Guild Wars 2

Owl Legion of Kaineng will be there again this year! Thank you for organizing this event; it was wonderful in 2016 and I encourage others to attend.

Best,
Nanesh

Balthazzarr.1349:

argggg… so here I am again in WvW tonight… tag with big zerg… I ask.. hey any TS? no response… any TS? no response… someone else asks about 10 minutes later… any TS? YES but we have nobody to verify… ‘hey brother Kain’… arg and double arg… sionnach where are you?? lol

ah well.. I finally did what I sometimes do and went and did some pve events with some of my guild buddies… :P

Arrrrrgh also. I am so sorry. I am currently consulting with my guild and server-mates to ensure everybody is on the same page about TS and inviting guests; also about being more welcoming on the map chat, I am guessing you were in EB as I hear we were having some good times last night. Again my apologies that we dropped the ball on bringing you on board; we got a bit used to doing our own thing in T1 methinks and are now rusty at picking people up, lol.

I will message you in game this evening and thanks for being patient!

Nanesh
Owl Legion, Kaineng

Balthazzarr.1349:

Not sure where to post this but seems like this is as good a place as any.

So we are linked with 3 other servers. I see commanders running the BL’s and not typing in the message box so they are definitely in TS. Three times now I have asked for the TS channel and received zero responses. Joining the squad isn’t much use when 99% of the communication is in TS. In EB I tried to join a squad that was closed so couldn’t of course. Joined the other squad and asked a couple times what TS they were using with no response…. So I have to ask.. is it because I’m not in the ‘right’ server that no response is coming? or is it just bad luck last night? Sadly it seems like the groups are staying tight to their server lines for the most part. So I roamed a lot… then I saw messages complaining that people were roaming and should be on tag… chuckle ah what do you do? I continued to roam of course..

Oh my goodness! I’m Kaineng (Owl Legion) and a TS admin – please message me in game Balth, I’ll watch out for you when I’m on. You are more than welcome to run around with us and join our TS anytime. By the way we will never berate folks for roaming; Roaming = Life.

Also, to our partners: Owls squads are usually open so if you see our flock, please feel free to join up. You will see our tags on weekends and evenings, often in borderlands. Incidentally, our guild is having a delightful time with this linking and it feels really great to be here.

Nanesh
Owl Legion, Kaineng

Thank you OP for organizing this event! We had a great time.

Much love from [Owls] Owl Legion of Kaineng; we’ll be there next year!

TorquedSoul.8097:

Unfortunately the linking will transform the types of cultures that exists on the guest servers. They will become like roadside motels or hostels. Shady and transient.

I feel bad for those that invested their time to build those communities. They should be compensated somehow.

I’m with ya Torque. We’re trying to be optimistic about what our communities can do with this situation we are stuck with, so…..

For those of us who are permanent guests with no home to call our own, the only option I see going forward is to embrace it and make it part of our culture – on Kaineng, our guild is leaning towards rebranding us as the Party Bus since we’re already known as a great place for non-serious fight-lovin’ roamers; I guess we will just be the best traveling circus we can be! As far as ‘shady and transient’ goes, that resonates because well, we were already a little shady.

Here’s to whatever we can make of it! And to our T8 kin, best of luck and hoot hoot from Owls.

Nanesh

Great video! We recorded all those fights as well – inc. the ones where we avenged that first fail, lol It ’twas a good night, thanks YB.

Hoot hoot from Owl Legion of Kaineng!

Dinas Dragonbane.2978:

I’d love to know how many people will end up transferring from servers like Kaineng, Anvil Rock, and Eredon Terrace to their partnered servers Yak’s Bend, Blackgate, and Tarnished Coast.
I shouldn’t really be surprised if it’s an astronomical figure.

I’d be interested to see this too, but at least from a Kaineng perspective a mass exodus to a T1 host looks unlikely to me. Those guilds/players who wanted to be in T1 left us a long time ago, or created alts. I haven’t heard from any player who wants to permanently be stuck in T1; quite the opposite. (No offense TC! You’ve been a lovely host and KN’s lucky to have you!)

However maybe you’d see transfers of the players who jumped aboard KN/AR/ET after the linking started?

My guild’s stance is, we’re sticking around – if Kaineng is destined to be bounced around as a permanent ‘guest’, our plan is to gather as many like-minded folks and make our server experience as fun as possible wherever we may land. We’ll bring irreverent joy to whoever we visit, but you might want to hide your valuables.

Nanesh
Owls of Kaineng

Nightingale.8364:

Im from TC and can fully understand where the Kaineng guys are coming from. Would it be difficult to have 1 week the host as the home bl and the next week the guest i.e Tarnished cost BL then the next Kaineng BL ? As we are linked servers it seems only right that we protect each others homes.

An EXCELLENT suggestion! This Kaineng gal is grateful.

Nanesh
Owl Legion
Kaineng

Chris Barrett.3280:

sionnach.5391:

Whatever happens, please address the ‘guest’ server identity in any ways which are feasible, and the more the better – in fact do away with the host/guest concept and treat both servers as partners. If we flip a keep, messages should show the server majority who flipped it – if that’s not feasible, then list both servers. Sounds petty but it really isn’t; this would go a fair way towards addressing morale problems in T7-8.

Not to disagree with the idea that server identity is important, but something that’s been interesting to see is that “guest” worlds are tending to have higher ratios of “Yes” votes in favor of keeping world linking. Which I’m definitely seeing as more of a “this improves my day-to-day gameplay”, and not as a “I don’t care about my world identity”.

One problem with showing both world names is that the strings of text can get very long. When/if more than two worlds are linked together, it gets very long. Much too long for the UI.

I do like the idea of showing, for example, “Devona’s Rest captured Durios Gulch”, if Devona’s Rest had more members involved in capturing the objective. Though for the moment this isn’t among our top priorities. Such a change requires programming support, and right now we’re mostly focused on the large task of scoring improvements previously voted on.

Thank you very much for responding! I feel like we are being heard and this is heartening.

On server identity: I can report that this is a major concern on Kaineng. To be specific: I am speaking for my guildmates and friends we play with each weekend (this is about 30+ core WvWers) and that’s one thing we all agree on; we take pride in Kaineng and we are a very tight knit group – and we’d like to see our identity in some fashion since it would give us something to hang our hat on, in a way (right now we don’t even have a home borderland – if we continue to be ‘guests’, we never will.) Identity markers of any kind would simply help us keep our morale up and keep our community intact – which in turn makes us a better partner to whoever we are paired with.

On the Yes votes; as has been said, this poll is a bit of a Catch 22. A Yes vote from a lower tier player might signify that we’re hopeful Linking gets the attention that is promised and it’s preferable to a merge or a reversal, but it’s not necessarily a Huzzah! Linking! vote.

I also know that Kaineng got a really good deal by being paired with TC! We’ve had less of the toxic element and that contributes to our feeling more positive about Linking as a system. But we’d like to grow our community too, and not be just a dumping ground for transfer players down the line. To do this, we need to be visible on the map and I REALLY like Teon’s player server tag idea as well. Anything that can be done to make recruiting, training and TS management easier on linked servers would be much appreciated. We put a lot into this game mode, and we want our server to thrive no matter where we end up.

Thanks again for your response.

Nanesh
Owl Legion
Kaineng

Teon.5168:

On the server identity problem, just list the linked servers names on the wvw screen in equal fonts, both visible, and possibly find a way to add server names to players in wvw(with the ability to turn that tag on or off). That would take care of any sort of piggyback or minion sort of perception for the lower linked server.

I also like the idea of the pairings changing on a more frequent basis.

THIS. ^^^

Whatever happens, please address the ‘guest’ server identity in any ways which are feasible, and the more the better – in fact do away with the host/guest concept and treat both servers as partners. If we flip a keep, messages should show the server majority who flipped it – if that’s not feasible, then list both servers. Sounds petty but it really isn’t; this would go a fair way towards addressing morale problems in T7-8.

A player server tag would also be hugely helpful for those of us who recruit (and train) new and returning players. Very helpful for promoting TS and websites as well.

Identity is important for a million reasons, including the fact that if servers are re-linked every few months, we will all need to stay organized and retain our players as well as continue maintaining our websites and TS. We need ways to recruit, retain and help keep our communities strong.

Nanesh
Owl Legion
Kaineng

Lunacy Solacio.6514:

Also, to reiterate, the poll is flawed because even those that don’t like how they are matched up may vote yes because they see it as the idea could work the implementation just needs fixed, but instead it makes it look like everything is great.

Yep. It’s a Catch-22. The idea of gathering community input is sound and I support it and thank Anet for including us, but in the end the picture this data is creating isn’t really accurate.

I know for a fact that I voted differently than some guildmates, but NOT because we disagreed about Linking. Essentially the vote comes down to our different risk tolerances, which is what happens when you don’t have enough data on which to base a decision.

I am hopeful this will all work out in the end and Anet will find ways to address our concerns no matter the outcome.

Nanesh
Owl Legion
Kaineng Forever!

Tyler Bearce.3427:

Just curious, what world do you play for? I’m looking at the current breakdown of votes by world right now, and nearly every world has voted in favor of World Linking. There are a few that are 50/50, and one that is against it.

To be clear, some of us who have serious issues with the current Linking system are voting Yes because the possible alternatives provided to us via these forums (like merging) seem like they might end up worse – but this in no way reflects an ‘in favor’ mindset. Without a clear idea of what will happen next with a Yes majority, and a vague but troubling idea of the No outcome, what are you gonna do?

Speaking for myself on Kaineng, I am NOT in favor of World Linking as it stands right now. However, the poll seems to indicate that Linking will get some attention if this poll passes – so given an impossible choice, I guess it’s Yes. I’m hopeful it can be reworked into a positive system.

I hope this optimism is repaid – the many issues brought up on these forums are a great resource, and I’m open to direct contact if Anet is looking for a Kaineng player perspective at any time.

Thanks!
Nanesh
Owl Legion, Kaineng

Swagger.1459:

For this poll there were not other options to present to us…

It’s either “do you like it or not”. It’s pretty self explanatory for this phase.

Go back to old sever match ups and old problems or keep trying to work on linking to resolve the old problems.

Linking could mean a number of different things too, but those are not needing to be defined yet.

Step by step people. Let’s do this logically.

What I’m requesting is a few more details on what might happen next with a Yes majority, same way we have a post on some possible outcomes for the No scenario. This data is important in order to cast an informed vote.

Edited to add: My feelings on the current state of Linking are probably affecting my feelings on this poll, FWIW. I really appreciate that Anet wants our feedback, and the Yes majority probably means that the problems with Linking will get lots of attention, and I’m hopeful.

Overall I think many of us are feeling that our communities are threatened, and the beta has not been an easy ride for us so far, which makes it hard to respond “Yes, Linking is Positive.”

Yuffi.2430:

Tyler – thanks for the information.

So basically the choice is:

• Yes – continue with Server Linking (with some changes to come later)

• No – go back to eight tiers with the current (unknown) populations from the “Host” and “Guest” servers. This may be changed later, some time after other higher priority work.

OK, I’m usually REALLY positive and I love this game and appreciate the time the devs are spending on WvW. However, this poll is set up to produce a skewed results, for many reasons mentioned above, and honestly I’m starting to read this situation as:

• *Yes – continue with Server Linking (with some undefined changes to maybe come later if at all.)

• No – go back to eight tiers with the current (unknown) populations from the “Host” and “Guest” servers. Maybe we’ll work in it after other higher priority work, many moons in the future. Maybe we’ll Merge the servers, which is sorta permanent! And you won’t get the community to agree on it anyway. So just vote Yes.

I’d appreciate a look at what changes could be considered if we vote Yes for server linking, the same way the No outcome was explained. Right now this feels like we’re being pressured into a Yes, from many angles. I’m giving this a hard side-eye right now.

Fatherbliss.4701:

My experience on other servers has been incredibly positive. I played on Sorrow’s Furnace for awhile with one of my alt accounts. You are right that the play is more strategic. They have to be. And really I would expect that same mindset from any server in the game that is constantly outnumbered. We have some great communities in this game who are overshadowed by larger servers. I laugh every time I hear people say that their isn’t server loyalty. While that may or may not be true, people have created communities that they are proud of across the board.

I’ve said this before: The Kaineng folks I have met in game are universally awesome. Hilarious, good with tactics and relentless. For me personally the pairing has been great.

Right back at ya, Bliss! We do feel fortunate to be paired with TC – and we’ll always find a way to have fun, helped out by new friends and allies. Hoot hoot from Owl Legion!

joneirikb.7506:

Tyler Bearce.3427:

The current plan is to rotate the borderlands maps each quarterly update. That said, now that we are actively polling the community, perhaps we can start exploring other options.

For instance, nothing is really stopping us from having a combination of ABL and DBL maps running simultaneously. 2 of one and 1 of the other. If we polled that, and players approved it, then there’d be no need for the rotation, and players on both sides of the issue could play on their preferred map. The downside of course, would be any perception of imbalance that may arise from one map being considered the stronger “Home” map, but we could always give the more defensible map to Red/Blue and leave the less defensible map to Green.

+1

Want to see both maps at the same time.

More options for people to play what they want.

I’d also love to see both maps simultaneously! More variety for everyone.

Nanesh

smashie.3074:

I would like to continue insisting on the earliest opportunity for the poll about the WvW server link and then if polls show that the link isn’t a good idea, please reverse this asap.

Until then, we’ll be patiently waiting for the ultimate result and finding some other entertainment to occupy us…

As a joke (well a little bit)- Please do this so I don’t have to watch more talent shows

Thank you for posting Smashie! Your post is as always honest and I also hope for a poll ASAP.

As aside to posters who disparage other opinions; I’d ask you to consider this is a beta and we have been asked by Anet to provide constructive feedback. Details on personal/guild/server experiences in WvW are important data.

I also notice that a lot of folks who are not in favor of the current linking system are often suggesting alternate ideas (especially removing the top 2 tiers.) This suggests that many of us recognize the need for population changes, we just have issues with this particular execution. The reasons are numerous and complex and if nothing else, I have learned a lot about how other servers/players view WvW play, which proves this is a truly unique game mode – and one we really care about.

See you in the borderlands,
Nanesh, Owl Legion of Kaineng

Lunacy Solacio.6514:

…..the tiers below t4 were hardly ‘dead’ (never really got that on upper tiers either if that is the definition cutoff anyways). They just had a different activity level, and somewhat different playstyles. Oh there could be times where there were few people in, due to coverage, but as has been said many times, if those players had really wanted to be in t1/2/3 they had ample opportunity to move into it.

Exactly. Pushing to T1 isn’t everybody’s goal anyway – T7-8 guilds and players who see that as the end game often transfer or make alts, others stay put because we like the style down here. The point is, we need that choice.

Would I like more players in T7-8 to have fun with? Sure. Would I like us to be forcibly merged with T1-2 ad infinitum? No. (again no offense to TC, they’ve been great.)

Lunacy Solacio.6514:

…..some did not want how those tiers are played.
…..Some wanted their communities where everyone kinda knew everyone else.
……Others wanted away from those ‘upper tiers’ and went to the ‘lower’ servers, and now have no where left to go to get away.

Agree with all this.

Serith.3712:

Prolonging the combination of linked servers and “full” host servers is creating a poor WVW experience for alot of players that is just going to get worse as time goes on. IMO merge the lower 4ish tiers into T5 and let those players get on with building stable wvw communities. Server populations being batted around like ping pong balls for the sake of “balance” isn’t good for anyone. If I wanted “mindless mass of random people” vs “mindless mass of random people” I would play EOTM or world of warcraft battlegrounds.

EDIT: I appreciate the attention devs are giving to fixing the “dead server” situation and wvw improvements in general, I"m just not sure the devs understand how important steady/organized servers are in terms of making wvw fun to play and different from the other MMOs out there with similar game modes to wvw.

+ a billion to all of this.

Thanks for merging the thread and keeping the topic visible, Gaile!

Reporting from Kaineng:

We’re pulling about 30 Kain-ites together weekend nights and hanging in there as a group as best we can; shout out to TC folks (like Bliss above) for being good hosts!

On to issues:

1. Identity:

Still tough to bear: I notice a dwindling concern with score or defense and a lot of that is because we don’t have a home to defend.

2. Recruiting/locating new players:

Extremely difficult. This is something folks might not realize that we do on the lower tiers almost constantly; a lengthy beta puts strain on that important community-building.

Thanks for listening!

Nanesh
Owl Legion of Kaineng

This certainly could have been an interesting and enlightening conversation – if it had been framed as an open thread inviting women who command in WvW to describe their own experiences to the community.

Food for thought.

I’m also from Kaineng, and I’ll echo Kylden above – we’re seeing some of our core WvWers drift out of the mode during the beta, which unfortunately is to be expected when change is this radical. We’re hopeful we’ll get an opportunity to test out a revised linking system, and there have been great suggestions on many threads.

To the players who might be feeling discouraged or dismissed: your opinions DO matter; it’s a beta and Anet is looking for constructive feedback from the WvWers, so be heard.

There will be an upcoming poll on the linking, per Tyler:

Tyler Bearce.3427:

In the coming weeks we plan to hold more polls. Just like we are currently polling about the Reward Tracks and Participation beta, we’ll poll about the World Linking beta as well.

I’m hoping I read that right and there will be polls in the plural on this issue, since we’ll need some nuance. Thank you for posting, Tyler!

Voting on the current set up via Y/N poll – linking vs. non-linking – won’t address those who support the idea of linking, but have major issues with how the current NA beta is set up. So I’m hopeful there will be extended polls where we can vote on new ideas for workable solutions that the majority can agree on.

For example, as it stands if we had a Y/N poll on linking today, I would have to vote NO, although I think linking is a good idea in theory (just not the way it’s set up on NA). So that’s a dilemma.

I look forward to more on this topic, and thanks for listening Anet!

joneirikb.7506:

Teon”

I now love being on Kaineng and having some real battles, fights, and an actual war to participate in as a player.

I for one don’t. While I think a lot of the changes they have done are good for the majority, I personally have finally been bored out of WvW. I haven’t even bothered to log in to check the return of Alpine (My favourite map in the entire game, all modes), just because logging into the Zerg doesn’t tempt me one bit.

I’m probably the minority, but my preferred play-style is gone. I’ll just go do something else for a while (BDO is pretty fun though).

This could be solved in a few different ways, I’ve voiced some ideas before, like either making a single “low pop tier” with 3 dedicated servers for this kind of playstyle. Or adding a single new map made for roaming/havoc/small groups, that punish zerging, with a much lower population limit, to add to each match.

Also yes, I do realize this is a Beta, and they are testing it to get feedback on what people like/dislike, and they might change or end this at any time and add something new. I’ll be waiting and watching.

+1 to OP.

Heartily seconded.

Also, per the original post, I suggest offering feedback on the World Linking Beta thread, and I hope we all continue to provide observations as the beta progresses. Don’t be discouraged, and let your voice be heard!

So once again, speaking from my home on Kaineng, I don’t think Anet should scrap the linking concept (I do think that low population taken to an extreme is an issue), but instead unlink us from the top tier servers, who do not need the extra population. A re-linking that does not include T1 & 2 would bring more population on the low tiers, more diversity in playstyle, and more freedom to move and find the playstyle that pleases you (low tier players/guilds can always move up to T1 and 2 and often do so, but we need to be able to make this choice).

The final problem which remains is server identity of the ‘guest’ servers, and this needs to be addressed at all tiers and no matter which direction the beta takes.

Thanks for posting Smashie.

Nanesh
[Owls] Owl Legion
Kaineng

Kylden Ar.3724:

I’d like an update on this now that the week is almost done. I have not seen many Owls the last few days, nor have I seen you holding objectives. Other than TACO holding camps and occasional tower, I can’t recall seeing a Kaineng guild holding anything for the last 3 days.

Late reply to this question; Kaineng WvW guilds including Owls are still playing, but of course the visibility of our server’s guilds when linked with T1-2 is cut way down, for many reasons. A lot of our base is NA primetime and weekend warriors and to be honest, some of us took a break last weekend to recharge – this situation has been fun on some levels, very draining on others.

For the record, many KN players have really enjoyed playing in TC zergs and blobs, it’s been an nice change of pace.

However, as has been said by many players from T6-8, retaining our sense of community and server identity has been compromised by the beta linking. Of course things are now up-ended again by the Alpine return. But we continue to hang in there and keep our community connected as best we can.

See you in the borderlands!

Nanesh
[Owls] Owl Legion
Kaineng

Teon.5168

I am on Kaineng, and I haven’t heard any “non-stop discussion of these issues since Friday”. Most people I have talked to on Kaineng have been loving wvw, now.

Where exactly are you holding these server wide discussions?? I’m serious…if they actually exist, I would like to at least listen in on them.

Hi Teon,

Yep, the core WvWers have been discussing many aspects of this beta both in game and on outside systems, and I’m sure you’ve seen some of our posts so far – I don’t think I said we weren’t having fun? Also some Commanders/Guild Leads are holding off on official forum feedback for a few days til the dust settles a bit.

I’ll PM you, since as you may know some of our WvW players are no longer using the old website to communicate outside of game – so you might be out of the loop if you aren’t active on alternate sites. I’ll contact you.

You are also welcome to join us on the Kain TS, where a lot of this takes place esp. over the weekend and evenings. Contact me in game for that info anytime.

Nanesh

Daemonne.5018:

Let me clarify another point. In 3 months there will be another linking. If we don’t voice our concerns now during the first 3 months, then Anet is going to feel that everybody is happy with the change and it could turn out worse for us.

We don’t want to just wait for the polls to roll around for our opinions. We need to let them know from beginning to end. Many views may change in time. Opinions may differ from start to finish. I may even grow to like the “Blob” mentality (doubtful but I never thought I’d like Sushi either) It’ll be a good way for them to gauge the response over time as well.
So it’s not so much that we are coming to the forums and voicing in anger, we are just making sure that we are heard and not drowned out or forgotten that we are in disagreement.

Betas need feedback. We will oblige :-)

Thank you Daemonne; took the words out of my mouth. Our server has been discussing these issues non-stop since Friday, and we intend to bring thoughtful feedback to the forums throughout the beta.

It’s been said elsewhere, but again – I think linking between the lower tiers could be a solution and bring a nice spread of playstyles (plus, I’m growing very fond of some of our long-time rival servers and guilds via these discussions!)

Nanesh
[Owls] Owl Legion
Kaineng (currently guesting on TC)

Chiming in from Kaineng!

Pros:

- Chance to meet some new friends in T2 we would otherwise never run across.

- Chance to try out other playstyles; it’s always fun to have a change of pace.

- A percentage of our server do enjoy large scale fights/tactics but haven’t transferred up or set up an alt because of attachment to their server/friends. So this is a fun opportunity for those players.

- Population. Non-primetime players are happy to have allies on maps (esp. borderlands) at all times of day.

Cons:

-Increased difficulty for guilds to coordinate and float to other maps if needed because there is a greater chance of hitting a queue.

Yes, this was a problem over the weekend. Hopefully the queues ease up but if weekend borderlands queues are typical in T1-2, it does hurt our inter-server coordination and guild runs in WvW.

X T D.6458:

Some people from lower tiers do not like being forced into being absorbed by higher tiers. This has led to a loss of server community, server pride, and loss of a particular style of game play and having to accept something they are not interested in.

In a nutshell these are the cons for my server. It’s all about playstyle and server identity – we’ve lost both. I’d love to try out linking between lower tiers, and the top two tiers left as is.

And preferably sooner rather than later, as this current structure has a chance to seriously damage the cohesive communities we have built on the low tiers if it goes on for too long. Please do something to bring back server identity at the very least, to help us keep our morale up.

Thanks for this thread!
Nanesh, Owl Legion

Mistress Collisto.1546:

If there is one thing this test has done, it has brought all the lower tier servers to agreement. Just last match up myself and a few in my guild where cursing the guild of the gentleman/woman I am quoting and today I am standing in full agreement with him/her I am one of the last remnants of SoR’s old T1 days, there is a reason I am still on SoR and have not left for the imagined glory back in the top ranks.
I think many of us are in agreement, this is beta testing, we know our servers have died and needed some changes, but to this? Here are a couple of my thoughts for what they are worth…
Lets see how a couple weeks of this plays out, Queues should come down, but I fear game play is forever changed by this for all of us that enjoy small scaled fights and tactics on taking objectives.
Rest of my T6-T8 friends, that are not pleased yet, lets give the beta some time, but know we are together on this.

Thank you these great insights – yep, gentlewoman here and Owls salute you (I had a good laugh from your second sentence – we take this as a compliment and you all put up great fights!) We’ll stick it out and hope that our feedback is heard.

Essays aren’t changing the fact that stubborn small town pride is misplaced in this, here and now.

Server pride is unique to this game mode. I think it’s especially strong on the lower tiers, where you develop really strong bonds over the years and have had to fight against wild odds and put up with a lot of guilds coming and going. So, I don’t think it’s misplaced at all – I think it’s important and it keeps us coming back to this particular game over others.

I’m sure you and your playstyle wouldn’t want to be forced to join a lower tier community (as you described) just as many of us from lower tiers don’t like being forced into the higher tiers (where we are losing our playstyle). Most of us are working to play with the higher tiered servers (Maguuma has been great on the BLs so far), but we enjoyed our 5v5 and 10v10 fights over the 50+ vs 50+. Playstyles differ, that’s not a bad thing, but it still sucks to deny us the choice.

Thank you, exactly! Also Hi from Owls, GIT!

I think we’re ALL in favor of better population balance, but this beta may eradicate two unique WvW aspects: identity/community for many servers, and smaller group playstyles.

Thanks for the feedback, all.
Nanesh (Kaineng Forever!)

Hi all,

Guild leader from Kaineng here; we’ve been on our server since launch, never transferred – we’re core WvW and have fierce pride in our server and our players. So, as you can imagine, server identity and a sense of community are important to us and part of what we love about GW2 and this game mode.

First, I’m pleased that Anet is paying attention to WvW and attempting to address the population issues. I also realize that this is Day One of the beta. However, I hope you take this early feedback to heart.

Being pushed to a T1-2 server might very well destroy our tight-knit and hitherto happy community, so this is a plea from the heart:

Server identity: The sense of server identity for the low tiers is being erased – we don’t show up when we cap, we are a hover-over on the WvW panel, basically we’ve been reduced to non-entities. This may not seem like a big thing but it’s noticeable and has a morale effect.

Playstyle: Guilds like ours stuck around on Kaineng for a specific reason; we don’t transfer up to higher tiers because we love our server and we like the playstyle – creating a system where 90% of the time WvW is zergs/blobs is going to drive many of us away.

Weekends: The queues are bad, although hopefully that will ease up. However, if there’s always a queue on the weekend nights, and if it’s always zergs and blobs those nights, the weekend warrior guilds like us are in trouble – this is when we get together to WvW and without that, well I have no idea what we’ll do.

Outcome: There are many Kaineng players (including me) that will have to stop playing WvW if this change stays. We’ve spent 3+ years playing this mode, learning it, loving it, fighting hard and building our guilds and our server up under tough circumstances. We’ve learned to stick with things through thick and thin, so when I post here please know it’s not idle whinging – I’m worried.

I thank you for listening, and we’ll stick around and see how this shakes out. If I have any advice to give, it would be to pair the lower tier servers or just put it back the way it was (again, not everyone WANTS to play on high pop maps – and I hope our voices matter too).

We have faith that Anet will listen to the players and help us enjoy our favorite mode with the friends we’ve made here.

Thanks for listening,

Nanesh of Kaineng

Kylden Ar.3724:

EST.5014:

My idea:
lets have
1 Eternal
2 Alpine
1 Desert Borderland

I really like this idea. DBL top center, EBG bottom center, Alpine to each side.

Fix up the DBL and that is the map that the ‘loser’ of the prior week gets, as defense is a little easier there with small groups than on the old Alpine maps. Make DBL a little smaller, cut down the ‘fall to your death’ spots a bit (except on Air keep, as that is part of the strategic point), and have the waypoints work for the server that owns a keep, period. Maybe have tunnels between the far points and the oasis that only work if you ‘own’ both ends?

This is a brilliant idea! I love the concept of 3 different maps – in fact I much prefer this to rotating weeks between DBLs and ABLs. This is genius.

Server: Kaineng
Guild: Owl Legion [Owls]

Issues:
- Guild chat history in chat window disappears on switching maps and WP.
- After changing characters or logging in, using guild chat results in error message ‘You are not in a Guild,’ although you are representing. Can be fixed by switching to Invisible on/off, but issue recurs on next log on.
- Guild workshop not functioning: only one upgrade running instead of two. This is a particular problem for WvW guilds that need to have supply upgrades active and queued. This week’s match ups will definitely be affected by guild upgrade build problems.

Thanks for your attention on this issues!