Skill Unlocks in the Guild Wars Store! - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Nexus Icon

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2005

Natis Ignigena

Me/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:16 - 41

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR-

Hi, welcome to Guild Wars, where you don't pay a monthly fee!

IT IS NOT A MANDATORY PURCHASE.

Hi, welcome to Guild Wars, a game that was sold to the public under a few key premises:

That there would be no grind.
That PvP would be open to all and everybody would be on an equal footing, no matter how much time or money they'd spent playing the game.
That the game would always favour the player's actual skill over time spent playing the game.

ANet have started to show their true colours, and they're nothing more than profiteering MMO scum with a different method of extorting cash from their faithful players.

Carinae

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2005

Inside

Fifteen Over Fifty [Rare]

31 Aug 2006 at 21:16 - 42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaucE

No, it only unlocks them for PvP. You still have to cap them for your PvE characters and buy them for your PvE.

Excellent!

WTS: Signets of Capture (2k firm) Trader sold-out! Only 8 left!

lyra_song

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Oct 2005

R/Mo

31 Aug 2006 at 21:17 - 43

While im happy for this. The timing is obviously set for the PvP weekend.

Not very subtle Anet...

Yes, where's our UAX?

overclocked

Academy Page

Join Date: Jun 2006

31 Aug 2006 at 21:19 - 44

Who else is waiting for all the pve noobs to start crying about how anet favors pvp, pve never gets anything, and that they will soon quit guildwars?

Alfrond

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jun 2006

The United States

Boston Guild [BG]

Mo/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:20 - 45

I don't think you understood me exactly JR. I made a point of avoiding saying that this new policy would give people an advantage in pvp. I said time advantage. Imagine that there are two new GW players. They both want to pvp so obviously they want to unlock many skills. One chooses the traditional methods of unlocking skills (quests/gold/faction). The other chooses to purchase the unlock packs. Obviously, it takes less time for the latter person. Thats all I meant. One can interpret that as good or bad but it is the truth. Personally though, I do find it a little worrisome that one can now save time in GW by using your wallet.

Also, I mentioned premades in my post. Take another look! That argument in favor of skill unlocks belongs to me

Yunas Ele

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2006

E/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:20 - 46

Hmmm.... While I guess this is good for newer players, it seems ridiculously expensive. Its basically like buying another copy of prophecies just to get into PvP side of the game. Personally though, I enjoy unlucking stuff with faction and I wish I wasn't UAXed so I'd have more to unlock

,but I guess not everyone is like me.

To the people posting that this is gonna ruin the balance in pvp, etc etc... its not. ANets stuck true to their word that buying stuff won't make your character unbalanced or overpowered or whatever.

But looking at these ridiculously expensive prices, I wouldn't be suprised if ANet givens in soon and sells out and starts making things like Rune of Omega Vigor. +150 HP. Only unlockable by paying $14.99. Or something like you pay $29.99 and now all your PvP characters can get 300 attribute points instead of 200. But ANet hasn't done that yet and I'm just speculating what might happen if ANet wants more and more money.

Dougal Kronik

Forge Runner

Join Date: Aug 2005

Ontario, Canada

Glengarry Fencibles

R/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:22 - 47

Will this unlock the Prophecies skills for owners of Factions who do not own Prophecies?

Maybe this is the answer that some strictly PvP players have asked for.

They will probably have a Factions skill purchase coming soon.

Ole Man Bourbon

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2005

Atlanta

GONG

W/E

31 Aug 2006 at 21:22 - 48

Greed is good.
-Gordon Gecko

JR

Re:tired

Join Date: Nov 2005

W/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:23 - 49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus Icon

That there would be no grind.

...and surely this is a step in the right direction away from grind?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus Icon

That PvP would be open to all and everybody would be on an equal footing, no matter how much time or money they'd spent playing the game.

It is open to everyone, and everyone has the same 'footing'. Infact if you use premades then you are instantly about 20 steps ahead of the average RA player. Guess what, they are free!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus Icon

That the game would always favour the player's actual skill over time spent playing the game.

...and you apparently favor time spent playing the game, and grinding for skills?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus Icon

ANet have started to show their true colours, and they're nothing more than profiteering MMO scum with a different method of extorting cash from their faithful players.

If you keep buying the expansions, clearly they are doing something right. Be less of a spoilt brat, please.

Sekkira

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canberra, AU

31 Aug 2006 at 21:23 - 50

Or maybe because of Nightfall on the Horizon and with 1000+ skills, just try and unlock all that in a reasonable amount of time. This is definately for the new influx of PvPers coming in so they don't have to start right at the bottom and jump into things to learn the ropes of PvP immediately. This secures the future of a competetive environment in PvP.

kriuq

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

Me/N

31 Aug 2006 at 21:23 - 51

I've said this once and I'll say as many times as necissary:
I think theres something seriously wrong with you if you believe you "deserve" something you "worked for" in a game who's motto is Skill Over Time Played. Please, for god's sake, go back to WoW.

Ghull Ka

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

Seattle, WA

Grenths Helpdesk

N/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:25 - 52

ANet is preparing for the additional price slide that will occur when Chapter Three is released. Stores will probably drop Prophecies to $19.99 or even $9.99 soon. To run any build in PvP, people need Prophecies, so ANet makes the skills available in the store for more than the retailers will sell the box for, and continues to make a good profit on an old game.

Anet wins because they're still getting decent income on old product.
New PvP customers win because they don't have to buy and play through the old product to get these unlocks.
Forum trolls like me win becuase this stuff makes GREAT reading at work.

Two thumbs up.

kriuq

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

Me/N

31 Aug 2006 at 21:27 - 53

Quote:

Originally Posted by UBS

This is absolutly pathetic. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO EARN SKILLS. Not buy them.
What the hell are Anet thinking. They are wanting to sell skills for money, yet the game is unplayable because of err7s and lag.
GG Anet.

I cried in real life when I read this. Go back to WoW.
There is something seriously wrong with you if you believe you "deserve" something you "worked for" in a game who's motto is skill over time spent.

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

31 Aug 2006 at 21:27 - 54

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR-

I don't think anyone ever even implied that you could somehow buy "skill". However it is true that in order to be a fully competitive player you need a decent amount of unlocks.
.

this is what i was refering to

Quote:

Now PvP matches will be determined by who's got enough cash to buy their skills, rather than who's more skilled.

might be interpreted either way i guess

Ole Man Bourbon

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2005

Atlanta

GONG

W/E

31 Aug 2006 at 21:27 - 55

Greed is good.
-Gordon Gecko

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:28 - 56

Well, after thinking about this a bit, I think it is a good thing for everyone.

A). It allows new players willing to pay the price to get right into pvp fun etc.

B). It will gross Arenanet a large profit margin without initial expense (no packaging, all digital) Consequently, that higher profit, should, in some part, make it into development of future upgrades and advertising. This will help counter Blizzard and its pearl, WoW. So cudos to ANET for a good business idea to increase profit margins.

C). It will not only allow new players to unlock skill quickly, but veteran players to unlock skills as well, because new builds come up all the time, especially in PvP guilds, and guildies need you to be able to switch builds on the go. So if you unlock all prophecies skills, Bang, you can adapt quickly.

The downside to this is>

Veteran players have worked VERY HARD to unlock a lot of skills on their accounts, and now players don't need to do any work to do the same, just pull out the old credit card, and yell, "I'm using Charge!"

tomcruisejr

Banned

Join Date: Apr 2005

31 Aug 2006 at 21:28 - 57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekish

Can't wait for the PvP-ready PvE characters - only $59.99

over-reaction ftl.

again, this is an option for new players who want to jump immediately to pvp. fighting new players with "empty skillbars" is like punching a baby. no challenge. easy win for you.

and for the old players who whined for UAS and now who are still whining coz the price is too high and will still whine if price is adjusted coz "UAS should be free". "Play the game, unlock skills".

Dead Panda

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2005

N/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:30 - 58

It was like only yesterday when people where complaining about the skill grind.

Horaay for irony? =O

Nexus Icon

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2005

Natis Ignigena

Me/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:30 - 59

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR-

Be less of a spoilt brat, please.

No need for personal insults JR, it just lowers the tone.
And again, you're wrong.
I'm primarily a PvE player, but I've always thought that for the purposes of PvP, UAX should have been available from the start for no cost whatsoever.
Timesinks have their place in PvE where you need to have something that will occupy the PvE player's time, but in a fair competetive game, all players should have access to all of the same tools, otherwise your game is inherently unbalanced.
It's like playing Quake 3 only to discover that you can't pick up the rocket launcher because you haven't played long enough or paid enough money...

Thom Bangalter

Grindin'

Join Date: Dec 2005

MO

E/Mo

31 Aug 2006 at 21:32 - 60

On one hand, I was a little upset that my balthazar faction I had gained is basically irrelevant; i can just buy the skills for 40 bucks. on the other hand, it will be fun in various areas of the game to annihilate those that think they're awesome for paying 40 bucks for uax.

Vindexus

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2005

www.talkingtonoobs.com

Final Dynasty

31 Aug 2006 at 21:34 - 61

How absurd does the following sound:

"This is gay, I beat cancer without any medicine, then these scientists come in and start selling a cure for cancer. This means that all the people that beat cancer without the cure are out of luck and all these new cancer patients get an easy way out."

Same stupid, different scale.

Finix

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2005

Crimson Reconcilement [CR]

R/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:36 - 62

Congratulations, you just purchased all the prophecies skills. Guess what? You still dont know how to use them right. Skill over time played as others have stated before.

Ole Man Bourbon

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2005

Atlanta

GONG

W/E

31 Aug 2006 at 21:36 - 63

It's true that with 3 expansions, asking someone to unlock all the skills manually is a little cruel and unusual. Then again, charging 40 bucks for it is a lot as well. Surprised they simply didn't facilitate the unlocking of Proph skills for PvP, even just unlocking them all for free in one go (which might make people more likely to buy the 3 games).

kriuq

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

Me/N

31 Aug 2006 at 21:37 - 64

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

Veteran players have worked VERY HARD to unlock a lot of skills on their accounts, and now players don't need to do any work to do the same, just pull out the old credit card, and yell, "I'm using Charge!"

They didn't do any work. They played Guild Wars. They "deserve" nothing.

Tekish

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Nov 2005

31 Aug 2006 at 21:40 - 65

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomcruisejr

over-reaction ftl.

I doubt it. If you think the Guild Wars Store is going to be limited to just downloadable games and PvP skill unlocks, then you may need a reality check. I will guarantee you that we will see PvE items of sorts in there one way or the other.

I mean, haven't you heard? Online virtual goods are the new cash cow. Just look at Xbox Live Marketplace, where you can buy Elder Scrolls horse armor for $10. The fact of the matter is, idiots spend money on this stuff, so companies will offer it. And while it essentially goes against Anet's current credo, dollar signs often alter a company's perspective, even when it comes to there own policies.

Give it a few months. If I'm still around, I'll be here to tell you "I told you so."

Horseman Of War

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2006

The Cult of Doom

P/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:41 - 66

Quote:

Originally Posted by sykoone

I think it's a terrible idea. Now all the people who unlocked these skills the hard way are just out of luck. Either work to get the skills unlocked properly, or break out the credit card. Not fair, not right. Now PvP matches will be determined by who's got enough cash to buy their skills, rather than who's more skilled.

youre totally wrong.

just because you have skills doesnt mean at all that you know how to use them.

Personally, I find this to be totally pointless. Anyone who runs PvE characters really doesnt need this... but for a *true* hardcore pvp player (they dont pve!) I guess this might make them happy.

1. its not like unlock all the weapons and runes.

2. you dont have to buy it - its more fun to work for it IMO

3. you dont have to buy prophecies to use its skills (eleviates the people who dont want to buy a 50 dollar game just for skills)

I dont forsee many people actually using this (unless they get some kind of sick gratification from using a credit card), although Im sure there is a small minority of players who will jump on this with perfectly justified reasons...

Like i said, its mostly useless for people like me who use one pve character per profession. Hell, its useless in general- but one man's trash is another's treasure so I obviously wont say my personal opinion is the only one thats right here.

gandalfill0

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Aug 2006

Guadalajara-Spain

Mo/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:41 - 67

I think its a really nice idea for the factions and nightfall ONLY players who wants to only Pvp and doesnt want to buy the prophecies campaign at the full price only for the skills (Because they dont even care about the pvE bit).This is not designed for the prophecies guys too lazy to capture the skills by themselves...(Though i think its a bit overpriced, maybe 20 eur for every skill...)

Actually, if the work out a Similar pack for factions, it is possible that i skip the chapter and buy them..... (Have not decided yet, im afraid the PvE part of cantha doesnt worth the price).

And above all..... This posibilities (As the slot ones) doesnt affect anyone in the game, if you want to capture it the traditional way. Do it.

You are facing it the wrong way. This doesnt give anyone advantage. You have to see it as a "PvP only version" of prophecies. And the best part, its the possibility to purchase only one character skills, it would be lame to put all in the same "All-or-nothing" pack

.

The only thing that would make me hate the store thing its the "Extra thing only avalaible if you play extra XX €".... It reminds me of some massive-php-games.... "Upgrade now to GW gold version"....

Two or three thumbs up.....

Alfrond

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jun 2006

The United States

Boston Guild [BG]

Mo/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:43 - 68

Quote:

Originally Posted by kriuq

I cried in real life when I read this. Go back to WoW.
There is something seriously wrong with you if you believe you "deserve" something you "worked for" in a game who's motto is skill over time spent.

Actually, this new policy seems to say "personal wealth over time spent" since it takes very little skill to whip out your credit card

Phrozenflame

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

31 Aug 2006 at 21:43 - 69

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyper

my nomination for most ignorant post of the year.

I agree.

Anyway, I just have ~350k balth faction, that means no UAX, yet im not spending a single penny, I feel myself competitive and skilled enough to earn any skill or any unlock i need within very less amount of time and i.e. without iway noobing.

This is a great option for Anet to earn some money and for ppl who cant spend enough time to buy the skills. And for those who've earned the skills the normal way, I'd respectthem more than those who got theirs via anet.

Period.

coldplay

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2005

NYC

Daoine Sidhe

31 Aug 2006 at 21:47 - 70

I think this is crazy. A-net sure got greedy. next thing would be sell are titles, fullset of fow armors, 15k armors, etc.

UBS

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2006

Earth

Mo/Me

31 Aug 2006 at 21:47 - 71

Hmm, just a note, i've never played WoW. Lmao.
So lets roll over the can on this one shall we kriug.
Skill over time spent.
Takes alot of time and skill to open up the store and buy a skill pack.

Yunas Ele

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2006

E/

31 Aug 2006 at 21:49 - 72

Hmm, just something that came to mind. Selling PvP unlocks isn't ruining balance, since unlocking skills was just a grind anyways. So all is good and dandy, right?

But heres what came to mind. Whats stopping ANet from selling Fame (100 fame for $9.99 anyone?), Glad pts and champ pts? Those are all represntation of your PvP grind, just like faction. Might as well sell those too, ya?

What about that nice set of FoW you just bought yourself? Represents grind. That sweet crystaline you finally saved up for? Represents grind.

Considering the ridiculous price of these unlocks, I wouldn't be suprised if ANet starts selling these things. And hey, their still sticking to their policy because the game would still be balanced.

Digital Bath

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2005

Lords of Blood

W/Mo

31 Aug 2006 at 21:50 - 73

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekish

I doubt it. If you think the Guild Wars Store is going to be limited to just downloadable games and PvP skill unlocks, then you may need a reality check. I will guarantee you that we will see PvE items of sorts in there one way or the other.

I mean, haven't you heard? Online virtual goods are the new cash cow. Just look at Xbox Live Marketplace, where you can buy Elder Scrolls horse armor for $10. The fact of the matter is, idiots spend money on this stuff, so companies will offer it. And while it essentially goes against Anet's current credo, dollar signs often alter a company's perspective, even when it comes to there own policies.

Give it a few months. If I'm still around, I'll be here to tell you "I told you so."

QFT about the cash cow. I honestly think it is only a matter of time until we see just about anything and everything in the online store. Meh, oh well, school started which means it's time to quit GW again anyway from lack of time.

Lynnrose

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

SoF Victrix [SoF]

31 Aug 2006 at 21:54 - 74

Quote:

Originally Posted by kriuq

I cried in real life when I read this. Go back to WoW.
There is something seriously wrong with you if you believe you "deserve" something you "worked for" in a game who's motto is skill over time spent.

This is just like a review for a perfect movie -- I laughed (your post is "funny because it's true" -- well done!) and I cried (when thinking about the fact there are entitlement mentality players like that guy). Anyway, the notion that one shouldn't have access to a skill without "earning" it is silly. It's not like someone needs to understand how a skill works in PvE before it's given to them. I've seen far too many people running around in PvE (during the times I've had the displeasure of playing that side of the game) without a clue how to properly use skills (e.g., putting Spiteful on a melee monster and covering it with Faintheartedness). Surely they can't be considered to have "earned" the right to use either skill through their stupid use of them. People trying to claim acquiring a skill in PvE should somehow be more highly valued than someone purchasing it for use in PvP are not thinking straight.

While I think the price is absurdly high, I'm glad to see ANet inching closer to the concept of selling a "Battle Chest" version of the game whereby one can purchase the game in such a way that jumping straight into PvP without PvE grind is possible. Hopefully they'll come all the way around and sell a fully unlocked, PvE-less version of future expansions for a reasonable price so that PvP-only players don't have to pay for content they don't enjoy and can avoid spending time either grinding PvE or slowly (very, very slowly) unlocking skills/upgrades with Balt's faction.

Metanoia

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Feb 2006

31 Aug 2006 at 21:54 - 75

My take:
This is for players joining Guild Wars late (reference WoC#41:Izzy's interview). This makes it easier for new players to get into PvP. Rather than buying previous chapters and spending 400+ hours per chapter in an attempt to 'catch-up' with players who have been with Guild Wars since the beginning, they can now just unlock skills from previous chapters.

Note: AFAIK you don't have to own a GW:Prophecies CD-Key to buy the UAS/UAX for it's skills. Because of this, the price is reasonable. It's GW:Prophecies for PvP orientated players.

Taken

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Central Time

Crunchy Frogs [CF]

31 Aug 2006 at 21:55 - 76

I don't guess this really matters much.

But it hacks me off that I have been working on my unlocks for months and now I can just buy them.

It's rather like suddenly having the stuff I farmed hard for in Proph (like sup absorbs, +1 death an blood wrappings, etc.) become worthless overnight with Factions.

Maybe ANet could sell gold, too? Then I wouldn't have to farm.

And if they sell fame, too, well then I don't have to HA.

And then their servers will be clear, so there won't be nearly so many err 7s.

Algeron Zolo

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2006

Heroes Z

W/Mo

31 Aug 2006 at 22:08 - 77

whats the problem? I mean, come on. So you can bye skills. I don't exactly want to spend $39.99 on skillz. (and most other people would agree with me on that) I just bought the game to kill time. Ok?

Tortoise

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

Daunting Tempest

Mo/

31 Aug 2006 at 22:09 - 78

Good idea, but way to expensive. A new player coming in at Nightfall will still have to dish out 130$ just to be able to play competively.

In a way this is a slap in the face of many pure PvPers. The only reason why Anet would put a price this high for simple unlocks is because they're afraid PvPers would start buying these only and no-longer support the other parts of the game. It's ridiculous that a PvPer has to pay 4/5th of the price of an entire game just for skills of which alot have been designed to be of good use in a mode they can never explore.

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

31 Aug 2006 at 22:12 - 79

ALSO REMEMBER THIS

some people will only want the earlier skills for their primary character(s) such as a warrior or mesmer or whatever and not want (or need) the full pack.

20 dollars for all the skills for just the professions they want without having to spend a lot of (to them) valuable time getting them in game.

NOTE THAT I AM ONLY PVE AND I DO NOT RESENT IT IF PVP GETS SOMETHING THEY HAVE BEEN AFTER

Andy_M

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Worthing, UK

(Don't fear) The Beaver

31 Aug 2006 at 22:18 - 80

I don't think anyone who is pve orientated will have the slightest problem with this. I think this was the most popular choice when Gaile made that thread asking for our suggestions for the store ?

But ye gods, it's expensive. If someone has that disposable income to waste on a bunch of skills that Anet said people don't need to be competitive (hehe) more power to them.