Is anet going to stick with its promise of chapters every 6 months?

Fox Reeveheart

Fox Reeveheart

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jul 2005

Michigan

none q.q

D/

This is one of the reasons I got into the game. Chapters released every 6 months.

Factions I was able to forgive because everything was still sort of new, so i was fine with waiting a year.

Then nightfall came just as they said, six months later.

Nightfall will be 4 months old pretty soon and I havent heard ANYTHING on chapter 4. Has anyone else?

Are they going to screw us over on their promise or will they deliver? Your opinion?

lagrand1

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Zombies of War

W/

Not being able to come out every 6 months in no way screws anyone over. They had announced the next release would be in the latter half of the year, so no, they won't be able to keep their hopes of every 6 months.

Personally, I would rather wait, and have a better product, than rush something inferior to market just to keep an artificial timetable.

Someone out there probably has a link to the press release.

Captain Sarcastic

Captain Sarcastic

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2007

Ghost Corps

W/Mo

Quote:
Originally Posted by lagrand1
They had announced the next release would be in the latter half of the year....
Where/when did they announce this? I do remember a press release saying there would be some type of update in the latter half of the year, but it wasn't clear if they referred to Chapter 4 or not.

As to the OP's original question, I say no. If chapter 4 was going to be released 6 months after Nightfall, we would have some information on it by now.

sixdartbart

sixdartbart

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2005

Peace Machine GRRR [DiE]

W/N

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox Reeveheart
Are they going to screw us over on their promise or will they deliver?
Please direct me to this "promise"

From the rest of your post it sounds as if you have been playing since release is that correct?
I don't remember hearing anything about a second chapter at all when Guild Wars was released, but it sure was big of you to forgive them for ummm what was it you were forgiving them for?

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by lagrand1
Not being able to come out every 6 months in no way screws anyone over. They had announced the next release would be in the latter half of the year, so no, they won't be able to keep their hopes of every 6 months.

Someone out there probably has a link to the press release.
this is completely incorrect.

what was refered to was in a quarterly finincial statement not a chapter 4 release announcement.

what everybody is ASSuming is a delayed chapter 4 was noted in the finincial statement as a *MAJOR UPGRADE TO THE GW FRANCHISE* which is not an announcement that chapter 4 has been delayed.

further on that was Gailes comment that the rumor in the finincial report was a *sock full of air* which sounds as though she disagrees

Knightsaber Sith

Knightsaber Sith

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Aug 2006

Few Fallen Heroes [FFH]

W/E

They never actually promised they'd release one every six months, they said that was their goal. After the first three campaigns, they should have a good feel for how they need to structure releases. If they now feel that the whole six month scheme just wont work in the long run, I don't have a problem with that. But if they make us wait some ridiculously long amount of time; the game better super cool to match .

Vinraith

Vinraith

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Dec 2006

I'd rather have it done right than have it soon.

havok019

havok019

Academy Page

Join Date: Jan 2007

HdCr

W/Mo

As long as it comes with more storage. . .
Flame on

Feminist Terrorist

Feminist Terrorist

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Oh Noes! The 'burbs!

I just want them to tell us something! I don't care if it's in April like most people thought or if it's in friggin' November! Just tell us something!

KamikazeChicken

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Mo/

Anet had a goal for 1 game every 6-9 months. They just happen to be going toward the 9 months with the 4th campaign. >.>

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knightsaber Sith
They never actually promised they'd release one every six months, they said that was their goal. After the first three campaigns, they should have a good feel for how they need to structure releases. .
hi Knight

since nobody has brought it up i might as well.

in a financial statement they declare important points that will affect the companys upcoming revenues both positive and negative.

they do mention *a major update* to the GW franchise which obviously they consider important information positive.

but they do not repeat do not make any mention of a delay in chapter 4 or any mention of anything at all being delayed

a delayed chapter release would require them to announce what impact the delay would have from very small to short term large impact.

in any case we will all know soon enough which way it is

Ritual del Fuego

Ritual del Fuego

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jan 2007

CA

Frogs in Winter [FiW]

I can't look it up at the moment but I believe the release said "update" not "upgrade". I agree that this doesn't mean much, other than to let analysts know that they are still planning something this year for their cash cow. I have to believe it will be something with a revenue stream attached otherwise they probably wouldn't put it in a financial release. Whether this is a new chapter, or allowing us to "buy" more storage/mini pets/whatever no one can know for sure unless they work there or know someone who does. Personally I think it will be a new chapter, but when is anyone's guess...

Mister Overhill

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Tampa, Florida

Sticks and Stones

R/Rt

It's fine by me if they take their time, and turn out a real nice product. I'll be testing Lord of the Rings Online this weekend, and if that turns out to be a winner, I'll go with that for awhile. I think the end of April is the projected roll-out

VitisVinifera

VitisVinifera

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2005

Northern California

HoTR

N/Me

there's another multi-page thread on this topic in this forum

and I'd feel more screwed if a rushed-out, half-baked and totally unbalanced chapter was released at 6 months, than a Prophecies-worthy Ch 4 released 1 year later
perhaps because the Factions turd team is on Ch 4, wiser heads are giving them more time

Warmaster Patton

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

Insanity

Vis Decus Vertus [vDv]

R/

I heard it somewhere that it'll b later, like summer, just can't remember where.

Age

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

I hope not as I still have things to do in all 3 chapters for titles and such.

Warmaster Patton

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

Insanity

Vis Decus Vertus [vDv]

R/

I heard it somewhere that it'll b later, like summer, just can't remember where.

The Ernada

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2006

Quote:
Originally Posted by VitisVinifera
there's another multi-page thread on this topic in this forum

and I'd feel more screwed if a rushed-out, half-baked and totally unbalanced chapter was released at 6 months, than a Prophecies-worthy Ch 4 released 1 year later
perhaps because the Factions turd team is on Ch 4, wiser heads are giving them more time
What a suprise. Another insult filled, hate driven, false speculation ridden post by VitisVinifera. I have yet to see one positive post on anything from you. Someone could say the sky is blue and somehow you'd turn it into some emo thing about how the blue sky is destroying mankind.

Anyway, I do hope that they take the time to revamp some aspects of GW as a whole. Hopefully the "major update" mentioned for late 2007 is really something major.

Tozen

Tozen

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Apr 2005

All Senses Failed [aSF]

A/N

OK, let's get something clear. The "every six month" timetable is a GOAL, not a PROMISE. ANet PROMISED to deliver quality material that will be worth our purchase, not that GW games would come out at the same time every year.

Now, I'm personally hoping that chapter 4 will be released soon, but perhaps ANet is making a REALLY good game that won't be released until later. In any event, it isn't fair to call ANet "liars" and this thread paints an overly negative image of the company.

EDIT: One last note- a product that hasn't had a released date announced yet can't be considered "delayed."

The Ernada

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2006

And yeah, people nowadays seem to think anything mentioned is a promise. The sense of entitlement is ridiculous. Bunch of spoiled brats I tell you...

JC68

JC68

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: May 2006

Slovakia

DVD Forums [DVDF]

W/

well it looks like, we will be getting new chapter every 12 months

Stoney Faust

Stoney Faust

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2007

Vis Decus Vertus

W/Mo

Hmm. For those who cannot overcome their childish wants and withold their comments for better judgments, think on this my fellows.

Anet/Ncsoft aren't a non-profit entity. They are in the business of making money. I am sure good sense would say to them like any other that producing as many of their product as often as they could would make them more money. But on the same note, if they care about the long term survivability of the game, they will keep quality in check to assure that just as many or more people will buy their game in the next installment. So in short, be proud that they take their time in assuring a truly enjoyable game rather than a half built mess of scrypt.

cthulhu reborn

cthulhu reborn

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2007

the Netherlands

W/Mo

Well, I seem to remember that the goal was every 6-9 months, but that's just how I remember it.

Beyond that I agree with 2 things that've been said here:

A goal is not a promise.

Better later and quality than quick and lame.

VitisVinifera

VitisVinifera

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2005

Northern California

HoTR

N/Me

I see people chiming in on either side of this issue, but I think what we really all want is just some clarification and an update......like what Gaile was really good at up until a month or two ago. Since then they've really drawn back. Probably not a good sign.

Hell Raiser

Hell Raiser

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

[PHNX]

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Loviatar
hi Knight

since nobody has brought it up i might as well.

in a financial statement they declare important points that will affect the companys upcoming revenues both positive and negative.

they do mention *a major update* to the GW franchise which obviously they consider important information positive.

but they do not repeat do not make any mention of a delay in chapter 4 or any mention of anything at all being delayed

a delayed chapter release would require them to announce what impact the delay would have from very small to short term large impact.

in any case we will all know soon enough which way it is
I have posted this several times, I must say that you are wrong. Here are 2 (two) quotes that make it VERY obvious.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NCsoft
The company also aims to provide a multi-faceted game portfolio to overseas users. Exteel™ and Dungeon Runners™ will be launched in the first half of the year, while the company anticipates the launching of Tabula Rasa and a new major update to the Guild Wars franchise in the latter half of 2007.
(Source= http://www.ncsoft.com/eng/NCPress/View.asp?hSeq=1#top )

Notice it says LATTER HALF, that is where people got the "delay"
Now for the second quote

Quote:
Originally Posted by ArenaNet
ArenaNet is currently working on a fourth campaign that will once again expand the explorable world of Guild Wars and provide ever-deepening insight into the history of that world and the stories of its people. It is scheduled for release in 2007.
(Source= http://arena.net/games/default.php )

First of all, you do not "Update a Franchise" by simply changing the way the game works (ie a Game Update), if you "Update a Franchise" it implies a new part of the franchise (ie a new game). As well it is NOT likely these two reports are talking about seperate things.

Do some research before simply saying everyone was just guessing, read the reports and decide for yourself.

Knightsaber Sith

Knightsaber Sith

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Aug 2006

Few Fallen Heroes [FFH]

W/E

Alright, a couple people brought up that statement from the financial report so I went to check what it actually said.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCsoft
while the company anticipates the launching of Tabula Rasa and a new major update to the Guild Wars franchise in the latter half of 2007.
http://www.ncsoft.com/eng/NCPress/View.asp?hSeq=1

Now, most people have cued in on "major update" being the key phrase and have been trying to divine the nature of this update. To me, I see "anticipates" to be the key word.

You have to keep in mind this is not a report from Anet, this is from NCsoft. We all know Anet is a subsidiary of NCsoft, but I wouldn't put too much stock into something NCsoft anticipates Anet doing.

This proposed update could be nearly anything and by saying "anticipates", they're really not sure when it'll be ready whatever it is. It could well be the fourth campaign and it could well be out before the second half of 2007. I'd say just sit back 'til we hear something more definitive and don't pay much mind to that little quote from NCsoft.

Hell Raiser

Hell Raiser

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

[PHNX]

Mo/

NCsoft owns Anet, and I'm sure they are a pretty organized company that would have consulted Anet before actually putting something like that in a Financial Release. Anticipates does not mean "We have no clue, could be second half could be first" usually if they put something like this in a financial statement they would have a pretty good idea of when it will be coming out, they aren't just guessing.

viper008

Banned

Join Date: May 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by cthulhu reborn
Well, I seem to remember that the goal was every 6-9 months, but that's just how I remember it.

Beyond that I agree with 2 things that've been said here:

A goal is not a promise.

Better later and quality than quick and lame.
Yeah I remember Anet saying 6-9 months also

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

just for some more fun you might consider this.

the financial reports in advance of other chapters refer to them as campaigns not major updates.

since we are talking late in year here is the comparison.

current one

[QUOTE]
Quote:
while the company anticipates the launching of Tabula Rasa and a new major update to the Guild Wars franchise in the latter half of 2007.QUOTE]
note the UPDATE TO the Guild Wars franchise

same report ahead of Nightfall
Quote:
NCsoft is preparing a simultaneous global launch of the third campaign in the Guild Wars franchise, Guild Wars Nightfall™, during the latter half of this year.
note the CAMPAIGN IN the Guild Wars franchise,

update to the Guild Wars franchise
campaign in the Guild Wars franchise

Knightsaber Sith

Knightsaber Sith

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Aug 2006

Few Fallen Heroes [FFH]

W/E

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hell Raiser
NCsoft owns Anet, and I'm sure they are a pretty organized company that would have consulted Anet before actually putting something like that in a Financial Release. Anticipates does not mean "We have no clue, could be second half could be first" usually if they put something like this in a financial statement they would have a pretty good idea of when it will be coming out, they aren't just guessing.
Settle down now, we don't have to get all up in arms over this little thing. I didn't say it meant they had no idea at all(alright, looking back at it I guess I kinda did but that's really not what I was trying to say), but "anticipates" isn't a particularly finite word. It could be NCsoft said that so as not to pressure Anet, give them a little leeway. Anet could even finish it before the time they themselves had estimated. This vague quote just isn't going to provide us with any beat all end all definitive answer. Just relax, and wait 'til we hear something more substantial.

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

Of course, in the case of nightfall, the product was actually announced, so its OK to be less vague. But given a sample of just 2 reports, they can just as easily be using the two words as synonyms, or written by different authors. This isn't a technical document or a philosophy paper.

I wouldn't put *too* much stock in the financial report... they are definitely referring to something that would make alot of money which is either a chapter or some other retail product. (There are people who will make micro-payments on minipets and stuff but not enough of them to matter in the big picture.) That doesn't mean their predictions are accurate though. Anet might be telling them at this point "when it's ready" so NCSoft makes a conservative estimate.

What I would look at is the lack of information at this point. That says to me that the very earliest we will see CH4 is May, I.E. they aren't going to hold 100% to Factions release time. To me Gaile hinted fairly strongly when she said "you can't delay what isn't announced" that they aren't going to make the Factions date everyone is expecting.

Liberations

Liberations

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Nov 2006

Azeroth (shhh)

Ryders of the Sword [FrNd]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ernada
And yeah, people nowadays seem to think anything mentioned is a promise. The sense of entitlement is ridiculous. Bunch of spoiled brats I tell you...
Thank you.

I agree, people get to whiny about things. Anet is only human, you can't expect them to be perfect. Nothing is perfect. What would be the point of living if everything was perfect? No one would have any dreams or goals! Anyway, Anet didn't screw up. They said 6-9 months, NOT 6 months. People always want to believe the thing that seems better to them. Really I'd be happier if ArenaNet came out with campaign 4 after the summer. That way they could focus on alot more things.

Oh and if you guys didnt know already (off-topic but important), Prophecies is now selling for 29.99 USD and Factions is selling for 39.99 USD at GameStop and EB Games. Nightfall, since it is the newest, is still at the price of 49.99 USD.

Liberations

Liberations

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Nov 2006

Azeroth (shhh)

Ryders of the Sword [FrNd]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by FoxBat
What I would look at is the lack of information at this point. That says to me that the very earliest we will see CH4 is May, I.E. they aren't going to hold 100% to Factions release time. To me Gaile hinted fairly strongly when she said "you can't delay what isn't announced" that they aren't going to make the Factions date everyone is expecting.
May, maybe, but with factions, it was announced towards the beginning of January. If it was May, they would have probably announced CH 4 in the beginning of Febrary and here it is February 22nd. So I'm gonna say maybe June? I don't know. I just hope it doesn't come out in the middle of summer or before the time of Nightfall. November is good for me!

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by FoxBat
To me Gaile hinted fairly strongly when she said "you can't delay what isn't announced" that they aren't going to make the Factions date everyone is expecting.
and to me she hinted that since no release date was mentioned how are people stating we will not make this just because it hasnt been announced YET?

note she said going by the financial report and getting its delayed was *a sock full of air*

to me that says the people going by that report are incorrect.

why cut into Nightfall sales with a chapter 4 will be available in less than 3 months and be fantastic annoncement?

fastest way possible to cut off Nightfall sales and wait for chapter 4 coming soon

sindex

sindex

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2006

California

Swords of Night & Day [SWRD]

You forgot about the article that gamespy released about a several months after factions released.

Quote:
They wanted to get the word out that development on both Campaign 3 and 4 of Guild Wars was well underway, and we'd be able to get a bit of a sneak peek at the new stand-alone expansion. –Gamespy 5/11/2006
Quote:
I couldn't even get him to commit to a release date, although he did say that now that Factions is out the door ArenaNet will be working on two expansions at a time, each to be released six months apart, so we're hoping to see Campaign 3 sometime about October 2006. –Gamespy 5/11/2006
The Article

Actually I could care less if it was delayed, but yeah we have no clue what is really going on with campaign 4 yet. We just know it’s been in the works, since last year. I think everyone is right though they technically never promised they would keep up with the six month schedule thing.

Kakumei

Kakumei

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jul 2005

Grind is subjective

learn this please

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinraith
I'd rather have it done right than have it soon.
I'd rather have it soon. They can fix it after release; this is an online game, after all.

Hockster

Hockster

Banned

Join Date: Jul 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ernada
What a suprise. Another insult filled, hate driven, false speculation ridden post by VitisVinifera. I have yet to see one positive post on anything from you. Someone could say the sky is blue and somehow you'd turn it into some emo thing about how the blue sky is destroying mankind.
Definately not a surprise at all. Seems like someone needs a hug, or a shrink. Maybe both.

Mr_T_bot

Mr_T_bot

Banned

Join Date: Apr 2006

Quote:
Originally Posted by lagrand1
Not being able to come out every 6 months in no way screws anyone over.
Unless their business model is based on it

Captain Sarcastic

Captain Sarcastic

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2007

Ghost Corps

W/Mo

Hey, if they need more time to get it to us, that's cool. I can live with that. The thing that truly irritates me is that they won't tell us anything. Give us something to go on, ya know?

They should at lease have a name and setting by now. They've been working on it for almost 10 months.

Relambrien

Relambrien

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Delaware, USA

Error Seven Operators [Call]

W/

Has anyone stopped to consider that *possibly,* this "major update" is in fact Chapter 5? If ArenaNet stuck with their 6-month goal, the next game (C4) would be released in late April, followed by another release in...the latter half of 2007, October to be exact.

Not likely, but it's a possibility I haven't seen discussed before.

Also, I'd rather the game came out faster than slower. The best way to find out what's wrong with a game is to have millions of testers...So after the game-breaking bugs have been fixed in closed testing, I wouldn't mind if they released the game and had everybody report on all the bugs they see. Having millions of people looking out for bugs is a pretty effective way at finding them, wouldn't you agree?