Tag: Arenanet

Mike O’Brien Leaves ArenaNet


Mike O’Brien has announced today that he is departing ArenaNet to create a new startup studio. The notice was given via the official Guild Wars 2 website with Mike stating that he wishes to “go back to the beginning and make small games again.”

We couldn’t have known then the extent of the journey we were embarking on or all the wonderful and talented people who would join us along the way. For the past two decades we’ve gotten to work with brilliant developers and advisors, we’ve enjoyed an amazing relationship with the Guild Wars community, and were able to pursue the games of our dreams.
I’ve appreciated every moment of it. But the time has come for me to take a step back. Next week I’ll join some of my friends in forming a new studio. We’ll go back to the beginning and make small games again.

O’Brien is one of the original founders of ArenaNet after leaving Blizzard in 1999, and has held a few titles on Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 over the years. His announcement can be found at the official website.

Source: ArenaNet

Guild Wars 2: The Icebrood Saga Prologue Is Here


Today marks the launch of the next phase in the Guild Wars 2 living story. The prologue sets up the story for season five and introduces a new cast of characters for the Pact Commander to meet as they investigate a new threat.

The Icebrood Saga is a totally new story in the world of Guild Wars 2. After Season Four’s thrilling conclusion in which Dragon’s Watch finally defeated Kralkatorrik, elder dragon of Crystal and Fury, it is a time of great celebration. But a shadow of dread grows over the festivities as whispers from the Far Shiverpeaks indicate Jormag, another of Tyria’s elder dragons, is emerging from its slumber and luring charr and norn warriors under its thrall. A new cast of characters take center stage as the Pact Commander and crew investigate the looming conflict that threatens the world’s snowy reaches.

Guild Wars 2 Teases New Living World Chapter


ArenaNet this week dropped new information about the next chapter in the Guild Wars 2 living world story. The Icebrood Saga is the newest collection of episodic content and opens up on September 17 with the prologue episode, Bound By Blood with episode one releasing later on in the autumn.

The Icebrood Saga marks the beginning of a new adventure in Guild Wars 2’s storyline. It is a time of tentative celebration for all the races of Tyria in the wake of the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik’s heroic defeat by the members of Dragon’s Watch. But whispers from the Northern Shiverpeaks tell tales of ancient forces stirring from their slumber. While the Sons of Svanir—a renegade cult of norn who have turned away from worshipping the Spirits of the Wild—devote themselves to the elder ice dragon Jormag, stories of the dragon’s strength and virtues begin to spread alongside its corrupting influence.

Yea, in case you thought the story was going somewhere other than an elder dragon. ArenaNet also announced new partnerships for upcoming collector’s goodies including a 20th anniversary art book, new apparel, phone cases, and more.

[Video] ArenaNet Teases Next Living World Episode


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Today’s video comes to us from ArenaNet, who this week are teasing the next episode in the Guild Wars 2 Living World season. The trailer doesn’t give away much, including a release date which is yet to be released.

ArenaNet Delays Update Amid Layoffs


ArenaNet has announced that the World v. World mount, The Warclaw, has been delayed until March 5 amid ongoing layoffs at the company. The entire announcement has been posted below.

“Last week, we announced the upcoming release of our new WvW mount, the Warclaw. Unfortunately, this release will be delayed until Tuesday, March 5. In light of current events at the studio, we are taking this time to focus on our friends and colleagues. We hope you understand and we apologize for this delay. Thank you for your continued support of Guild Wars 2.”

There is currently no news on how many employees have been laid off.

Source: Guild Wars 2

ArenaNet Braces for Layoffs As NCSoft Tightens Its Belt


Kotaku’s Jason Schreier is reporting today that ArenaNet employees have been told to brace for big layoffs. According to the article, CEO Songyee Yoon emailed employees to inform them that due to declining revenue, the company will be cutting costs across the organization, and merging NCSoft and ArenaNet’s publishing divisions in the process.

There has been no word on how many employees will be affected by the layoffs.

Source: Kotaku

Take On Kralkatorrik Tomorrow In Guild Wars 2: All Or Nothing


Guild Wars 2 is always looking at ramping up the action and drama, and everything comes to a head on January 8 as Tyria’s finest finally take on the elder dragon Kralkatorrik.

In the culmination of the ongoing story started with Path of Fire, players will rally the forces of Tyria to defeat the crystal dragon before it can destroy the world as we know it. With Aurene’s vision of her own death at the hands of Kralkatorrik and the other struggles among the group, players are in a race against time to bring this powerful creature down once and for all.

In addition to the new storyline, All or Nothing introduces a number of features including:

  • A new fractal, Siren’s Reef, in which players will work to break the isle’s curse while surrounded by an army of ghost pirates
  • A new map, Thunderhead Peaks, in which players return to the dwarven fortress of Thunderhead Keep from the original Guild Wars
  • The legendary longbow Pharus that calls down the power of cosmic light
  • A new mount mastery, Bond of Faith, that launches players out of the saddle, allowing for a seamless transition from mount riding to gliding and opening up new exploration possibilities
  • The new “Diviner” gear stat set
  • The new upgradeable “Dragonsblood” weapon set

All or Nothing launches Tuesday, January 8, and is free for all Guild Wars 2 Path of Fire owners.

 

Guild Wars 2 Partially Disables Gem Store For Belgian Players


Arenanet has confirmed in a statement that a recent change blocking Belgian players from accessing the gem store is indeed a response to local legislation regarding loot boxes. Arenanet staffer Gaile Gray noted that Arenanet is seeking “flexible solutions,” and that for the time being purchases of certain

“We recently disabled Gem purchases for players located in Belgium. This action was in response to the Belgian Gaming Commission’s declaration that paid loot boxes violate Belgium’s gambling restrictions. We have now implemented a more refined system, which only restricts the purchase of loot boxes and related items, such as chest keys, dye kits, and certain packs by players located in Belgium. For players located in Belgium, you will see the following message when viewing these items ‘This item is not available for purchase in your region.’ All other items and purchases are now available.”

Any chests, dye kits, and other restricted items/packs that have already been acquired can still be used. Arenanet noted in their FAQ that Black Lion Keys and chests will still continue to drop in-game and can still be redeemed as long as they were not purchased with real money.

(Source: Guild Wars 2)

Guild Wars 2 Launches A Star To Guide Us, Living Story Episode


(Editor’s Note: Guild Wars 2 Living Story spoilers ahead)

It’s been a while since we last checked in on the Guild Wars 2 living story, and just in time as Episode 4 launches this week. Coming off the heels of Long Live the Lich, Palawa Joko is no longer a threat to the world of Tyria, and the rebuilding can begin in Elona’s plague-ridden areas. Still, the threat of the crystal dragon Kralkatorrik still looms, and conflict with the powerful beast is inevitable.

Episode 4 contains new content including:

  • Sun’s Refuge, a personal instance that players will build and upgrade throughout their adventure to unlock new collections, NPCs, lore, and an upgradeable armor set
  • The new Jahai Bluffs map
  • The legendary scepter Xiuquatl
  • A new raid, Mythwright Gambit, in which players will come face to face with the djinn Zommoros

Episode 4 is free for players who own Path of Fire.

Download the Kung Fu Tea App, Get Guild Wars 2 Heroic Edition Free


Arenanet and Kung Fu Tea might not be as iconic a duo as Bonnie & Clyde or peanut butter and banana, but what their partnership can bring you is a free upgrade to the heroic edition of Guild Wars 2.

For the month of September, you can download the Kung Fu Tea app on your smart device, connect your social media account, and receive a code for the Guild Wars 2 heroic edition. The code will remove many of the restrictions on free to play players, as well as provide you with an 18 slot inventory box, 10 experience boosters, and a unique Guild Wars 2 armor set. If you’d like to go further, and live in the United States, you can enter the daily sweepstakes and have a chance at winning a copy of the deluxe edition.

  1. Download the Kung Fu Tea App
  2. Connect Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter via the App (Social Rewards)
  3. Enter the Guild Wars 2 Daily Sweepstakes (via Social Rewards section)
  4. Post a picture of your Elder Dragon Dreamy Delight (a.k.a. Cocoa Cream Wow) and use #GW2xKFT
  5. ENJOY YOUR DRINK!

(Source: Kung Fu Tea)