Guild Wars 2

This post is about “guest” server identity. If you’re on a “host” server you may think this doesn’t affect you but you’re wrong. Through no choice or fault of ours we’re the reason your server population is locked. Even though I don’t like the implications, I’ll use the terms “host” and “guest” servers because these are the terms Anet uses for us. I’m basing this post on my experiences on IoJ, but I think they apply to all the “guest” servers.

I don’t see my server name anywhere:

• Friends list – they’re on “host” borderlands
• Guild roster – “host” borderlands
• Map chat uses the “host” server names for maps…
• So does the WvW entrance lobby (although I can click the plus sign by JQ)
• Team Speak – we use the “host” server system (less people to move)
• We don’t even gain any WvW score from the linked matches
  So are we IoJ or are we JQ+ ?

This matters. It really does. Here’s why.
This is a Beta – a trial of the many changes – and that raises some questions.

• If we lose our server identity how can Anet undo or change this linking?
• How are we expected to recruit for our server or our WvW guilds? Anyone want to join “JQ+”? There are already a few posts complaining that players can’t join the “host” server they want to (and won’t join the relevant “guest” server in case it’s moved again) so we have problems recruiting and so do the “host” servers.
• What future does Anet see for our voice comms servers – we pay for these, and our server websites.

When linking was introduced Anet took the decision not to label “guest” players to “let guests blend in and only stand out if they felt like calling themselves out” . Nice sentiment BUT we all had to ask for voice comms authentication, and we’re the new people running around with the guild tags that “host” players don’t recognise. Some “standing out” is inevitable: is it really worth our identity to protect us like this?

So Anet – at what point does it become too late to save the “guest” servers identity?
If you label this as low priority then when you get round to it you will find you’re too late.

Epilogue:
Let me take you back to Living Story Season One. The first mission was to erect signposts for the incoming refugees. Then we learned they had been dispossessed by the minions of an Evil Boss. So we made them welcome and set off to defeat the boss and help the refugees get their homes back.
So what role will you take Anet? Champions of Tyria? Or will you play Scarlett?
I’m worried; the Anet logo is bright red…

Yuffi.2430:

So what role will you take Anet? Champions of Tyria? Or will you play Scarlett?
I’m worried; the Anet logo is bright red…

LOLZ! This is great, really.

I did think of one more thing, too… did you notice that friends on other servers now show up as your own server names, based on the map color. What is up with that anyway?