Guild Wars 2

Aluna Darklady.3165:

I have an ele, and have only played this so far.

At any rate, I don’t feel that it is twice as much work to be an ele as other professions.

Huh? With all due respect I don’t think you’re qualified to reach that conclusion:)

This reminds me of the transform mechanic in Aion. It was only available to certain top ranked players, which meant you probably knew what you were doing once you could unlock the ability.

I like how you envision the orbs; however, I don’t see the incentive side of it. In other words, WHY do I want to hold the keep? I’m glad that you brought up Aion because I think we can expand upon your idea using that game as an example.

In Aion, there were two main benefits to holding a “fort.” One, whenever the fort was taken over by a faction, there was a claiming Guild that would receive currency during the time it was owned. That currency in turn could be used to buy gear and other consumables useful in pvp. The second fort benefit was that it unlocked a dungeon that could be accessed by anyone on the winning faction (Aion was a two faction game BTW). The second reason in particular encouraged more PVE player participation during fort seiges (fyi…forts were only vulnerable to attack during set times and dates).

I’m not saying this exact model would work in GW2. Plopping a dungeon in the middle of a controlled fort/keep might not be the best idea. But, you certainly COULD grant access to buy cool looking and unique gear for using some sort of currency. Depending on the keep, ownership would grant varying levels of currency, with the more prestigious keeps (like Garrison) giving out higher amounts over time. For those that are familiar with Aion, Stonemist could be the equivalent of owning Divine Fortress. Just a thought…..

I’ve played both to the lower 40s, and warrior seems to be the more powerful of the two if that’s what you’re looking for. They have more health, the most weapon options including good ranged choices (unlike the guardian), and can function as a good support class when needed. The one thing the guardian does better is providing various boons to allies and having better overall support capabilities, imo.

Alk Trio Fan.6357:

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t craft or WvW or dungeon, you’ll have to do two zones of a certain level bracket to get to the appropriate level.

That hasn’t been my experience at all. I’ve never had to go to another same level zone, craft, WvW or run a dungeon yet. Usually I am right at the level required to move to the next zone as long as I’ve done every heart, vista, skill challenge, and the dynamic events that are usually around the heart areas.

Blueshield.6291:

Please don’t be patronizing, I understand how server population works.

Currently, when a server is listed as “Full” on the transfer menu, it still allows players already bound to the server to log in and play through the use of overflow hardware. Therefore one possible solution would be allowing people to transfer servers even when overflow is in use. However, let’s assume that the current “Full” system is in place specifically in order to throttle population levels. In that case, a possible solution would be to implement a server transfer “queue” whereby the game automatically attempts to transfer you at such a time as the server is no longer “Full.”

As for finding a bigger hard drive, that’s not how servers work. If one box is at capacity (and is the best that current technology offers), you don’t have to swap the first box for a second, bigger one. Instead you can add a second running in parallel. This is presumably how they already handle overflow.

There are ways around this issue. Hypothesizing that there aren’t isn’t helpful.

You cannot cram an infinite number of people onto the same server and provide a quality experience. Creating more overflows just inconveniences those that are already on the server. TC is no longer TC if everytime you log in you get put on an overflow. If you think I’m being patronizing toward you, what do you think you are being towards Anet’s network engineers?

Blueshield.6291:

TC is the only American server with a significant RP community, and we shouldn’t be forced to not pick servers based on arbitrary factors like the current non-overflow population. Additionally, guild members already on TC would have to either wait a week until they can transfer again free of charge or spend money to do so.

Ignoring the symptoms is not solving the problem.

I understand you wanting to be on an RP server, but think about it in terms of your hard drive. Once you fill it up, you can’t save anymore data to it. You can only add more hard drives. Those other hard drives, in Anet terms, are called servers. I don’t know what you expect them to do.

PS. And before you say get a bigger hard drive, how do we know they don’t have the biggest one current technology offers?

Blueshield.6291:

I agree that this is a serious problem. My guild is in the process of attempting to transfer to TC, and our luck has been horrendous. Many of us work during US working hours, and those who do not have reported that even at what should be extreme-low population times of day (5AM Eastern, 9AM Eastern, Noon Eastern, etc…) the server reports “Full.”

It’s a serious problem, because at very random times, sometimes even during peak hours, a member will find that TC is reporting as “High” and transfer over immediately. Our active players are now split halfway between two servers.

This obviously needs to be addressed – players shouldn’t have to forgo sleeping or working in order to execute a server swap.

Why is your guild picking TC when you know it’s already a full server? Pick a different one, have your split guild members already on TC transfer to it so you can all be together again. Problem solved.

I’ll be honest. I enjoy being a dedicated healer. I like that the success or failure of my party/team is largely dependent on my performance. I also like seeing my name topping the healing charts, be it in a raid or battleground. A few “nice heals” comments don’t hurt either:) That said, whenever I get the itch to log back into another game, I just can’t do it. Why? I’m finding the more I play GW2, the more depth and richness there is.

Right now I have my support Guardian. With my current setup, she has no less than 12 (yes, twelve) healing abilities. No, they won’t take your ally from low to full health by spamming a few buttons, but they will give them an edge on the battlefield. I also have a full arsenal of boons and control abilities, not to mention I’m still dishing out a bit of damage. And the best part – my eyes are focused on the action, not on some UI element that tells me when it’s time to whack-a-mole.

HabibLoew.2590:

Currently we feel that one week matches are the right length for WvW and so we don’t have any plans to change the match length at this time. Should the game evolve to a point where two week matches make sense then we will, of course, consider making that change.

I don’t know if or when world transfer cooldowns might change.

Some minor housekeeping, but you should drop the “s” in weeks from the following statement on the WvW section of the website:

“Three huge teams —each representing a server, or world—battle for control over objectives on four massive maps in wars that last for weeks.”

One week seems to be good. I like the excitement that begins during each weekend reset, and matches that drag out too long lose momentum. Longer matches would suck if you are the server being whooped.

From my perspective I’m pleased with the responses so far. Admitting that they didn’t think things through as carefully as they should have, and plan to make changes based on feedback sits well with me. My biggest concern was being forced into dungeons to get the best gear, and they have now gone on record stating that introducing ascended gear this way was a mistake. I don’t mind going after better gear, but let me do it the way I want to do it. I’m also looking forward to hearing more about new WvW content soon™.

Just a general observation, but it doesn’t seem like any of the game designers/developers are engaged in the WvW forum. A quick check over at the sPvP forums show multiple responses from Anet on a variety of subjects. Seems rather odd since WvW was a major selling point of the game.

You’re going to get an imbalance anyways once people start logging out during off peak times. You can’t just kick people out of the game because your server now exceeds 25% due to log-offs on another server.

Just two:

1. Lower level zones tend to become ghost towns a few months after release. What is your plan for encouraging high level players to visit these lower level zones?

2. What are some of your ideas for adding new content that would be considered fairly unique to the MMO genre, as opposed to just adding more dungeons, etc?

Levetty.1279:

So what with recompense for people who couldn’t make it to this one time event but would like a free 20 slot item box and some precursors?

While I don’t think anyone should be compensated because they weren’t able to participate in a one time only event, I DO think the value of the rewards given were way out of line relative to the effort put forth. If the rewards were a couple of rares and such there probably wouldn’t be as big of an issue. This was a lottery with huge prizes, but many people couldn’t even buy a ticket.

dalendria.3762:

No, I did not spit in their face. I loved this game and often talked to people about its positive features. Since you used the spitting imagery, I will continue. They spit in my face. Linsey said the reason they introduced “gear stat” progression (changed their core product design) was for the “most dedicated players.” As soon as I read that, I felt the spittle hit my face.

Unfortunately this is what happens when developers attempt to be politically correct instead of telling it like it is. I’m sure she actually meant “those that rush to endgame and run out of stuff to do,” but had to tone it down to “most dedicated players” because it sounds….less harsh. Another reason to hate PR speak:)

Hawks.5736:

Gilandred.9870:

The blog post just put up by Chris Whiteside said nothing about the controversy with ascended gear. He rather just confirmed they are continuing to work on progression. The die is cast.

But he did say theyll be doing a lot of Q&A’s soon. I think the first one is about PvP though.

Chris has just posted that he will be doing an AMA on Reddit on Monday at 12 PST.

The blog post just put up by Chris Whiteside said nothing about the controversy with ascended gear. He rather just confirmed they are continuing to work on progression. The die is cast.

Anet has already demonstrated that they are not interested in debating or discussing these issues further. They closed other threads, including the “big one,” without so much as a clarifying comment. That’s who they are, and if you thought otherwise, their actions have now spoken louder than words.

A minor point, but you have the torch 4 and 5 skills backwards. It may also be worth mentioning that you can trait (writ of the merciful) your Staff # 3 to give it a targeted AOE ranged heal on a relatively short (15s) cooldown.

Anet broke off the relationship. You’re hurt. Confused. You want to know what happened, what went wrong. Like any relationship gone bad, does it really matter in the end? Just time to move on……they have, and so should you.

I agree with the OP. They have given us their final answer, as made clear by closing the other thread and referring us back to the Chris Whiteside post which brought up more questions than answers. That’s Anet’s position – like it or leave it.

Mif.3471:

How about we keep one time events, but we put them on at 4am Monday US time.

Still sound appealing?

While I like the concept of one time only events, the above quote is reason enough that there should be some level of repeatability. Maybe do the event every six hours over the course of a few days.

I like the animations. All the professions and weapons have their own unique character. It’s been awhile since I’ve played Aion but I don’t remember them being outstanding. I DID enjoy the caster incantations however.

I agree. These events need to be instanced. A 25 man event sounds about right.

After about 80 minutes my sound bugged out midway escorting the king kakra or whatever he’s called back to the caves. I was relieved that I had to log out:) The event stages are way too long and there’s too many people causing lag to be an enjoyable experience. I really like the IDEA of this event, but in it’s current form, I’d have to say they have much work to do.

Kazzuki.5704:

Biggest upset is WvWvW server wars, DOES NOT BENEFIT PVE. How can such an integral part of the game , which is also the biggest part of every campaign to sell your GW2 game, have zero influence on PvE.

What about all those server bonuses?

Eveningstar, I’m going to comment on what you said here:

“The question, however, is whether that gear progression will be prohibitively inaccessible as it was in WoW, in which getting new gear meant raiding, meant showing up 3-4 times a week and grinding out instances for upgrades. ANet doesn’t want this. They want gear progression to be there for everybody, to be available for everybody, and to be open to you even if you aren’t a hardcore player.”

WoWs two endgame activities, raids and PvP, are separated by gear type. You needed to grind out two different sets of gear to be most competitive in either activity. However, unless this has recently changed, you could exchange tokens in order to get PVE gear by playing PvP, and vice versa. In effect, you could still “play your own way” as it were.

Anet has one type of gear that is useful for any type of activity. The only difference is you grind out one gear set instead of two. In my opinion, that is not fundamentally different, and no less “prohibitively inaccessible” than WoW.

Logun.2349:

And I would like to also find out decisively what the plans are for crafters.

The ascended backslot item is craftable. It’s an assumption on my part, but this seems to indicate that crafters will not be left behind.

I’ve posted a few times in this thread, and this will be my last on this particular subject:

I didn’t come to GW2 because I thought there would be no grind. Grind and gear tiers don’t bother me. I’ve done it in WoW, Aion, Rift, any of the dozen or so games I’ve played the last few years. I came for other reasons, and for the most part I’m not disappointed. I’m still having fun.

However, what IS disappointing, is the lack of communication on this subject from Anet. Come to this discussion, Anet. Explain why you changed your gear philosophy. Explain why those who DID buy this game because of no gear treadmill should still play. Don’t send in the folks with their PR talking points. At least if you do PR, have it make sense (ie. we’re introducing a gear tier to address the gear gap that we are also now introducing…..what the?). That was rather insulting to a lot of us. Treat us as your partners, and we will help you grow and expand this wonderful game you’ve created.

Thank you.

To the OP, the developers have already addressed your concern in bullet point 2:

“Ascended and infusion rewards will be available in both PvE and WvW over time, and be made available through all sorts of content around the world including existing content.”

Ostra.3927:

Lets assume you (not being flammy here) hate pvp but love dungeons
And what happens after you get that item and a couple weeks later Anet annouces that Legendary are going to be replaced with a NEW tier. You can only get this in PvP and it will be better then anything you can get in the dungeons.

To be fair, this is what they said about the new gear:

“Ascended and infusion rewards will be available in both PvE and WvW over time, and be made available through all sorts of content around the world including existing content. "

kamizefrog.3421:

Sadly, I think in this one instance we, the folks against vertical progression, are the vocal minority.

I logged in 2 hours before the Lost Shore event started and I saw no one in Lion’s Arch even mentioning/complaining about the new tier. For about an hour and a half I stood there just listening to map chat and still not once did anyone raise a stink about the new tier. When the event did start, there were hundreds of players who showed up to participate causing massive lag all around, but still no complaints/comments about the new tier.

My guess is, these people are indifferent to the idea, and presumably they far out number us here.

I believe this is true. Anet knows many people will be upset with the new gear tiers, and some of those will leave and never return. They’ve made a calculated business decision that they will attract more paying customers with the changes. The manifesto, the comments by the developers, they are all PR speak. You didn’t know it then, but now you do, and you can react and plan accordingly when next they speak. Fool me once…..

I think most people are excited by this. And by excited, I mean the feeling you get when you step on a hornets nest.

My feedback so far is the ascended gear fiasco has by far overshadowed what could have been a very fun event.

All that means is they prematurely released the higher stat legendaries in the first patch by mistake, instead of over time as they release more ascended gear. The second patch fixed it.

Bullfrog.1324:

Now THIS is the kind of post I like to see from the developers

I didn’t understand most of what he said, but totally agree with the level of detail and explanation by this developer is much appreciated. Now, if they can only do something about that other little 10,000 post thread;)

BondageBill.4021:

Gilandred.9870:

BondageBill.4021:

New content patch at prime time, and not a single full NA server. Expanded account limits per server or massive exodus?

It’s quite possible they expanded the capacities due to the refer-a-friend trial. I would be somewhat surprised of a mass exodus due to the gear situation. We will know for sure if Anet moves forward with their plans, or this gives them pause to reconsider.

I agree it was more likely that server capacity has been increased, but a man can dream, right?

I just checked a couple of areas. I was first put into the overflow on LA, which is not unusual on the normally FULL TC server. Map chat was active; hard to tell how many people there due to the culling, but seemed about right. Went to Queensdale next. Definitely a noticeable increase in players. There were around 15 people at the starter farm heart; normally there’s less than 5. My guild also has around 23 players logged in; again normal. In conclusion, draw your own conclusion:)

BondageBill.4021:

New content patch at prime time, and not a single full NA server. Expanded account limits per server or massive exodus?

It’s quite possible they expanded the capacities due to the refer-a-friend trial. I would be somewhat surprised of a mass exodus due to the gear situation. We will know for sure if Anet moves forward with their plans, or this gives them pause to reconsider.

ckeeton.4907:

Quit being self entitled.

It’s not self entitlement. It’s being pissed off that they changed one of the core fundamentals of this game. That said, the deed is now done. Some of us will get over it and continue to play. Others will leave over this. Anet will know if they made the right decision based on the numbers. I don’t see them reversing the course they have now set. Almost 10K posts and neither Colin nor Mike anywhere to be found.

ColinJohanson.2394:

Legendary weapons won’t be updated to ascended stats until ascended weapons are added to the game in the far future.

(Edit follow up: Looks like they got updated early by accident, we’re going to fix this now they should be the same as exotic)

Heh. Well at least we will now know the true stat difference that’s coming to us. Screenshot away folks!

Why aren’t the two gentlemen who originally declared that there would be no gear grind out front and center on this issue? Come out and take the heat; don’t send in others to do that which you should be doing….

I am thankful for the new content as well. The Halloween event was a blast, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow and this weekend.

Ryth.6518:

Actually the forums aren’t the majority. You should have learned that from other MMOs.

And I think I am one of the judges because ANet feels the same way and I never saw them say otherwise. You can interpret their stuff the way you want but they NEVER said there wouldn’t be progression gear or content, and I know for fact because I talked to them at Comic Con exactly about their end game and they said they would have something similar to exactly what they are introducing now.

So sorry if you felt you were sold a fake bill of goods but they never said there wouldn’t be gear progression, they said there wouldn’t be a need for 10-25 man people and the need for a gear treadmill.

And your definition of treadmill vs theirs and mine is not the same.

You either didn’t read, or chose to ignore, what Colin stated about not having gear “progression”. The fact remains that there’s a significant number of people unhappy with this move. You can hunker down and pretend that perception isn’t reality. Whether or not Anet shares your definition is irrelevant. The customer pays the bills.

Chris Whiteside.6102:

Our goal is not to create a gear treadmill. Our goal is to ensure we have a proper progression for players from exotic up to legendary without a massive jump in reward between the two. We will slowly add the remaining ascended gear items and legendary items in future updates to allow people time to acquire them as we add exciting new content that deserves exciting rewards. We will not be adding a new tier of gear every 3 months that we expect everyone to chase after and then get the next set and so on.

Chris, with all due respect, what you are describing is precisely a gear treadmill. First you get exotics, then ascended, then legendary. Then an expansion comes out. Then you do this again, at a higher level, going after better gear. That’s a gear treadmill. Players that now have exotics will no longer have the BIS gear. How do they get better gear? Step on the treadmill….

Also, “exciting rewards” does not have to mean better gear. Plenty of suggestions have been made.

Fungalfoot.7213:

“The rarest items in the game are not more powerful than other items, so you don’t need them to be the best. The rarest items have unique looks to help your character feel that sense of accomplishment, but it’s not required to play the game. We don’t need to make mandatory gear treadmills, we make all of it optional, so those who find it fun to chase this prestigious gear can do so, but those who don’t are just as powerful and get to have fun too.”

… Well, Colin?

Colin, having stepped out of the meeting to use the restroom at precisely the wrong moment, comes back to find this…..

For now, I’m going to have to agree with the apparent majority. Vertical progression via gear is not the way to go. Now, I’m not going to quit over this, it’s still a great game. However, I think you will end up losing some of your more loyal customers and replacing them with those that are always running to the next shiny. And trust me, that next shiny is never too far away.

They don’t show weapons in any of the cutscenes either. Probably because the clipping makes it look bad.

Swtor pulled ranked warzones at the 11th hour before a major patch, literally. Oh the kittentorm that followed. And that’s what happens if you release patch notes subject to change. No one understands the “subject to change” part, and the developers credibility takes a major hit.