Guild Wars 2

Tobias Trueflight.8350:

Now, let me turn this around. You are the CEO of ANET. You know that there are 10’s of millions playing solo RPG’s on PC’s MAC’s, WII’s, etc. So you tell your Board of Directors, " if players don’t want to group I don’t want them to buy our game." How long do you think you will have your job?

Re: Last paragraph.

Given ArenaNet’s track record, the statement would be a question: “So I see there are tons of players who don’t seem to be grouping for most of their playtime. We really wanted them to do that . . . Why aren’t they, and how do we encourage them to do so?”

. . . followed by attempts to entice (without coercion) people into that. [/quote]

I believe attempts to entice could be made by developers but I don’t believe it would impress the Board. Most Boards want bottom line numbers and increased sales. As perhaps a poor analogy, most auto companies have little concern about carpooling, even though it would reduce congestion. They want to sell cars.

As for enticing people to group, I have an idea that I have posted in a new thread: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/suggestions/Make-dungeons-more-accessible-Auto-grouping

Assumption: grouping is more difficult than desired.

Suggestion: develop an auto grouping mechanism.

In GW 1 at Fort Aspenwood, for example, players were queued up to enter the area. Can this be done for dungeons?

For example, I am in a party of 2 and I sign-up to play "X’ dungeon and my party is placed in the queue. At some point a dialog box opens and indicates I will be transported to the dungeon in “X” seconds with an option the leave immediately and/or go to the end of the queue/ leave the queue. Our group is joined with three other players and transported to the dungeon entrance.
1) the time will have to allow for persons who decline to be replaced. Perhaps if it is only one who declines an NPC replacement could be used.
2) Like GW1 some mechanism needs to be in place to report persons who drop out of the group once in he dungeon.

This is a very rough idea; perhaps it is workable — perhaps it is not. However, I believe it would allow more player access to the dungeon content and make it easier to find a group to complete the personal story.

Birdy.4816:

So as a “casual” what did you expect? a never ending single player story =/ … everything else is solo.

You have to group for ONE mission… ONE. Why is that too much to ask of you?

Maybe its because the only way you can make a final fight epic is by having more people instead of a bunch of NPC’s doing it for you.

I find people complaining about the most minor things.

As a solo player what on earth was you expecting?

The solo player is important to an MMO, but you seem to think you need to be the focus.

Oh and this game, has no “good features” for any fixed audiance, PvE’s are screwed because the dungeons are awful and there is barely any worthwhile progression.

PvPers have a stripped down version of guild wars 1.

Overall, A-nets endgame has been pretty bad.

and this second patch proves to be yet another fluff patch.

I am sorry you are not having the fun you had expected. The endgame such as it is is a significant problem for us, too.

As for the story, we were hoping for something along the lines of GW1. Moreover, we have no problem paying for expansions provided we can complete it as a couple.

My partner and I only play a tiny fraction of the content available in the game. But a storyline is a very important factor for us. I type “hunt and peck” style; am not a great player and really have no need for more cyber relationships. We play in the same room on our own schedules. It works for us.

Some players love to farm dungeons; others are collecting to get the best possible gear. As another poster noted, ANET cannot please everyone.

However, my partner and I find farming and chasing gear to be a grind. I am certain there is some percentage of gamers who are like-minded. Thus, if we make a significant base to be profitable, the ANET will cater to our needs. If not, we will search for another game.

If you want to read some real dissatisfaction read the posts concerning Guild Missions and small guilds. There are three people in our guild; we did not really expect that content to be available to us, and I have made no comments on that thread.

All that said, we have more than got our money’s worth given the hours we have played.

AzuraSkie.3207:

In direct response to this “title/comment”… This entire game’s target audience is casual players. Little to no challenge or difficulty whatsoever and made to allow people to complete content in any set amount of time without being handicapped in comparison to others. As for the “solo-duo” comment, this is a MMO not a coop/solo game so perhaps you have the wrong game…

Thank you for your thoughts. I believe the definition of an MMO has evolved. As I said before: let me turn this around. You are the CEO of ANET. You know that there are 10’s of millions playing solo RPG’s on PC’s MAC’s, WII’s, etc. That is a very large market.

So you tell your Board of Directors, " if players don’t want to group I don’t want them to buy our game." How long do you think you will have your job?

Geotherma.2395:

RayKoke.1638:

Geotherma.2395:

snip

Thanks for your reply. For a variety of reasons many seem to associate MMO’s as a quasi-Facebook world where social grouping is required. However, while that perhaps is true for I am certain the majority of players, it is not true for everyone.

Thus, as discussed here: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

The Solo Player

The solo player has become an important audience for modern MMOs. It has become nearly impossible for a MMO to succeed if they leave out the solo player. They are everywhere in today’s online world…"

Ah I see, but in the end it IS an MMO. And must support that, because the majority of the players want that type of social aspect. No one wants to log in and see no one in a game that is defined as a Multiplayer game. As the devs and designers have made this game to suit multiplayers first, and solo players second. There are many aspects you can do alone:

Level to 80
Do story until the very last part, in which you already know whats going to happen whether you complete it or not.
Craft
Explore
PVE mobs
PVE dragons (granted others are there but does not require group)
WvW
Spvp

Many aspects do cater to single players. But in the end this IS an MMO, first importance beyond all else is to create a community. This is impossible without having several people. Also much of the content is supported through gem store purchases, you can solo a large percentage of the game without ever buying anything from teh store. The problem here is then there is no support for new content. So in turn things are offered like event items etc to bring people together. The most important thing in an MMO beyond its functionality is its community. And a good MMO community is not made up of 3 million solo players.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maslow%27s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

Check out the very base important aspects of a persons pshycological needs. They include people. Our game world is no different.

“Luckily, I find myself enjoying a few of these different player types. I believe I will find a nice home in GW2. I also believe that GW2 has covered enough of its bases that it will be a major hit in the industry and will satisfy millions of players for many years to come.”

tldr: You cannot please everyone.

Thank you for your reply. First, I am not certain, but I don’t believe Maslow’s Hierarchy is applicable. In fact, I think there is some current research that indicates a “cyberlife” can be detrimental to real-life interpersonal interactions and social development.

As for community, my partner and I will run out of our way to revive another player. If we are around when another player is having a difficult time with a skill challenge boss, we pitch-in. We jump into World Events. IMO, that is the GW 2 community – hats off to ANET for developing it versus WOW were everyone is in competition and one hates to see another player around when trying to get limited items.

Now, let me turn this around. You are the CEO of ANET. You know that there are 10’s of millions playing solo RPG’s on PC’s MAC’s, WII’s, etc. So you tell your Board of Directors, " if players don’t want to group I don’t want them to buy our game." How long do you think you will have your job?

Geotherma.2395:

I’m not sure I understood your post are you asking for proof that the story requires a group for last part? “To complete this personal story, you must finish The Ruined City of Arah (story).” http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Victory_or_Death

I’m not being rude or anything I’m just not sure what you were asking, You do need a group to finish the personal story as the final step is a group dungeon. But this is only 1 part, and it brings players together as a MMO. Being able to finish this entirely solo would mean that a chunk of the game does not encourage group play. You can also help on story quests, although I wish there was a small reward for helping, its fun nonetheless.

“The story is played from one character’s perspective for that character’s story. Other players can help with another player’s story but are not able to make choices which affect the outcome, though they can choose to accept the outcome as their own.¹ The story instances scale with the number of players participating.”

" While your personal story is meant to be just that—personal—bringing friends along introduces the multiplayer element that we want to accommodate. This is a multiplayer game, after all! Just like dynamic events, personal story steps scale up to the number of players participating. In some cases, there are elements added when a multiplayer experience would otherwise seem odd: the golem tournament, for example. While the player whose story is being told controls the golem, what do the other players do? Well, they form a mini-golem support team, of course!"-Leif Chappelle

Thanks for your reply. For a variety of reasons many seem to associate MMO’s as a quasi-Facebook world where social grouping is required. However, while that perhaps is true for I am certain the majority of players, it is not true for everyone.

Thus, as discussed here: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

The Solo Player

The solo player has become an important audience for modern MMOs. It has become nearly impossible for a MMO to succeed if they leave out the solo player. They are everywhere in today’s online world…"

nastyjman.8207:

Well… there you have it folks! OP has shut-down his discussion by linking to https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ .

/end thread

Thanks for your reply. Whether the discussion is ended by my attempt to point out:

1) that in the video by Ms. Ree Soesbee concerning the personal story nothing indicates this is a group experience in: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/.

2) attempting to explain that MMO’s are not requiring cyber friendships as discussed in http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

is up to the forum admins.

As I stated many times this is my opinion and it would be tremendously expensive to fix at this point— even if the developers agreed the personal story was botched.

However, going forward, the question is: is there a sufficient solo-duo player base to craft future a storyline, e.g., the Flame and Frost, ensuring that it is accessible to that base? That is ANET’s business decision to make.

Jyuno Terkar.7318:

I’m having loads of fun in a variety of activities.

I would like to mention that it was a bit odd to run into a group quest at the end of the personal story when everything else could be accomplished solo. I’m totally for having people group together since we are talking about a MMO, but the current setup doesn’t seem engineered right for the personal story. I think it should encourage people to group up from the beginning, or at they very least scatter in more dungeon based content in the personal story. As it is, the personal story doesn’t necessitate a group until the last mission.

And I cannot find mention of the word group in this post: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/

Moreover, despite some individuals perceptions about the implied social requirements of MMO’s, MMO’s have had to evolve to cater to the solo player as discussed prior to release: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

Solaxo.7409:

Hey Ray! This game is still amazing if you want solo play, but if you need a group to run you through the final story mission; I could round up a few guild mates and help you do this!

Send me a tell or mail anytime!

Thank you for your kind offer and the reply. This is an issue of principle for me. Please see: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ and tell me if I overlook grouping in the post.

proxy.7963:

If you see me online, Ray, I’ll group with you and your partner for the dungeon.

Please keep in mind that most of the time I don’t know what I’m doing, I jump around excessively and I make inappropriate jokes on a pretty consistent basis.

Also my main’s an Engineer, which some people don’t like and I feel is pretty mean of them.

Thank you for your kind offer and the courtesy of a reply. However, this is a point of principle for me. Please see: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ and tell me if I overlooked the discussion of grouping.

Syphen.1980:

Wow. So you have to group for one last step of your personal story and the game is a bust? Really maybe MMO’s are not for you. They are massivly multiplayer for a reason and getting to know other people and group up is half the fun of the game. If you don’t want to group with anyone you might as well just play a solo game.

Thanks for your reply. However, I hope you will read: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ and tell me where the word group can be found.

Furthermore per the developers MMO’s must cater to solo players: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

GrandmaFunk.3052:

RayKoke.1638:

However, since I casually play MMO’s solo-duo for a story – a role playing fantasy and the intrinsic rewards from that experience – I now pronounced the game dead.

As a casual immersion/intrinsically focused player that mostly plays solo, I pronounce the game: fun.

You are correct in many ways – awesome graphics, great combat BUT I find the solo storyline for those who like story play poor after level 30.

Shadyjames.1345:

Ray I to play the game mostly solo or with my sister we have a guild on sorrows furnace, not sure what world you are on, but if you want you are welcome to join us and then we have 4 of the 5 needed to finish your and my sisters story just saying.

Thank you for your kind offer. I am sure I could find a group but it is a point of principle. I refer to: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ and I do not see anything about requiring a group.

Velkyn.5168:

This is a bit confusing.
I guess solo players usually stick to solo RPGs (or for duos, those solo-RPGs that can be played with one or two friends, a la Baldur’s Gate), but not MMOs. The latter are naturally made to cater for people who enjoy socializing with lots of people and playing in groups.
If you want more solo/duo content and more story, maybe you are looking at the wrong kind of games for this focus… or am I missing something?

Thank you for your reply. I was expecting: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ – nothing mentioned about not being a solo portion of the game.

Rainzar.6905:

when did any mmo let you do EVERYTHING in the game with only one or two people?
why not make friends or join a guild or something, don’t understand why anybody plays these games but keeps to themselves, married/time-restricted or whatever other excuses they give.

on the flipside i hear swtor is great for duo’ing through the game until level cap.

Please read: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/personal-story/ then tell me if I missed the part about having to group to finish one’s personal story.

Thanks to whomever was able to edit the post topic. Originally I tried IMO… but is was rejected as too long of a title.

Regardless, again thank you nameless admin

Ljiona.9142:

You can make your own guild. It doesn’t take long to get a guild stash and other stuff. It is almost a waste not to have your own guild because you earn influence for just about everything.

We formed our guild on day 1.

Rainzar.6905:

when did any mmo let you do EVERYTHING in the game with only one or two people?
why not make friends or join a guild or something, don’t understand why anybody plays these games but keeps to themselves, married/time-restricted or whatever other excuses they give.

on the flipside i hear swtor is great for duo’ing through the game until level cap.

So far, we are really enjoying SWTOR.

Tobias Trueflight.8350:

Hmmm, reading your original post a few times, just got to say you may not be able to get what you want here in GW2. I’m also . . . fairly certain you won’t find it at the Elder Scrolls game. What you’re describing sounds a lot less like one of the MMOs on the market (by necessity of needing to be certain things to please a broad audience) and more like a place to have fun in.

There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just likely the game you want won’t ever materialize 100% of the way you want it to. Maybe even 50%.

I wonder if there’s a market for a MUD again . . .

IMO games have to cater to a very broad audience to be successful. I believed that issue was addressed before release in; http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

There is an extremely large content in any game that I and my partner prefer not to explore. There any many players who only play PVP. I have real world friends who love GW2 PVP and WvW.

Each player demographic has its demands on developers. ANET is choosing to address the demands of large guilds and guilds in general in the upcoming guild missions. There is a new story line coming. There are always new “holiday” events. The developers work hard and are dedicated to making this game the best it can be.

Whether the solo-duo, PVE story-seeking, intrinsic rewards, player demographic merits developer concern as a viable market segment is a business decision. From my perspective, my needs are not being met. I do not know if there is a large enough player base to make it worth ANET’s limited time and resources to address.

Geotherma.2395:

Alarox.4590:

nastyjman.8207:

Title is misleading. You may need to change that as “The Game is dead for ME as a casual solo-duo player”.

Does it really bother you that much?

Think they were referring to how broad the statement is. Like saying “the game is dead” assumes everyone is in agreement, and that its factual. Broad statements like that make people think its more of a qq thread rather than a constructive post.

“GW2 feels dead to me as a casual/duo player”

I did try IMO … however, it was too long.

That aside – Does one ever wonder,…“what happened to so & so…?”

For example, RayKoke and his partner used to play every weekend and several nights a week, but they don’t anymore. Wonder what happened?

Well, poorly written as it is, I care enough to say why. Perhaps ANET doesn’t care; I do not know. However, I an not bitter; I have gotten MORE than my money’s worth from GW 1 &2.

Bead.8609:

RayKoke.1638:

Emperor.1360:

RayKoke.1638:

…my other tunes.

tune
noun
1.
a succession of musical sounds forming an air or melody, with or without the harmony accompanying it.
2.
a musical setting of a hymn, poem, psalm, etc., usually in four-part harmony.
3.
the state of being in the proper pitch: to be in tune.
4.
agreement in pitch; unison; harmony.
5.
proper adjustment, as of radio instruments or circuits with respect to frequency.

The game may be “dead” to you, but it’s not “dead” to everyone. It’s certainly not “dead” to me. Apparently you allowed yourself to get over-enthused about the “personal story” hype and now are totally shocked that it is not the greatest thing of all time. What did you expect, seriously—-a personal novel tailored specifically to your character? Go write a book!

Sorry for the poor choice of words – tune Vs character. I was expecting something like the GW 1 story lines.

The sound of the word is right, is was a word used a lot 10 years ago to reference ones character. However it is spelled toon.

Thank you for the correction.

nastyjman.8207:

Title is misleading. You may need to change that as “The Game is dead for ME as a casual solo-duo player”.

Tried – IMO the game is dead… title was too long

Salacious.7358:

I find it simple to solo, I soloed everything in GW1 and 2 except the last story mission as that was a dungeon.

As did I and my partner.

Hanzo.9624:

RayKoke.1638:

StevesDad.8213:

I agree with your points… but your eyes are Jaundiced? Lol… Weird expression

A $5 word for cynical, pessimistic, skeptical jaded, etc.

How does a symptom of liver failure turn into a synonym for cynical? Saying something is a thing doesn’t make it a thing.

Agreed not the best choice of words but you may want to look at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jaundiced

Syphen.1980:

Wow. So you have to group for one last step of your personal story and the game is a bust? Really maybe MMO’s are not for you. They are massivly multiplayer for a reason and getting to know other people and group up is half the fun of the game. If you don’t want to group with anyone you might as well just play a solo game.

That is your perception of an MMO and the game meets those needs. However, the developers before release were saying: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

Some people play for the cyber-friend relationships and have a wonderful time doing that. I am glad. However, as I have tried to say, my partner and I play for the story and the intrinsic, albeit cyber, rewards from our games.

raiden.9024:

RayKoke.1638:

StevesDad.8213:

I agree with your points… but your eyes are Jaundiced? Lol… Weird expression

A $5 word for cynical, pessimistic, skeptical jaded, etc.

Think the word you and the OP mean is Jaded, as jaundice is a medical condition. But with luck the Feb patch will mean more things to do in the open world there for help the solo gamer.

I am hoping that you are correct. However, given my experience to date, I will wait until others have completed the story first.

Emperor.1360:

RayKoke.1638:

…my other tunes.

tune
noun
1.
a succession of musical sounds forming an air or melody, with or without the harmony accompanying it.
2.
a musical setting of a hymn, poem, psalm, etc., usually in four-part harmony.
3.
the state of being in the proper pitch: to be in tune.
4.
agreement in pitch; unison; harmony.
5.
proper adjustment, as of radio instruments or circuits with respect to frequency.

The game may be “dead” to you, but it’s not “dead” to everyone. It’s certainly not “dead” to me. Apparently you allowed yourself to get over-enthused about the “personal story” hype and now are totally shocked that it is not the greatest thing of all time. What did you expect, seriously—-a personal novel tailored specifically to your character? Go write a book!

Sorry for the poor choice of words – tune Vs character. I was expecting something like the GW 1 story lines.

DancinPuppeh.8421:

Blaming the game for not being fully up to YOUR taste is rather harsh and disrespectful. I play as solo as you can possibly play, I’ve got my Ranger to level 80 and I’m currently re-starting as a Thief currently at level 21, I play solo, I don’t have a Guild, I don’t play on getting a guild. If I go WvW I play alone and just tag a long with randomers if need be. The only time I ever socialize with the other human beings is if I need to do a dungeon or fractals, I’ll join a group.

And I can’t say I feel the same as you, I enjoy it just as much as I’d enjoy it in any other MMO.

And you are 100% correct. I am reporting my partner’s experience of the game and personal preferences. We tend to play for the role playing story and find it lacking.

Jornophelanthas.1475:

Is there something you want to discuss, or a question you want answered, or are you just venting/complaining?

If you are just venting, this thread may get closed by a moderator soon, because if you did not create it in order to seek a constructive discussion, this forum is not intended to be the place for that.

Still, if you have a concern you want to discuss with other players or (if we’re lucky) an ArenaNet representative, I’m willing to read and respond.

Thanks for your reply. Perhaps I am venting but my primary concern, if ANET wants to address it, is the difference between what was said before release and actual game experience – specifically the personal story.

It is too expensive to fix now. However, if the “Flame and Frost” and future story lines require grouping to complete, then ANET has abandoned the solo-duo player market, IMO.

Velkyn.5168:

This is a bit confusing.
I guess solo players usually stick to solo RPGs (or for duos, those solo-RPGs that can be played with one or two friends, a la Baldur’s Gate), but not MMOs. The latter are naturally made to cater for people who enjoy socializing with lots of people and playing in groups.
If you want more solo/duo content and more story, maybe you are looking at the wrong kind of games for this focus… or am I missing something?

From: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

The Solo Player

The solo player has become an important audience for modern MMOs. It has become nearly impossible for a MMO to succeed if they leave out the solo player. They are everywhere in today’s online world.

One of the common misconceptions about the solo player is that they want to play the game entirely alone. I do not believe this is the case and I think Guild Wars 2 will prove this point. The solo player does not mind working with other players to achieve goals, they simply do not want to go through the hassle of finding a group, creating a group or dealing with the drama that can come from being in a group. They just want to play, on their own time and in their own way.

Luckily, Guild Wars 2 will give this type of player all the content they need. The Dynamic Events will allow this player to join or leave at their convenience. They will get a “group-like” experience without the hassle of actually joining one. They will be able to jump in, play as long as they like and then leave without having to notify anyone of their comings and goings. They can play on their own time schedule, while still enjoying the benefits of a group.

In addition, if they truly want to play alone they will have their own Personal Story to work through. This feature will give them hours of play time to work through while leveling and no additional players are needed.

ZudetGambeous.9573:

ok, bye?

If it took you 6 months to figure out you didn’t like the game then I’d call that a pretty good game personally.
Also every game ever released in all of gaming history has gone on sale within six months of release so i’m not really sure what you are implying…

Also this is an MMO, it is the most solo friendly MMO in existence. It is the only MMO I know of that you can get the highest tier gear from doing only solo activities.

Perhaps my memory fails me but i do not remember EON going on sale for a long time.

StevesDad.8213:

I agree with your points… but your eyes are Jaundiced? Lol… Weird expression

A $5 word for cynical, pessimistic, skeptical jaded, etc.

I waited for years to play GW2. I worked to get my GW1 HOM rewards as high as I could. I played Prophecies, Nightfall, EON and Factions in regular and hard mode. I vanquished all campaigns and was 100% cartographer for all. My partner and I coming to GW 1 from WOW found we loved the game.

We spent every possible hour playing every BETA event; dutifully attempting to report our experience to developers. My partner took vacation days so we could play the BETA as much as possible.

We found the game amazing; the combat after the learning curve was challenging and fun! The graphics, attention to detail, and beauty in the environment were unbelievable. Moreover, the personal story was interesting, memorable and fun to play (as far as we were allowed to progress – 30??) Then then there were the World Events: a solo /duo player’s best possible answer to the PUG. Finally, the MMO Trinity was gone…no need for LFG or Hero companions. This game was awesome!

Flash forward to today: IMO for the casual solo-duo PVE players the game is a bust. All this hype about a “personal” story, doing away with the “MMO trinity” making all toons able to solo has been BS – you have to group to complete the “purported” personal story.

I took my time – leveling was actually faster than I would have liked. I now have two characters up to level 80 and several more at lower levels.

But, since I learned the final quest in the “personal story” is a group event, I have no desire to play through the personal story for any of my other characters. And without a personal story I find the game boils down to grinding — go clean some graffiti for a “heart” – Hero…grind daily’s for a “laurel.” Go craft stuff that loses money, if sold (versus selling the components. Crafted items have no “special/ unique value” and generally can be bought “cheaper” on the AH.).

Hey, I can down level for new content, yet pay for travel and repairs as an 80! While there is now “some” level appropriate loot dropping, the area completion rewards are still at the area’s level. Wow, sign me up; it’s guaranteed to be a money losing, grinding adventure.

If one plays MMO’s for extrinsic rewards, such as cool gear you can show off and your MMO focus is on having more and better stuff you are golden. If you play MMO’s to be in a mega guild, group with others to farm dungeons, achieve goals, you are fine “and” new content is being developed just to cater to your play style.

However, since I casually play MMO’s solo-duo for a story – a role playing fantasy and the intrinsic rewards from that experience – I now pronounced the game dead.

My eyes are now jaundiced toward the upcoming “Flame and Frost.” Thus, I am putting the game on the back burner in preference to the stories in SWTOR and LOTRO. My partner and I signed up for a chance to BETA The Elder Scrolls Online.

In a few months I will check the WIKI to see if the Flame and Frost is something that appeals to my partner and me. Hopefully, ANET will listen and ensure the solo-duo player’s game needs are addressed.

If not, I predict many more 30% off sales – which considering the game has only been out six months is IMHO a very bad omen.

BobbyStein.2315:

The personal stories vary by playable race. If you’re not enjoying the one you’re currently playing you may want to roll a new character. Try asura or charr. You may find their tone more to your liking.

You are missing the point of many players. The problem is that the stories are NOT personal.

Definition of PERSONAL
1 : of, relating to, or affecting a particular person : private, individual <personal ambition> <personal financial gain>
2 a : done in person without the intervention of another; also : proceeding from a single person… from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal.

A story that requires a group of five people to complete is not personal; period.

A story that is predominately about Trahearn is not personal.

Guild Wars, EON, Nightfall and Factions all had an excellent storyline. Some may not have like some of the NPC’s but the story was well thought and came to a conclusion.

Prior to the release of the game I had read both books. However, the Destiny’s Edge group was but a side item. Going through the (un)personal story I did not try the dungeons because I did not have nor did I want to find a group of five. (Sorry, my idea of a PUG is the other players involved in a world event. We help each other; accomplish a goal, then go our separate ways.)

The point is, the GW2 personal story is a major bust. It cannot be completed personally (solo) and is not enjoyable. Overall, the GW 2 storyline is very, very poor and I am extremely disappointed.

From: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal

Definition of PERSONAL
1
: of, relating to, or affecting a particular person : private, individual <personal ambition> <personal financial gain>
2
a : done in person without the intervention of another; also : proceeding from a single person
b : carried on between individuals directly <a personal interview>
3
: relating to the person or body
4
: relating to an individual or an individual’s character, conduct, motives, or private affairs often in an offensive manner <a personal insult>
5
a : being rational and self-conscious <personal, responsive government is still possible — John Fischer>
b : having the qualities of a person rather than a thing or abstraction <a personal devil>
6
: of, relating to, or constituting personal property <a personal estate>
7
: denoting grammatical person
8
: intended for private use or use by one person <a personal stereo>

Except in GW2 personal means a group of five (5) or more.

Jeffrey Vaughn.1793:

It’s a dungeon, so it’s not soloable,

From: http://www.gw2bnc.com/2012/04/guild-wars-2-something-for-everyone-almost/

The Solo Player

The solo player has become an important audience for modern MMOs. It has become nearly impossible for a MMO to succeed if they leave out the solo player. They are everywhere in today’s online world.

One of the common misconceptions about the solo player is that they want to play the game entirely alone. I do not believe this is the case and I think Guild Wars 2 will prove this point. The solo player does not mind working with other players to achieve goals, they simply do not want to go through the hassle of finding a group, creating a group or dealing with the drama that can come from being in a group. They just want to play, on their own time and in their own way.

Luckily, Guild Wars 2 will give this type of player all the content they need. The Dynamic Events will allow this player to join or leave at their convenience. They will get a “group-like” experience without the hassle of actually joining one. They will be able to jump in, play as long as they like and then leave without having to notify anyone of their comings and goings. They can play on their own time schedule, while still enjoying the benefits of a group.

In addition, if they truly want to play alone they will have their own Personal Story to work through. This feature will give them hours of play time to work through while leveling and no additional players are needed.

Guess I shouldn’t have believed the hype.

Perhaps like many Necro players I have several minion skills on my bar for underwater combat that are not on the bar when I am on land.

Lately I have noticed that when I come to the surface to swim my blood fiend and shadow fiend minions (also not on my “land bar”) die. The two bone minions continue to live; not sure about the bone fiend. BTW: When swimming there is NO skill bar.

Moreover, if I am attacked – say sunk by a krait – then my minion skills which perished when I came to the water’s surface are now on re-charge

This has to be a BUG

Quote:
“It’s extremely important that we stay true to our philosophy that you should be able to play Guild Wars 2 the way you want to play the game.”
~Colin Johanson

Not True

“…and it starts with asking a very simple question that surprisingly isn’t asked that often in game development: “Are you having fun?” – Colin Johanson https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/is-it-fun-colin-johanson-on-how-arenanet-measures-success/

Personal Story Failure = No, it’s not Fun to be forced into grouping.

Guild Wars 2’s Ree Soesbee Explains Personal Story SEE: http://www.gamebreaker.tv/mmorpg/tales-of-tyria/

No mention of requiring grouping to complete a PERSONAL story.

“…When you’re playing through the game, you’re going to see an amazing open world with plenty to do, but you also get to play through the equivalent of a full-fledged single-player RPG…” Leif Chappelle – http://www.arena.net/blog/the-evolution-of-narrative-in-personal-story

Again, not true. And these are but a few examples that are NOT the actual experience in GW2 as contained in the press releases.

Frankly, I like many others are extremely disappointed.
1) This is Trehearn’s story – not my character’s.
2) It is NOT a personal story that can be completed solo since it requires a dungeon and a group in order to complete the story.

Quote:
“It’s extremely important that we stay true to our philosophy that you should be able to play Guild Wars 2 the way you want to play the game.”
~Colin Johanson

Not True

“…and it starts with asking a very simple question that surprisingly isn’t asked that often in game development: “Are you having fun?” – Colin Johanson https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/is-it-fun-colin-johanson-on-how-arenanet-measures-success/

Personal Story Failure = No, it’s not Fun to be forced into grouping.

Guild Wars 2’s Ree Soesbee Explains Personal Story SEE: http://www.gamebreaker.tv/mmorpg/tales-of-tyria/

No mention of requiring grouping to complete a PERSONAL story.

“…When you’re playing through the game, you’re going to see an amazing open world with plenty to do, but you also get to play through the equivalent of a full-fledged single-player RPG…” Leif Chappelle – http://www.arena.net/blog/the-evolution-of-narrative-in-personal-story

Again, not true. And these are but a few examples that are NOT the actual experience in GW2 as contained in the press releases.

Frankly, I like many others are extremely disappointed.
1) This is Trehearn’s story – not my character’s.
2) It is NOT a personal story that can be completed solo since it requires a dungeon and a group in order to complete the story.

The new dailies appear to be a work in progress. ANET is attempting to improve game play and enjoyment…as in “variety is the spice of life.”

However, unless I want to spend more silver mapping around than I will earn, I, too have had to run around, get a bunch of enemies chasing me then lead them back to NPC’s to be killed for the Rez requirement.

In my opinion, the rez requirement is contrary to the purported design of GW 2 in the fact that multiple players are “competing” for finite NPC’s to rez. Some places in Orr it is easy; other places it requires the aforementioned sacrifice of NPC’s or a suicide pact with another player.

The crafting requirement at first gave me pause, but it simply requires a stationing “mule” in a crafting area. Refining 10 items is all that is required.

Frankly, I like dodging because in the long run I know it will help improve my play style.

I never have any problem finding events or Veterans; however, finding a variety of enemies requires those of us in high level areas to use alts because all we fight by and large are risen — there does not seem to be any “variety” difference between a risen ice elemental and a risen turtle as far as I can tell.

Gathering is extremely easy; one node generally grants three “items.”

As suggestions, adding finding X# new way points, points of interest, etc. or completing X# hearts as optional dailies would encourage exploration and playing alternate characters.

Adding X amount of XP (without dying?) or gaining X amount of karma as options, provided that can be done in an hour or less of game play, may provide alternatives / options to dynamic events.

Frankly, the dailies were becoming a “grind.” There will be stumbles along the way but I believe ANET wants this game to be the best it can be.

I, too, would like to see scaled dungeons from solo to raid sized parties. Some of the comments here include, “why play a MMO if you want to solo” really confuse me.

ANET knows excluding those who play solo would severely impact its sales and appeal. Much of the game has been devised to improve solo play — e.g., not requiring a designated healer.

Many couples prefer to play as a team where they can talk to each other in the same room without trying to fight, type and coordinate with others. They can play on their own schedule.

So, I must ask those who are against allowing solo/ small groups into dungeons, how does allowing solo/ smaller group dungeon play affect those who prefer to play in large group and large guilds? What does one lose by excluding others from dungeon play? Status, prestige or is this just “in group” versus “out group” dynamics? That is, “Cool dungeon running group” versus —- you name us.

Dynamic events allow group cohesion regardless of whether you are a solo player or are there with 10 guild buddies. I have not noticed anyone seemingly refusing to help / raise / heal someone in a dynamic event because they are not in “their” guild. And if dynamic events can be scaled then dungeons can be scaled.

Jeffrey Vaughn.1793:

There’s a random chance that it will drop high level loot instead of the standard loot. It’s not 100%.

Thank you for the courtesy of a reply, and clarification Jeff. However, even with a +67% magic find, I believe the drop rate for character “levelish” loot was considerably less than 10%. Moreover I cannot remember getting anything in the 70 – 80 level that was not white.

Perhaps completely tangential but not totally irrelevant to this discussion is the fact that when I play in lower level areas I still pay a way point (wp) charge for a level 80 if and when I travel/ need to resurrect.

I also pay for armor repairs as a level 80; heart completion rewards are miniscule. And the finally reward for completion of the Plains of Ashford was ten (10) silver!

It was fun to play – but it was a money loser.

I am perplexed by the “revive allies” within the daily achievements. Last night some people were camping and everyone was competing to revive NPC’s.

I was under the assumption that Guild Wars 2 was not supposed to require players to complete for “resources.” Guess what, reviving “X” allies in the daily’s = player Vs player competition for limited dead NPC’s!

“Dynamic Leveling — Loot Scaling

" Attribute calculations for dynamic level scaling have been rebalanced. In general, this means weaker when adjusted down, stronger when adjusted up. Rewards when adjusted down have been increased to compensate. It is now possible to receive your own level of loot from any level of enemy."

I am NOT finding this to be true. I am in the Plains of Ashford today with a level 80 character. Loot is as expected for crafting (level 1) drops but other items have been predominately level 6.

Yesterday, I was in Gendarran Fields with the same level character. Loot drop was compatible with the area level (25-35) NOT my character level.

BTW: This tune has + 67% magic find.

I also agree that it is very easy to kill these low level enemies.

I am pleased ANET is attempting to add content and variety to the game. However, this change, in my opinion, was poorly planned and executed.

1) I went to bed last night only needing a few events to earn my dailies. When I logged on I got the new update and all my previous dailies (purportedly not changed until 4PM PST) were changed. The new requirements were impossible to solo. Kiss my 5 silver and jug of Karma goodbye.

2) ANET, specifically GW 1, has been reliably friendly to solo players and those who play with one or two other players. GW2 is not nearly as friendly.

3) GW 2 was purportedly eliminating the need to have a defined group of player professions to engage in content — not only was the game touted as being solo friendly, it was stated if one wanted to go in with a group of 5 rangers that would work. Perhaps my understanding is limited but it seem requiring combo kills for a daily achievement does not fit with a group of all the same profession, or is it solo friendly.

3) Believe it or not, ANET, there are those of us who only play PVE. Requiring WvW (PVP) , fractals, etc. to earn monthly achievements has completely ignored this player community. Perhaps an alternative would be to offer monthly achievements for PVE only with a bonus for WvW, etc. The same for those who prefer to play PvP or WvW, achievements for those with a bonus for PVE play — tiered monthly rewards would not leave those of us who only play PvE unable to achieve any monthly reward. Perhaps it would not be the maximum but we would get some bonus.

4) If new daily achievements require participation outside PvE, then some of us will be left out.

Thanks for reading.

Every character I type starts a search. Then I have to click in the search box again to regain focus and type a second letter….on and on. Impossible to use.

I placed this same info in another, new thread because I cannot search the forum to see if there are answers. No response from ANET.

1) I cannot determine from the World map IF I completed an area UNLESS I am in that area!

I have five characters. I switch between them. Unless I start keeping off-game paper records, I cannot remember which areas which characters have completed. The Game map is useless.

2) Add “Zone Gate Markers” to World map.

In GW1 one could look at the map and see a white spiral indicating a gate into another area/ instance. This simple function is lacking in the current game.

When I am exploring and find a gate into another area, I run through and get the way point so it will be on my map. Often skill points and points of interest will also appear.

Again, I have five characters. I switch around a lot. So when I am near to completion of an area and see open skill challenges and undiscovered points of interest I cannot determine if those are ones I am lacking in the current area or if they are in fact in a new area.

“Zone Gate Markers” on the map would be very useful.

As soon as I begin typing the system starts to search. I cannot even complete more than one simple word before the system moves to content, removes the focus from the search box and makes it virtually impossible to search a phrase.

The “smart search” function has no brains!
Firefox 15.0.1

RayKoke.1638:

I finished “Quaestor’s Siege” in the upper regions of the Fields of Ruin. Because I am a 39 it is getting VERY expensive to travel, so I have to run all the way back to Ebonhawke.

Then I take the Asura Gate to Divinity’s Reach only to take another Asura Gate to Lion’s Arch.

Within Lion’s Arch I port (for free) to the Canal Ward way point to enter Gendarran Fields where I now have the pleasure to run to the northernmost reaches to visit the Virgil Headquarters. There is an Asura Gate behind closed doors in the headquarters but it cannot be accessed.

So now now I get to run all the way back to Lion’s Arch so I can travel to the Blood Tide Coast.

I do not find this fun:(

IMO, this is horrible planning within the Personal Story line.

Well, because I run versus way point travel I do have over 2 gold…so I am a tightwad. BUT that was not the primary complaint in my poorly worded post.

The complaint is having to travel back and forth for meaningless conversations after the quests are finished. IMO, there is no reason that an Asura gate cannot be installed linking the Whispers, Vigil, Priory headquarters to Lions Arch or another city.

As another poster reported, running/ mapping back and forth to Divinity’s Reach in the early portion of the human stories seems excessive and unnecessary. Same happens in the other races.

As for the stories themselves, I am finding them most enjoyable; the characters memorable and humorous. I have five characters active each doing different stories.

I thought that I understood Guild Wars is supposed to be about playing. Not running mapping all over the place.

I finished “Quaestor’s Siege” in the upper regions of the Fields of Ruin. Because I am a 39 it is getting VERY expensive to travel, so I have to run all the way back to Ebonhawke.

Then I take the Asura Gate to Divinity’s Reach only to take another Asura Gate to Lion’s Arch.

Within Lion’s Arch I port (for free) to the Canal Ward way point to enter Gendarran Fields where I now have the pleasure to run to the northernmost reaches to visit the Virgil Headquarters. There is an Asura Gate behind closed doors in the headquarters but it cannot be accessed.

So now now I get to run all the way back to Lion’s Arch so I can travel to the Blood Tide Coast.

I do not find this fun:(

IMO, this is horrible planning within the Personal Story line.