The New Interface (Please read this post before posting any reply)

I agree with you. That's reasonable; people who can't play flashy games like it quite simply shouldn't play them. My main problem comes in when people have bought the game and loved it, but now their experience is marred by this update. Consider the OP: He played it fine until the new UI; there were no issues (afaik) for him until then.

Flashy is fine when it doesn't get in the way of function. My computer does not use themes for WinXP, just the old win2k interface. I have it this way because the XP theme(s) irritate me and get in the way of what I want to do. If I ever get Vista I will not use Aero (the theme that is the only apparent feature of that OS). I don't use the interface to do things in windows and I try to get it out of my way when I do not use it. Same thing with GW: I'd rather not use some flashy UI because it is not helpful. I play the game, I use the interface. There is a difference.

I'm by no means trying to start a flame-war of any sort.

Let me repeat again, If you or anyone else has a physical disability (in this case, eye disorder) then you should NOT be playing Guild Wars or any other video game for that matter, as whatever is displayed on that monitor is basically a sequence of flashing lights. I used those rollercoaster analogies for a reason.

I didn't recommend you to go get your eyes checked assuming you already have an eye disorder, and by no means did I mean they can be magicaly fixed. You're pulling my words way out of context.

And I agree, if ANet truly cares about their playerbase, they would be making necessary changes to keep them.

Ya, that was the point I was trying to make. That is also why I request the OP to tell us what his physical disorder is, so we can better understand and help. Like I said in a my previous post, there is no doubt that there is something wrong with their current UI.

Ya, I for one could care less for flashiness, but hey, reality is that the current generation of "gamers" expect so much in terms of eye-candy.

Yes but silv3rr these same people were fine before the update. Sure, they shouldn't but they could before because it was ok.

Anet is stripping these people of their ability to play, merely because they want a 'flashy' interface. I do not want flashy. I want useful. An interface is not useful if 90% of my alliance is not on anymore / longer then they used to because it hurts them, gives them headaches, or downright makes them sick.

I myself have no physical problems with the current interface, but I have played with disabled people before, and it pains them that they can't play. Tell me, what gives Anet the right to prevent these people from playing? They have done NOTHING wrong.

Oh no my friend, it is Anet who has wronged them.

You don't seem to read everything I say in my posts -_- I'm NOT disagreeing with you. I said it's an undoubtly fault on Anet's part.

I know alienating is wrong but... if you have an "eye disorder" you should not be playing video games, simple as that.

Yes it sucks that these recent changes have made it so some people can't play the game anymore, and as I've said, Anet SHOULD MAKE changes so these people that played the game fine before, can continue playing.

EDIT: Also if some of your friends that had no problems before, but are experiencing problems now, they should get it checked out as it might be something serious.

Poison looks like crap, i can hardly see when someone is poisoned in my group, which sucks because i play rcprot alot

DEFINATELY!

I agree 100% no 500%. This new UI update sucks.

Reason 1: Blood looks so close to the actual red of the player.
Reason 2: I don't know if it is likewise for others, but I play a ranger and interupting has become much harder with the new colors. (blue is casting, purple is interupted or stopped, orange is completed correct me if I am wrong)
Reason 3: In observe mode, the blue of the blue teams health bars look so close to when they are dead, making it hard to see damage.
Reason 4: Colors can get irritation, especially the brightness of them.
Reason 5: Everyone just doesn't like it.

You should definately do something about this, I am grateful that you have found friends on this game and I hope that is becomes better for you so that you can keep playing, it is unfair that you can't play. Maybe we can play sometime .

I’d like to add among changing some of the Guild Wars settings that tinkering with the monitor settings user side might also aide in your problem. Click My ComputerChange a SettingDisplaySettings and adjust color quality and resolution to start. You can also Go Advanced from the Settings tab to further tweek.

Your videocard should also have a way to change its settings. Do you have something like Catalyst for ATI? This is more useful since you can change settings directly to the card, and usually save these changes somewhere to swap between your default and you “Guild Wars” setting.

Your monitor should also have its own UI to help you further tweek the display. This can be accessed from a dial behind a panel to a small pad found on the monitor itself. Adjust Contrast, Brightness and the Color Manager to start. An online search for your monitor or manufactured PC may give you insights on how to do this with the most efficiency.

I hope this information helps you Jenias_Perta_Ectara, though I know that what I’ve supplied is really a temporary solution to what may prove a permanent problem. On a personal note, I have no issues with color or the new UI except that it’s hard to distinguish dead players from leavers. It took some getting used to, but I’ve had no problems with it. That being said, its ugly.

@Anet and Gaile: I know you guys spent some time doing with this, but it gives people headaches and makes the game unplayable for others. And by “minority”, how do you know? I never got an email asking if I like this new UI. I wasn’t consulted, and I doubt you consulted anyone else in this thread/forum either. There are times when the people survey do not represent the majority of the people who purchase your stuff. I think you need to re-consider your stance on this issue.

Adding to the “minority” I /signed off on this. In a game based on player skill, we shouldn’t be fighting our UI. I don’t like it.

One last thing; I suggest to both sides of this argument, that you re-consider before attacking one another. Do not let this thread become a flame war; the topic is too serious if people are having a physical problem to go along with your casual in-game headaches. Take a step back before you respond in anger and try to remember that these people are not attacking you, they are attacking your stance on the issue (something they have every right to do in a free-speech forum). Lets try to be adults about this.

Guys, you have totally misread my post, and for any confusion or misunderstanding that I created, I do apologize. Please understand that I'm not "angry," and I'm certainly not being dismissive of genuine problems with the UI. What I have done is suggest things (tweaking settings, for instance) that might make it more comfortable for those players who say they are experiencing discomfort. Realistically, that is the first place to start.

I do not know that we can simply "offer an option" for the interface. There is coding and functionality on the backend that may not allow what you suggest. I'm not a programmer nor a UI designer; neither, I assume, are you. With that in mind, my reaction to "Give us a choice," or "Redo the design," has to be that, in truth, it may not be possible to do so. Let's look at another situation from years ago and you'll understand what I mean: Game X came out in EGA. The next chapter came out in VGA. Some small percentage of people found that VGA didn't work well for them, and they protested the change and asked the company to offer the game in the format with which they were familiar. However, the game had been designed using VGA, and a dropdown wasn't feasible. It could be that changes in the programming of Guild Wars make the former interface designs non-functional now, I do not know.

I'm going to suggest that it's likely that we're none of us doctors or lawyers here, so assumptions about medical conditions, risk of exascerbation to same, or lawsuits because of alleged "accessibility issues" are way, way over the top.

Real problems should be addressed, I totally agree. Comments about preference, and suggestions for improvements to functionality will definitely be heard. This is a beta period, after all, and your feedback is very welcome!

Well, you are PR, you do take the heat. I would like to hear what a developer or someone with the tech knowledge's stand point on this IS as the graphics and stuff for the old interfaces do seem to be retained within the client executable file, and as all of the interface "changes" dont add anything themselves nor change the functionality of any of its parts they just change the looks, it seems it would be easily possible to change them from within the engine itself, and make this client side (relieving stress from the server, obviously).

I think if it is possible, it should be done, as the burden of fixing such a little thing can help a LOT of people and keep your fanbase.

(Plus, I just want to play the old C1 interface. )

EDIT: Also, do forgive me for saying your post was inhuman..but it did not seem like you wrote it :S

EDIT 2: Also, I am not "doubting" your knowledge on the subject, but if you want stuff on the engine you go to a developer, just like if you want info on the music you ask the composser!

EDIT 3: Assumptions are evil! :P

EDIT 4: "Real problems should be addressed" The problem is dictating what is a "real" problem and what is not. Even if you can't switch UI's a simple color changer would be MOST appreciated and could also fix these peoples problems. Plus it would be a snap to implement.

I agree that the OP should have the option to simply choose between old and new interfaces. Even if only she had this issue and no one else in the world had this issue, she deserves her choice. It is that important.

Having programmed in my time, I know that having the interface switch is a 'moments' coding effort, and any decent coder can do in short order.

I agree that the world of GW needs to be open to whatever it can be. Nothing is lost by saying yes, but everything is lost by saying no.

Causes my eyes to strain as well and I have no "eye disorders". This ends up in a mild persistent headache. Hoping it will be adjusted.

As we live in the world today, planning our futures, or finally living them, getting connected to something you like is always good. Disabilaties, birth problems, ect. are things we have to live, dont have much of a choice really... Those who are unlucky, as i am only one man, i will tell you this. You are damn strong to get by no matter what technique you use, people dont realize... how painfull words can be, how hurtfull stupid things can be. You have to live through that and take it lightly, as you are the superior one. When i downloaded the update, i went into RA, started playing. The new interface was tedious, the shades were annoying... but we cant complain. Anet is doing their best to make us the best game they possibly can, maybe not looking throughout details and outcomes, but do you really think they are trying to harm you? I hope not, despite all the problems we have anet is working to make us want to play more and more, and im sure if that is their goal a custom interface is coming sooner then you think.

those were my two cents /signed

Umm...what?

Blood looks pink on my screen? Are your color settings correct?

I play a ranger too, and you will adapt. Its not hard to grasp.

Bluish Green = Casting
Purple = Interrupted
GOLD = Cast Successful

Most likely because its transparent. They could make it a bit opaque. But its not that hard to see. Check your color settings.

That's a matter of opinion. BUT if your color settings are wrong then I can believe that.

Speak for yourself.

As we live in the world today, planning our futures, or finally living them, getting connected to something you like is always good. Disabilaties, birth problems, ect. are things we have to live, dont have much of a choice really... Those who are unlucky, as i am only one man, i will tell you this. You are damn strong to get by no matter what technique you use, people dont realize... how painfull words can be, how hurtfull stupid thinks can be. You have to live through that and take it lightly, as you are the superior one. When i downloaded the update, i went into RA, started playing. The new interface was tedious, the shades were annoying... but we cant complain. Anet is doing their best to make us the best game they possibly can, maybe not looking throughout details and outcomes, but do you really think they are trying to harm you? I hope not, despite all the problems we have anet is working to make us want to play more and more, and im sure if that is their goal a custom interface is coming sooner then you think.

those were my two cents /signed

Gaile Gray said:
Some changes may be coming to the interface in the future, for design reasons, for functionality reasons, or for reasons of adding new features or options. But I don't foresee us reversing several months' worth of work to revert to an older interface, nor do I see us investing considerable time to develop a whole new design which may be met with as many subjective concerns as was this one.


^^^ sorry i just found this funny. Subjective concerns as was this one, hmmm
people learn from mistakes don't they???????

But I don't foresee us reversing several months' worth of work to revert to an older interface. Changing the colors to be a less irritating takes how many months?


I know the saying.... dont mess with admins, but come on, how fair is this?????

That is really valuable feedback and it seems that could be adjusted. Thanks.

I do not read that most people are asking simply for colours changes. Would that truly solve issues like placement, functionality, spell casting windows, fonts, and the design of key elements? Feedback is welcome, and if colour issues are key, sure, that's really good to know! But I sensed there were many different requests for change beyond that. Perhaps I'm mistaken, though.

Colour me confused: What blood? There is no blood in Guild Wars, so to what does this refer? (Thanks for the explanation, I'm really confused.)Can that be true? I don't think so. Please note the Options window and you'll understand: The functionality (i.e. programming) is totally redesigned. Check changes to the Guild menu and others, as well. In order to offer C1 or C2 interfaces, it seems to me that we'd have to reverse the engineering in order to remove the improvements such as the "tab" feature in the Options menu and roll it back to the old usability. Either that, or we'd need to do something even less feasible: Take a programmer off his/her tasks to implement the old designs, or take an artist of his/her tasks to artify the old programming. It's seems to me that the interface changes are far more extensive than a new skin, and a drop-down choice isn't likely to be possible. (And certainly I intend to ask the devs who worked on that, but on a Saturday night, it's not something I'm able to do. )

So just to say it again: Feedback and suggestions are welcome!

The color that the Health Bar changes to when the Bleeding condition is inflicted. (That was my guess anyway)

The user is also non-colorblind friendly. My brother is colorblind and he can't tell the difference between when someone leaves or is dead because it's more transperant. That was a dumb interface change that needs to be fixed.

I've read this whole thread, and as someone who has done a fair amount of programming, I can understand that it's likely not just as simple as putting old artwork in place and a toggle between different interfaces. Much has probably changed along the way, making ANET (at the very least) need to bring the older interface into line with the new one, as far as functionality (even if you don't see a difference, there could be many differences in the code and approach used).

It seems to me the best option would be to have even more customization. Allow people to color any parts of the interface to their own liking. Yes, this would also be alot of work, but I think would go a long with way many people, not just those who are disabled. Customization is something that almost anyone can enjoy. Wouldn't you like to be able to choose your own colors for certain things? The more the interface is customizable, the more everyone would be happy. Those that love it in it's standard form could just keep it that way. But those who want to change a color here or there, or a background color of a window, or a font used in a window, they would have the ability to make it the way THEY want it.

I can imagine that a colorblind person could then sit down, and figure out for himself what colors work best against which backgrounds, etc, etc, to get what works for THEM. It may look totaly bizarre to someone who is not colorblind or disabled even. But it would work for them.

I would implore ANET to consider this suggestion for future versions of the game. Most customization would solve the problem, and make alot of people very happy.

The above poster pretty much hit spot on what I was trying to get across. If letting us pick the old interfaces is not possible, let us at least customize ours with our own colors/effects. (this seems highly plausible as the current interface is already easy to customize just not on a grand level) This would fix nearly every compatible issue with people with problems beyond their own control.

Do it? Well, people lose some time but you might snag more potential customers.
Don't do it? You save time, but people might eventually get driven away by the current interface. (I've stared at it for 10 hours, and I am still not used to it / liking it. *_*)

I just played this game for a little over an hour non-stop with video settings at Highest Quality and i'm hurting. I usually keep them set to Fastest because that video set gives me the least lag issues in-game over time. But not always.

I've never gotten a headache from an hour of play for any video setting with this game.

Thats not all most people are asking for but this might solve some of it. EX: the old red and blue just used "red" and "blue". With these new shades you're not using just 1 or three colors; you're using 5 or ten or however many you need to change the bar from light to bright as it fills.

I think that may be the OPs problem. Normal eyes see these different colors and process them into just one. even processing it though, its a strain to see all these different colors, and some people--many people--get headaches because their eyes start working overtime.

On the OP; her eyes see these new color schemes and see them ALL. seperately. Think getting really close to the screen so you can see each pixel and i think you understand the problem.

Changing these color schemes back to a simplier 1-3 color scheme means she's only going to see 1, maybe two colors in text, fill bars, etc. the eyes don't have to work as hard to filter and the pain--and problem--may go away.

If i'm wrong, please correct me.

EDIT: to those with the headaches and the OP too: try adjusting quality down; so your display is using the fewest colors possible for the game to run. Compared to what you're used to, it's goanna look nasty, but it might not hurt the eyes as much.

a good idea would be to stick to SIMPLE COLORS... blue was fine for the hero tab, that NEO purple is SICK..its.. so bad... along with exp bar, i thought it was finally Done with werid edits, no more white line and dots with green, it was dark solid green (that was good and easy to read the numbers) then now its this neo green ...wtf damn it..

yes a BIG issue i realised is, people who d/c or leave game are hard to notice along with dead party memebers.. its WAY too close colored, the brighter gray/silver it was was GOOD... whoever did the interface just screwed up, no big deal just do it better this time.

A few problems here...

I don't know if it was intended, but the comments Gaile made about Things on a Priority List ("I know that we have many objectives for future development that would put the design of this sort of "extra" less high on the list") was in the same post that she made a comment about months work on this UI ("But I don't foresee us reversing several months' worth of work to revert to an older interface"). EDIT: To Clarify..This implies that A) Anet has a real list of problems and things they work out apparently in order of how urgent or needed the fix is, and B) that apparently since "Several Months" were spent on it, something was trival as changing the colors on the UI topped this said list...

Its weird because Things that could in reality be problems, like physical discomfort from the shading used ingame appears to be at the bottom of their list of worries while "Several Months" work went into overall unneeded Color changes and Shading on the UI....I won't even mention the ACTUAL bugs in the game that aren't being addressed because they apparently aren't as high on Anet's Priority List as Making the Faction bars a pretty shade of Purple..

I think that was poor wording on the Relations part...

The problem with how some people are viewing this, in my opinion, is that this ISN'T a disability. Now, I know that that isn't entirely true, I'm just introducing the point as I try to be more specific. Anyone will eventually have a burning sensation in their eyes and/or a headache after playing a video game for a long period of time. This doesn't happen with television simply because when you watch television, you don't stare intently at the screen as you try to kill something. Games require more concentration, and tend to result in hours of staring at the same moving images. Now, granted, most people won't experience anything noticable (or even harmful at all) unless they spend a LONG time at this, such as 6 or 7 or more hours. But it will happen eventually. And fo a lot it happens more quickly.

Some people do indeed have photosensitivity, and this will obviously affect them in a more obvious way, and develop much faster. But the point is, that even people who have no medical conditions at all can start to have a headache after a few hours. A lot of people just have sensitive eyes, it doesn't mean they are disabled. Brighter colors just increase that risk, and even someone who has never had any problems before can start to feel it after only a couple of hours.

My point is, this isn't just to cater to disabled people, or those with medical conditions. This is going to affect a great deal of people. Granted, for most it will be nothing more than a minor nuisance, easily fixed by taking a short break. But it is still going to affect many people. This isn't just the 3-5% of people who have photosensitive epilepsy (as stated in another post, I haven't checked that myself), as anyone who had that would or should have stopped playing long ago, seeing as that is a very major problem. But just plain regular photosensitivity is a MUCH more common factor.

I'm not going against anybody here. I'm sure Anet will do something to address this now. I don't know what, or if it'll work, but it's good enough for me that it's being considered, and I hope they at least change the colors, as that seems to be the main problem (I play and interrupt ranger, I know the new skill cast bar is hard to interrupt, but it's not as important to me as the fact that people are going to have to quit due to an innocent update). I'm simply saying all this to try to get across that this isn't as small a problem as some people have been stating.

We should get the option to choose which interface either the old or the new, the new one is ugly if i wanted to see so many bright colors i would use the old interface while taking LSD. The new interface is hard on the eye's too look at for long periods of time and what was wrong with the old one that one looked great.

We need some sort of change here. I don't think I'll be playing again until it's fixed. (If it does get fixed that is)

You know what? I bet no one would have said a thing about the interface if GW had started out with it in the first place. I'd say most of you complaining about it have no real issues with it but just like complaining.

The only person who has any right to complain is the OP....

I want make one thing clear.

Fix it or WoW more likely get me when chapter 3 comes out. Now this is because new interface is ugly and I don't like those new color choises.

If a computer game is causing this issue, whether or not it's a new game or a game with a revised interface, GO SEE A DOCTOR. The light from a computer monitor is not typically bright enough to hurt your eyes unless you have a pre-existing problem. Whether or not you know about the problem is irrelevant. I'm not a doctor, nor do I have any form of medical training outside of a bit of college level biology. Check your diet and talk to your doctor, odds are, you (like many gamers) could stand to seriously improve your diet among other things. Think of the pain as a warning sign that your body is trying say "Uhm, dude, I think we've got a problem here". The game just caused lights shining on the sign to turn on so it's a little more noticable. So once again, allow me to stress this, GO SEE A DOCTOR IF THE PICTURES ON THE SCREEN CAUSE YOU PAIN

We must have some of the files from the older interfaces on our PC if not all of them so why not allow people a choice to which one they would like to use, I doubt this would affect game play.

Have fun paying monthly fees.

The new UI doesn't bother me.

Seriously, if the changes make your head hurt go see a doctor - you need to get checked out, or maybe stop playing games 24/7 and go outside.

Adjust the colors/brightness/contrast on your monitor and quit whining.

If you can't tell when someone dies/leaves/out of range then you need to get a new video card/monitor because I can distingish all of those just fine. Poison is obvious too.

If you are colorblind you have no excuse, you bought the game knowing you would have problems - nobody takes the colorblind into consideration when they make games, they create games to look the best they can for people with normal vision. Sorry for your condition, blame God, not Anet.

There IS a problem with the UI on a physical level. I.E, at the very least it gives people eyestrain headaches with Higher Quality video settings. i'm not describing excessive play either, but just 1 hour of runtime.

Thats not a good thing. Eye strain headaches are a warning sign of something that can lead to permanent problems with prolonged exposure. It's not healthy to keep it like this and impractical to ask all players to revert only to using minimal quality settings in order to play this game for a length of time; so this problem does need to be addressed.

I'm just saying that there are a bunch of people complaining who dont have a legitimate complaint. I have no doubt that some people are affected physically, but most are just complaining because they dont like the aesthetics of the GUI.

I'm all for customization of the GUI though despite hearing all the needless complaints.

I haven't read this whole thread, just been jumping to random pages. I'm so glad that someone else already wrote that so I don't have to. I don't know how difficult it is to include custom interfaces but I know that the game Gunbound has the option to choose your interface so it is possible.

i actually like the rainbow multi-color skill warm up bar they made, i like colors
the purple bars when you press H... remove them Anet please!
don't like how the outlines look, makes everything look "sharp" especially the arrows on the health and energy bars. an option to revert back to a classic user interface of guildwars would be a nice addition. and if you can customize how they look too that would be awesome. i'd go with the classic guildwars UI + the multi-colored skill warmup =)

Thank you Jen~ for posting this here.

It would be so wonderful if this problem with the colours & shades will get some attention on the developer side.

Possibility to change colours/shadings of one's interface is extremely important to prevent these kind of problems & to give the player-base a chance to build an UI that fits perfectly to everyone's own style.

I really hope that you Jen, & everyone here who shares similar experiences, will have a chance to enjoy this game again without any problems.
______
jackie

OK 4 things:

1. The new interface is more tiring for my eyes, my eyes get watery and itches more often. Chanage it or add the classic interface button which was suggested by many people.

2. Also, eventho I'm a Ranger/Necromancer, I am NOT a touch ranger. I play a barrager/interupter 99.9% of the time, I picked necromancer just for the animate flesh golem spell, because I don't like training pets. Since I'm a interupter, it's hard for me to tell if the skill is interupted because the warmup bar no longer flashes.

3. Seriously, those colours look like 70s tie dyes, and they are ugly. (or add the F11 button for classic interface which was suggested by many people)

4. Jenia, I wish you luck and PLEASE do NOT quit Guild Wars because of a lousy interface change, I'm sure they will fix it. And I hope to see you in game!!!!

I have the same problem. I'm colorblind and I can't for the life of me discern between a dead player and one that left the game. I can fix it by going with extreme gamma settings but that makes the rest of the game utterly unactractive. Trying the new professions at the Random Arenas, I kept finding myself attempting to use my Resurrection Signet on people who left after they died.

And I thought I was alone with this...this new interface is just too flashy. For some reason, my friend likes it because he thinks its "sharp."

actually names in my party kinda irritates my eyes
bright red and the name is bright white hurts me eyes.
i'm game for some ui options atleast