Art direction of GW2 - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Foxeye

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2006

D/A

23 Mar 2007 at 15:53 - 1

I apologize for starting another thread about this, but my questions in existing threads have been passed-over in favor of discussions about mechanics. If this has been answered elsewhere, a link would be great.

I know that scans of the game cannot be posted online, and I'm OK with that (I have much respect for copyright), but I was hoping that those who have seen the article could comment on what is in there. (My understanding is that we can't get May issue from stores for a while now, else I'd go get one myself).

Does the art style of GW2 look the same as GW? In other words, a lot of bloom and lush/rich scenery? Do they show any character models? If so, do those models look in keeping with the style of GW? The superb art direction of GW is one of its selling points in my circle, and I'm eager for clues as to whether that will be inherited by GW2.

TIA

*Alexiel*

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

England, and on here... http://alexiel-star.deviantart.com/

CPx

R/Mo

23 Mar 2007 at 16:01 - 2

Same here, the art direction of GW1 mesmerized me, As I'm also awaiting the magazine for another month being in UK, I'm keen to have info on this too! ^^

ravensong

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

Croatia

Me/

23 Mar 2007 at 16:03 - 3

Yeah im anxious too,uhm is it legal to PM the scans or something only for one person to see?
If its ok anyone willing to post me scanned pages or parts :P? Would be great!

Omega X

Ninja Unveiler

Join Date: Jun 2005

Louisiana, USA

Boston Guild[BG]

W/Me

23 Mar 2007 at 19:04 - 4

The SAME art team working on GW1 is working on GW2.

I have no doubt that they will keep their style, but only make it more mesmerizing since the new graphics engine is supposed to do more.

Yaga Philipe

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Mar 2007

Insanity

Vis Decus Vertus [vDv]

R/

23 Mar 2007 at 19:08 - 5

It will (should) be better, since the graphics engine will be able to make it even more life like.

Foxeye

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2006

D/A

23 Mar 2007 at 19:30 - 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaga Philipe

It will (should) be better, since the graphics engine will be able to make it even more life like.

Weeeell, more life-like isn't always a good thing necessarily. After all, Vanguard and EverQuest 2 character models are more life like than Guild Wars, but they aren't nearly as appealing (in my opinion).

I do have some faith (which is unusual for me these days), based on the art team being the same (I have incredible admiration for their art team, even if I'm a little bit squeagie about all the bloom used). But will it be the same art team from now until GW2 is released? Possibly not. You never really know what will happen. Hence why I am a-lookin' for clues!

...'course, that in itself is a bit silly of me. Early GW character models were quite different from what was released. Still, after watching many games in production and seeing them on release, I've started to develop a sense for how early models will translate into finished models.

creelie

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2007

Alberta

Charter Vanguard [CV]

Mo/

23 Mar 2007 at 20:28 - 7

I've seen parts of the article, but not much scenery.

The concept art for the characters is, as usual, probably more strongly stated than the renders in-game. For example, in-game the Asura minipet is a cute bunny, but its concept art in the article is a wrinkly gremlin; only the ears and white hide are the same.

More concept art: the Sylvari is drawn as a green-haired anime girl wearing a cross between mesmer and ritualist armor. The Charr art is less yak-like than in the game, with more of a snout. The Norn is a viking with furry legs, holding a hammer and bowing his head dervish-style.

That's all I've got.

clawofcrimson

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Sep 2006

Crimson Claw

W/

23 Mar 2007 at 21:31 - 8

just saw the pictures!

~the norn are not just furry legged...they are big vikings that transform into animals!

~I would say the sylvari are GW version of elves

~asura? can we say bad arse yoda! with stone and metalworking skills?

~char look mean and definitely cool!

we will definitely see more of the beautiful art in GW2

IlikeGW

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

23 Mar 2007 at 22:44 - 9

There's no screenshots or model pictures for GW2 with the article. All there is is race mugshots, and some weird environmental concept art that's the same sort of stuff you've seen for GW1.

lyra_song

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Oct 2005

R/Mo

23 Mar 2007 at 22:58 - 10

Since im expecting the same crew, same concept artists, same designers.

I expect the same look, higher poly count, smoother animations, more detailed textures, more elaborate armors and environments, and better camera movement and direction in the cinemas.

The Ernada

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2006

23 Mar 2007 at 23:21 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nira Vi

So we're gonna have tons of Sylvari running around named Legolas or some variation thereof...? God help us all...

We already have tons of rangers named Legolas' running around...

Omega X

Ninja Unveiler

Join Date: Jun 2005

Louisiana, USA

Boston Guild[BG]

W/Me

23 Mar 2007 at 23:26 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nira Vi

So we're gonna have tons of Sylvari running around named Legolas or some variation thereof...? God help us all...

I think that there might be even more Charr running around than anything.

Tide to Go

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2006

I War Torn I [Torn]

N/Me

23 Mar 2007 at 23:33 - 13

it will be equal

except for the sylvari they might be.......a lower populated race...

but the norns, and charr should be up there up there,asuras should be right behind them!

Terra Xin

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Mar 2006

New Zealand

Me/R

24 Mar 2007 at 01:21 - 14

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyra_song

Since im expecting the same crew, same concept artists, same designers.

I expect the same look, higher poly count, smoother animations, more detailed textures, more elaborate armors and environments, and better camera movement and direction in the cinemas.

I don't think that the artistic finesse that the Anet artists have will get any better, but then again - that should be a compliment. The art that we find throughout the existing guild wars is truly spectacular. It is unimaginable that they could do better when they are already at the pinnacle of... awesomeness^^!

I agree that in a graphics perspective, I'd also expect smoother animations and more detailed textures. So it wouldn't be an improvement from an artistic stand-point, but it would expect to be an improvement from a graphics perspective, so that it can better reflect what is wanting to be shown.

lyra_song

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Oct 2005

R/Mo

24 Mar 2007 at 01:58 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terra Xin

I don't think that the artistic finesse that the Anet artists have will get any better, but then again - that should be a compliment. The art that we find throughout the existing guild wars is truly spectacular. It is unimaginable that they could do better when they are already at the pinnacle of... awesomeness^^!

I agree that in a graphics perspective, I'd also expect smoother animations and more detailed textures. So it wouldn't be an improvement from an artistic stand-point, but it would expect to be an improvement from a graphics perspective, so that it can better reflect what is wanting to be shown.

One of the main limits to the practical ability of a digital artist is technology.

Yes i can create a super detailed 3d image, but if it takes 6 hours to render...why? ;p

GW2 should have a superior graphics engine, and it should be able to create more detailed work.

Im sure Anet artists cant create so much more given more time and a better engine, better lighting, better particle effects, etc.

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

24 Mar 2007 at 03:49 - 16

The same art team who brought you Guild Wars is working on Guild Wars: Eye of the North and Guild Wars 2.

And for that I know we're all very, very grateful!

divinechancellor

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2006

Limited Liability Company [LLC]

E/

24 Mar 2007 at 03:51 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyra_song

One of the main limits to the practical ability of a digital artist is technology.

Yes i can create a super detailed 3d image, but if it takes 6 hours to render...why? ;p

But technology has improved! well... errr.. for some of us. Certainly not for me. Still no dual core yet.... someday!

Terra Xin

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Mar 2006

New Zealand

Me/R

24 Mar 2007 at 03:51 - 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyra_song

One of the main limits to the practical ability of a digital artist is technology.

Yes i can create a super detailed 3d image, but if it takes 6 hours to render...why? ;p

GW2 should have a superior graphics engine, and it should be able to create more detailed work.

Im sure Anet artists cant create so much more given more time and a better engine, better lighting, better particle effects, etc.

And by the time GW2 comes out, I'll have to upgrade my computer so I can see it with the best settings^^!!

Demilikos

Academy Page

Join Date: Feb 2005

Philippines

Maguuma Assassins [MagA]

24 Mar 2007 at 04:57 - 19

Same. I have a powerful PC collecting dust somewhere and I play Guild Wars on my laptop. I wonder if GW2 will run as smooth as GW1 does currently (on lower settings). If not, I really don't mind as I can always hook up my PC. I'm sure plenty others would be disappointed. But I have faith in Anet's ability to make the game run smoothly on older systems.

Zinger314

Debbie Downer

Join Date: May 2006

N/Me

24 Mar 2007 at 05:01 - 20

A general note to all in this topic; Too-good graphics for an MMO is not a smart business move. If the graphics engine is too good, then it will require a computer upgrade just to play the game at even 30 FPS. ("GW2, free to play, just $49.95 + $1000+!") That's one of the reasons WoW is popular; it doesn't kill my computer to play WoW at average settings whereas my computer whines and stalls whenever I enter a town in GW.

And graphical lag leads to player lag, which leads to many, many players dying.

weretoad

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2007

league of the elite

Me/

24 Mar 2007 at 13:15 - 21

for race i really really want those frogs called heket. then i would bounce around and any who likes mouse target would miss.

Jecht Scye

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2005

Lucky Crickets[Luck]

N/Me

24 Mar 2007 at 13:22 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zinger314

A general note to all in this topic; Too-good graphics for an MMO is not a smart business move. If the graphics engine is too good, then it will require a computer upgrade just to play the game at even 30 FPS. ("GW2, free to play, just $49.95 + $1000+!") That's one of the reasons WoW is popular; it doesn't kill my computer to play WoW at average settings whereas my computer whines and stalls whenever I enter a town in GW.

And graphical lag leads to player lag, which leads to many, many players dying.

Sounds to me like you need a better machine. Guildwars runs at an acceptable pace on my laptop. My current PC is outdated and I very rarely get even a bit of lag.

PC Specs:
2gigs RAM
ATI Radeon x800
AMD 64 3500+

Three years ago this cost me $1800, now you can get a better setup for an even 1k

HalPlantagenet

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2005

too far from Conwy

The Chained Swan

R/

24 Mar 2007 at 14:23 - 23

Quick thanks to the OP for creating the topic. Like her I brought up the question on another thread and received no response. And thanks ClawOfCrimson for your short descriptions.

I'll reserve comment on the new races until I see something myself. Nevertheless, I'm quite pleased that the Char will be back. To my mind they were one of the most effectively imagined antagonists in the first game, not just their static graphical representations, but their animations as well. There was an element of nightmare about them that I particularly appreciated.

A solipsistic, profane twelve year-old playing one is another kind of nightmare, but that's another issue, isn't it?