Incredibly few Miniature Grawls (only 1000 total?) - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

29 Jul 2007 at 19:38 - 1

Just got back from San Diego ComicCon. Yes, I flew from Florida to go, so no complaining about being "too far" in this thread

. Thankfully, I got there Friday afternoon to learn that NCsoft was only able to give out 12 mini-grawl keys total for Friday. To get one myself, I'd have to come to the NCsoft booth at noon on Saturday, but was urged to line up early as only 20 keys were allocated for Saturday (yes, noon was the one and only giveaway). I got in line at 11, and it filled out at 11:30. I only assume NCsoft was given around 50 keys total for ComicCon. If GenCon got 50 as well (which is a liberal guess, as ComicCon is much bigger), then PAX is getting 900 (the other 90%) according to Gaile. That makes 1000 Grawls total

Thus, even the Con-going folk are having it rough right now.

Malice Black

Site Legend

Join Date: Oct 2005

29 Jul 2007 at 19:44 - 2

Yeah, but didn't Gaile say they would hand out more?

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

29 Jul 2007 at 19:48 - 3

But the question is how MUCH more if the lucky Con-goers only get a shot at 1000 themselves?

Malice Black

Site Legend

Join Date: Oct 2005

29 Jul 2007 at 19:56 - 4

Hmm true, maybe they will release a slightly different one for the magazine release.

dargon

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: May 2005

The Seraphim Knights [TSK]

R/

29 Jul 2007 at 20:04 - 5

Actually, I believe what Gaile said was the keys allocated to Cons (which includes PAX), amount to roughly 10% of the total number of keys available.

KamikazeChicken

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Mo/

29 Jul 2007 at 20:11 - 6

Expect this mini to be in an upcoming PC Gamer (or something similar) because there's going to be an additional means of acquisition that Gaile wasn't able to specify.

Esprit

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2005

Dvd Forums [DVDF]

E/

29 Jul 2007 at 20:20 - 7

Where does your number 1000 come from?

Stormcloud

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jul 2006

Oregon, USA

29 Jul 2007 at 21:05 - 8

The number of 1000 available is his attempt to drive the price up on the 1 that he got at the convention.

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

29 Jul 2007 at 22:01 - 9

Gaile's direct quote was: "Having said that, we realize that this is only a tiny percentage of our players! The number of keys sent to Comic-Con and the number set aside for Gen Con is relatively small, about 10% of the total available. We'll have more at PAX because that's ArenaNet's big focus this year, but again, there are more opportunities to get a key outside the shows than within them. (And if you're attending one of those shows, get there early because the key numbers are limited.)"

Now maybe the amount of keys set aside for GenCon are much more than the number set aside for ComicCon, in which case 10% might be much more than 100. I'm just estimating the number "1000" on the guess that about 50 keys each were sent to both cons. the other "90%" that Gaile is talking about seems to be in regards to PAX and whatever other promotion Anet is attempting the set up. If around 100 keys have been sent to both ComicCon and GenCon total based off my experience of incredibally few keys being given away at ComicCon, then that means there are only 1000 keys total, across all present and possibly future promotions.

Lord Feathers

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2007

ROAR - Rangers of Ascalon Return

R/P

29 Jul 2007 at 22:33 - 10

I can't imagine a mini crawl being any more desirable then a full grown crawl. Now maybe and only if I could make a rug out of it to place in the Hall of Momuments would one interest me.

korcan

noobalicious

Join Date: Jun 2006

29 Jul 2007 at 23:04 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Feathers

I can't imagine a mini crawl being any more desirable then a full grown crawl. Now maybe and only if I could make a rug out of it to place in the Hall of Momuments would one interest me.

they dont wield a weapon either. sadness

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 Jul 2007 at 03:31 - 12

Guys,

We sent far more than 50 keys to Comic-Con, and will send more than 50 to Gen Con. However, that's not to say they won't be somewhat rare or difficult to come by. I'm going to have a meeting this week to see if we cannot find a better means to getting the keys into the hands of the players.

The odd thing is, in another forum, a member is stating that NCsoft said they had 150 keys and that they gave them all out on the first day at noon. So you can understand my confusion here. What really happened at Comic-Con, and how do we make it better for Gen Con?

Don't worry about PAX -- this Keeper of the Keys will do her best to assure that a key gets into the hands of a lot of Guild Wars players!

Rivix

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2007

D/Mo

30 Jul 2007 at 03:42 - 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Guys,

We sent far more than 50 keys to Comic-Con, and will send more than 50 to Gen Con. However, that's not to say they won't be somewhat rare or difficult to come by. I'm going to have a meeting this week to see if we cannot find a better means to getting the keys into the hands of the players.

The odd thing is, in another forum, a member is stating that NCsoft said they had 150 keys and that they gave them all out on the first day at noon. So you can understand my confusion here. What really happened at Comic-Con, and how do we make it better for Gen Con?

Don't worry about PAX -- this Keeper of the Keys will do her best to assure that a key gets into the hands of a lot of Guild Wars players!

I have a solution. I could give you my address and you can ship me the key. Over the internet is too risky...

Midnight Harmony

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2006

South East England

Everlasting Sacred Path [ESP]

E/Me

30 Jul 2007 at 04:17 - 14

It better be a Grawl Ulodyte, because I can then run armound Kamadan shouting booooomba!

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

30 Jul 2007 at 04:37 - 15

Perhaps they gave a ton out on Thursday then, because I only know of the Friday and Saturday figures from personal experience

It's good to know that there are a lot more than 50 for ComicCon. 20 total for Saturday was kind of stingy imo, but if they gave a ton out unexpectedly on Thursday, that would be a valid reason

Cherno

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2006

Stars of Destiny

E/

30 Jul 2007 at 04:37 - 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Guys,

We sent far more than 50 keys to Comic-Con, and will send more than 50 to Gen Con. However, that's not to say they won't be somewhat rare or difficult to come by. I'm going to have a meeting this week to see if we cannot find a better means to getting the keys into the hands of the players.

The odd thing is, in another forum, a member is stating that NCsoft said they had 150 keys and that they gave them all out on the first day at noon. So you can understand my confusion here. What really happened at Comic-Con, and how do we make it better for Gen Con?

Don't worry about PAX -- this Keeper of the Keys will do her best to assure that a key gets into the hands of a lot of Guild Wars players!

Obviously you have heard from at least two people that the folks at the booth stated extremely limited quantities of keys and you yourself have contradicted that information. I would tend to believe that both sources are correct and that someone needs to get to the bottom of what happened to all the rest of the keys that were sent to san diego or why they were telling people that.

Curse You

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

South Pole

The Magus Order

N/Mo

30 Jul 2007 at 04:46 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight Harmony

It better be a Grawl Ulodyte, because I can then run armound Kamadan shouting booooomba!

booooomba?

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 Jul 2007 at 05:12 - 18

Piecing together the info that we have from various sources, I don't see any impropriety. There were three days of the show, and I think the booth folks were smart to keep a few aside for Saturday only. Judging from what I've heard, the keys were distributed, primarily on Thursday, but more were given Friday and Saturday, and the numbers seems pretty ok to me.

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

30 Jul 2007 at 05:16 - 19

Out of curiosity, were any keys given out for today as well? It was a shortened day for ComicCon but still a day nonetheless

I went home late last night after having my fill of the event.

It was really fun! Ridiculously packed, but very well put together by the convention center and primary eventholders of ComicCon. I recommend you all to go next year.

ElinoraNeSangre

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

Near Seattle, WA

Talionis De Cineris [EXUR]

N/Me

30 Jul 2007 at 06:21 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rivix

I have a solution. I could give you my address and you can ship me the key. Over the internet is too risky...

LOL I dunno, I was contemplating the "chocolate fudge food bribe" route, myself.

(then again, Gaile would probably throw me out on my butt if I showed up with random chocolate fudge, thinking I'm a creepy stalker or something.

)

BOOOOOMBA!

-kel

Roshi_ikkyu

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2006

Mo/W

30 Jul 2007 at 06:23 - 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malice Black

Yeah, but didn't Gaile say they would hand out more?

I'm sure this quote will be branded often in the coming weeks!

I personally don't believe her, (Its nothing personal) just all the PR sound bytes... :'(

-Loki-

Forge Runner

Join Date: Oct 2005

30 Jul 2007 at 06:38 - 22

Yeah, this bodes well for Australia.

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

30 Jul 2007 at 06:40 - 23

To be honest, the Grawl might be a rare minipet, but it's not all that special nor does it stand out too much like a Kuuna or a Water Djinn. But it was very nice to sell for someone who appreciated its rarity more than I did

Even if the quantities don't increase though, I have a feeling that it's the next Gray Giant.

dwchang

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2005

Legion of Losers [LOL]

30 Jul 2007 at 08:48 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Piecing together the info that we have from various sources, I don't see any impropriety. There were three days of the show, and I think the booth folks were smart to keep a few aside for Saturday only. Judging from what I've heard, the keys were distributed, primarily on Thursday, but more were given Friday and Saturday, and the numbers seems pretty ok to me.

I talked with the NCSoft employees in length about this (and other things) and my understanding is there were ~100 keys (now I hear 150) at Comic-Con and they evenly distributed them on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (either 25 or 37 a day).

They specifically said an equal amount was given each day so I'm pretty sure they didn't give a ton of them on Thursday. On Saturday it seemed like there were just about 25 - 30 folks in line and it looked like everyone got one. However, I could just be wrong.

I was unfortunate enough to be 'late' on Thursday, but that's when they told me they were giving out a set amount every day, with the set being even regardless of the day. After all, I asked them if they had more (which they said yes) and if I could have one, but they said they already gave out their quota for the day

.

Frankly even though I missed out on my first chance, I think it was a fair system since it gave con-goers an equal chance on each day. There are a large number of folks who only buy a Saturday-Only badge (or any other day) and to do any other distribution system would be fairly unfair to them.

I guess the only change I'd make is to communicate the actual distribution times clearly since the first day (Thursday), I had no idea when they were distributing and just sort of stumbled upon the booth. If I knew it was at noon sharp, I'd have probably changed my plans slightly. Regardless, I got mine (and skill pins) so I'm happy

.

arsie

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2007

N/

30 Jul 2007 at 08:59 - 25

For a game that sold 3 million copies, I am surprised that the number of minipets on offer is in the 1000 and 1500 range.

I expect the demand for minipets to be in five digit numbers, not three or four.

I've had a booth at Comicon for my company in the past, and any free stuff regardless of value flies out by the thousands a day. I'm sure its even more popular now than when I was there 5 years ago.

seut

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Europa

30 Jul 2007 at 10:13 - 26

Special event with limited handout.. NCSoft never learns.
A few people and their friends, who might not even play GW, stand in line each day and get several keys. It's easy to activate them on secondary or accounts of friends and then sell them for 100k+XXXecto sums.

NCSoft is basically handing out free gold.
Don't believe me? Look what happened to the last batch of special asian minis... same seller for several pets down in high-end forum.

Hengis

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2006

London

Better Than Life (BTL)

R/

30 Jul 2007 at 10:29 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

this Keeper of the Keys will do her best to assure that a key gets into the hands of a lot of Guild Wars players!

Has someone been reading a lot of Harry Potter lately?

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

31 Jul 2007 at 00:20 - 28

If it was awesome like a Panda, I'd never consider selling it

ElinoraNeSangre

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

Near Seattle, WA

Talionis De Cineris [EXUR]

N/Me

31 Jul 2007 at 16:06 - 29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hengis Stone

Has someone been reading a lot of Harry Potter lately?

:: snicker :: Dude it's not like JK Rowling was the first person to use the words "keeper of the keys" strung together!

... okay so I like google...

And I'm just sayin'.

Did we get confirmation that the actually number is indeed 1000-1500?

I will point out, though: if they're hard to get, people will worry that they're too rare. If they become more common, people will go on about how it's not so special. If there's one constant, it's that ANet/NCSoft can't make EVERYONE happy.

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

31 Jul 2007 at 17:57 - 30

It's really difficult for me to know exactly what happened but I will be talking to the folks involved in this distribution to strategize how we might make such opportunities better in the future. Reading various forums, there's some confusion about exactly what happened at Comic-Con, and I think there may be a bit of exaggeration in some of what we're reading.

For instance, one attendee said that s/he was told 150 keys were provided, another said 50. Both are incorrect. Someone said all miniature code cards were given out on the first day and that those who tried to acquire one on Friday and Saturday were aced out; another said there were "a few" on Saturday; a third said there was an equal number distributed each day. One non-attendee suggests that someone could stand in line and take multiple keys; that's pretty likely. Can you see why I'm still trying to filter through the various comments to see what really happened?

I sent some suggestions to the team handling the events, and I'll be at PAX myself to do my best to keep things fair and friendly. We don't want people to go away disappointed, but the keys are limited in number and we're unable to offer more.

(Oh, Keeper of the Keys? I'm a Tower of London fanatic. I thought I'd toss in a semi-obscure cultural reference. But yes, I like Harry Potter a lot; I was rereading #6 late last night.)

LumpOfCole

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Orlando, FL

Rt/

31 Jul 2007 at 21:07 - 31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

It's really difficult for me to know exactly what happened but I will be talking to the folks involved in this distribution to strategize how we might make such opportunities better in the future. Reading various forums, there's some confusion about exactly what happened at Comic-Con, and I think there may be a bit of exaggeration in some of what we're reading.

For instance, one attendee said that s/he was told 150 keys were provided, another said 50. Both are incorrect. Someone said all miniature code cards were given out on the first day and that those who tried to acquire one on Friday and Saturday were aced out; another said there were "a few" on Saturday; a third said there was an equal number distributed each day. One non-attendee suggests that someone could stand in line and take multiple keys; that's pretty likely. Can you see why I'm still trying to filter through the various comments to see what really happened?

I sent some suggestions to the team handling the events, and I'll be at PAX myself to do my best to keep things fair and friendly. We don't want people to go away disappointed, but the keys are limited in number and we're unable to offer more.

(Oh, Keeper of the Keys? I'm a Tower of London fanatic. I thought I'd toss in a semi-obscure cultural reference. But yes, I like Harry Potter a lot; I was rereading #6 late last night.)

they did scan badges, and lines were filled before each day's noon giveaway, so at least repeat key-getters was seamingly impossible.

ElinoraNeSangre

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

Near Seattle, WA

Talionis De Cineris [EXUR]

N/Me

31 Jul 2007 at 21:54 - 32

One way around the one person getting more than one is to only allow one key for it per account; it's not perfect as some people DO have a number of accounts but it's better than nothing.

(aw so no falling for my chocolate goodness! Darn!) :: cackle ::

-me, who has had too much sugar today

Atlas Ravens

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2007

Raven Clan [RAVN]

Mo/

31 Jul 2007 at 22:23 - 33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

It's really difficult for me to know exactly what happened but I will be talking to the folks involved in this distribution to strategize how we might make such opportunities better in the future.

It's the internet. Use it to distribute the keys instead of requiring a player to leave work / school / whatever and travel to a physical location. At least then you would be assured that the minis go to an authentic GW player and not possibly random non GW players at a non GW specific event.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

...but the keys are limited in number and we're unable to offer more.

This I don't understand. It's a computer. Just generate as many keys as necessary so that anyone who wants to get one can have a chance. (Without requiring long distance travel). PC Gamer worked fine for me. How about some reasonably difficult in-game quest to earn one. You already have the distribution method in place with the tournament rewards.

Since Anet seems dedicated to keeping things fair and balanced and making things available to those who want to properly play the game, why would you make something ultra elite, advertise it, and then give it away to random lucky people who can be in the right place at the right time? It really frustrates me.

The Tower of London is cool, isn't it. - Atlas{Ravens}

Thunder79

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Aug 2006

Chaos Rising

31 Jul 2007 at 22:49 - 34

disappointed...

Why can't you give them out like candy like so much stuff at conventions is given out. Limiting the numbers to so few only serves to get them into the hands of people who wouldn't appreciate it...forcing those of us who are actual collectors have to pay outrageous sums of in game money for one.

Also why weren't details on how they were going to be given out posted beforehand? What if I were actually able to go to it and I could only show up on one day after the time when they were given out.

My boss was going to try and get me one but no doubt said screw it after he learned he would have to wait in line at a certain time of the day. Had I been able to tell him what time and how they were given out I probably would have had a better chance.

Shakti

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

Home...

Vier Reiter [Vier]

01 Aug 2007 at 00:10 - 35

In Anet's defense for a sec, if they went the PC Gamer route again like the Giant and Asura so the Grawl was uber common, people would bitch about that too. Thus far, except the greased lightning, all the uber rare pets are Asian aren't they? So at least Americans get one and hopefully Europe Aus etc soon as well. Not like we all don't have enough commons (up to armpits in Pigs anyone? Those WERE given out like candy remember?)

Fact is, Anet either can make it super common or rare, and we'd all gripe no matter what they do, they can not win. Even if they found a "middle" ground on the rarity, people who had one would whine that they weren't worth enough...

ok resume bitch session in 3...2...1...

-Loki-

Forge Runner

Join Date: Oct 2005

01 Aug 2007 at 06:41 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

but the keys are limited in number and we're unable to offer more.

Appeasement: Yes Gaile. Of course, Gaile.

Seriously: Unless they destroyed the hard drive the key generator was on, I doubt it.

Shanaeri Rynale

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

DVDF(Forums)

Me/N

01 Aug 2007 at 08:43 - 37

There have been lots of assurances made about the availability of certain mini pets outside of the place where they have been offered, over a year ago we were told that the Asian mini pets would be available outside of Asia, but as yet this has not been the case.

Clearly people feel strongly about their mini pets and would love to expand their collection without having to fly half way across the world or obtain obscene amounts of gold in order to buy them. Especially now it's been revealed that the hall of monuments will celebrate mini pets.

I think maybe the best way of increasing the chances of getting a rare minipet, while stll being fun and limiting the rarity would be to hold something like an in game lottery.

Pay 1K for a ticket(1 per account) on a weekly basis and then offer a set number of mini pets as a prize(say 1 Rollerbeetle as a jackpot, 5 Mallyx's to the next 5,10 Grawl and so on).

This would not decrease the rarity of pets by much, but by a game of chance would allow every player in the game the ability to acquire one of these rare pets.

As was said above, the key generators are already in place, as is the ability to award prizes to an account. Linking them up should be reasonably easy(famous last words).

At least by a lottery, you generate some excitement in the game, create another gold sink and give those who have missed out on these pets a fair chance to get one.

seut

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Europa

01 Aug 2007 at 09:46 - 38

fresh from Kamadan ad1:

limited handout = greed wins & fans lose