Guild Wars 2

I know this topic has been brought up before but I’d like to really get an idea of where our developers stand on this issue and what the thoughts are behind it.

I just got done with a match where there was a MM necro, spirit ranger and hammer warrior (running healing signet).

We had an AFK’er to start the match so we had some time to discuss things in map chat.

Some words were said in map chat about the number of “Passive builds” on the opposing team. This led to a discussion and some vehement denial that certain builds were “passive builds”.

It made me realize that this game has come to a crossroads of sort where there are a lot of players that enjoy and want passive builds. I get that it caters to a lower skill set and that it is much more accommodating to players that may not be able to play at a higher level. At first I was sort of surprised that anyone would actually defend this sort of game play but then it made me realize that there probably are a lot of players out there that don’t want to have to work as hard to be good at this game.

I know there are a lot of players (mostly “old school” ones) who are very opposed to the turn that balance and builds have taken with this focus on more and more passive play, AI builds etc. I myself feel it takes away from the excitement of the game, waters down the combat mechanics that set this game so far apart from others and leads to a dangerous road where more and more balance is done using passive abilities.

My question is how do the devs feel about this? I was surprised to realize a lot of the player base is actually for passive builds and AI but I suppose there is a following there.

Do the developers want this game to continue down this road where passive play is the norm, passive traits and skills are how they balance classes etc? Are the developers happy with how much passive play exists right now? Do they see it as a problem or a benefit?

I’d like to hear from the players as well. For those that are for it, why? What is it about the AI and passive skills that make combat fun? What is it that draws you to this type of combat? I feel as if I know why those opposed to it are opposed, but if anyone has constructive thoughts I’d love to hear them.

I feel like the combat in this game approached a big crossroads when passive play became such a popular thing and I’m curious if the developers and intent is to continue down that road or to turn away from it? I honestly feel like there is no way to obtain both and have balance in this game.