Guild Wars 2

Let me make this brief. Several months ago my computer “told me” ( by faltering) it couldn’t handle new upgrades to games I had enjoyed like Guild Wars 2. I have a new computer (that is lovely) so I wanted to get back into the game. While I was away there was an expansion…no problem there. So I purchased it, but GW2 won’t download the game. I can’t get any phone support…is there really a phone number I can call? I’m pretty certain the company will take my money w/out giving me the game! To add insult to injury, a guildie told me that the game indicates I was online during the time I was away! Clearly, my account was hacked, but I can’t contact anyone at GW2 to get things squared away. Unless someone can give me guidance, I’ll eat the $42 bucks and tell GW2 to F*** off! Okay, clearly, I’m venting right now.

I agree with Righteous regarding rewards. I am in a Blackgate wvw guild and was under the mistaken belief that the many hours of wvw would result in a nice reward. Aside from “bragging rights” I see nothing forthcoming…just another mmo that doesn’t get it….

I joined ICoa (a Darkhaven guild that joined the Blackgate server) about one year ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed the guild and wvw. I decided to post this statement in the forums (I’ve posted none until now) in order to provide a “grunt” level view of current wvw dynamics. I don’t pretend to know what the Blackgate command perspective is, but I’m rather confident that Blackgate command will not censure me for what I’m going to write.

The top level level tier (BG, JQ, and SOR) is quite competitive…something I personally enjoy. It is a dynamic that keeps me interested in the game, as I am not a dedicated pve player.

I’ve read forums in the past, and viewed with interest the accusations that SOR and JQ were “double-teaming” Blackgate. I honestly hadn’t paid much attention (and ICoa command was initially rather quiet about it) until one night-about 6 months ago, when I saw a a JQ zerg stand down as an SOR zerg attacked our BG army. In fact. JQ guilds were running side-by-side with SOR players.

I suppose I should have been angry, but I decided it was a pretty smart tactic…as we were winning. I suppose that is one of the points of this comment. In real life, alliances are made in order to get the upper-hand over an adversary…why should it be any different in this game?

Ironically, the end-result was that Blackgate learned tactics that made it stronger and more competitive. As a grunt, I was expected to fulfill my role as a soldier. Instead of playing my beloved ranger ( I know – pathetic!) I played my hammer warrior and guardian, as they were more valuable classes. I was more easily killed trying to catch up with my zerg (by players better spec’d for pvp) when I was running from the spawn, but once I got to my zerg ( with my wvw build) I was awesome!

I don’t know if BG commanders are better than other server commanders, but I know they are generally easy to follow. That is, they don’t get emotional and tear down the rank-and-file because they, " aren’t on their tag", etc. Also, many of the BG commanders are great tutors. When there are quiet moments they take advantage of the down time to instruct guild and PUG players regarding tactics, builds, etc.

Guilds join and leave the server, but the core wvw guilds have provided stability and leadership that has definitely benefited the server, and has encouraged players like myself to remain in Blackgate, confident that come what will (rumors notwithstanding), we will continue to be a competitive wvw server.

The bottom line? I don’t pay any attention to forum prognosticators who prophesy the demise of Blackgate because I am friends with a number of Blackgate people who love the game, love the server, and love the competition. We aren’t going away and encourage other servers to “up their game” and take wvw to new levels…because at the end of your journey we’ll be there waiting for you! See you in EB and the Boarderlands!
Much affection, Forestshadow