Dev Update: PvP Editions - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Andrew Patrick

ArenaNet

Join Date: Aug 2006

Washington

Zealots of Shiverpeak [ZoS]

Mo/

11 Oct 2007 at 17:44 - 1

http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Gaile...D_PvP_Editions

Quote:

In the near future, we're going to be offering you more choices through the Guild Wars In-Game Store related to purchasing skill unlocks and PvP access. We will be modifying the PvP Editions of Guild Wars to split out the access portion from the unlock portion. This means that you will have the option to purchase a PvP access key by itself, or you can purchase Skill Unlock Packs for the individual campaigns. By offering these as separate options, you only pay for access once, no matter now many different campaigns you may want to play, and you do not pay for access at all if you already own Guild Wars and are simply interested in buying some skill unlocks.

In order to assure that we offer new purchasers the greater number of choices, we will be removing the option to purchase the existing PvP Edition this week and we will offer the expanded list of choices in early November.

seut

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Europa

11 Oct 2007 at 17:55 - 2

uhm, what?
could you try to explain the future options in some easier words?

e.g. is it the option to buy Alliance Battle access without needing to buy the skill unlocks?

Clord

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2006

Finland

Victory Via Valour

11 Oct 2007 at 18:03 - 3

Even when I'm PvE player in Guild Wars, in my opinion current options for PvP players is rip-off when they can get game from store pretty cheap wtih PvE side too.

Horuku

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2006

Colorado

Eva Champloo [EvaC]

W/Mo

11 Oct 2007 at 18:08 - 4

Does this mean I am going to get refunded some money for paying 40$ for skills from prophecies?

Malice Black

Site Legend

Join Date: Oct 2005

11 Oct 2007 at 18:24 - 5

That post makes very little sense to me either.

Saphrium

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

Granite Citadel

Post Searing Ascalonian Merchants

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 18:49 - 6

I hope after the split up each portion would reduce price by at least 25%. I think it is the only way it would sell.

I think this is what this post means:

Unified access, which means you buy pvp access, you are allowed to unlock and use any skills and equips. (for 3 compaigns and eotn)

Unlock is another thing, after you gain pvp access(all compaigns), you can choose to unlock skills right away by purchasing unlock packs by compaign, or start playing right away(use template), and gain balthazar factions to unlock skills and equips individually.

My recommendation is to give pvp only players more content; skill points and experience points in pvp only realm should mean more than just number, put it in good use.

undeadgun

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2006

US

Its Rainning Fame Hallelujah[伞回伞], also as guild leader

N/

11 Oct 2007 at 18:51 - 7

dont quite understand-_-???!!!

Vilaptca

Pre-Searing Vanquisher

Join Date: Jun 2005

Fifteen Over Fifty [Rare]

11 Oct 2007 at 18:53 - 8

WOAH!! Now I HAVE to buy one of those this week...that was what I was going to buy for the Mission Bonus Pack...I've just been putting it off...

Neo Nugget

Site Contributor

Join Date: Jan 2006

R/

11 Oct 2007 at 18:58 - 9

*scratches head*

Is it just PVP packs cheaper for those that own the campaign?If it isn't please elaborate lol.

Indian

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Oct 2005

[SWIM]/[HooD]/[RFE]

Me/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:00 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo Nugget

*scratches head*

Is it just PVP packs cheaper for those that own the campaign?If it isn't please elaborate lol.

same.. lil' confused

chiuna

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jun 2005

LOST

E/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:01 - 11

Does this mean, for example, that if I had Nightfall/EoTN but not Factions and I bought PvP acess I could begin unlocking Factions skills for use with Rit/Sin heroes?

vergerefosh

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2006

Englishmen Don't Drink [Tea]

W/R

11 Oct 2007 at 19:05 - 12

@ Chiuna, I think you buy the factions skill pack for that, but you may have to buy factions PvP access, but that would probably also give access to AB, FA and JQ, not certain though

Inde

Site Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2004

11 Oct 2007 at 19:07 - 13

I'm so glad to see I wasn't the only one a little confused!

thezed

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

Iowa, USA

HoTR

11 Oct 2007 at 19:19 - 14

I think the only thing we can really take away from this is:

"PvP purchasing options will be changing."

Taki

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: May 2005

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 19:29 - 15

Looks like:

1) You'll be able to buy a PvP-only access code (think trial key, only permanent and for PvP) that grants PvP access to all campaigns, but without the skills automatically unlocked.

2) But you'll be able to buy skill unlock packs if you don't want to grind faction for every skill you want.

I.E. Instead of new PvP players having to purchase the overpriced PvP editions of each campaign, their access code let's them PvP and they can unlock skills across all campaigns to use and/or they can buy skill packs from the online store.

A great idea players pitched to Anet over a year ago. Now, not so hot. The effort is appreciated though.

Havre Fras

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2006

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 19:31 - 16

I'm not sure what to say...

Other than "I don't understand a bloody word of that", of course.

fallot

I'm the king

Join Date: Nov 2005

Aussie Trolling Crew: Grand Phallus and Chairman Pro Tempore

11 Oct 2007 at 19:34 - 17

Edit: **** me, I give up

Xero Silvam

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2005

Holland

PM me if you want to know

Mo/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:40 - 18

you can buy either the acces part of the current PvP packs [general arena's, hero battles, alliance battles] or you can buy the unlocks seperatly.

This means that people just wanting skills from a specific campaign do not have to pay for the acces part aswell.

...is what I came up with.

Perth68

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Sacred Blood

R/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:42 - 19

a bit vague, but I think it means access to skills and areas are going to be separate from unlocking skills. So a person with the full campaigns can buy unlocks and a person who only wants to buy access to the PvP in campaigns (including skills) can buy that separately without necessarily buying unlocks.

It could mean a multitude of other things though.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:49 - 20

I don't know what it means, but I know what I want:

The ability to buy Elites for my PvE character. With real money, not having to spam "WTB Elite Ritualist Tome".....

(Hmm, I guess Anet would have to decide if they would count towards Skill Hunter or not. I would say, No, bought skills do NOT count, although even if you buy the skill you still should be able to "capture" it later.)

Saphrium

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

Granite Citadel

Post Searing Ascalonian Merchants

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 19:51 - 21

It is a good move. At the same token I hope that core-skill unlocks are not separated from campaign-only-skill unlocks, and how is equip mods, runes and insig unlock fit in this picture?

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Oct 2007 at 19:56 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vilaptca

WOAH!! Now I HAVE to buy one of those this week...that was what I was going to buy for the Mission Bonus Pack...I've just been putting it off...

Sounds like they'll be available too late to count towards Bonus Pack...

"Early November." Thanks for nothing, Anet. Now I have to buy another Character Slot....

Grammar

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2005

11 Oct 2007 at 20:01 - 23

This is great for PVE players who just want to unlock all the skills for PVE use (like heroes).
Now we won't have to pay extra for the PvP access, which many already have anyway if they already own the campaign.

Take me for example. I own all the campaigns, but I don't have all the skills in the game unlocked (not even close). I only have the skills unlocked for the classes that I play, which is Warrior, Ranger, Ele, Monk, and Necro. But now, I have all these heroes that I want to use, but I'm lacking a whole crap load of skills to be able to use my Paragon, Dervish, Ritualist, Assassin, and Mesmer heroes properly.

This change would mean I could purchase the skill unlocks that my heroes need without having to pay extra for the PvP access that currently comes with the PvP Editions (which I already have anyway by owning the campaigns).

Sounds ftw to me.

Vilaptca

Pre-Searing Vanquisher

Join Date: Jun 2005

Fifteen Over Fifty [Rare]

11 Oct 2007 at 20:44 - 24

I think he's saying there will now be 6 PvP packs...3 that unlock the campaign itself (IE; Factions = Assassins, Ritualists, AB) and 3 that unlock the skills....maybe...

Saphrium

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

Granite Citadel

Post Searing Ascalonian Merchants

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 20:46 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vilaptca

I think he's saying there will now be 6 PvP packs...3 that unlock the campaign itself (IE; Factions = Assassins, Ritualists, AB) and 3 that unlock the skills....maybe...

then i won't buy any of the packages for more than 10 bucks.

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

11 Oct 2007 at 20:48 - 26

Hi,

I hope I can answer your questions. Here's what the PvP Pack currently does: It allows you to get an unlock of all skills for your PvP characters (and Heroes, if you have them) and it gives you access to the PvP Battle Isles. In the future, we want to make it more inexpensive to get these packs, and we want to assure that people are only paying for what they need.

So we're breaking out access -- for those who do not own Guild Wars at all. Those who don't own any of our campaigns can get an access key that allows them to play in PvP (Battle Isles, etc.) And we're offering PvP skill unlock packs (I'm not sure of the formal name), too. Some people may choose to buy an unlock and a skill pack. Some may choose one or the other. The whole point is to give you options, and at a more economical price, as well.

We think this is a great opportunity for players to get all skills from a specific campaign for them to play in PvP. It's also a great opportunity for PvE-oriented players to acquire skills for their Heroes to use, since the unlock packs do not furnish "UAX" for PvE, but do allow all skills to be accessed by a Hero.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions. (The one question I want to confirm is: "Is the "Access Key" by campaign, or is it a universal PvP access key?" I will find out and let you guys know.)

Vilaptca

Pre-Searing Vanquisher

Join Date: Jun 2005

Fifteen Over Fifty [Rare]

11 Oct 2007 at 20:50 - 27

The only reason I've been putting off buying PvP packs was $40 for just skills, as I already have the campaigns seemed quite steep. It looks like I got what I need to unlock skills now, and at a cheaper price, but just not in time for the Mission Bonus Pack, so looks like I'll be putting this money towards character slots...

Saphrium

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

Granite Citadel

Post Searing Ascalonian Merchants

N/Me

11 Oct 2007 at 22:12 - 28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Hi,

I hope I can answer your questions. Here's what the PvP Pack currently does: It allows you to get an unlock of all skills for your PvP characters (and Heroes, if you have them) and it gives you access to the PvP Battle Isles. In the future, we want to make it more inexpensive to get these packs, and we want to assure that people are only paying for what they need.

So we're breaking out access -- for those who do not own Guild Wars at all. Those who don't own any of our campaigns can get an access key that allows them to play in PvP (Battle Isles, etc.) And we're offering PvP skill unlock packs (I'm not sure of the formal name), too. Some people may choose to buy an unlock and a skill pack. Some may choose one or the other. The whole point is to give you options, and at a more economical price, as well.

We think this is a great opportunity for players to get all skills from a specific campaign for them to play in PvP. It's also a great opportunity for PvE-oriented players to acquire skills for their Heroes to use, since the unlock packs do not furnish "UAX" for PvE, but do allow all skills to be accessed by a Hero.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions. (The one question I want to confirm is: "Is the "Access Key" by campaign, or is it a universal PvP access key?" I will find out and let you guys know.)

Thanks gaile for the explanation.

Also a few other questions:
1. How is equipment, runes and insignias work with the unlock system?
2. If I purchase a campaign-specific skill pack, am I getting the core skills included or is it in a separate pack of skills to purchase?
3. How do you guys work around unlocked skills vs pvp access on certain skill-stealing skills? [I don't own eotn and I just inspire-hexed defile defenses]

DutchSmurf

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Oct 2007 at 22:19 - 29

I'm actually more interested in why Anet decides to do it actually. And how much it is going to cost. 4 skill unlocks+pvp unlock for the price of 1 normal game? After all, if it is for a new pvp player, he needs to buy all anyway. But why would there be new pvp players? Is there a new (seriously advertised) tournament coming next year or something? Or is the only use this has for pve players who don't have all skills unlocked for there heroes?

Only other thing that can be said about this is that it is about 2 years late.

aaje vhanli

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Dec 2006

11 Oct 2007 at 22:21 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vilaptca

WOAH!! Now I HAVE to buy one of those this week...that was what I was going to buy for the Mission Bonus Pack...I've just been putting it off...

Same here. I am one of the people who have very limited options buying from the online store. I was hoping they'd do something like this BEFORE November (or, any additions to the Online Store at all).

If I'm too late, and they take off the PvP Editions, I'll just have to purchase three character slots I don't need. Or, rather, purchase the Mission Bonus Pack for $30 and get 3 (useless) free character slots with it.

Neo Nugget

Site Contributor

Join Date: Jan 2006

R/

11 Oct 2007 at 22:36 - 31

Is it still going to be 40 bucks?

Relnor

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Feb 2006

W/

12 Oct 2007 at 00:12 - 32

I would love to get some pricing info. For me to make my PvE account PvP ready, I would need to buy some 1200 skills. I don't have the gold for that, or the cash to pay for three $40 PvP unlocks.

VitisVinifera

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2005

Northern California

HoTR

N/Me

12 Oct 2007 at 00:19 - 33

and this continues a long legacy of poorly worded, ambigious, and misleading announcements which then needs to be cleaned up by CR

Dr Strangelove

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Dec 2005

Wasting away again in Margaritaville

[HOTR]

12 Oct 2007 at 00:44 - 34

Why does the system of unlocks still exist? All it does is make a huge barrier for new players. PvP needs to be UAX if it's going to survive, not some half-assed thing where you pay to avoid mind-numbing grind.

Senrath

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2006

Halfway between here and there

Advanced Technology [CCCP]

12 Oct 2007 at 01:18 - 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vilaptca

The only reason I've been putting off buying PvP packs was $40 for just skills, as I already have the campaigns seemed quite steep.

Agreed. I'll probably actually buy the unlocks, provided they aren't still way too expensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo Nugget

Is it still going to be 40 bucks?

No, the point of this is to say that there will now be 2+ versions. At least one for those without access to Guild Wars at all, and at least one cheaper one for those with access, who just want the unlocks.

Yawgmoth

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2005

12 Oct 2007 at 02:11 - 36

This is how it should have been from the beginning. And I was saying that back then when those packs got introduced first: Sell just access, unlocks are really easy to get by just playing.

Now one best thing that should be done is: one package, enabling access to all PvP content, professions, skills and stuff. No unlocks there, get them by just playing. Make complete GW PvP experience easily accessible for new players at a reasonable cost.

Of course, in addition to it, have smaller packages for those players that missed just 1 campagin.

Selling unlocks was wrong, such an option should have never existed. Players should unlock and learn to play with new skills at a steady pace. It's like selling achievements for $$.
UAX'ing 1 campagin is just 1-2 months of dedicated PvP play, at current faction gain rates.

fenix

Major-General Awesome

Join Date: Aug 2005

Aussie Trolling Crew HQ - Event Organiser and IRC Tiger

Ex Talionis [Law], Trinity of the Ascended [ToA] ????????????????&#

W/

12 Oct 2007 at 03:15 - 37

How are so many people failing to understand?

PvP unlocks = unlocking everything PvP.

If you buy the Factions PvP pack, you unlock EVERYTHING PvP to do with Factions. Skills, maps, etc.

If you get the Nightfall PvP pack, you get EVERYTHING from NF that is PvP. Maps, Heroes, Skills.

If you buy Prophecies, you get all the skills and maps from there. And if you buy all 3, you get everything unlockable.

Oh, and of course, the EOTN one would be the 100 skills + heroes.

Not that hard to understand.

On the other hand, you can choose just to buy SKILL unlock packs. Which are for if you just have the intention of playing HA/GvG, and need all the skills unlocked.

CHunterX

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2005

Washington

W/E

12 Oct 2007 at 03:21 - 38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

So we're breaking out access -- for those who do not own Guild Wars at all. Those who don't own any of our campaigns can get an access key that allows them to play in PvP (Battle Isles, etc.)

How will someone who has never bought a Guild Wars Campaign going to have the .dat and .exe file to even access the in-game store, unless you are offering the download and purchase of said "PvP-Packs" on the Areanet website or something. (I'd go to check if they have it for download, but that Flash-filled hellhole is a little much for me to bear.)

Remember, we have to log-in to an account to even get access to the in-game store, and for someone who doesn't own a Guild Wars access key, I'd imagine this would be hard...

fenix

Major-General Awesome

Join Date: Aug 2005

Aussie Trolling Crew HQ - Event Organiser and IRC Tiger

Ex Talionis [Law], Trinity of the Ascended [ToA] ????????????????&#

W/

12 Oct 2007 at 03:23 - 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHunterX

How will someone who has never bought a Guild Wars Campaign going to have the .dat and .exe file to even access the in-game store, unless you are offering the download and purchase of said "PvP-Packs" on the Areanet website or something. (I'd go to check if they have it for download, but that Flash-filled hellhole is a little much for me to bear.)

Remember, we have to log-in to an account to even get access to the in-game store, and for someone who doesn't own a Guild Wars access key, I'd imagine this would be hard...

You can download the Client for GW from www.guildwars.com, you just can't log in if you don't have an account.

Apok Omen

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

Commence Aggro [BaMf]

Mo/E

12 Oct 2007 at 03:32 - 40

And when exactly are the current PvP updates(SKILL BALANCE) coming? I heard this week yet don't see anything...