Why is this game so addictive? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

ValaOfTheFens

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Sep 2006

Warrior Nation[WN]

28 Nov 2006 at 18:42 - 41

I knew I saw Gaile slipping opiates into the Transmogrifier Tonic and Witch's Brew!!

I dunno. Its just great fun. Especially that I don't die as easily against high level foes. I'm not ready for Drok's yet. I watched a guy solo it with a ranger on YouTube and wanted to just pass out after seeing the mobs. Anyways...I've put up some limits on myself. No GW after midnight. Once 12 hits I turn it off and surf the web or read a book. I played so much over the Thanksgiving weekend that I started dreaming about GW!! So you can see why I setup my policy.

Kais Unduli

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2005

Room V

28 Nov 2006 at 18:52 - 42

I can't explain the addiction. Maybe there's some kind of subliminal message going across the screen every few minutes that we're not aware of yet.

I'm also one of the people who used to buy new games regularly, but never had the urge to play them. One of those games was Half-Life 2: Episode One, which I absolutely could not wait to play. It's still sitting on my desk with the shrinkwrap on. Maybe one day I'll actually open it...

Contempt

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2006

N/

28 Nov 2006 at 18:56 - 43

At first it was "addictive" but now I get bored easy and rarely play more than two hours at a time.

Mr D J

Permanently Unbanned

Join Date: Jun 2005

28 Nov 2006 at 19:01 - 44

Subliminal messages? Woops I said too much.

Lol j/k, though I am a bit suspicious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kais Unduli

I can't explain the addiction. Maybe there's some kind of subliminal message going across the screen every few minutes that we're not aware of yet.

I'm also one of the people who used to buy new games regularly, but never had the urge to play them. One of those games was Half-Life 2: Episode One, which I absolutely could not wait to play. It's still sitting on my desk with the shrinkwrap on. Maybe one day I'll actually open it...

Play it. It's nice

Blackest Rose

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Feb 2006

28 Nov 2006 at 19:08 - 45

I was addicted and it was the only game I played (even though I do buy other games about 1 or 2 a month - I didn't play them).

The Nightfall AI update cured me in one foul swoop - Since then I've played about 3 hours total....

At the moment I'm discovering the joy of Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2142.
So long GW.....

Enchanted Warrior

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2006

W/Mo

28 Nov 2006 at 19:10 - 46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maria The Princess

because its like a whole separate "nicer" world.

you get attached to your character/s, you see it/them as a individual, not as walking pixels.

you always have something to do: complete a mission, money to make, someone to talk to... and it never ends if you dont stop it. there always will be something to do untill you stop it. this is an issue with most online games like GW and WOW, they absorb people

just dont let this game take over your life, make sure you dont spend time playing instead of school/ homework/ goin out with friends

Very well said, to which I'd add that some players may see the character or "toon" as I call them, as a way to live vicariously thru them. We can as it were escape daily concerns and be immersed in a realm that we feel in control of. With war, unrest, and alike looming in the real world, a fantasy world, even as turmultuos (sp?) as GW can be in places, is one of shared interests and alike ideas and/or ideals. Good or bad pro or con, the game can be very captivating, and "being captivating" was no doubt a major factor when it was planned.

To paraphrase a line from a movie that fits.."Oh sure I could return to the real world, but here I'm Den!" - Heavy Metal

Velath

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

Canada

A/

28 Nov 2006 at 19:10 - 47

I find the social aspect of the game the most addictive. There was a time where I was in a guild where a couple of my good friends were gone for a couple of weeks, and I was so bummed about not doing stuff with anyone that I contemplated taking a break! But they got back from their respective vacations or breaks or whatever and we joined a more active guild and it's great again!

That and I'm getting close to KoaBD on my sin...which is surprising considering I only got my first maxed title on Saturday! heh.

~1000 hours over 18 months (with an 8 month break during 4th year uni).

ElinoraNeSangre

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

Near Seattle, WA

Talionis De Cineris [EXUR]

N/Me

28 Nov 2006 at 21:27 - 48

I admit I'm kinda hooked on getthing shiny armor.

GW gives me a chance to do something away from real life, and for a while really helped me cope with the work stress of surviving a significant software release at my company. Now that said project is done, I'm backing off a little, and actually have put limits on my playing time as I don't need the chill time in quite the same way anymore.

But I prioritize my drumming and working out above GW.

reetkever

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/E

28 Nov 2006 at 21:46 - 49

Guild Wars was addictive because there was ALOT to do.

When I first bought Guild Wars, there was:

-exploring the game a bit, checking what everything was
-missions, quests
-finding guilds, friends
-collecting cash for armor
-making professions and seeing what they were

After that, when I had my char at lvl 20 and was rather experienced there was:

-Trying to find a challenge, do bonusses etc, harder stuff like Mineral Springs
-exploring more advanced things (UW, FoW)
-Capturing skills
-farming
-chest running
-getting better equipment

This list even expanded with more recent updates:

-green hunt
-working on titles
-exploring new stuff

After the update, though, this is what's left for me:

-Quests/missions

That's it. Sure, I had fun with the quests and missions, but they got boring after i did them 3 times.

Dj Tano

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

28 Nov 2006 at 22:08 - 50

how can you just get addicted to this game? its a pain to play it for me mainly because of lagg...

Vandal2k6

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Sep 2006

Manchester, UK

The Manchester Marauders

W/Rt

28 Nov 2006 at 23:15 - 51

Quote:

just dont let this game take over your life, make sure you dont spend time playing instead of school/ homework/ goin out with friends

Goin ... out ..? What's that? Anyone else heard of this?

Anyhoo, back to me Guild Wars. Where was I? Oh ye, dancing naked in Ascalon. Magic.

lacasner

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2006

28 Nov 2006 at 23:21 - 52

Your addicted because you recently started playing, I was addicted too back then (hard to remember then, almost a year I think). You'll see though, a year from now if you accomplish what me, naruto, pudin, and reek do and some others you would be postin in the bored thread. Simply because of lack of endgame content.

Hanharr

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2006

AVA

W/Mo

28 Nov 2006 at 23:25 - 53

I dont find this game addictive at all. Im actually at the verge of quitting because of all the updates.

Vandal2k6

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Sep 2006

Manchester, UK

The Manchester Marauders

W/Rt

28 Nov 2006 at 23:28 - 54

Maybe so, but to be playing ANY game for over a year, near constant is still amazing. There's no other game comes close to the amount of time I give GW. That's not because I have to, because I want to. I'll sit watching TV and think, sod it, I'll go into FoW or do that last mission I was about to do with X character. It just has that knack of getting into your head when you least expect it and drag you back.

At least it does me.

LifeInfusion

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: May 2005

in the midline

E/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 00:35 - 55

skill system like MTG.

SPIRIT OF THE SEA

Banned

Join Date: May 2006

29 Nov 2006 at 01:20 - 56

IDK!!!! i play and i play and it DOESNT LET ME STOP! ONE TIME I WAS AWAKE UNTILL 1AM TO FIND A SKILL THAT I DIDNT EVEN NEED!!!!

please someone help me I dont want to end up a 40 year old virgin LOL jk jk im fine with the ladies *rawr*

chicks boy

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Feb 2006

No guild

A/E

29 Nov 2006 at 01:38 - 57

Guild wars is addicting because you can make virtual money and be rich and spending in the Mall like in LA, Droks forge, Kamadan, Kaining center, they are good places for shopping.

Edit: I dont like to show Guild wars to my freinds because the skill system and gameplay looked... Man im not going to lie the skill system is pretty lame but when they found out that i play guild wars they start playing it and got addicted and commit suicide.

2nd Edit: Guild wars is addicting because you can do stuff that you'll never do in real life

Hanharr

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2006

AVA

W/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 02:33 - 58

Try getting a life people. >.>

Enchanted Warrior

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2006

W/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 02:39 - 59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanharr

Try getting a life people. >.>

Go to your room...

Kids..

Mr Jazzy

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Cali

Mending For The [win]

W/A

29 Nov 2006 at 04:55 - 60

It's addictive only if you choose to immerse yourself. Otherwise, you have complete control over the game, none of it has control over you. If you chose to uninstall Guild Wars, your computer would not spit a fireball in your face. You choose to play GW, to make time for it, and to continue playing it.

But, it's appeal does encourage addiction. There are fantasy roleplaying aspects, creative visuals, and escapes from reality, all of which make it easier to continue playing this game.

Lichtenberg

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2005

Mass Delusion [LARP]

29 Nov 2006 at 05:35 - 61

when titles came out it made me 2x more addicted to this game
i want to have the best titles
and best of everything pretty much....

and the ingame scenery is also very nice

NeHoMaR

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Feb 2006

29 Nov 2006 at 06:00 - 62

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lag Hell

all mmorpgs r addictive, not just gw....

Exactly! (well, not all MMORPGs, but the good ones like GW, WOW, L2, etc)

Nickhimself

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

Your face

True Gods Of War [True]

W/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 07:46 - 63

Yep.

Faith Angelis

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2006

UK

29 Nov 2006 at 11:19 - 64

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickhimself

Yep.

8+ Hours a day average? Seriously, do you leave yourself logged in while you sleep or what? I ask only because even if I tried I could never get the time to spend over one third of my life playing games - let alone one single game.

Anyway, I find GW to be addictive as others have said simply because of it's open-ended style. There's always something else to do, be it trying to find the last 3% for Cartographer, finishing bonuses / Master's awards, or just more Tomb Runs!

Not complaining at all, before GW, I used to tear through three or four games a month, while GW has kept me satisfied for a year now

ValaOfTheFens

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Sep 2006

Warrior Nation[WN]

29 Nov 2006 at 15:40 - 65

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faith Angelis

8+ Hours a day average? Seriously, do you leave yourself logged in while you sleep or what? I ask only because even if I tried I could never get the time to spend over one third of my life playing games - let alone one single game.

Sometimes I end up leaving the game on for hours while I do housework or eat or whatever. Alot of people probably do that. I'd subtract 1/3 of the time just for people being afk for some reason or another. *lol*

Chieftain Heavyhand

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2006

wpg

29 Nov 2006 at 16:10 - 66

I really like this game I try to play at least 2 hours a day. Gotta get my fix.

After the last Ai update my playing time dwindled, but after awhile I came back and I have been tearing up Tyria with my heroes.

Eet GnomeSmasher

Banned

Join Date: Apr 2005

In my head

29 Nov 2006 at 18:35 - 67

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacasner

Your addicted because you recently started playing, I was addicted too back then (hard to remember then, almost a year I think). You'll see though, a year from now if you accomplish what me, naruto, pudin, and reek do and some others you would be postin in the bored thread. Simply because of lack of endgame content.

I think we've heard enough about how bored you are already in that other thread. Just please quit already and stop nagging everyone about how the four of you are so bored. And your assumptions that everyone who is addicted only started recently playing is just plain idiotic. I've been playing since betas and to give you an idea of how much I play and how much I love the game still, I have over 7 million XP on one of my characters.

reetkever

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/E

29 Nov 2006 at 18:41 - 68

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eet GnomeSmasher

I think we've heard enough about how bored you are already in that other thread. Just please quit already and stop nagging everyone about how the four of you are so bored. And your assumptions that everyone who is addicted only started recently playing is just plain idiotic. I've been playing since betas and to give you an idea of how much I play and how much I love the game still, I have over 7 million XP on one of my characters.

Wow... my monk (5 months old) has 20 million XP now ^^

But really, if you've been doing only quests and missions in the last year... you're not supposed to be addicted anymore. (since the game would've been beat around 14 times then (Like prophecies and factions on my account :P After the 10th time it gets really boring...

Well, Guild Wars was always addicting for me cause of the many stuff to do, and also cause of my guild and friends. I just wanted to talk to them every day :P And do stuff with them etc.

Well now I'm the only active guildy left, and 2 active people in my friends list now :P

Trvth Jvstice

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

HALE

W/

29 Nov 2006 at 19:54 - 69

My guild and alliance are thriving and gaining new members almost every day. And to the people that keep saying GW is dying, go to any of the starter areas and you'll see Tons of people just starting the game.

Just go visit Presearing, there are always several districts available. With 3 stand alone chapters and presearing to be this busy should tell you something.

The free online play Anet offers is just too big of a draw for the player base to decline imo.

Grasping Darkness

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2005

29 Nov 2006 at 20:04 - 70

i play gw so much because its a better world to hide in than the real one for me and many aspects of gameplay and art
i usually play from when i wake up until i cant stay awake

o ya i forgot i have 2 accounts

Etrik

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

Romania

None atm

Mo/

29 Nov 2006 at 21:03 - 71

2800 Hours over the past 19 months. Go me.

athelos

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Nov 2006

E/N

29 Nov 2006 at 21:06 - 72

Becuase it owns!!!

Enchanted Warrior

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2006

W/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 21:12 - 73

Why is simple, lots to do, no monthly fee. Add a fee, ghost town lol

Cataclysm

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

The Lost Dynasty [SEEK]

W/Mo

29 Nov 2006 at 21:37 - 74

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grasping Darkness

i play gw so much because its a better world to hide in than the real one for me and many aspects of gameplay and art
i usually play from when i wake up until i cant stay awake

10 hours a day?! Wow dude

Me? 1198 and 29 mins over 18 months. That includes the times I left my game running for a few hours because I was far and didnt want to restart a hard quest or mission

But I like GW because of all the things to do, and its fun! Its not as replayable as Baldur's Gate or something but its still fun!

ThunderStruck

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Feb 2006

The Arctic Marauders [TAM]

29 Nov 2006 at 21:44 - 75

There is just SO much stuff to do in the game, and I have 10 characters to do it on!

I also have slowed down on buying video games simply because GW gets about 80% of my game playing time!

The Last Anthem

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Aug 2006

my guildhall.

Mo/

29 Nov 2006 at 22:41 - 76

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taala

2154 hours over the past 9 months.

Yeah...

yay im not alone

Alleji

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2006

29 Nov 2006 at 22:43 - 77

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grasping Darkness

i play gw so much because its a better world to hide in than the real one for me and many aspects of gameplay and art
i usually play from when i wake up until i cant stay awake

Next to your avatar, that's scary. O.o

I hope you've been afking half of that...

Familliar Realm

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2005

Tyria

[DARK]

30 Nov 2006 at 01:08 - 78

I come back to it cause I enjoy talking to friends, guildies and many other people.

Night Daftshadow

Banned

Join Date: May 2005

In the forest

Hidden Shadows

R/Mo

30 Nov 2006 at 02:34 - 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchanted Warrior

Why is simple, lots to do, no monthly fee. Add a fee, ghost town lol

All the cheapskates go away lol. But seriously, look at other monthly fee mmorpgs like WoW, Lineage 2, and so on. Still many and growing number of subscribers. Btw, why do people still label GW a mmorpg? It's not a mmorpg lol. There's no roleplaying aspect of the game and even someone from Anet said GW isn't a mmorpg. If you search it on Google, you'll find it. I think it was from some interview about Guild Wars.

Anyway, GW can be addicting just like any other mmo game out there that's fun for a while until something new gets updated from the game. Just don't let the game take over control of your life lol. I knew someone who let his real life relationship with his girlfriend crumple because of GW. How pathetic lol.

Darcy

Never Too Old

Join Date: Jul 2006

Rhode Island where there are no GW contests

Order of First

W/R

30 Nov 2006 at 03:42 - 80

Unlike the pay-to-play mmo's, there is no added benefit to ANet after you have purchased the game in you actually playing the game. In fact, less servers would be needed if we all played less, thus saving them money. So I think we can rule out the subliminal messages.

1642h 51m across 8 chars over 9 months

I don't believe I am addicted.

1. So far, I only think about renting a laptop for vacations. I haven't actually done it. Nor have I downloaded the client to a relative's computer.

2. I also haven't downloaded it at work. Of course, my monitor at work (an lcd tv disguised as a vga monitor) would be horrible for game-playing as it's too bright and won't take instruction from the video card setup.

3. I don't go home early on Friday's so I can be in at the start of the weekly special event (starts 3pm my time zone).

4. I don't interject GW stories into every conversation or tell people about it (unless they mention they play PC games).

5. I associate with people who don't play GW.

6. I considered buying a different game. (I originally bought Prophecies instead of Oblivion, still don't own it.)

I'm sure if I thought about it more, I could find more signs of non-addiction.