bargains and above they would get more cash from me and poorer folks just the way Steam seems to be flourishing on its business model where poorer folks just have to wait patiently for a bargain whilst the better waged can pay at will.

Players can essentially print their own discount coupons in GW2. Anet has implemented a game where 100% discounts are not only possible but relatively commonplace.

Ashen can you explain this concept you have invented?
Kalaris there have been a few freebies given out randomly and different versions of the game have been sold at 50% but the actual gem store items I cant ever remember given for a significant discount as in 50% or above. Turbine did give significant discounts. I use to wait for them when I played DDO and Steam for a fact does extremely good discounts.

I did not invent anything.

In any game where cash shop currency can be acquired through game play the player essentially has the ability to create his own real world currency discounts.

If something has a list price equivalent to $10 but your budget, or inclination, will not accommodate more than $5 you can spend $5 in real world currency supplemented with in game currency to cover the remainder of the cost. I have even purchased cash shop options without spending any real world money at all. Spending $0 to get something I want is pretty much the best discount I have ever personally experienced.

Ashen.2907:

If something has a list price equivalent to $10 but your budget, or inclination, will not accommodate more than $5 you can spend $5 in real world currency supplemented with in game currency to cover the remainder of the cost. I have even purchased cash shop options without spending any real world money at all. Spending $0 to get something I want is pretty much the best discount I have ever personally experienced.

Not quite. Say you earn 10 gold in an hour of play time.

Right now, that 10g will get you 100 gems. Using your credit card, 100 gems costs you $1.25.

If you could legally sell gems for USD, you’d get $1.25 an hour. Minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 an hour. Is Guild Wars 2 worth $6 an hour to play?

Not saying you shouldn’t buy gems with gold, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re ahead of the game doing that. If you work a minimum wage job three hours extra a day, you could play three hours, have your gem store items, and thirty gold, and extra spending money.

Artanis.4963:

Ashen.2907:

If something has a list price equivalent to $10 but your budget, or inclination, will not accommodate more than $5 you can spend $5 in real world currency supplemented with in game currency to cover the remainder of the cost. I have even purchased cash shop options without spending any real world money at all. Spending $0 to get something I want is pretty much the best discount I have ever personally experienced.

Not quite. Say you earn 10 gold in an hour of play time.

Right now, that 10g will get you 100 gems. Using your credit card, 100 gems costs you $1.25.

If you could legally sell gems for USD, you’d get $1.25 an hour. Minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 an hour. Is Guild Wars 2 worth $6 an hour to play?

Not saying you shouldn’t buy gems with gold, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re ahead of the game doing that. If you work a minimum wage job three hours extra a day, you could play three hours, have your gem store items, and thirty gold, and extra spending money.

Playing a game.

Working a minimum wage job.

Not the same thing at all. If they were the same there would be no reason to play any game at all because doing so will earn you far less real world money (as in zero generally) than would working extra hours at your place of employment.

For what its worth that minimum wage worker will often not be in a position to choose to work extra hours. Employers generally make an effort to control labor costs as closely as possible.

To get the new content you have 3 options:
- log in ONCE in the specific 2 weeks period
- farm gold and exchange it for gems (this gives an in-game goal)
- spend little real money for convenience.

they made this gem – gold exchange so everyone can afford everything in the cash shop: a 12 year old or a working veteran. Don’t make such a fuss about it especially when they are offering you 3 possibilities.
Remember, many MMOs offer DLC for a payment with real cash excluding any other options unlike GW2. GW2s model is the best one so far in the market