View Full Version : Gaile Sightings on GWOnline
Hi all, I think a consolidated thread containing all the Gaile posts on GWOnline would be useful to the forum users. I'll try to update this thread as often as I can, but please don't get upset with me if I'm a little late :P
Also, please refrain from posting your replies in this thread. We'd like to keep it as clean as possible. You can post your comments here (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4067351). Please do PM me if I missed a post anywhere.
Here're some of the more recent ones:
5/4/2006 - You have died 1,000,000 times. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4006188#post4006188)
Hmmm....
The Guild Wars Book of World Records.
Maybe it's late. Maybe I'm a little crazy tonight. But darned if I don't like that idea!
Ok, so brainstorm with me how this will work. Let me hear your ideas. The more I think about it, the better it sounds. The whole global community could be involved! :huh: :smiley: :grin:
Edit: Oh and TG, yeah, good one, well done, and all that stuff. :wink:
5/5/2006 - Miniature Kuunavang Revealed! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4066682#post4066682)
Wow, I like that -- well put! :)
Yes, you will receive the CE Thank You Gift.
Honestly? About nothing. :laugh:
It does not have collision, does not attack, cannot take damage, doesn't affect spells, such as Soul Reaping. It's a buddy. :smiley:
Bingo. Good eyes. Gotta love the Factions armor set. I mean, dear heavens, it takes purple dye beautifully and it has lacey edges! *happy dance* :cloud9:
5/5/2006 - Getting a birthday present if your character is one year old? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4066687#post4066687)
Hi,
Type /age into the chat window. If it says that your character is 12 months or older, you should get a birthday present. Check your inventory and you should see a package there, much like the gift boxes at Wintersday. Double click that box to get your Birthday Miniature. :smiley:
We'll have more about the Birthday Gifts either Friday or Monday, on the website.
5/2/2006 - Grace Period Cut-off Early?? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4059581#post4059581)
Hi, sorry, I think you're confused. The Extended Head Start has ended. (It ended about 30 minutes ago, as scheduled.) If you own Prophecies, naturally you can continue to play that. If you do not have a Factions key, you'll need to input that to continue to play in Cantha, or to play with Factions characters.
Now, the 10-day grace period had to do only with character creation and retention, as you can read on the main site. Here's the skinny:
Ten-Day Grace Period Explained 1 May 2006 The grace period mentioned in an earlier news post will end at 11:59 p.m. PDT on May 8. During the 10-day grace period, if you have a Prophecies account and have added a Factions pre-order key, you can create a 5th or 6th character. After the 10-day grace period, if you have not added a Factions (retail) key to your account, you will not be able to create a 5th or 6th character. We will not delete your new characters, items, or skill unlocks after the 10-day grace period. However, you will need to add a Factions (retail) key to your account in order to play with any Canthan characters after the end of the Extended Head Start Event.
This means that you can continue to create and play with Prophecies characters in that 5th or 6th slot, as long as you activated a pre-order access key before the end of the initial Head Start Event. Of course, if you own neither Prophecies or Factions, you'll not be able to play at all, for you'll need a retail key to play the game now.
Edit to add: Every single member of the Development Team is waiting for a copy of the Collector's Edition, too. We feel the delay as you do. :(
4/29/2006 - Birthday Presents (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4054642#post4054642)
Hey, all,
I'm getting ready to pop into the game, so I apologize for not reading all the posts now (I'll read 'em later), but here is info on the birthday gifts:
You will receive a birthday gift on any character who is one year old.
Yes, it's character, not account.
You may keep that gift forever; it will not expire. (We would not do that to you!)
You may trade, give, or (I guess, if you're heartless :wink: ) sell your gift(s).
If you exchange with a player who has a character who is less than one year old, the gift will not go away. (Again, we would not do that to our players -- they are yours to share!)
If you want to see what happens with your 2nd birthday... time will tell! :grin:I don't know, I have a feeling that some player somewhere might be muttering, "Why didn't they fix the rock on the third mission instead of giving us birthday gifts?" But I know in my heart that this is a huge thing, and will be well loved by just about every single player, PvEer, PvPer, or someone in between.
And it all started with an in-office birthday party, a My Little Pony birthday hat, and with Mike O'Brien being willing to listen, and to act, during what was probably the most stressful day of the entire development cycle.
Dev Team, you rock!!! :cloud9:
5/3/2006 - Forums Moved! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4063447#post4063447)
Nice job, Rush. I didn't even have to help move cartons. :laugh:
5/2/2006 - Grace Period Cut-off Early?? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4059662#post4059662)
I said precisely what you're implying to anyone who would listen. My words, "These are our best, our most loyal players! Dear lord, how awful!" Believe me, I'm feeling this in my heart. There just isn't anything more we can do that we aren't doing; our hands are tied.
The delay absolutely stinks, I agree--we all agree--with you! As I just said elsewhere, all the ducks were in a row, all looked as if things would be just great, all on track, and then something went wrong and we had these delays. And everyone who can possibly pitch in to help has been working around the clock to get this resolved.
"We're very sorry" sounds weak. And I've been exactly where you are--eager CE buyer, can't wait to play day one--and i would be very frustrated, too! :sad:
We'll keep feeding triple espressos to the delivery drivers or the printers or the boxers or to whomever can help get things out to you ASAP! I do believe it's only a matter of a few days. And I do feel that the CE is worth waiting for, but that decision is entirely up to each of you, by all means.
4/30/2006 - Birthday Presents (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4056588#post4056588)
..BUT... goes back into your inventory. It doesn't go "Poof!" completely, but simply pops back into the inventory while the second selected toy appears. (Just checking because that sounded scary and I want to make sure everyone understands. :) )
Oh, update: We call them "Birthday Presents" before they are opened, and then "Toys" when you've discovered the contents of your package.
4/29/2006 - DIRECT word from ANet on account delay issues!!! (ongoing) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4054676#post4054676)
Well, first of all, check our news page for more info on the CE. You might find it's coming pretty darn soon. I'll cross fingers for you; I'm waiting eagerly too.
Secondly, I believe that you will keep Cantha items on Tyrian characters, but I will ask about that right away and hope to have an answer this afternoon/evening.
Thanks, everyone, for the excellent questions, and for your understanding of any confusion!
4/29/2006 - DIRECT word from ANet on account delay issues!!! (ongoing) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4054625#post4054625)
Hi,
We'd like to help with a bit of information and a clarification, and with apologies for erring in some of what we've stated. Just by the by, I think the err is a result of the Head Start character slots and the grace period being recent additions, meaning that some of us did not fully understood all of the details. Anyway, players and devs alike agree it's terrific that we could give those slots, and let's get you the right info on the grace period and the slot addition:
The good news is, we will not delete your 5th and 6th characters!
During the 10-day grace period, if you have a Prophecies account and have added a Factions pre-order key, you can create a 5th or 6th character. After the 10-day grace period, if you have not added a Factions (retail) key to your account, you will not be able to create a 5th or 6th character. We will not delete your new characters after the 10-day grace period. However, you will need to add a Factions (retail) key to your account in order to play with any Canthan characters after the conclusion of the Head Start Events.
I hope that information helps, and will be checking in to try to answer other questions as they arise. Again, sorry for the miscommunication, thanks for bringing it to our attention, and we're exchanging internal emails on the subject so that all players are assured of getting clear and accurate info!
See you in Cantha! :wave:
4/29/2006 - Guild Challenge: ArenaNet wants YOU! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4054581#post4054581)
Hey, all,
In the flurry of Head Start, Extended Head Start, and release, you may have missed news about a fun guild activity, The E3 Challenge. (http://www.guildwars.com/competitive/gwfc/e3challenge.php) Our organized play coordinator tells me that we want to get a few more on the challenge list.
Send an email to tournament@arena.net, as explained on that linked page. Get it to us by Monday, May 1st. We have dandy prizes to give, and honor and fame for you to claim!
Hope to see you on the big screen at E3!
Okay, I have posted all the Gaile sightings since Factions' release. From here on, it will be new posts by Gaile.
5/6/2006 - Birthday Presents (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4069030#post4069030)
Pariah's list looks complete to me. There are a total of 14 types.
Yes, colour is an indication of rareness. We hope to have a whole page with tons of information about the Birthday Miniatures on Tuesday of next week. In the meantime, the distribution is entirely random, but there are fewer of some types.
Wait -- you collected all the miniatures? All 14 types!?!? :shocked:
I just wanted to point out, we're not encouraging the sale in any way. What we're saying with the chosen verbiage is that if they are sold, it should only be for in-game currency, you see?
I think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread! :grin: And to those who said they could not sell their minis, I so agree with you. I'd face a thousand charr without a weapon rather than sell my Jungle Troll! (And someday, I shall have that Bone Dragon, too! *prays* )
5/6/2006 - Birthday Presents (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4069946#post4069946)
*sigh* :cry: :cry: :cry:
Of course, sales like this are against the User Agreement. If someone loses an account due to this sort of thing, I'm not going to mourn for them. :angry:
5/6/2006 - A personal thank-you to the GW team. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4070038#post4070038)
That's really nice of you guys. Glad you're enjoying the ride. :happy:
5/7/2006 - Factions CE - Best Buy (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4070921#post4070921)
It's great to hear you're getting your CEs, guys. I'm happy for you. And in a matter of a few more days, an excellent Mini-Dragon, too!
*still waiting* :undecided:
*kicks dirt and sighs* :cry:
5/13/2006 - [11/5/06] Gaile Chat (Cantha) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4086333#post4086333)
Thanks for understanding, and for posting this. Your sensibility and LordShadowblight's sense of humour are certainly a bright patch here.
James Phinney ended one of his presentations yesterday by saying this, "By the way, I'd like you to know that Gaile never lies. If she says something that ultimately doesn't come to be, it's because we've changed our minds and haven't told her, or because I (that's James) or other designers have done a poor job of providing her the information that she needs. But she never lies and I'd really like that to be better known." Either he read this thread, or others like it, and sensed how low it was going to get.
I'm not marketing, sales, PR, spin artist, or your local snake oil huckster. I tell you what I can tell you, when I can tell you. The visits are intended to keep in touch, and they benefit as much from my hearing from you as you hearing from me. Many, many things have changed in the game because of the visits. You've aided with suggestions and bug fixes, too. Many things in the game--things that you value deeply--come from my advocacy of each and every individual Guild Wars player.
When I read some of the comments here, though, I begin to understand what James was talking about. And I comprehend why people, even my co-workers, thought I was nuts to try in-game visits. And I grasp the reason why, even with my deep personal regrets, it might be time to stop.
I believe in being in touch, and I thought a visit from the show floor at E3 would be fun. You know, a "hi there" and "how's it going in game?" and "this is what's happening at the show." Frankly, I missed being connected with the players. On the other hand, if people are going to count smilies and thereby denegrate genuine cheerfulness (petty, much?), if they're going to assess every word for "lies," looking always through the glass darkly, and if they're going to act so intentionally unkind, we can stop. If people who spend hours on the forums daily are going to moan every time they think there's no information (even when there is!), and if that core group is foolishly going to expect new information every visit, we can stop. If groups are going to continue to spam their questions, and if individuals remain resolute to use the visits to put forth their petty personal grievances, we can stop.
We can stop, and by stopping, do what any other developer does: develop in a vacuum. And, you, as players, can have the about-zero input that you get with and from other dev teams.
But do consider what you wish for; for it may well come true.
And if that's the case, we'll all be the losers for it.
5/15/2006 - One Player's Message to Anet (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4089193#post4089193)
Thanks for the positive post. And yep, polls are coming to the official site very soon. It's something we've wanted to offer for some time, and with the background work nearly done, they will soon become a reality. Not every poll will appeal to every player, but I think they can be fun, informative, and helpful, so we'll definitely be moving on that soon.
5/15/2005 - [11/5/06] Gaile Chat (Cantha) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4089362#post4089362)
Hey, now, I was joking. I do that sort of thing all the time. Like after Prophecies: "We're doing another campaign? Nobody tells me anything! Wait, what's the title? Factions, you say?" I see your smilies here, so I'm a little unsure, but just in case you were serious about contradiction, I wanted to explain the (attempted) humour behind my comments.
In fact, I think some of the misunderstandings of the recent past--not the various concerns about the game but specifically the misunderstanding about my words--were clearly based on my using too few smilies. *pause* Ok, ok, there--see? Yet another lame joke of mine. :wink: But honestly, my "1337" comment was a mild joke in response to the comment of another player. I apologize with all sincerity to those who felt it was rude!
You see, I think of the visits like a bunch of friends sitting around in KC shooting the breeze, chewing the fat, just having a good ol' chat with one another. I think--maybe I'm wrong, but I think--that most of those who come together think along the same lines. However, if someone has concerns, he or she may come to view the visits differently, might feel a joke is inappropriate, may not even detect that it is a joke. Again, for that situation, I am sorry.
And you know, I sort of ponder how to make it all work, to blend chatting with concern-listening with suggestion-gathering. The visits mean a lot to me. Last night, at our Meet Up in Orange Country, lots of players confirmed that the in-game chats are meaningful for them, too. So I don't want to stop the visits. I also don't want them to become focused only on the formal and the official, since, because I won't ever have all the answers, I'd miss a lot of your input and many of your suggestions by waiting until I did.
So I'd like to ask that everyone consider the visits as low-key and informal. I'd like to invite you to look, first, for their friendly intent: the opportunity for me to listen to you as much (or more) than you to listen to me. Ignore the jokes, or feel free to ping me on whether I've just flubbed another lame attempt at humour before you read too much into an offhand comment. Keep in mind I am not a designer, and that even the designers would not be able to answer every question about current game situations or future development. Sometimes, I'll be told that sort of info, and with the designers' support, I enjoy passing that word along. Often, you'll tell me something you like, don't like, want to see, wonder about, or feel the urge to report and I always try to assure that the designers are in the know about that particular matter, too.
Dang, that sounds extra cool. Bond. Jane Bond. :cool:
5/15/2006 - Petition to open up ALL missions (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4091108#post4091108)
Hi, there,
Sorry it's taken a bit of time to get an answer back to you. We've been out of town, out of state, and out of our minds with E3.
Here's some skinny that I think you'll find of interest:
We are aware that players would like the opportunity to play through all the missions in both lands. Perhaps you want to help out a newer player, or a buddy who's starting a new character; it makes sense that you should be able to access that content. Maybe you're hoping to collect a long list of titles and earn what is rightfully yours, and at present, you cannot. You truly should not have to choose between Explorer of Tyria or Explorer of Cantha -- we agree! And no one should be unable to get the Kind of a Big Deal nod.
We want to make all of this possible. Now, it doesn't make sense to take a character of high level through starter missions and still expect a reward. (I mean, a Level 20 reaping a skill point for a newbie mission just isn't right.) But I see that some of you have already recognized that fact, and have come up with a good solution: "Let us play through those (earliest, previously-inaccessible) missions without expecting the mission rewards."
Within the next couple of weeks, you'll be able to fully explore both Cantha and Tyria with characters on your merged account. You will be able to play the early missions in Tyria as a Canthan, and in Cantha as a Tyrian. You will be able to strive for a full list of titles in each land. It will take a bit of time to implement, so please be patient. But soon, you'll have that content you want. Soon, those titles you desire will be within your grasp.
Thanks for your patience as we heard your concerns, analyzed the situation, and found the way to fulfill your requests in the most positive way possible. We'll code it up, test it, and roll it out in the next couple of weeks!
And this one immediately followed it in the same thread:
Wow, I was busy posting, didn't read some of the posts immediately preceding mine. I'd like to ask for just a little more patience and understanding. With the game's release just two weeks ago, and then E3 following closely on its heels, it's a challenge to keep up. Those 14-16 hour days, and travel, have made it difficult to find time to read, meet, discuss, and come up with a solution. But reading, meeting, discussing, and solving has been done.
I think the solution is great, and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
5/15/2006 - What is up with "Lag zu Helzer"??? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4091173#post4091173)
We're working on it. I mean this very instant, someone is checking out this situation and we'll do our best to get it corrected as soon as possible.
5/16/2006 - Should Elite Missions be Made Available to All? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4091186#post4091186)
Should Elite Missions be Made Available to All?
Yes, they should. And they will.
The designers are working on an alternative means to allow access to the Elite Missions. Sorry, I don't have details. I don't even know if they fully have details. But addressing this concern is a prime objective, and the devs will develop a plan, implement for testing, and then roll it out live.
Thanks for your feedback on this and many other threads, and look for an additional means of access to Elite Missions in the next month or two!
Xunlai Agent
16-05-2006, 10:28
5/16/2006 - How rubbish is that? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4091339&postcount=19)
Frankly I was hoping for a title with more magnificence myself. So, can we come up with a suggestion for the next... err... title round? :wink:
Xunlai Agent
16-05-2006, 10:30
5/16/2006 - Should Elite Missions be Made Available to All? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4091342&postcount=67)
Oh, surely we can be patient for the time it takes to expand the options, don't you think? I'm certainly willing to relay the request, but is there really damage from having the current method of access, knowing that other means will come?
Edit: Yeah, Ju Smurph has it right. :smiley:
Xunlai Agent
16-05-2006, 10:32
5/16/2006 - Petition to open up ALL missions. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4091553&postcount=436)
Glad you're happy and good luck on the KoaBD title! Assassin's Promise? I will ask, but I bet they'll say that I shouldn't spill those beans but allow the fans to find that one. Frankly, I'm surprised it hasn't been posted yet, but have you done a thorough forum search? If it's not posted yet, then maybe I should double check that it's positively and absolutely in the game. Even if I can't say where. :wink2:
I also thought it would be possible to create an Assassin in Tyria, as it is possible to create a Warrior in Cantha. I do understand about the whole "core professions" thing, though, and I believe that the way it is set up is the way it is intended to be, and will remain. I guess I'd call it reasonable to have new professions only in the new lands, but I'll be happy to ask if that might change in the future.
Xunlai Agent
16-05-2006, 10:35
5/16/2006 - Nasty rumor going around about the lag... (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4091554&postcount=13)
It really is just some stupid rumor going around. Honestly.
When I headed home this evening, some of the team was investigating the lag issues. They're on the case!
5/17/2006 - Art Prints (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4093982#post4093982)
Hey, neat idea! Let me ask about this, 'cause I agree with you, it'd be lovely to decorate my home with Guild Wars art!
My office, too!
Oh wait... :heart:
5/17/2006 - Just talked to JEFF STRAIN! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4094019#post4094019)
Nah, just a big ol' group hug. :wink3:
And yes, Jeff is a really nice guy, and very fun to talk to! I'm sure it'll be a great interview, MB! :thumbsup:
5/21/2006 - Does anyone have any word on the new Guild Emblems? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4106217#post4106217)
Hiya,
I wanted to explain (and apologize) about not having the results last week. In fact, we had a few delays in getting things organized for judging. Gathering from three continents and five regions took a little longer than I thought, E3 was a factor in that many key people were out of commission for a week and more, and we were pretty staggered with the sheer number of entries. (All the better to know now and plan for this in the future -- I love this contest so much, and want to do one for every campaign!)
Anyway, we have the winners list distributed to our partners in Europe and Asia, but due to the time needed to localize the names, locations, and to input the scanned images, we'll be holding release of this info until mid-week. So, just a few more days and all will be known. :smiley:
To those who have waited so patiently, here's a little tidbit of info about our having expanded the prizes in two ways:We will be giving the Winners a Guild Wars tee and the first two in the series of Guild Wars Season One Skill Pins
The Honorable Mentions will receive the two Guild Wars Skill Pins
And, as an added bonus, 25 contestants will be randomly selected and they will receive a skill pin, too!
We're looking forward to making the big announcement, and then letting you know about the next contest! :grin:
5/21/2006 - Does anyone have any word on the new Guild Emblems? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4106643#post4106643)
Here's the page (http://www.guildwars.com/competitive/gwfc/skillpins.php)about the Season One Skill Pins, so you can get a peek and learn a bit about them. They are really cool looking!
5/21/2006 - Does anyone have any word on the new Guild Emblems? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4106944#post4106944)
Ooooooh, NICE idea! Let me pass that long!Nope. I love my job, and I love keeping in touch. I just don't see me ever being a 9-to-5er. Or a Monday-through-Fridayer, either. :wink:
Nah, I'm not outties, I'm just weighing how best to keep in touch and chat with players. Thanks for the kind words! :smiley:
5/23/2006 - Open Letter to ANet about Prophecies Armor (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110099#post4110099)
I can certainly ask about this and let folks know what the designers are planning, if that information is available now.
5/23/2006 - What has ANet been working on? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110111#post4110111)
One thing at a time, guys. Or maybe several things at a time. :tongue: We've talked about what we're working on many times, and yes, Campaign 3 is one such thing. But there are several others on which the designers or programmers (or both!) are working, and these are in direct response to your input. We will make changes that allow a player to access all missions in both lands, yes. ETA - a few weeks. (Note this thread (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4091108#post4091108).) We will also institute changes that allow players to access elite missions via an alternative means to the one offered at the present time. ETA - a couple of months. (Note this thread (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4091186#post4091186).)
Now, we can't tackle every project simultaneously, but you have assurance that those key issues--what we perceive to be your keys issues--are on the queue, and we'll talk about other things in the near future.
5/23/2006 - www.guildwars.com (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110113#post4110113)
So, posting across forums hoping for a response? I'm not biting. :wink:
5/23/2006 - No more Gaile logs? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110199#post4110199)
Oh, I'll be around soon. :wink:
5/23/2006 - Gaile Appreciation and Thank You Thread (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110225#post4110225)
I'm here. :tongue:
I do appreciate the kind thoughts and the very generous words in this thread. You guys make me smile. Sometimes you make me get a little misty, but I'm not going to admit that to just anyone, eh? Just a secret between us few, right? :wink:
I've taken some time to think about the whole visit/don't visit thing. And you know, I think it's a matter of expectations more than anything else. There will always be folks who think that if I'm in the game, it's for a big deal, an official announcement, or the revelation of top level things. That's usually not the case. Often I come to listen, not talk. Or to share a tidbit and then just hang out and learn what's on your mind. Sometimes I want to ask the questions. Sometimes I want to gather ideas to relay to the devs, and really and truly don't have info to relay from them to you.
I see two choices, really: I can simply ignore/not answer the questions I cannot answer, or I can answer with an inconcrete answer, a "Don't know more" or "Timeline unknown" or "Sorry, I can't say" response. Neither is perfect, is it? But if I can only visit when I can give full disclosure, and if I should only visit when I have goods to give, I'm locked out of hearing you, and listening to your ideas, and gauging your concerns to take back to the team.
Your concerns lately, you know the ones, about Elite access and being able to play all missions in both worlds, were well shared with me in visits. Sure I learned about them first in forums. But I could ask questions, get a feel for the direction of the issues, and everybody (everybody!) benefited from that. We can't have the visits become such things, "I'm unhappy about..." or "Why don't you fix...?" or "There's a break in such-and-such mission." I'd rather read in the forums first and answer questions in chat later, if need be. But the ability to do that is one of the powerful reasons why I think visits are a good thing.
The best part of it is ideas, though. Not bugs. Not breaks. Not grouses or dislikes or feature disagreements. I like to be able to say "Ok, so what do you think about... " or "What did you like with..." and get an instant and very articulate response. I like to be able to share little bits and pieces, and hope that those who want *loud voice* major revelations!!! */loud voice* will get into the groove of a friendly exchange and look for the big stuff on official interviews and press releases.
And hey, I just like hanging out with you guys. I miss the visits. Froggie is pining away for me, they say, and his croaks just don't have the same verve, from all reports.
So, see you soon? :heart:
5/23/2006 - Open Letter to ANet about Prophecies Armor (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4110251#post4110251)
Yes, I do not foresee this as a cost item. I was told "for free" and to the best of my knowledge that is still the plan.
5/23/2006 - 23 May - Gaile Chat, Cantha (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4112604#post4112604)
Nuh uh! I did not speak about professions at all, except to say that I wouldn't be speaking about professions at all. :)
Please understand, this is a government edict! It's not our choice, not something arbitrarily decided by ArenaNet or NCsoft. If we want to be welcome in other lands, we need to respect their laws and their cultures! (And yes, I will ask about a possible miniature of the panda.) And if The Manuscripts erred, then I am sorry to hear that, but with the advance time needed for printing and packaging, we might have learned the situation with a panda pet after The Manuscripts were written.
Remember, that was "best guess" and not "official statement." I do not see hairstylists coming in the near future. The Dev Team has surprised me before, and they'll certainly be able to do that again in the future. But in all honesty I want to give answers as clearly as possible. I also want to make clear the divide from "maybe" to "someday" to "in the distant future" to "perhaps, maybe, someday in the distant future." :shocked:
Words are a funny thing, and I am trying to as much clarity and truth as possible. I'd rather not disappoint with a comment that sounds like "Sure, it'll happen" than I mean it to say "Nice idea, we'll see about it" or "Who knows?" Hope that's ok with everyone!
5/23/2006 - Guild Emblem Contest Results (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4112648#post4112648)
I wanted to explain a couple of things: Those entries that are in a shared frame, and which have a common theme were selected as a group in order to reward the concept without trying to decide which is best. There are at least 4 like that, and we just located an additional "architecture" image, and an additional fish/carp/koi image, and will be adding them to the winners or honorable mentions list, too.
The beaver made every single judge laugh out loud. I'm sorry if it disappoints some of you, but there is value in humour, and I assure you the image will not be incorporated in that "raw" form. I think he's rather charming, myself. :)
5/23/2006 - 23 May - Gaile Chat, Cantha (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4112663#post4112663)
Guild Wars is a global game and we cannot possibly keep pandas restricted to just this server, or just that region. What would happen in GvG in HA? Would you suggest we have a black bar covering up the pet image? :wink:
As a global game, we want to and need to respect international sensibilities. This won't change in the future. This is not a problem and, in the overall view of things, is a very small matter indeed.
5/24/2006 - Guild Emblem Contest Results (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4113217#post4113217)
Of course we will! Count on it! This sort of thing is one of the best parts of being involved with the community of players. We wouldn't want to release a game without asking your guys to share your ideas for a few weapons and emblem concepts! :smiley:
5/26/2006 - Open letter to Arenanet- Regarding PVE focus. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4118711#post4118711)
A couple of personal comments, first:
"Open Letters" are a bit much, doncha think? When it's provable that we visit the forums every day, when nearly every thread in every forum is an "open letter," when we respond and make changes to the game frequently based on player feedback, then for goodness sake choose a better subject line for a feedback post than the ponderous "Open Letter" tactic. :undecided:
Secondly, don't cross post. Pick a forum, post, be done. Don't cut and paste across sites. The bandwidth that these sites require isn't free, and that makes double posting doubly wrong. Anyway, when you do cross-post, then a certain spokesperson will be obliged to cut and paste her response.
Which I will now do: :innocent:
I hope this is helpful information, and that you're encouraged about the future. I also hope maybe the thread gets a bit more on topic, but that's up to you guys. :grin:
5/26/2006 - Open letter to Arenanet- Regarding PVE focus. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4118731#post4118731)
Wherever did you get that idea? Heavens, I try to present arguments in support of the notion of website focus balance and it gets twisted into a PvP vs. PvE thing? Let me make it more clear:
We have a large website.
We will have a larger website in time.
Recently, we added a lot of articles based on the GWWC, the GWFC, and competitive (PvP) play in general.
Noting that this might seem unbalanced, that it might be perceived as a matter of "favouring" one type of gameplay, or putting more website investment into one form of play, we decided to start projects that will add more content that we hope will be appealing to PvE players, content as popular as the competitive articles have proved to be to the PvP players.
It's that simple. No imbalance. No preference. More content for all.I hope that clears up the matter.
5/26/2006 - Open letter to Arenanet- Regarding PVE focus. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4118743#post4118743)
#(*%& mole-people. I've been sending them used pancakes and recycled doormats for months, trying to buy their silence. And they betray me by threatening to talk about our nefarious website plans? Ok, the truth is, we're turning the website into a Beanatarian Cookbook, and all content will involve lentils in one form or another.
5/28/2006 - A proposal for a solution to deal with "afk farmers" in Aspenwood and Jade Quarry. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4124842#post4124842)
I just wanted to assure you guys that the designers are aware of the situation you've described. It remains to be seen what solutions they devise, but you can rest easy that they do know of your concerns.
5/28/2006 - Create A Title! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4124845#post4124845)
Love this idea! Keep the ideas coming, folks! :)
5/28/2006 - Open letter to Arenanet- Regarding PVE focus. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4124867#post4124867)
Aw now, I think that's sweet. :heart: Maybe a little "fine grained" for our projects, but sweet nonetheless. :happy:
As long as we're no longer speaking about the whole PvP/PvE subject *pauses to alternately glare and make puppy-dog begging eyes* I'm happy. :cloud9:
And one comment: You do realize the battles that some may assess as "PvP" are in fact best completed, best won, by focusing on the PvE? In my perception, the team who bashes players of the opposing faction instead of focusing on the objectives will usually lose those missions. Elegant, eh? :wink:
5/28/2006 - Rumors... (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4124875#post4124875)
No, we are not unhappy with that at all! Whatever gave you that impression!? I think--and I'm sure the majority if not all of the team feel--that the ferrying is a wonderful community-spirited project!
5/28/2006 - Celebration BOTS Banned!!!!! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4124908#post4124908)
I wanted to let you know that we do not publish very often, but we work on this issue constantly. You might say we legitimately could put up a sign that reads Guild Wars: Bots Banned Daily.
I'm a little sad that a few players have tossed out comments about the bannings being driven by a profit motivation. I have never heard anyone on our team say "It's time to ban some bots so those users all go out and buy more games." No, the emphasis is on banning bots to keep the game economy solid for you, for me, and for all players. If players are using bots to get ahead, I'm not altogether convinced they will buy a new copy anyway, knowing those who bot again will be banned again. But that's totally irrelevant to this point: We ban bots because (1) they are against the User Agreement and (2) they harm the economy.
We'll continue to take action. We have partners on three continents working on this project. (One of my team members really enjoys "Bot Hunting," as he calls it, and offers about daily to help out. :happy: ) We have flown in support team members to train them on the fine art of bot smiting. We have our legal team alerted to closing bot-related sites, when possible. If you think you see no difference in the number of bots now, imagine what you would see without all those extraordinary efforts!
We can let it go simply because the problem persists and because the odds seem overwhelming. Or we can do our level best to handle it. We elect to do what we can, and often to consider what more we can do. I feel that even if we're faced with significant numbers, we should continue to take action to our best ability. Don't you agree?
And always feel free to share your ideas about the fine art of Bot removal. We appreciate you wanting to help, and your suggestions may be useful in devising ever-improved systems of Booting the Bots!
5/29/2006 - Celebration BOTS Banned!!!!! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4127175#post4127175)
Just to clarify what I said, there are actually two in-game not-niceties here: Users of bots and sellers of items for real world cash. The second may or may not use a bot. We take 'em out either way, and as frequently as possible. It's pretty simple: Break the User Agreement, harm the game economy, suffer the consequences. It takes time, it takes money, and we're spending both to make things as right as we can.
Oh, and love the idea of a bot reporting thread. You name the locations, we'll check it out. Want to name names and give dates, times, districts, and locations? I wouldn't object! :grin:
5/29/2006 - Celebration BOTS Banned!!!!! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4127210#post4127210)
*sigh* :embarassed: You are precisely correct. I take it all back about reports that include character names. We'll go back to the way we catch bots, and never mind the posts of IGN and so forth. (Thanks for the clarity, Ostriig!)
I would like to say that making us aware of bot-heavy zones, outposts, and towns is a really helpful thing. I learned of Elona's Reach from a player. Sure we would have found it, but getting that email early and being able to pass it along earlier because of a helpful player's report enabled us to nail a few extra bots, I'm sure. :)
5/29/2006 - Update - Monday May 29 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4128092&postcount=5)
PM me guild names, dates, regions, and more and we'll look into it. If one of our fansites has a movie of a guild exploiting this bug, we would like to know that, too. The thing is the ladder has been locked for the last couple of weeks, so we shouldn't have anything of major alarm here. If there was exploitation of this bug before that period, as in, during the qualifying season, I would think we definitely want to know about it.
5/29/2006 - The Disappointing Update Syndrome... (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4128095&postcount=4)
Yeah, me too. :undecided:
Guys, we have to fix what needs fixing. We'll be rolling changes in the next week or so, but step back and realize there are updates of two kinds, and we need to do both in the proper timeframe.
5/31/2006 - Whatever happened to town clothes? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4134117#post4134117)
Now, you guys have to understand my player's wishes and dreams and my dev's announcements here. The whole "town clothes is a cool idea" and "I'm all about town clothes" comments were clearly (I thought clearly) in the former category, not the latter. :tongue:
I'd love to see town clothes, hair dressers, even facial reconfigurists. But there are many, many important things to do with the development of C3, and the support of Prophecies and Factionsm addition of holidays and special events, and other such things. Given a new gameplay mechanic or other key elements of the game, some of the things we'd like to see do need to take a back seat. I do believe (believe, not promise, not confirm, not swear on a stack of Manuscripts....:laughing: ) that we will get to these elements. But NOT in the near future.
But hey, you know when we do add the clothes, and the other things, they'll rock. So be patient for a bit and we'll see what shakes off the O' Developmental Tree. :wink:
6/3/2006 - Gaile log 30 May 2006 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4141229#post4141229)
Yes, thanks, that it exactly what I said. The request is often made to "pay the difference to upgrade" an existing account. But in fact, you'd need to purchase a separate copy, add that key, and thereby have the CE content on the existing account. You would not then retrieve your SE key, which is something that we are asked about, as well. For instance, Fred has an SE. He thinks that if he adds a new CE key, he'll somehow get the SE key back. Not at all. He only overwrites the SE key with the CE key. We even have an ingame mention of this, so that players don't do it without fully being aware of the consequences. I mean, it's totally cool to "upgrade" the account, but it needs to be clear exactly what "upgrading" means, and that it's not a matter of sending in the $20 difference in cost of the two boxes to accomplish it. Sorry if that was confusing! :)
As Froggie would say, "Most observant, you are." Yep, I'm trying to stagger visits so that more folks can join in. I like coming in the wee hours of the morning (like after Midnight) in America. That's morning in Europe and early evening in Asia. But I figured that catching the American night owls every time probably wasn't fair, so I'm going for a variety of times and days.
Totally agree. TBC is an amazing group, and we greatly appreciate their being a part of our community! I have to admit, I read through every log myself. :flowers:
Hmmmm... there may be a way to do this. Let me think about it. Not an "official log with every single thing said, suggested, commented, and joked about," no. (I'm much too chatty for that! :laugh: ) I love the logs, and I think they accomplish a great deal. But there may be a way we could do some sort of mini-list or something, even based on the logs... ? Hmmm... Let me ponder on that for a bit.
6/4/2006 - Celebration BOTS Banned!!!!! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4141915&postcount=246)
Yes, there are a lot of bots. Yes, it takes time to action each one. No, we can't just say "It looks like a bot, we'll block it." We have to be more responsible than that, so as to avoid blocking real people who closely resemble a bot. I don't mean resemble a bot personally, I mean in the game. :wink3:
Anyway, we're continuing to take action on bots and on gold sellers. We don't really need screenshots or other "proof," although that is a kind offer, and thanks for that.
1,009 was the latest number of actioned accounts that I received.
And that was just today.
:sunny:
6/6/2006 - Fire of Spirit & The Kryta Bomber - guild movie (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4149444#post4149444)
I laughed. I cried. I clapped my hands and said "Woot!" (Several times.) And when Froggy appeared, I cheered so loudly I woke up the guy napping down the hallway. :wink:
Jack, you are simply amazing, and my hat's off to you and to all the players who helped you make this breathtaking movie. Everyone at ArenaNet is abuzz with the word of this film. Before I had a chance to see it, about half a dozen GW Team members poked their heads in my office to say "You gotta see the newest Kryta Bomber movie, Gaile!"
They were right! I've run out of words, but dang, let me just say again: Well done and kudos! :flowers:
Edit to ask: Is there any alternative hosting or is RapidShare the best way for people to obtain a copy of the movie?
6/8/2006 - PvE on GW main website (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4155200#post4155200)
Great to read your positive reactions, and thanks for the kind support!
We'll see you next Thursday with more inside info!
6/8/2006 - PvE on GW main website (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4155466#post4155466)
Deal! :thumbsup:
And about that build saver: I know the Devs know about the request and I'll check with them on whether it's on the development list or a future wish list.
6/8/2006 - Gaile log 8th june 06 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4155608#post4155608)
Nice logging, there! :happy:
I wanted to mention that the first part was talking about the newest Kryta Bomber movie. It's absolutely fantastic, and I can't say how much we all love it here at ArenaNet and hope everyone will give it a view!
6/9/2006 - Guess Gaile's Age! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4158057#post4158057)
Somebody's paying attention. :wink:
Zamyle has excellent recall. :tongue: I don't worry about the whole age thing too much. Admittedly, when I meet people, a few can be surprised. For some reason, they don't see "Gaile" (which is my real name, thank you very much!) as being female. And they don't expect me to be above 25. (As if!) So to put them at their ease, I sometimes say "Yes, I know, let's get it out in the open right away: 'wrong gender, wrong age group.'" :laugh:
And after all, if I were really sensitive about this issue, I'd claim 99. ;)
6/9/2006 - Gaile log 8th june 06 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4158075#post4158075)
What, you thought I was kidding? :laugh: Oh, nice, are you coming to Leipzig? I am really looking forward to meeting a lot of our European players! :)
6/10/2006 - Does posting here change anything? Are we heard? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4160199&postcount=22)
I would call the consensus in this thread very reasonable. Yes, we do listen, daily. Yes, many of the changes and additions to the game have come from fan forums. Many! But yes, there are also design imperatives and future development to take into account. No one would suggest, I'm sure, "Put off that next game release to add a hairdresser!"
We are keenly aware of popular suggestions for the game. The devs view those, consider those, and add many of them to the Wish List. From that list come many updates to the game. Will all suggestions be incorporated? Honestly, no. But many will be, and the designers have proven themselves to be exceptionally open to your ideas, comments, even critiques.
We read the forums daily, and relay information to the team regularly. The Community Team will be meeting soon to find even better ways of communicating your input to the dev team. If something does not come to pass, it may be that there are other changes or updates or additions that have a higher priority, or a better idea may be on the horizon, or the idea may simply not be right for Guild Wars. We're not always able or even willing to give updates and tell you where things stand in the design list. We are very open and communicative, but it's not a possible to give week-by-week updates on the finer details of what the team is working on, particularly since that list can change several times in a single day as new things need to be added, reprioritized, or amended.
So the overarcing design comes from the design team, while they view your thoughts on a daily basis across many of the fan forums (in many languages). Elements within that design, the finer grained ideas, so to speak, may well start with a fan suggestion. If I tried to list all the fan ideas that made it into the game -- from skill balance input to straight out novel concepts of all kidns -- I'd be writing until a week from Thursday.
6/10/2006 - EW contest: Submit a build idea... it may be added to GW's pre-made list! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4160174&postcount=8)
I love the community spirit that Esoteric Warriors is showing with this contest. They're a simply amazing guild, and have shown themselves to be exceptionally generous in sharing this opportunity. I hope that a bunch of guilds will register (it's painless!) and use the (excellent!) build tool to come up with some truly creative and useful premade ideas. The more who participate, the more options. The more options, the better the premades will be, so it's a win/win situation for everyone.
Kudos again to the EW!
6/11/2006 - EW contest: Submit a build idea... it may be added to GW's pre-made list! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4161962#post4161962)
With this quality of contest entries, I have complete confidence we'll have marvelous new templates! Thanks again to EW, thanks to you guys (and more ) for participating, and keep 'em those builds coming!
6/11/2006 - Tired of the griping (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4161979#post4161979)
No. No one at ArenaNet is "grateful" for gripes and flames. Ever. Changes to the game are never predicated by the loudest voice or the nastiest tone. Frankly, flames on = devs gone.
Exceptional Post No. 1
Intelligent and Insightful Post No. 2
Thank you for saying things better than I ever could. :)
We rely on player feedback, and we value it greatly. How well it is "listened to" is entirely in the hands of the person giving it. And you have to understand the "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" just doesn't apply. It is always best and most productive to nurture a spirit of working together for a common good. Flames and gripes and ugly attitudes accomplish less than nothing.
6/11/2006 - Tired of the griping (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4162222&postcount=58)
Frankly I'm baffled. "Be glad we're talking to you, even while we're wielding a verbal tire iron?" The justification is that the message is worth the muck? No, sorry, that's neither true nor reasonable.
In what I wrote, I specifically addressed the manner of presentation that someone uses in expressing his/her opinion. Those who want to learn something -- as we do about our players' feeling on the subject of Guild Wars -- easily can obtain what they want to know without getting caught in the muck and mire of flame/gripe threads. People who want to be heard learn to speak reasonably and act responsibly. Or they likely find themselves ignored. Let's consider the following:
Gripe: To complain naggingly or petulantly; grumble.
Complain: To express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness.
Express or nag? State or grumble? There's a world of difference.
Again, there are thousands of great posts in the fan forums. We won't miss a thing if we skip the gripefests, because someone else will express the concern in a way that makes it more clear, a statement instead of a gripe. We'll get a lot more done in a positive way by focusing on threads that provide us feedback instead of flames.
6/12/2006 - Your Feedback Sought: Localization (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4163986#post4163986)
Hey there,
As we continue to examine Prophecies and Factions for possible improvements, and as we move forward into Campaign 3, we want to ask your thoughts on the localization of our games. Do you have feedback on words or phrases, or do you have localization suggestions that you would like to share with us? We are asking about this matter in a few English-language forums since we are aware that many of our players are bi-lingual or multi-lingual. We hope that you will share your thoughts about this vital subject here, in addition to the non-English forums on which you may also post.
If you have comments you'd like to make, please let us know. We prefer specifics over general statements. For instance, if you read a mission description that is confusing, could you write the existing text and your suggestions for improvement? If you find that a certain phrase is used in a manner that you feel is incorrect, would you share that phrase with us, along with what you feel would be preferred phrasing? When you have a word in mind that is just perfect for a certain use, could you let us know that comment?
Any help you can give us with this important issue is greatly appreciated! Thank you, in every language! :flowers:
6/12/2006 - Your Feedback Sought: Localization (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4164287#post4164287)
Longasc, your feedback is exactly what we're seeking! Thank you so much. :smiley:
We want to focus, right now, on the localization, that is, on the translation from English into other languages. We do appreciate feedback on the wording in English, but that's not the objective of this thread. If you don't mind, it would be very helpful to keep this thread about words, phrases or other content in languages other than English. We can continue the discussion on English language anomalies in the other cited thread.
Thanks again.
6/17/2006 - If imitation is the greatest form of flattery... (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4176926&postcount=3)
Oh dear heavens!
Thanks, MasterNightfall, for a good catch. I'll be sure to...er..."share" this information with the appropriate parties.
6/17/2006 - If imitation is the greatest form of flattery... (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4176928&postcount=5)
Ummm, no. Those are our copyright images.
6/17/2006 - Petition: Temporarily maxxed titles (Skill hunter) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4176957&postcount=80)
In all honesty, I am not certain how the title is supposed to work, but it does make me curious if we would add a title that isn't completeable with the current campaigns. I will check with the Design Team. It could be this is an ongoing title, and one towards which a player is always reaching. Or it may be that landing the title should be within your grasp with Prophecies and Factions.
A quick question: What if the title were to morph? What if you could land the complete title now, but with the addition of the next campaign, you're rolled back to needing to complete those objectives in order to recapture it? I'm not suggesting that this is the intention, or that anyone on the design team is thinking this way, please note! I am simply asking about this because it occurred to me that this would be one way to keep the title meaningful in the short-term and assure that it remains equally meaningful in the long-term, too. What do you think? Ok idea? Poor idea?
6/17/2006 - How Many Read Network News? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4176966&postcount=1)
Just checking. We've added some really informative and important posts to Network News (http://www.guildwars.com/support/networknews/), but I'd like to know how often they are read and seen. One such issue (down time for an important server move) is currently featured in the Message of the Day (on the in-game join screen) but one (about a major ISP) is not something we're able to contain in the MotD. We can't list all Network News there, it will become cluttered, which is why we have a dedicated page for such matters. But are you reading it?
Let me know your patterns! And keep in this, this is Network News and not the Game Update page (http://www.guildwars.com/support/gameupdates/), which is entirely different.
6/18/2006 - Galie Chat [log: 17/06/2006] (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4177275&postcount=4)
Thanks for the excellent logging, as always, Mal. :)
6/18/2006 - Your Feedback Sought: Localization (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4177334&postcount=37)
This is exceptionally good input, and thank you so much for all these comments. We're continuing to track this thread and encourage you to continue to post!
Thanks again.
6/18/2006 - How Many Read Network News? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4178961&postcount=51)
Interesting that nearly 40% of this site's visitor don't read Network News. Clearly we have a resource that needs better promotion! So thanks for this, it's great feedback. An in-game set of links? I'll ask if that's possible. Having it internal -- beyond the main log-in page -- may make it trickier, but I'll check.
I'm concerned about offering the Network News on the "Hot Links" section simply because, as several of you point out, it's so seldom filled. Having it on Hot Links, and having it say "nothing new" for many visits will lead to the "Boy Who Cried Wolf" feeling.
However!
I have asked our excellent web team to come up with a means by which we can indicate which sections on the Hot Links area have new content. I don't know exactly what "new" will be. Since your last visit? No, that would require a log-in and we don't want to go there with a global website. New over the last X amount of time? Yes, much more likely. I'm thinking that most people who visit the official site do so every day or two. So my plan is to make some sort of indication for new content. It might be a glowing little "new" tag like they use on some fan forums, or perhaps we can highlight the title of sections in a different colour if there's fresh content. Maybe we can add a little sparkly (I'm big on sparklies :heart: ) to the newly updated sections! In any regard, the plan is to make it clearly visible to the visitors so that they note "Hey, they've updated that section or that page in the last 24, 48, or maybe 72 hours."
What do you think of the plan? And what's a good amount of time to designate something as having been newly updated?
6/22/2006 - ANet doing a better job relaying information via website (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4190434#post4190434)
Hey, that's really nice to hear! I'll pass that along to the dev team that you're appreciative of the greater detail. Across the board, we're going to keep reaching for a high level of communication, so it's great to read that you've noticed! Also, new website content -- some yet to be seen -- is designed to make Guild Wars more involving and more fun, too.
6/22/2006 - ANet doing a better job relaying information via website (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4190487#post4190487)
{{{ Shhhhhh. It's nice when people feel special. :happy: }}}
6/22/2006 - The Scribe: An Invitation (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4190508#post4190508)
Hey, all,
As you know, we have a new section on the website. The Scribe is our RP newspaper, and it features about three articles a week on various in-game events, achievements, recognitions, etc. We'd like your ideas about good features-- stories, articles, and interviews--for the future. Could you post here, or send an email to our dedicated email address: TheScribe@arena.net. It's a new mailbox and we're still configuring it, but we'll start reading those mails early next week.
Your input is welcome at any time and thanks for your suggestions and feedback on this new mini-feature! :flowers:
6/24/2006 - ANet doing a better job relaying information via website (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4194225#post4194225)
No, the skills are not updated, much to my embarrassment! We are currently looking at staffing changes that will allow us to present more complete information on our website. We apologize that you don't have this information at your fingertips right now -- and we agree it should be present! We'll continue to work on that.
Marvelous feedback, and thank you. The objectives are many, but making PvP more accessible is definitely one of the primary reasons for featuring weekly articles on the subject.
I don't remember us having an unplanned network outage, but sure, there are occasionally letters where people are a bit cranky. It's ok, folks sometimes need to vent, and we try to answer all that we receive. Even in the venting there can be helpful information, or the opportunity for us to help. But rarely, we get the Harry Potter-esque "Howlers," too. :rolleyes: How do you answer those? :laugh:
6/24/2006 - Gaile Chat: [log 24/06/2006] (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4194685&postcount=8)
You are correct, Froggie is a Tyrian by birth. I guess I thought "Canthan" because of his current residency, but yes, he's a Tyrian, born and raised near Lion's Arch, I believe. He's settled into Kaineng Center quite well. And yet I think he would enjoy Shing Jea Monastery very much, and might well make it his permanent home. My thought was to find an attractive spot for him, invite him to take a short boat trip (I have to emphasize "short" because boat trips give him the heebie-jeebies!) and see how he feels about it. Given the holiday nature of the Dragon Festival, and given Froggie's great love for a party, I bet he'll have a blast. :tongue:
I want to thank everyone who helped me find a few choice spots for TF. And of course, those who forgave me for popping through the bloomin' portal, which I swear was moved down the steps since last month when I was in SJM! :laugh:
As to what I said at the end, here's the greater detail, cause I really didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable there (that is, the folks responsible for the whole message). Here's what happened: Two people made suggestions during a chat a week or a few weeks ago. I responded to them then. They wanted, today, to have me talk about it again at length. But I had nothing new to relay, so I answered them briefly. However, the spamming continued, unabated, in a form such as, "What do you think about my suggestion about (such and such) that you said you liked last time." The telling thing is that it was discussed last time, and... well... it just seems very rude to not answer other people and continue a discussion on a previously-given suggestion about which there really is nothing new to say.
So the whole bit that I said was my way of trying gently to communicate that "If you make a suggestion and I respond, then you can be sure that it's on the list for me to share with the rest of the team, and unless there's new info for me to share about that idea, please do not spam about it in the future." That does not apply to those polite individuals who post once or twice to follow up. That applies only to those who spammed the follow-up, dozens, perhaps 100+ times, and who were making it very difficult to see the suggestions of others.
There is no way I would want to stop anyone from conversing, and I loved everyone who stopped by for a chat! I ask only that each person show consideration to others and constrain the spammage as much as possible so that every player has a chance to be heard. :wink:
6/26/2006 - Gaile Chat: [log 24/06/2006] (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4196632#post4196632)
Well, I'll explain that, you bet! When I was a child, my mother and father called The Netherlands "Holland." I confess that I thought they were one in the same, that is Holland = The Netherlands. Sure, I knew the name of the nation was The Netherlands more recently, but with that, I wondered, "Did the name of the language change, from Dutch (which I associated with the name "Holland") to another name?" I thought not, but since I have a tendency to slip and say "Holland" every once in a while, I wanted to be sure I wasn't slipping up on the language name, too. :smiley:
Now you have me intrigued and I shall go look up when the change in name came about, and whether it also involved national boundaries, too. Thanks for the clarification. (And yes, I did know that Dutch and Deutsch are different languages.)
Could you tell me about that goose chase? What would that phrase mean in the context of a game show? See, I don't think we have anything planned with fowl, but it's not too late to toss in a couple of geese if you suggest it. :grin:
6/26/2006 - The Scribe: An Invitation (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4196664#post4196664)
*sniff* Lovely story, Tom. I don't know why, but I'm feeling an incredible urge to visit Lion's Arch again real soon. :)
For those having any sort of interface problems, we're going to do a full-window design, which means we lose the spiffy opening effect, but have a lovely design that will feel right and will be more user-friendly for those folks who had difficulty with the non-resizable window.
Oh, and yep, more stories and more issues are both great goals. In fact, I'd like a twice-weekly publication, and an in-game publication, too. I think we'll see how it goes and consider expanding the availability or the frequency of publication in a few months.
Lastly, we will be adding means by which player events can be publicized, and certainly The Scribe will keep some space on his/her/its busy social calendar in order to attend a few events from time to time and write about them. :smiley:
6/30/2006 - (Merged) Dragon Festival Event ! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4206869&postcount=315)
Helpful hint: To exit the Dragon Arena, speak to the NPC. :)
Interesting Info: The celebration actually started 4 hours early. :D
6/30/2006 - Dragon Arena pet bug, it ate my hardwork, anet better fix this (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4206875&postcount=16)
We are very sorry for the deletion of the pets during the few minutes -- yes minutes -- that that bug existed. I reported it to Mike O'Brien on a phone call about another issue, and before I could blink an eye, he had confimed it, and the programmers had checked in and rolled out a fix. There is no way that we can restore them, for there is no remaining record of them.
As a Ranger myself, I know that's a real "ouch" and I personally feel your pain. But as a Ranger, I know that the leveling process is very rapid, and I encourage you to not despair but to charm a new pet and have him/her at your side, in fighting form, in a short while.
Again, we're very sorry about those pet losses.
6/30/2006 - Dragon Arena Ate My Pet! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4206881&postcount=5)
As I posted in the main, we are truly sorry about the deletion of the pets. It was a short-lived bug, but no less painful to those who experienced it. :( As a Ranger myself, I sympathize.
Again, we're very sorry about those pet losses.
6/30/2006 - (Merged) Dragon Festival Event ! (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4208770#post4208770)
Hey, I wanted to hop in here to clarify something. There seems to be a bit of confusion about July 4th / July 5th / collectors staying / collectors leaving and so forth.
The special day of the Dragon Festival, with finale events and special visits, starts at Midnight PDT the morning of Tuesday, July 4th. It ends on the final minute (PDT) of that same day, July 4th. Let me give you that information now for GMT: The special day of the event would begin at 07:00 GMT on July 4th, and end at 07:00 on July 5th. (I believe that most of those in European countries add one hour or two to these times, if your country observes some form of "daylight savings" or "summer" time. If you are in the U.S., do not be confused by the July 5th designation and think that the special day is July 5th. For the U.S. it's nearly whollly July 4th, and for west coasters it is wholly July 4th.
The collector, who will happily exchange your orbs for a mask, will be present for one week, that is, through Tuesday, July 11th.
So you have from the early start of the orb hunting through yesterday's early start of the actual Dragon Festival until the close of the special day (see above) to gather the Jade Wind Orbs. You then have up to a week to exchange them with the collector in Shing Jea Monastery for the dragon mask.
I hope that makes everything clear for everyone. Please let me know if you have questions about the times. :smiley:
7/1/2006 - IMPORTANT: Special Note to Tyrians trying for Canthan Grandmaster Cartographer (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4209184#post4209184)
What a helpful thread! It's nice of you to point out how the Dragon Festival is giving people a little boost on their hunt for that illusive title.
Thanks for posting the info. :)
7/1/2006 - Two easy questions, help a guy out :) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4209187#post4209187)
Hi, there,
Just to let you know, by all means you do not need to start a new character to move from Prophecies to Factions. You may wish to do so, to experience the Assassin or Ritualist professions, but you're able to retain your existing Tyrian characers as you move to Cantha, the continent on which Factions takes place.
7/1/2006 - Will characters using the same name be able to use the same customized armor? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4211957&postcount=5)
Correct, the answer is no. You see, your character may appear to be the same, even down to the professions and skills, but each character is unique on our servers and therefore items cannot be shared between like-named characters.
7/1/2006 - Better Trading System? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4211966&postcount=5)
Hi, I'm not "The PR," but I think you may be talking about me. :) We do expect to make trade improvements, but to the best of my memory, I've never given a timeline, and I do not believe that anyone else has. Saying "shortly after release" would be rather silly, since so much can happen with release and there may be other things on which the team needs to focus. So I certainly hope I wasn't silly and didn't use those words.
The fact is, trade improvements are on the short list, and will be weighed, considered, and decided upon in the future. In fact, many of the decisions may have been made and they might be on the slate for implementation, I do not know for sure. I'm sorry that I do not know when the changes will come, but you can be sure that your ideas on the subject have been seen and shared with the design team, and I'm sure that the changes they implement will be great.
7/5/2006 - Dragon Festival goes out...with a whimper (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218441#post4218441)
That is exactly the fact. Rather than setting a "final hour" that would not work for everyone--given the global nature of the game, 24 timezones, work days, and so forth--we had a "finale day," and extended the special events for a full day of merriment.
Please see the list above. If we had offered all that for just one last hour, I'm sure there would be no argument it was a fine finale. We're sorry if someone felt that a full day was somehow less than a single hour. I considered it great fun to know that it was happening on and off all day long. More chances to see the Emperor, watch the fireworks, play with the Grasps, and get presents. :)
7/5/2006 - Dragon Festival goes out...with a whimper (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218523#post4218523)
There was no misinformation. I'm sorry that you misread or misinterpreted but there was no misinformation and therefore no requirement to "correct" it. If you could kindly show me precisely what wording you feel shows a "final hour event" I would be most grateful. Again, the finale was an all day event. There is nothing to dispute that in anything we published, even while we understand that the anticipation by some players was different than what we had planned and publicized in advance of the event.
Will do, and thanks for the feedback!
Thank you. For all of what you've said. :)
Again, yes, that was the intention: Extend the finale so that all could participate. If our messaging about that was unclear--and I honestly still don't see that it was -- but if it was unclear to a large number, then we'll do what we can to state it more clearly in the future. Frankly, I'm reading what we wrote and I think it's only a player's internal expectation that drove the confusion, rather than any sort of external misinformation. We want to have some "mystery" to the event, and don't like to say "At :00 this happens on every second hour, and at :11 this other thing starts, and then at :24 you'll experience that additional three things." We could provide chapter and verse, but that feels, to me, like looking at your Christmas gifts before the Big Day.
Perhaps saying "a final day" would be appropriate. And yet, I still believe we'd have people in the game at the end, saying "Where's the finale?" Maybe these are folks who attended our E34E or BWE events, and therefore expect that single finale as we shut down the servers for the events. However, that's not what we do now, with the game live.
I think it would be very helpful to receive your feedback (as constructively as possible, please): Would you prefer to have had the Kisu appearance and the other attendant finale features for the single hour only, to make staying awake or making a point to be there special? Or would you think we should have the finale all day, to allow more people to attend and increase your changes of participating in more than one, if you should choose to do so? Now, it is not an option to say "We wanted all that and a cookie on top, too!" :rolleyes: The discussion here is the finale as designed. It could be offered just once, or for a 24-hour period. On those two options, only, please: May I have your feedback?
[[Edit to add: There are some glitches with remaining NPCs and so forth. We will do a live build to clean up everything. And, yes! We will add the collector for the orbs, as well!]]
7/5/2006 - Dragon Festival goes out...with a whimper (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218542#post4218542)
Valid feedback. I found it incredibly difficult. Ok, ok, I confess, I died mightily more than a dozen times, and ended up going back to Dragon's Nest. :laugh:
7/5/2006 - Dragon Festival goes out...with a whimper (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218611#post4218611)
Now that is a fine suggestion! I will pass that along and if it's "do-able" in a programming sense--that is, does not require a new build to have him say that (which I doubt--I agree it would be most helpful. Thanks for a positive suggestion that I am sure would be beneficial to a lot of players!
Of course. Tesco Tea Cremes? (Gotta love the British biscuits.)Yes, I'm afraid he will. I hope not, but I think we had better prepare ourselves. :cry:
7/5/2006 - Official Dragon Festival Feedback & Suggestions Thread (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218695#post4218695)
Post your ideas here on the festival. There are many other threads that we have read and will continue to monitor, but for this thread, please offer constructive and forward-looking comments, perhaps along these lines:
Did you enjoy the games? Do you have suggestions for more? Which as your favourite?
Were you able to complete the Captain missions?
Did you enjoy the quests? How about the growing number? Was that clear to you, or were you confused that so many new ones were rolled out?
Would you prefer we have a single one-time-only finale? Or do you like the final day sort of ending?
Did you score a lot of loot from the present drops?
What did you like best? Least?Thanks for all your input!
7/5/2006 - Official Dragon Festival Feedback & Suggestions Thread (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218759#post4218759)
Totally agree! (We are working on this now; it was intended he would appear right away, you are correct.)
In a not-so-meaningless coincidence, please see this link (http://arena.net/jobs/webwriter.html). :)
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4218896#post4218896)
The fastest way to get an answer to a question such as this is to write to Support (Support Tab on www.guildwars.com) (http://www.guildwars.com%29). We're really careful about whom we ban--for botting or for any other reason--and we will help you with your questions.
Do be aware that if you have been botting, it would be best not to waste our time searching up the details, only to prove that yep, you've been botting. Please only write if you have not, ever, used a bot and if you are 100% positive that no one else associated with your account has done so. (I call that the "Evil Little Brother Syndrome.")
I will PM a couple of you to try to get a feel for the situation, but again, please don't waste time and effort (and, yes, money) having a search done that only confirms the ban. We want to help, and we will amend any error on our part if you will be considerate and not issue false protestations of injustice and mis-accusation. :wink:
Thanks.
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4219154#post4219154)
Hello,
We will not be doing a roll-back. Don't even worry about that. What we will do is carefully attend to anyone who sends us a ticket, via Support, asking us to investigate their account. We cannot respond to emails or PMs. All we can do is ask that you use the Support process, and our team is there waiting to get your tickets and do a check to see what's going on.
Now, as to worries that some of us didn't know what was going on, I assure you that is not the case. Support works with us closely on matters of this sort, and we, and they, were well of aware of what transpired today. In truth, we blocked well over 4,000 accounts today for the use of bots. However, I quickly add, yes, it appears that a few of those account may not have been involved in bot use at all, and we'll be able to clear that up quickly and easily with (all together now) a report to Support. We apologize for the inconvenience and any distress that this may have caused and we will act as quickly as possible to deal with these issues. We just unblocked 115 accounts, which when you look at percentages is a tiny percentage of the overall numbers. But, again, I hasten to add, if you were one of those 115, then you have every right to be asking "What the heck!?" (Unless, of course, you are a botter, in which case I'd suggest that you not protest too loudly, for that will become known and might pose a point of embarrassment. :wink: )
Again, we'll be handling--are handling--this very quickly. Thank you for your understanding.
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4219192#post4219192)
Thank you for asking. I'm sorry, but all we can do in the Community Department is write you back and ask you to use Support. You might as well do so, as mentioned in my post above. I apologize, but we do not have the capacity to conduct the investigation and reset on this end.
Thank you for wanting to help, but you cannot actually give a link like that, because if you look closely, it's customized for you alone. Therefore the best link we can give is this one: http://www.guildwars.com/support/ and then ask that the user click through to the proper language for his or her use.
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4219214#post4219214)
Well done, Guts!
(Ok, that reads oddly, but you follow my drift. :) )
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4219276#post4219276)
Well, your skepticism notwithstanding, you'll see that many already have been corrected, so I tend to trust this will be sorted out quickly.
We will be investigating and revamping our block parameters, that is assured. We need them to be effective at removing bots without being so punative we block the innocent. It will take some tweaking, and I'm sure we'll go forward conservatively with changes.
No, we would never undertake random bans to hope to find people doing wrong. That's 180 degrees opposite our philosophy, which is "catching people doing right (http://www.guildwars.com/community/thescribe/)." (Note, Random Acts of Kindness. :smiley: ) We really will hone the process to make sure that we don't catch a good someone in the sweeps for the bad someones.
7/5/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4219352#post4219352)
No, sorry, that's just a rumour. Untrue in every respect.
Please be aware, we are not taking it back "for no reason." We are closing accounts for abuse or breach of the user's end of the User Agreement, to which player's willingly agree when they buy the game.
No one who is a Guild Wars Administrator is in IRC unbanning people. Please be aware, the only thing going on in IRC is relaying people to Support. Please, contact Support. Thank you.
There IS NO support via any IRC channel. Period.
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Should Prophecies-Only Players Get New Storage Too? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4220044#post4220044)
Hi,
I've not responded to this for a bit, but maybe it's time I weighed in. Thoughts for you to consider:
I've been gaming for a long, long time. Can you say "early adventure games?" :) I was a loyal customer of titles that are legend, and titles that were not so well known. As new games are released, they often offered new features along with the new content. I never felt entitled to have my older games updated with the new technology, features, or content. (For example, I didn’t expect to get VGA support on KQ1, after it was offered in a later chapter. When I decided I wanted KQ1 with VGA support, I waited until the company offered it and then I bought the game again.)
I do appreciate that a massive online game is different in appreciable ways, and yet, I'm really quite surprised at the heat with some people are proclaiming their conviction that every time we make improvements, those improvements should be offered to everyone. I understand the issue of want; I guess I just don't grasp the issue of entitlement.
Because Guild Wars has a single game client for all chapters, players are going to get a lot of technology updates for free, even if they don't buy new chapters. For example, Factions included a new DirectX 9 graphics engine, which we rolled out for free to everyone. This graphics engine benefits players of Prophecies and Factions.
But sometimes we'll develop a new feature or a novel gameplay mechanic as part of a new campaign, and we will make that feature or mechanic part of the new campaign. So, if you don't buy the campaign, there are some technology and interface upgrades you're going to get for free anyway, but you will not get every single feature of the campaign for free.
The new materials storage vault is a feature intended for those who purchase Factions. There will be other such changes in the future, and yes, they may well be part of a particular campaign. Please understand that this isn’t a bad thing. Offering enticing features is a way to help us assure the success and longevity of Guild War. In other words, it is the way to make sure that the games succeed, so that you can continue playing what we want very much to continue making.
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4220064#post4220064)
Just a note. The account terminations took place in one wave, at approximately 12:30 PDT today. There are no new widescale bans going on, and no one's account is in danger of suddenly disappearing. It was either removed then or not. Unless, of course, you're flagged for an offensive name (see post above, any questions about why that name was blocked?) or are reported for harassment or other unacceptable behaviors. In order words, this isn't a bot machine running wild through the game. One wave, a relatively few mistakes, reinstatements, and it's over.
Our Support team is acting quickly to restore accounts. We will continue to monitor the game for bots, and we will, using newly-refined parameters, take action against bot-using players. I do not think that legitimate players need to worry about this whatsoever. But anyone who had his or her account restored today who is using a bot might consider that good fortune and "go forth and sin no more." :smiley:
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Should Prophecies-Only Players Get New Storage Too? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4220113#post4220113)
Where does it end? "You gave new professions to the next chapter, therefore you owe us that." I mean, a profession could be called a "feature," right? :wink:
I'm sorry that it appears that we've "gone back on our word," but in fact I do not believe that we have. Some features will be provided for free. And some will be part of the content of the new chapter. No matter when the storage increase rolls out, it's indisputably part of the content of Factions, as it was developed and will be offered during the period when Factions was the newest and most current game.
The storage expansion is not "basic content." Not by our definition, not by the definition of anyone who gives this due (and not entitlement-minded) thought. The new cars this year have new features. Auto manufacturers don't go back and retro-fit last year's car to have those features, not even the new cars left on the lot, unsold. The latest products has the latest gizmos and gadgets. No matter our technology, no matter that we, I suppose, could do so, the point is that we should not do so, for to do so is to disincent players from purchasing new games. "Why buy the cow, when milk is so cheap?" "Why buy the new campaigns, when they give me so much that is new without a single penny out of my pocket?" I've actually had people ask me, "Why do you charge for the games?" I'm dumbfounded! No monthly fee and no cost for the games? What is this, a bloomin' charity? :grin:
I look on our relationship -- developers and players -- as a partnership. And right now, I'm seeing too much "What about my needs?" :rolleyes: So let's turn that, and ask "What about the studio's needs?" The studio needs to exercise its right to make new features that help to inspire players to buy the latest campaign, who by so doing, support the development of future campaigns. Can it honestly be hoped that we'll spend time and resources to roll out endless lists of things for which there will be no charge and no connection with the purchase of the newest game? Some things will be free, as we've said. And even then, that is a cause for rejoicing, not the excuse to demand more.
Let's not quibble on who said what, or how you thought it was intended, or to what you felt it referred. Instead, understand the how's and the why's of what is, and realize that it's entirely right and proper for this to take place in exactly the way that it will.
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222183#post4222183)
No one was blocked for being AFK. We get a lot of requests to do that, but we have not untaken the AFK removal process, and I don't know that we ever will. And certainly if we did, it would not be in a carnival game during a special event! :shocked:
I'm sorry that we are unable to provide you the details of how accounts are spotted and blocked. But if you stop and think about it, we have people making, or attempting to make, a lot of money by installing bots and reaping unjust rewards from the game economy. Consider an analogy with a person who breaks the speed laws: Would a policeman give a map of every spot where a cop is waiting to hand out a speeding ticket? No, of course now! By the same token, if we were to say, "The parameters are X, Y, and Z," then people with a profit motive will do just under X, Y, and Z in order to avoid detection.
As previously mentioned, the parameters have been reviewed and adjusted. We cannot say that no humans will be blocked -- such certainty is divine, not human. :smiley: We can say that we have learned from the recent event, and that while it's possible a few bots will be missed in the future with the setting of a higher bar for blocking, it's also highly probable that fewer and fewer humans will be blocked. We'll aim for the best possible reduction of any accidental bans, aiming always for no impact whatever on any legitimate player. We will operate with as much haste as possible to reinstate those who may be, with our apologies in advance, blocked in error in the future. Again: The goal is zero error, and while in all honesty we cannot hope to achieve perfection, it will always be our goal!
Those inadvertently blocked have no mark against their names, and no stain upon their reputation, I assure you.
Know that blocking bans is not just important, it is essential. And we will continue to take steps to do so, conservatively, carefully, and with respect for every legitimate player. For it is precisely that legitimate player whom we have in mind when we undertake the process of bot removal, and it is in his or her interests that we act. If we did not care -- if we were willing simply to turn our backs -- we would spend less in blood, sweat, and tears, and in actual financial costs, as well. We will not turn our back on our legitimate players, and ask for your support in doing whatever we can to assure that the game remains viable for every single one of you.
7/6/2006 - How to report people? Seriously. Im desperate. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222196#post4222196)
Our contact information is presented in a table. There is a brief description on the left, and a contact point on the right. Perhaps you missed the email address to which you can send reports of offensive names?Here is that address, as shown on the contact page: ReportName@arena.net
Now, if you're reporting something other than names, please do not use that address, for as the instructions say, it is intended for..."Name Reports: Reports of Inappropriate character or guild names (Note, this is for names only; report behavior concerns to http://support.guildwars.com/)"
I am sorry, but I cannot see the problem with this. Could you please explain why you have troubles? Email address for name reports. Support URL for issues like in-game harassment, racist chat, scamming, etc.
As to AFK leechers, you may find that behavior unsportsmanlike or irritating -- many of us do -- but where is it a support issue? We are not taking action on AFKers at this time, and reporting to support will probably garner a response that confirms that fact. We may not even have the technology to pull records and see if someone idled in a mission or was active; I honestly don't know if we do. I do know that the AFK situation is something that we may be choose to address in the future, either by disciplining players who engage in it, or perhaps by changes in design. But it is not considered a Support issue at this time, and we request that you not submit tickets regarding this matter.
As long as I'm here, I should tell you that we've gotten a few questions lately about "What happens when I fill out a ticket?" I can promise you that every ticket is read (even though you do get an automated response at first) by a human, and is acted upon, when the report is confirmed by means available to us. For instance, we can track matters of harassment or offensive chat very easily. And while we can't write back and say "Hey, nailed the guy big time!" we do, indeed, nail that guy, or gal, big time, whenever the situation merits it! :smiley:
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222216#post4222216)
Well, I'm not PR, but I am trying very hard to respond to the concerns here, and in fact if you write the company, I'm going to be the one answering the email. :grin:
Let's work on this and work through this together. I'm happy to try to answer the questions, and while I know people might be frustrated, angry, or confused -- or all 3! -- I do think we can get beyond that to a better understanding of the good in this. And yes, there is good! 4,000 bots are gone, and the game economy is better for it. Accounts have been restored, and most are accepting of our repeated apologies. The parameters have been reviewed, and that means we'll be able to continue to remove bots, which is, again, a very good thing for the legitimate gamers.
By the way, no one is banned solely for observed behavior. I'm sorry that you're confused by the response from support, but that is what triggers an investigation, not what results in the banning! You are 100% right: A bot cannot be detected simply by visual observation!
So you see someone running through the portal time and again, and you think "Wow, I've seen that same character do the same thing for the last 15 minutes. That's a portal pop every 2.4 minutes, no variation." Then you pull records which show a whole lot of other things, and you look at that combined data and you make a determination, "No human would do A, B, C, and X, Y, Z." And only then is the account tagged as involved in the use of a bot.
If, when we're asked to reexamine the data, we find enough variances to see human behavior, we don't ban. Someone makes frequent runs with players, because he wants to "farm" an area? I highly doubt such a player would be blocked. He's acting like a human farmer, and about those, we have no concerns! But see above, and realize the difference between someone forming parties and farming an area and someone running a bot.
Between the two, there are many differences, and those differences will prevent the account block. Furhter, many would prompt an unblock in the regretable case where a human player is accidentally blocked.
I hope this info helps put your minds at ease, both about your own playing, but about the thoroughness and the care with which we are acting in this matter. (Thoroughness and care that, again, has been increased in the last 24 hours.)
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222229#post4222229)
This means you are not Betty Bot, who has been blocked 11 times for botting and keeps asking for a reinstatement. It does not mean you are "marked as a one-time offender" but that you have no record, and will therefore be reinstated without further ado, no harm, no foul! Again: No one -- account or character -- is being marked, tagged, or character-besmirched by this error.
7/6/2006 - (Merged) Getting banned for no apparent reason? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222237#post4222237)
Thanks for your kind words. I'm happy to answer questions and concerns, and because I really believe in bot hunting and bot bans, I want to be sure to reassure the legitimate players about what we're doing, and why. It's important that we zap the bots -- they damage the economy that you and I should be able to enjoy without their destructive impact.
7/7/2006 - Account security? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222849#post4222849)
I will be sure that this is seen, and that the emails are attended to, but please read the comments below:
Probably they did not, though. If you reported with the approximate time and date, and a character name of the offender, they would check it out, honestly. What might have happened is that you didn't provide the information, or you misspelled the name and they were pursuing more info. Someone spouting racist chat is going to be attended to, and post haste!
Yes, exactly! A lot of people who changed ISPs or set up a new email account were not able to confirm, and therefore the 7-day rule was put into place.
Again, thanks for the report and I'll ask someone to stop on by and give this a look-see.
7/7/2006 - Awesome GuildWards video (watch whole one) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222879#post4222879)
Best. Video. Ever. :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:
7/7/2006 - Awesome GuildWards video (watch whole one) (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4222896#post4222896)
Hey, if we could post that movie, believe me, we would. Unfortunately, it had copyright music in it, and that means we can't put it on our site. :sad: However, that doesn't stop me from casually mentioning it when I can. I'm a big fan of Jack McDaniels. :smiley:
As to fanart, you know, we've been thinking about that, and maybe it's time we do that!
7/8/2006 - can I upgrade to factions CE on my current account? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4224996#post4224996)
Hi,
At this time, there isn't a way to override an access key and retrieve the old one. I'm really sorry, but if you use the CE access key on an existing account, you will lose the old (SE) key entirely.
I think we may try to find a way to change that in the future, but for now, that is the way that it is. You'll find this confirmed in the game interface, as we do want people to know this so they can decide whether to use the key in that manner or not.
7/8/2006 - The Scribe, July 7, 2006 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4225003#post4225003)
Love it, Zingeri! You write very well! :thumbsup:
The Scribe and I were both impressed with your generosity. If you continued with that sort of kindness throughout the entire event -- and I suspect you did -- you are a great guy! :heart:
I liked that part, too. I don't see enough Elementalists, so it's encouraging that more people are playin.. I mean "more citizens are studying that profession." :wink:
7/8/2006 - The Scribe, July 7, 2006 (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4225062#post4225062)
I think it's alternatives and options, including the possibility of tandem Eles, yep. I can ask him/her/it to confirm, but that's how I read it.
7/8/2006 - How to report people? Seriously. Im desperate. (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4225802#post4225802)
I agree that many are likely bots. If that is so, perhaps careful parameters could be devised to remove those as well as those involved in other forms of botting. And please, no comments are necessary about taking care to remove only the bots; we're obviously very aware of that!
I have to dispute that bots in Elona's Reach or elsewhere do not harm the casual player. They do, and very much so! You think that botting, and excess gold in the economy is lowering prices? Have you never heard of inflation? If there is more gold in the economy than intended, then prices rise, not fall. If players were supposed to get X in one hour, and they get XX, then prices will rise because some people can afford XX for items instead of the X that the self-regulating economy is supposed to set as the price.
Please read an interesting article (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?t=408806)by Mike O'Brien on the subject of farming; I believe it explains things very well. Other games can, I'm sure, confirm the economy damage of bots, as they have numerous times in the past. While you may wish us to handle one form of botting, please understand that the other form is more significant and has a greater impact on the game as a whole. The best possible answer is to deal with both forms, and that is something that we will certainly examine for the possibility of doing.
7/8/2006 - (Merged) Should Prophecies-Only Players Get New Storage Too? (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4225869#post4225869)
Hi,
In all the dissent and heated arguments about this subject, and in the feelings of confusion about what is and isn't a basic feature, and what was and wasn't said, it occurred to me that definitions might help. (Sorry, I'm a dictionary junkie!) Please note the following:
Core:
The central or innermost part: the hard elastic core of a baseball; a rod with a hollow core.
The basic or most important part; the essence: a small core of dedicated supporters; the core of the problem. See Synonyms at substance.Extra:
More than or beyond what is usual, normal, expected, or necessary. See Synonyms at superfluous.
Better than ordinary; superior: extra fineness.
Subject to an additional charge: Coffee does not come with dinner but is extra.
Something more than is usual or necessary.Storage is core. You need storage and cannot function without some form of it, obviously. You have your backpack, your belt, and your bags. That could actually be called the "core" by definition. However, you have the option of a Xunlai Agent for more, for "extra" if you will. So it seems to me that options expanded beyond even that simply could not be perceived as "core" by any stretch of the imagination. We could argue about "need" until the cows come home, but that's far too personal and far too subjective to be a factor in all this.
You certainly can expect nice new features and exceptional content with each campaign. That's what you've come to expect with others games; it's definitely the norm with other games I've purchase. Just a couple of examples, of many: Asheron's Call did not offer me the Dark Majesty content or areas or whatevers for free; I bought them when I bought that box. When Diablo II was released (2000), it was 640 x 480 maximum resolution. When Lord of Destruction came out (2001), the max res was bumped to 800 x 600. Now, those who owned D2 didn't get that improvement automatically; you only got that improvement if you bought LoD.
So I am still just sort of confused by why some players are, in turn, confused or upset about this. If it's "They said...!" then please read above for actual definitions of what we're talking about. And as I said previously, we will continue to provide some feature improvements, such as the new graphics engine, to all chapters. In every sense of this, t