Guildwars: Pvp game or Pve game? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

PinoyRurik

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jan 2008

PNAS

W/Mo

16 Feb 2008 at 23:32 - 1

Hi I would like to know what you guys think about GW's genre.
I was wondering if I am a new gamer looking at GW. what would be my first impression entering the game, granted i looked into all the updates. zaishen, skill nerf, farm nerf.
Is it:
100% pvp or pve?
70% pvp? 30% pve?
50% pvp? 50% pve?
30% pvp? 70% pve?

I dunno how to make this a poll.

RhanoctJocosa

Legendary Korean

Join Date: Aug 2006

The Benecia Renovatio [RenO]

W/

16 Feb 2008 at 23:38 - 2

You'd probably see it as 50/50, even though GW is, in essence, a PvP-orientated game.

garethporlest18

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2006

[HiDe]

W/

16 Feb 2008 at 23:43 - 3

70% PvP and 30% PvE as it started out.

Now I'd say 30% PvP and 70% PvE.

Celestial_Kitsune

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

Me/

16 Feb 2008 at 23:47 - 4

I don't see a reason to give a percentage to a person interested in GW. Some people play 100% PvP, some 100% PvE, some do both. If you want to compare GW to other games, it would be best to highlight the features that make GW unique.

Originally, Guild Wars was envisioned as a PvP oriented game (probably, someone will post a link to that world championship clip soon). The best part of GW PvP is GvG. The PvE content in other games might be more extensive, but GW has non-grindy acquisition of max stat armor and weapons.

angmar_nite

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2007

[SNOW] of [YUM]

E/

16 Feb 2008 at 23:48 - 5

started out 80 pvp to 20 pve.

Now, although that ratio is still the skill balancing, the actual playerbase and game content is mostly 80 pve - 20 pvp.

pfaile

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Oct 2007

Orlando

Divine Order of Heroes

P/R

16 Feb 2008 at 23:49 - 6

we know where this is going to go

MithranArkanere

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Nov 2006

wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigo

Heraldos de la Llama Oscura [HLO]

E/

16 Feb 2008 at 23:49 - 7

It's not about percentages it's about places:

- Battle Isles and some Factions areas: 80% PvP (thanks to NPCs)
- Rest of the game: 100% PvE.

enter_the_zone

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2007

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 00:18 - 8

First impressions...hmm.

Well, if you played for the very first time and you played PvP as a new player, you'd decide that the game is full of arrogant, egotistical wankers, and you'd find something else to play.

And to all those who say this game was designed to be PVP oriented, I point you to the fact that, when the game started, you had to unlock all your Runes, mods, etc etc via PVE. There was no PVP unlock pack. I'd also point out that the PvP it may or may not have been designed for was GVG, not HA.

Overall, the game is now 90% PVE, at least in terms of population numbers. The PVP players are more active and more "vocal"(if I'm being nice about it) than PVE players. Sadly, since there is no monthly fee, they are disproportionately accommodated by ArenaNet in terms of how much they actually contributed to Anet's income.

-Loki-

Forge Runner

Join Date: Oct 2005

17 Feb 2008 at 00:53 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by MithranArkanere

- Battle Isles and some Factions areas: 80% PvP (thanks to NPCs)

If there are competing teams, NPC's don't matter. It's still PvP.

Spike

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

In front of my PC

Kai

E/Mo

17 Feb 2008 at 00:53 - 10

Actually Guild Wars was envisioned as a PvE oriented game not pvp. Pvp was added later as something to do AFTER you finished PVE.

Also as enter said "I point you to the fact that, when the game started, you had to unlock all your Runes, mods, etc etc via PVE. There was no PVP unlock pack"

The number of people who play PVE only VASTLY out number the people who play pvp only. All ways has done and all way will do.

randomperson

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2007

17 Feb 2008 at 00:59 - 11

The idea was for people to play through the PvE game to get good characters/unlocks to PvP with; Anet realised that the market for PvE players was bigger so they focused on that.

Lishy

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2008

17 Feb 2008 at 01:01 - 12

50% 50%

Some people play PvE to aquire items for PVP.
Some people play PVP to unlock skills for PvE.

One affects the other, so most people do both.
Example:A PvE'er like me does PVP for the zaishen chest to get items and to raise my kurzick allegiance in order to make my kurzick skills stronger.

Biostem

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Oct 2007

17 Feb 2008 at 01:05 - 13

The percentages are irrelevant. If you enjoy the mechanics of the game, if you have a decent selection of skills, armor, and weapons available, and if you have enough experience w/ the game to move/fight/use tactics, then play w/e you prefer. You can seamlessly move between the 2 aspects of the game, and so it's not like you are limited to only ever playing PvP or PvE; you have the choice, and that's the important part.

Stockholm

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Feb 2006

Censored

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 01:05 - 14

To OP,
go and look at how many districts you have in LA, Kainang and Kamadan then go and check out the PvP places and you get the picture yourself.

Dr Strangelove

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Dec 2005

Wasting away again in Margaritaville

[HOTR]

17 Feb 2008 at 01:16 - 15

Started out as primarily PvP, gradually shifted to a balance between the two. Prophecies and Factions were more PvP-oriented, Nightfall and GW:EN were more PvE oriented.

Dallcingi

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2006

USA

The Black Parades [死人死]

Mo/

17 Feb 2008 at 02:24 - 16

50/50; they are they are the only types of game mode out there haha.

credit

Banned

Join Date: Jan 2008

Team Apathy [aFk]

W/P

17 Feb 2008 at 02:37 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stockholm

To OP,
go and look at how many districts you have in LA, Kainang and Kamadan then go and check out the PvP places and you get the picture yourself.

That wouldn't even be close to a fair assessment. Nice try though.

wow I can't believe you said that.

Div

I like yumy food!

Join Date: Jan 2006

Where I can eat yumy food

Dead Alley [dR]

Mo/R

17 Feb 2008 at 02:42 - 18

95% PvE, 4.99% casual PvP, .01% HA/GvG PvP if I were to say.

GrimEye

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2007

Rt/

17 Feb 2008 at 04:05 - 19

Without facts and data on hand, I have the feeling GW was intended as PVE oriented. But the PVP aspect of the game is the most unique portion of GW that seperated it from the herd, thereby, drawing more people whose personalty are geared for PVP type of gameplay. GW has made a unique niche in the PVP scene and that's how it is remembered.

The fact, people are still nitpicking if GW is RPG or not indicates the tremendous success of GW-PVP. I guess, somewhere along the lines, a shift occurred that ANET made a play for its greatest strenght: PVP.

The rub is, the personality of PVP and PVE players are greatly different. It's like a rabbit and turtle race. The rabbit are agile, quick minded, razor-fast, they can outrun many in short quick burst. But they also always need something new to keep up the rush. ANET provide tweaks but it was not enough to hold their interest nor maintain the rush. Eventually, the rabbits had to take rests.

The PVE players are the turtles, slow at first but they can take the distance. When ANET saw the turtles are staying and playing for the long haul, they gave them PVE-skills.

Currently, I have the feeling 2/3 are PVE players and the remaining are PVP players.

Who will win the race, the rabbit or the turtle? In the short distance, the rabbit will. For the marathon, its the turtle.

Anyway, with no facts and data in hand, speculation is a free open space anyone can take. And I'm using speculation with wild abandon.

My take.

Crom The Pale

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Nov 2006

Ageis Ascending

W/

17 Feb 2008 at 04:25 - 20

GW was intended to start players out in PvE, then once you reach the last mission/quest you move onto PvP.

For the sake of this pole I would state my use of GW as follows.

90% PvE
10% PvP

Bryant Again

Hall Hero

Join Date: Feb 2006

17 Feb 2008 at 04:29 - 21

Stated by Jeff Strain: "Guild Wars was built from the ground to be a competitive game." Now, shit's happened. I'd say 70% PvE, whereas it was prided the most when it was originally the opposite.

enter_the_zone

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2007

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 04:38 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryant Again

Stated by Jeff Strain: "Guild Wars was built from the ground to be a competitive game." Now, shit's happened. I'd say 70% PvE, whereas it was prided the most when it was originally the opposite.

Stated by ArenaNet marketing, and on the damn box. "Co-operative RolePlaying Game"

Bryant Again

Hall Hero

Join Date: Feb 2006

17 Feb 2008 at 04:40 - 23

It's actually stated to be a competitive on-line roleplaying game. Also note that what I posted originally was stated by Jeff Strain, head of ANet.

enter_the_zone

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2007

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 04:54 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryant Again

It's actually stated to be a competitive on-line roleplaying game. Also note that what I posted originally was stated by Jeff Strain, head of ANet.

Actually, we're both wrong. Looking at my boxes and none of them say either

Only that it requires an internet connection. Mine's the UK box art, so it may be different to the US.

And according to the wiki it's Competitive/Cooperative Online Role Playing Game so we're both pwned.

I will add that in the advertising it was pushed as a CO-OP game, which is why I got it in the first place. Competitive games aren't my thing, too many inflated egos and deflated brains. Which is a pity because some PvP people are really nice. It's a shame the average PvP player is the same as the average PvE player, a complete moron. Which is why my heroes get so much exercise.

arcanemacabre

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Feb 2006

North Kryta Province

Angel Sharks [As]

17 Feb 2008 at 05:04 - 25

I think it's safe to say that GW was designed around PvP, and with PvP as the 'endgame.' Originally, people were forced to play through PvE to even get to PvP, because that was the intended path. The big split came when they made PvP-only characters. I really think that was the moment that made a major distinction between the two 'worlds.'

So now, while it is true both are a part of the game, they remain far separate entities, with people on both sides of the fence. The game is still designed around PvP (skill balance), but more time is spent designing PvE, and there are far more people who play PvE. So, maybe I could say it like this:

PvP is the foundation
PvE is the bread and butter

Bryant Again

Hall Hero

Join Date: Feb 2006

17 Feb 2008 at 05:04 - 26

Well, how about instead of saying it's a lose/lose it's a win/win

?

enter_the_zone

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2007

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 05:08 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryant Again

Well, how about instead of saying it's a lose/lose it's a win/win

?

Lol, sounds much better. We pwned the box art!

Arcanemacabre makes a good point, in that the game was probably originally intended to "evolve" or end up with PvP as the endgame. I suppose the idea of PvP being the "purpose" logically ended with the decision to add more chapters which allowed transcontinental travel. Each chapter has undeniably added to the scope of PvP, Factions by adding AB, and NF by adding HB.

I think, in the end, GW actually manages to do both PvP and PvE really well, especially for people limited on time they can devote to a game. Sure, we moan about updates and all the things they get wrong, but the reality is GW has active communities in both arenas. That's their one success.

Now, I know I criticise GW and especially Anet a lot, but that's primarily to do with how they run the game, not the game itself. What can I say, when I see them making the same mistakes over and over, I can't just accept it quietly. When somebody is doing something wrong, you correct them, especially if it's something or someone you care about. Anet is gradually killing how much I care for the game with their bad decisions, and I find that very sad.

Zahr Dalsk

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2007

Canada

17 Feb 2008 at 05:36 - 28

Intended as PvE leading up to PvP. Aka you play the PvE game and when you're done with that, you just PvP.

But what happened is that people liked PvE more.

So now basically ArenaNet and a few miscellaneous PvP-elitist losers think it's a PvP game, and the majority of the players know it's PvE.

enter_the_zone

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2007

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 06:04 - 29

The funny part about GW PvP to me is how HA-centric it has become for all but an elite few. I suppose getting into a guild in champ point range and then getting on the team is virtually impossible, unless you know someone.

HA is full of random PUGS and random PUGS annoy me, in pve and pvp

Sophitia Leafblade

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Dragon Slayer Guild [DSG]

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 07:01 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zahr Dalsk

Intended as PvE leading up to PvP. Aka you play the PvE game and when you're done with that, you just PvP.

Gw was always meant to be a mix as both were intertwined originally hence the arenas requiring PvE characters (before they moved them all to the Battle Isle etc.)

The lower tier of the PvP was designed for the pre lvl 20 PvE characters while the high tier was designed for post lvl 20 characters. You played through earned money skills and armour and then used them to compete. (the only exception being GvG, which you could create the original PvP only characters, so you could remake characters much easier/cheaper/faster for Guild on Guild action.) Guild Battles were always one of the big features of Gw and although you were never forced into PvP it was always very much present

Abedeus

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Jan 2007

Niflheim

R/

17 Feb 2008 at 07:24 - 31

50% pvp, 5% pve, 45% ursan.

Slaine

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Oct 2007

17 Feb 2008 at 07:31 - 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abedeus

50% pvp, 5% pve, 45% ursan.

LOL qft
12 char

cellardweller

Likes naked dance offs

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Older Gamers [TOG]

17 Feb 2008 at 07:43 - 33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Weekes

The game was *always* intended and designed as both a PvE and PvP experience. This was communicated in the earliest announcements about the game and continued as the goal throughout development. While there were phases of development where one or the other was focussed on, none of the assertions you present in your post are accurate.

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10109355

Pleikki

WTB q8 15^50 Weapons!

Join Date: Nov 2006

???oo ???ugs ???lan [?????????]

17 Feb 2008 at 09:22 - 34

True i would say owerall 30% PvP and 70% PvE but for some ppls its 90% PvP and 10% PvE but Yeah Guild wars is game name So its GwG :d But ppls can joice how they like play most of em joice PvE cause elitism of PvP

Kashrlyyk

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

17 Feb 2008 at 09:34 - 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Loki-

If there are competing teams, NPC's don't matter. It's still PvP.

Fighting NPCs is Players against Players????????????

maraxusofk

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

San Francisco, UC Berkeley

International District [id多], In Soviet Russia Altar Caps You [CCCP], LOL at [eF]

W/

17 Feb 2008 at 09:36 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zahr Dalsk

But what happened is that people liked PvE more.

true, but thats only b/c of ppl in pvp dont let pve ppl into groups so they feel general animosity towards pvp

TPike

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2008

Pennsyltucky

The Imperial Gaurds Of Ascalon [TIGA]

E/

17 Feb 2008 at 09:44 - 37

I'm a new player - less than a month.

By nature I've been more of an FPS player the lst year.

I was looking for PvE which would let me earn & learn skills I COULD use in multi-player later.

That's why I got Nightfall. After reading the reviews I thought it best met my needs.

I have not been dissapointed.

BTW -> Only PvP I tried was during the Canthan holiday.

Of course I sucked

But I did come in second in a rollerbeetle race

I really have little intention of ever playing PvP tbh.

arcanemacabre

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Feb 2006

North Kryta Province

Angel Sharks [As]

17 Feb 2008 at 09:50 - 38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kashrlyyk

Fighting NPCs is Players against Players????????????

If players are fighting against players at all, then yes, it is a PvP mode, even if there are also NPCs there to fight. Unless you are saying the only PvP in the game is RA and TA.

Longasc

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

17 Feb 2008 at 10:38 - 39

Welcome to the paradox world of Tyria, where a game that was mainly developed for PvP has a 80-90% PvE player base.

I wonder if GW2 will miraculously survive the discrepancy of heavily PvP based balancing and most content and everything else for PvE.

Despite their experiences with GW they still seem to believe in PvP, but try to make it more accessible (read: dumb it down) to the crowd with new formats (World Battles - whatever this will be).

Zahr Dalsk

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2007

Canada

17 Feb 2008 at 10:43 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sophitia Leafblade

Gw was always meant to be a mix as both were intertwined originally hence the arenas requiring PvE characters (before they moved them all to the Battle Isle etc.)

Yes, that is perfectly true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maraxusofk

true, but thats only b/c of ppl in pvp dont let pve ppl into groups so they feel general animosity towards pvp

Agreed, that is a very large part of the cause of this problem.