Guild Wars 2

Adry.7512:

wrong, an expansion is much more than that. sorry to burst ur bubble.

Seems to me, someone else’s bubble is getting burst. But splitting hairs it is.

Konig Des Todes.2086:

And they ARE being secret-like. For over a year now, they have said absolutely nothing about Ree Soesbee and Jeff Grubb’s activities at ArenaNet. They are the two biggest figureheads when it comes to story prior to Angel McCoy taking over as she’s one of the two lead writers for the Living World. Where have ArenaNet’s continuity designers gone? Why have they been silent for the better part of a year and a half? Why whenever someone at ArenaNet are asked about them, they clam up and if they say anything at all it is “we can’t say”?

At this point, I’m believing that they either have those two locked up in a dungeon somewhere, or there’s a secret project going on for over a year now.

As a fun fact: they didn’t mention anything about GW2 until after Eye of the North’s release, not until roughly a year after they decided they’d make GW2. And after that initial announcement it was dead silence for over 2 years. So yeah, ArenaNet would go completely silent on a big project. Why do I say this? Because they already have. Twice.

Let me get this one right. Instead of any real proof, given they’ve announced everything previously, to include the original game’s expansions within a year of each other, you’d rather believe the lack of evidence, and developers saying the exact opposite, is proof that this “super secret” plan to release a huge expansion is just around the corner based on . . . your insight?

None of the multiple statements, by the leads and president to include the statement made this year, who say different mean anything. Instead, we are to believe you, who has given no current evidence, because you have . . . a theory? Based on . . . your feelings. Because they’ve said nothing, despite the fact they’ve said the opposite, which I’ve provided three times over now, is proof that there is something. And your basis for all this is . . . silence?

Uh huh.

Can we please bring this thread back to reality? I’m amused by arm chair philosophy as much as the next guy, but this has gone into tin-foil hat territory.

And beyond.

rapthorne.7345:

balance changes and slight adjustements that shift meta builds =/= significant content updates

But those changes included adds and changes to the environment and content.

The Lion’s Arch events? The Nightmare Tower leveled the area. Then there’s Dry Top. The Silverwastes. South Sun Cove. The Cliffs with the sky crystals. Those off the top of my head.

Seems like splitting hairs over the massive amounts of change with the trait system, builds, runes, etc. given the significant amount of patches and updates since the game began.

It really is a lose/lose situation sometimes. People agreed to give developers more time to work on content. But, when no new content came out after two weeks, the boards blew up with complaints.

So they release new, but shorter content to give players carrots to chase.

And those players blew threw it, complained about the length, cliffhangers, and then said the bell choir was too hard. Sometimes, you just can’t win.

Still, if those promotional pictures of Rytlock are any indication, we might be in for a surprise.

And see there? A promotion, months in advanced, about content we have no idea about. Speculation ran rampant about it. Is it Canthan? Ritualists? Something else?

Again, the evidence flies in the face of any speculation.

Copestetic.5174:

How many people would come here and QQ about a potential expansion? I mean, you’re doing a good job about it right now and this is just a speculation thread. There’d be tons of people quoting the same sources you are kittening they have to pay another 50, or 60 dollars for new content and feel “betrayed” because it was all suppose to be released as free updates through LS or other non-traditional means.

Keeping quiet about it is a good move in my opinion. But I suppose like you said, you’ll have one Hell of an “I told you so” thread next year.

Excuse me, Sir. I am not crying about whether there will or will not be an expansion. I’m pointing out that developers have stated either A. There aren’t any plans for one or B. There aren’t any plans for one.

The last one said so the beginning of this year.

Your, and others, counter-argument is this: Don’t believe them. They’re probably working on it, but won’t tell us because people will cry.

And I say that lacks any form of common sense. A business that’s building a product, but doesn’t want to promote said product, is a business that goes out of business.

And, finally, it flies in the face of everything ANet has done so far. With everything coming down the pipe, they’ve promoted it. With trailers, with live feed discussions, with announcements, with twitter, with blogs, with discussions on these boards.

So, to believe they’re keeping their projects mums, makes no sense at all. Especially since they’ve said repeatedly there are no current plans for one.

This year.

And on that note, I said I would not say “I told you so” at any point. Someone else made that claim earlier.

This is a discussion board. Not a chest thumping contest. I don’t roll like that.

Pretty much what Bran said. Players are so hardcore on their land-based skills that they neglected their water skills, and they were slaughtered by opposing players who did focus on their underwater skills.

Instead of fixing this, they cried.

And you know how that goes.

Copestetic.5174:

My point is, if there’s an expansion they’ll deny it/remain silent up until the last possible minute like everything else so they don’t upset people or set weird expectations. Just because you have the “proof” they’re not working on an expansion with old interviews, means very little given their closed-lip policy.

Like Vayne said, you have to read between the lines with ANet.

How about I read what they said instead? Again, no plans for an expansion. This idea that keeping quiet, and not promoting a product, flies in the face of everything any MMO company has ever done.

Including this one.

It’s like saying they think promoting their own product is poison and would lead to decreased hype, discussion, and word-of-mouth. Which, as anyone in business knows, is a whole lot of nonsense.

But, hey, if repeatedly citing, from the source, developers coming here and saying, “Nope,” doesn’t convince you or the others, far be it from me to spin my wheels.

You keep looking to that crystal ball, the tea leaves, read ‘between the lines’, and hope no actually means yes or maybe or it’s a secret. Shhh. Ta da! Miracle expansion to be released next month!

Right.

I guess a conspiracy theory is always more fun than reality, but let me not point that out either.

The kicker part is there have been significant additions to classes, mechanics, items, skill, etc. Seems every patch there’s some modification to something.

The class I play today, with certain weapons, is nothing like the one I played in open beta. Heck, it’s not even the same after some chances just a few months ago.

But here’s to hoping that Rytlock is a ritualist next year. Blind? Dealing with spirits? Portals to a new land?

I’ll try the new class.

Copestetic.5174:

When was the last time ANet came out and said what’s in the works months, or years before it’s ( the content ) ready for release?

The last time the ‘expansion’ was addressed was January 14th, 2014. Colin said there were still no plans for an ‘expansion’ or words to that effect.

As of May 14th 2013, there are no current plans for an expansion, but the idea has not been ruled out. Further, on January 14th, 2014, Colin Johanson repeated that the company had not decided whether to release an expansion or freely integrate new skills, traits, and similar content into the game.

Source: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/gw2/GW2-Expansion-targeted-for-2013/first#post1391159

As far as upcoming content discussions? They have a front page for it.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/upcoming-events-in-guildwars2/

Last update was in September this year. Last actual discussion about unreleased content was this month about the Living Story returning on January 9th.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/season-2-returns-on-january-13/

Oh course, there are all those trailers, wallpapers, and live feed shows showing and discussing stuff before it’s released. . . .

Edit: And the upcoming wiki page discusses items and events months, and in some cases, years before release. Can link that too if you’d like?

People tend to hate underwater combat. So much so, they remove it from certain PvP maps. But, never fear, it’ll be here with a vengeance once the Elder Dragon Bubbles-S arrives.

As long as it isn’t Trials of Atlantis, I think it’ll be okay.

I love your idea. We could add a place for it like with the mining pick for example. Yes, agreed. +1

Jump from breach to breach, tag all the bosses, and pray that the RNG is kind. As Galespark says, it’s frown upon. But it also increases your chances of getting the needed items.

Or . . . wait until the next release. Then, no doubt, they’ll be a device that will extract the exact item you need.

January 9th, if I recall.

Which is a big reason for the RNG hate. Last Halloween’s hunt for that mini left a lot of people burned. Hell, some are still trying to farm it with the maize tonic.

For whatever reason, some items seemed destined never to return. The toymaker’s backpack, the Mad King’s book, just two off the top of my head.

Still, Prince Thorn’s mini returned last Halloween and was much easier to get, so you never know. . . .

Drarnor Kunoram.5180:

More likely working on Feature packs, profession balance, PvP tuning, WvW development, new armor and weapon skins, new gem shop items, etc. Oh, and maintaining these forums, organizing tournaments and pubic events, keeping the servers running, bugfixing, and even just keeping the office clean and maintained.

I think 300 people for that plus Living World is just about right.

Whoops! I forgot marketing. The game still wants to attract new players, after all.

This makes more sense. Given the rushed nature of some of the content, size, and often glaring plot holes, I think you’re correct.

Keep in mind, Blizzard has more money and more people. And they release an ‘expansion’ every two or three years. Given the circumstances, ArenaNet’s done an outstanding job with the short amount of time they’ve got between releases.

Not perfect, mind, but releasing new content, with as few bugs as we’ve seen, every two weeks is still wildly impressive.

They were selling the flame ones again this year. Can’t remember if it was early this year or this summer. Not sure about the others, but they’ll return too.

Last year, there was a huge End-of-Year sale for certain items. I’ll bet that’ll happen again this year. But no promises.

We haven’t seen it since 2012. It seems it’s not going to return. At least, not this year as far as we can tell.

I know there was another thread asking ANet to return it, as least to the gem store, but there never was an official response.

laokoko.7403:

But to Ardenwolfe, ya they all said they wont’ have an expansion soon “last year”. I’m sure a year have passed and time have changed. So weather it’ll happen is hard to say.

Anet QoQ havn’t been down much. I’m sure they’ll be more in panic mode if it have huge drop.

Usually when a game studio release expansion, they’ll probably give at least half a year ahead announcement. So at least we know most likely we wont’ have an expansion anytime in the next 6 month.

I’m inclined to agree. However, it’s readily apparent that Living Story content, and seasonal content, is the current focus. Also, given the short and sweet nature of these episodes, cliffhangers included, it seems fair to say that they’re trying to go back to the bi-weekly, at least attempts, updates.

Right now, the Jungle Dragon and the Pale Tree is center stage. After that, probably another dragon. So, I’m inclined to believe the developers who say they have no current plans for an expansion based on their own words, their actions, and the proof given with the current releases.

But, if a developer wishes to say otherwise, I’m all ears again.

That analogy was horrible. We’re not talking something even remotely close to that. We’re talking about something that will take years to create, develop, test and polish. Not something done over a handshake, bidding wars, and a contract.

This circular reasoning and plausible denial is ridiculous.

Can we get a developer here to confirm or deny that an expansion is in the works for the coming year? Or is Living Story, as stated from the three sources, what we will see more of?

Quite frankly, I’m more inclined to believe the people working on the projects than players hoping it will happen to prove some teary-eyed point on a message board.

But, to be fair, I will not be saying ‘I told you so’ to anyone. I would love to see an expansion too, but all sources point to that not happening anytime soon.

Again, sorry.

Vayne.8563:

So you can say we have no proof. I can say you have no proof.

Which is why it’s called speculation. lol

Three separate people working for Arena Net, the president, the lead content designer, and the game director all said within the last year or so, and I quote, “There are no plans for an expansion in the near future,” or words that effect.

And you want to call that . . . speculation?

Here’s more proof from the lead designer:

Guild Wars 2 developers have revealed what many players had begun to suspect – a Guild Wars 2 expansion is unlikely to ever be released.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Guild Wars 2‘s lead content designer Mike Zadorojny confirmed that there would be no Guild Wars 2 expansions released in 2013 or 2014.

ArenaNet’s original plans for the fantasy MMO were to release content in a similar way to the original game, with larger expansions supplemented by temporary ‘Living World’ content, underlining the dynamic nature of the sequel.

However, the success of the Living World means that ArenaNet have taken a step back from expansions.

“So right now we’re not really looking at expansions as an option,” Zadorojny told Eurogamer. “It’s something that’s on the table but it’s not something we’re focused on, because what we want to do is – our idea here is that with Living World, we can do what expansions would have done but do it on a more regular basis.”

http://www.hypable.com/2013/07/03/guild-wars-2-expansion/

Again, remember, an expansion takes time. Even if they started now, don’t expect to see anything until 2016 at best. And, even then, it looks unlikely given their focus on the Living Story. After all, there are at least four other dragons to go.

I’ve quoted three separate people who have all said the same thing. And the counter-proof? We’re still waiting. But I got a lovely threat of “I told you so,” waiting in my future.

Which is always nice.

It’s like you guys aren’t even trying. This is from March of last year. Another voice, outside their president, confirms:

No Guild Wars II expansions are currently in development, game director Colin Johanson explained to IGN, noting this may not always be the case.

“Expansions are definitely something that we’ll potentially look at in the future,” Johanson said. “We don’t have a timetable on it. We’re open to it, but I think our major focus as a studio is making the living world concept as strong as possibly can for the players that we’ve got.”

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-guild-wars-ii-expansions-in-development/1100-6404829/

This is like watching you guys lose it because someone told you Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Seriously, show us quotes or proof of an expansion in the works and near release for 2015.

Otherwise, you’re kidding yourselves.

Korossive.7085:

LA is to become a bowling alley and RataSum’s cube does not have norn in a hot springs foo – the cube is full of orrian jellyfish high on grove firefly syrup from sylvary kids labor for blue items and snowballs, ask the phail tree.

Get the facts.

Sounds about up to speed with most of the arguments and complaints I’ve read on the boards as of late.

My apologies, but speculation and ‘reading between the lines’ isn’t proof nor evidence to a counter-argument.

I’ve provided proof their president said the opposite of what you’re hoping to hear. If anyone would like to provide proof for the opposite argument, I’m all ears.

Otherwise, all you guys have got is wishful thinking.

Let me understand this. You want to argue semantics as a counterpoint that there will be an expansion next year? Fine. I don’t ‘need’ to get into a debate about vocabulary again either. Show me, or anyone on these boards, where there is even a hint of ANet releasing an expansion within that timeframe.

Find it.

We’ll wait.

Konig Des Todes.2086:

He didn’t say no expansion here. Or anywhere. It was only ever stated that they want to see if they can make the Living World replace the concept of expansions. Content-wise, sans the temporary nature of S1, I’d say it’d worked… but promotional-wise, I think the Living World is horrible.

1. “not any time in the near future.” I’m pretty sure 2 years timespan counts as “not in the near future”

What part of “We don’t need an expansion to pay the bills,” are you not getting? And it’s not two years. It’s still one. And the statement was made mid-year to boot.

So, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Let’s say a year and a half. That’s ‘not in the near future’ to you?

Are you not are fully aware most expansions, from the start, take a minimum of two years to storyboard, write, create, and polish? We’re not even talking alpha and beta testing to weed out the kinks.

Yet, somehow, we’re to believe that on top of all the current Living Story content, seasons, and other promotionals, you want us to believe that somehow ANet has a team dedicated to massing a new expansion.

All secret-like with no announcement or promotion of any kind?

Well, if you believe all that, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn too.

1. Free
2. Casual friendly
3. Beautiful

nGumball.1283:

They never said they won’t do an expansion.

Actually, they have. This statement was somewhat retracted in 2013 by Mike O’Brien. He hinted, in an interview, that expansions were a possibility . . . but not any time in the near future.

“We don’t need an expansion to pay the bills, and we’re not focused on an expansion right now. I won’t try and predict the future, maybe someday we will do one, maybe we won’t. But for now we are focused on the living world. We believe we can update the world and adapt the world in any way we want to through these bi-weekly updates.”

http://www.pcgamesn.com/guildwars/guild-wars-2s-future-we-dont-need-expansion-pay-bills

All signs point to no expansion next year. Sorry. Not happening.

It’s definitely Silverwastes. It’s so bad, I sell the rares instead of salvaging them for ectos. The rares bring me more silver than the ectos now. If you kill all five bosses, you’re guaranteed at least three rares.

This adds up fast if you’re jumping from breach to breach.

And then you’ll kill three champions while waiting for the maze to open. So, you’ll usually get another rare or three. And then you get more rares from the Nightmare chest if you’ve killed all five bosses.

Again, adds up fast.

Wait. Are we talking about the repeatable, infinite, achievement that is completely optional or the needed one for the Wintersday completion. Because if this thread is to complain about the optional one, because you want the points, there’s a reason it’s not a walk in the park.

Please tell me all these threads complaining about the bell choir aren’t because you guys want the ‘extra credit’ achievement points and it takes to long and too much effort.

Seriously?

I did all the needed achievements (the eleven seasonals) in a day. My day off. I think it took, maybe, four hours at best. Didn’t do the jumping puzzle nor the snowball fight. Wasn’t required. Haven’t stepped into those areas because they don’t interest me.

Got the basic. Got out. And got over it.

This nonstop complaining about something not even required is rather ridiculous.

After two days, I can’t get the bug to repeat. Maybe it was a fliuke. Don’t know. But kind of happy it didn’t repeat.

No idea if I got them later, as Inculpatus hinted, but it’s possible since my bags suddenly seemed overwhelmed with snowflakes at one point.

I did this achievement over a period of three days just doing the dailies. Altogether, I think it took ten to fifteen minutes. But it felt more like five if that.

The sky is not falling.

If Guild Wars history is any indication, I very much doubt it.

Rethmar Stokestrike.1927:

Just no. The Bell Choir is still hard. I’ve gone as far as doing everything you said before you even suggested it, and it was still ridiculously hard. There’s just no reason for it.

Aren’t you being being a bit melodramatic? Don’t know how much easier ANet could make it, given the circumstances, unless you just stood there and the game did the work for you.

What would you suggest be changed to make it even easier?

By the time I realized it had happened, the items scrolled through. But I do remember them being four different types of snowflakes, for example. I’ll double check if it happens again this evening.

It’s, by far, my favorite item from this year’s Wintersday. I’ve actually gotten as rare item from it. Hope they add something like this from the other shards and ore as well.

Been hoarding them from the start and now, finally, I have a use for them.

This is silly. All you need to do, if you’re confused, is ask. You press the number of the corresponding circle when it hits the inner circle where you stand. For example, the furthest left circle is #1 on your keyboard.

When that circle hits the inner circle, near your feet, you press #1 or the associated number.

To make this as easy as possible, rotate the camera so you see it from an above your head angle. In this way, your gain the best visual advantage.

For the best method, you place your fingers on the associated numbers across the keyboard. Again, for example, your left pinky finger should be on #1 and your right, pointer finger should be on #6.

It may take some practice, but it’s very easy. To go the easiest route possible, pick the lowest melody (lower part) when given the option.

Higher melodies offers more presents, but it’s also a harder challenge.

Here is a video example of what I’ve described above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCMYgbMphjg

Hope it helps.

Thank you. I will do that tomorrow if the issue repeats.

I don’t understand. Are you asking ANet to make Wintersday events easier? Honestly, it’s so easy already that the rewards have overwhelmed the market. So much so, you can’t even give them away on the Trading Post.

I don’t know how much more leisurely you can make it. And I’m as casual as you can get.

I noticed that after I opened the gift under the tree this evening, four sets of snowflakes showed as being received. However, only two sets showed in my inventory.

Not sure if one is a display bug or a loot bug, but either it’s misleading or in error.

Thank you.

Thought the same. Went back to the orphans to return the ornaments like they asked. Though, I see the new tree. That’s nice. But no kids.

Yeah, I eventually salvaged the ornaments too. Would of liked it better if I could have turned them in or added to the tree since it’s permanent.

Ah well.

That was rather . . . creepy.

nGumball.1283:

There is a difference between announcing an expansion and releasing an expansion.
Also, if they announce it in the first quarter of 2015, they can still release it. I have never heared of an expansion release that took 1 year after the announcement.

Oh I can think of more than a few. Some, that got announced, didn’t even make it to the shelf come to mind too. But that’s another topic. Regardless, it’s unlikely we’ll see an ‘expansion’ any time soon.

Maybe some big patches, but not an ‘expansion’ as we understand it.

Sorry, but that’s just not happening next year.

aspirine.6852:

Ardenwolfe.8590:

If there’s an expansion next year, I’ll be shocked. No press? No annoucement? No trailer?

Not happening.

What do you think the majority of the Anet team is working on right now then?

Living Story and seasonal content are barely keeping up with that. These short and sweet episodes, and rehashed seasonals, they don’t show you that?

Capes or cloaks like in the original Guild Wars would be nice.

Poor kitty. But, on the plus side, he’ll make any excellent pair of shoes.

If there’s an expansion next year, I’ll be shocked. No press? No annoucement? No trailer?

Not happening.

I must admit, I was shocked to see you couldn’t join a party for it this year. But, I suppose, it did make this easier for those who want to hit it and quit it . . . in a manner of speaking.

More items I can use to exchange/eat Bloodstone ore and their siblings.

Lishtenbird.2814:

HOME WORLDS

Before:

• Choose a server you like, be it a Spanish server or an unofficial RP server, speak the language of your choice and get to know “your” people.
• See the same people, get acquainted and say “hi” on your favourite journeys.
• Build a WvW community, recruit and ask for help!

Now:

• After the Megaservers improvement, get placed with random people who speak different languages and can’t care less about you and your interests.
• Meet random people you’ve never seen before and never will.
• Forget about talking about WvW in map chat.

This 1000%. God, I miss my old Tarnish Coast community. Truly.

All your other points are spot-on as well. I hope someone on the development team reads it.

Probably the best thread ever seen on these forums.

One day behind myself. Can’t wait to use it. Have a boatload of shards just waiting to be exchanged.

Haven’t got Mawdrey II and never will. Yeah, I hate crafting that much.

In case people haven’t realized it yet, it’s just ANet’s way of getting more action in zones that are very much dead. Also, it’s keeping us in game a little longer.

More than a few of us did our dailies, and then logged out.

Especially if we were caught up-to-date with the latest patches. There’s no endgame. So there’s no reason to stay logged in once we caught the latest carrot.