Jeff Strain leaves NCSoft - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 22:39 - 41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Smiley

Jeff Strain was one of the three founders of ArenaNet, along with Patrick Wyatt and Mike O'Brien. He led the art and production teams for Guild Wars. In 2008 he left his position at ArenaNet to become the President of Product Development at NCsoft West.

Sigh, people, listen, he left his postion for Anet, which means he most likey didn't have anything to do with GW2.

Well, that's one way to look at it...

another way was the NCSoft was going to make GW2 one of their flagships, and wanted Jeff higher on board (hence the promotion).

I find it hard to believe that he just left behind GW2 with no thought or involvement....

Mister_Smiley

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 22:42 - 42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

Well, that's one way to look at it...

another way was the NCSoft was going to make GW2 one of their flagships, and wanted Jeff higher on board (hence the promotion).

I find it hard to believe that he just left behind GW2 with no thought or involvement....

Thats a good point, hopefully he will post something or say something about it.

samberum

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2008

what

N/Me

11 Aug 2009 at 22:42 - 43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

Well, that's one way to look at it...

another way was the NCSoft was going to make GW2 one of their flagships, and wanted Jeff higher on board (hence the promotion).

I find it hard to believe that he just left behind GW2 with no thought or involvement....

It's hard to accept that Jeff did not have any strings tied to GW2 once he was promoted to NCSoft....

MisterB

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Oct 2005

Planet Earth, Sol system, Milky Way galaxy

[ban]

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11 Aug 2009 at 22:44 - 44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Smiley

Jeff Strain was one of the three founders of ArenaNet, along with Patrick Wyatt and Mike O'Brien. He led the art and production teams for Guild Wars. In 2008 he left his position at ArenaNet to become the President of Product Development at NCsoft West.

Sigh, people, listen, he left his postion for Anet, which means he most likey didn't have anything to do with GW2.

I have no idea how one comes to the conlusion he had no involvement whatsoever with GW2 in light of the fact that he co-founded ANet to create Guild Wars. Please explain the logic behind this reasoning.

True, we are outsiders to the internal workings of the company, and are thus ignorant without express information, but that assertion seems absurd.

Mister_Smiley

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 22:49 - 45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterB

I have no idea how one comes to the conlusion he had no involvement whatsoever with GW2 in light of the fact that he co-founded ANet to create Guild Wars. Please explain the logic behind this reasoning.

True, we are outsiders to the internal workings of the company, and are thus ignorant without express information, but that assertion seems absurd.

Logic, what is logic?....No your right, he may have had something to do with Gw2, But who knows.

Brett Kuntz

Core Guru

Join Date: Feb 2005

11 Aug 2009 at 22:50 - 46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inde

Which might hold some weight Kuntz except they let go Richard Garriott "amicably" too back in Nov. of '08 and he sued them 3 months ago for $24 M. Then the NCSoft West reorganization. David Reid has only been with the company a little over a year.

I think you are very confused on what happened to Richard Garriot:

http://www.underdevelopmentlaw.com/2...4-million.html

"Many of you probably wonder what my plans are, now that I have achieved the lifelong dream of going to space. Well, that unforgettable experience has sparked some new interests that I would like to devote my time and resources to. As such, I am leaving NCsoft to pursue those interests." - Richard Garriot

Even though Richard admits he left voluntarily, when someone told him he could have earned another estimated $10 million in 2011~ if he was "fired", he tried to take NCSoft to court to try and get them to "admit" he was fired. NCSoft is clearly in the right on this one. You can't say one thing (I left voluntarily) and then once you find out you can earn $10 million by saying something else (I was fired!), go ahead and do it. That's just wrong.

Gigashadow

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Bellevue, WA

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11 Aug 2009 at 22:51 - 47

This is very bad news indeed, and to me indicates that there must be some major conflict between ArenaNet and NCSoft over GW2 (maybe NCSoft are trying to force them to release it before they want to?). It is a very bad sign for someone that high up to leave at this point in GW2's development.

Mister_Smiley

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 22:54 - 48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigashadow

This is very bad news indeed, and to me indicates that there must be some major conflict between ArenaNet and NCSoft over GW2 (maybe NCSoft are trying to force them to release it before they want to?). It is a very bad sign for someone that high up to leave at this point in GW2's development.

Good statement, i couldn't agree more with you.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 22:57 - 49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigashadow

This is very bad news indeed, and to me indicates that there must be some major conflict between ArenaNet and NCSoft over GW2 (maybe NCSoft are trying to force them to release it before they want to?). It is a very bad sign for someone that high up to leave at this point in GW2's development.

Not to mention, leaving a company a month before Aion release.

I think what people are missing here is this just doesn't happen very often. You do whatever it takes to keep someone in Jeff's position a month before a major release.

That tells me something is very, very wrong.

Inde

Site Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2004

11 Aug 2009 at 22:58 - 50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuntz

I think you are very confused on what happened to Richard Garriot:

http://www.underdevelopmentlaw.com/2...4-million.html

"Many of you probably wonder what my plans are, now that I have achieved the lifelong dream of going to space. Well, that unforgettable experience has sparked some new interests that I would like to devote my time and resources to. As such, I am leaving NCsoft to pursue those interests." - Richard Garriot

Even though Richard admits he left voluntarily, when someone told him he could have earned another estimated $10 million in 2011~ if he was "fired", he tried to take NCSoft to court to try and get them to "admit" he was fired. NCSoft is clearly in the right on this one. You can't say one thing (I left voluntarily) and then once you find out you can earn $10 million by saying something else (I was fired!), go ahead and do it. That's just wrong.

Kuntz, that situation is debatable and I'm not confused. You are just taking the NCSoft side is all. (Way to derail the thread Inde.) The courts, of course, will be who decides but Richard claims firmly that he was forced to leave. Hence why they "let him go amicably" while he was still in space. Who calls up their boss while in Russia/space to quit? Not to mention that the "leaving" statement was a blurb written by their marketing department.

Regardless, it will all play out as it will. And no debate or opinion on either side will affect the outcome. It's just a lot that NCSoft has in the terms of baggage right now. This certainly doesn't help.

Back then

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2009

11 Aug 2009 at 23:00 - 51

I don't understand how people are still optamistic about GW2...

Let's just look at the facts here:

It was announced two years ago, and to this day there has been virtually NO information released about it, save for a few excerpts from an interview.

GW1 support and development has deteriorated drastically, with the excuse that "all our attention is being put toward GW2".

Now one of the original founders and developers of Guild Wars has left NC-Soft

How many more hints do people need? Obviously both Anet and GW2 are in serious trouble, and at this point it's looking very unlikely that GW2 will never be released.

Gift3d

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2007

Las Vegas

Enraged Whiny Carebears [oR]

W/E

11 Aug 2009 at 23:02 - 52

I don't feel like this will have that big an effect on GW2 if anything, as far as quality of the game goes. I do think that this could slow down the production of the game quite a bit though, and we can be in for an even longer wait. Which is fine, things take time and shit happens. Unfortunately all we can do at the moment is assume what the reasons and repercussions of this are, but i reeeaalllly hope things still work over well with the GW2 team and more importantly arenanet itself.

talon994

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2009

Ontario,Canada

聖光麒麟

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:02 - 53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back then

I don't understand how people are still optamistic about GW2...

Let's just look at the facts here:

It was announced two years ago, and to this day there has been virtually NO information released about it, save for a few excerpts from an interview.

GW1 support and development has deteriorated drastically, with the excuse that "all our attention is being put toward GW2".

Now one of the original founders and developers of Guild Wars has left NC-Soft

How many more hints do people need? Obviously both Anet and GW2 are in serious trouble, and at this point it's looking very unlikely that GW2 will never be released.

Lol you say it like it's 100% true.

Calaval

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2005

Forever Knights

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:05 - 54

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark!

This is a bad day for ArenaNet, Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.

I just read his How to Create a Successful MMO speech from 2007 (link:http://www.guildwars.com/events/trad...7/gcspeech.php)

Maybe his view of NCsoft has drastically changed.

Shewmake

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2006

Alabama

Mo/D

11 Aug 2009 at 23:05 - 55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gift3d

[...] i reeeaalllly hope things still work over well with the GW2 team and more importantly arenanet itself.

I completely agree with you.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:07 - 56

Fact: Guild Wars only accounts for 3% of NCSoft profit. http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/guild...ml?sid=6209476

Fact: One of the original founders of Guild Wars just left NCSoft.

Fact: We've had no official news on GW2 in 2 years.

This does NOT look good, and I'm a Guild Wars fanboy.

Brett Kuntz

Core Guru

Join Date: Feb 2005

11 Aug 2009 at 23:09 - 57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inde

Kuntz, that situation is debatable and I'm not confused. You are just taking the NCSoft side is all. (Way to derail the thread Inde.) The courts, of course, will be who decides but Richard claims firmly that he was forced to leave. Hence why they "let him go amicably" while he was still in space. Who calls up their boss while in Russia/space to quit? Not to mention that the "leaving" statement was a blurb written by their marketing department.

Regardless, it will all play out as it will. And no debate or opinion on either side will affect the outcome. It's just a lot that NCSoft has in the terms of baggage right now. This certainly doesn't help.

I'm not really taking anyone's side, I'm just looking at it logically. Even if Rick was fired, he made his choice/mistake by publicly telling people he left on his own accord. He shouldn't have done that (if he really was fired). And based on how shatty Tabula Rasa was, I wouldn't be surprised if he was fired. That game was awful.

Gigashadow

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Bellevue, WA

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:10 - 58

I think Mike O'Brien will probably come out with another "Letter to our fans". However, what can they say really? All you are going to get is "Don't worry, this doesn't affect GW2".

Buster

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Elona

Clan Eternal Legion

D/W

11 Aug 2009 at 23:10 - 59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

Not to mention, leaving a company a month before Aion release.

I think what people are missing here is this just doesn't happen very often. You do whatever it takes to keep someone in Jeff's position a month before a major release.

That tells me something is very, very wrong.

This is so true and you just don't let an extremely talented guy like Jeff Strain just walk away. As far as we kow Jeff Strain has been an extremely positive resource for NCsoft and Arenanet. Noone is impressed with NCsoft upper management and getting rid of a guy like Jeff Strain just creates more speculation on how bad things are at NCsoft right now.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:11 - 60

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigashadow

I think Mike O'Brien will probably come out with another "Letter to our fans". However, what can they say really? All you are going to get is "Don't worry, this doesn't affect GW2".

They need to do better than that...

That GW2 trailer better be real.

Puebert

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Oct 2005

Mo/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:11 - 61

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowerpoke

I see Linsey still hasn't discovered Invisible mode
Hey how about an official comment on this?

Given her post count, I'd say no.

I agree with Snow, there is no way you can make this look good.

Zinger314

Debbie Downer

Join Date: May 2006

N/Me

11 Aug 2009 at 23:12 - 62

All I'll say is that Richard Gariott left Tabula Rasa when it was in development and during release.

And look at it now.

(And also be weary of the public-letter-of-resignation-which-is-actually-a-veiled-PR-statement)

Konig Des Todes

Ooo, pretty flower

Join Date: Jan 2008

Citadel of the Decayed

The Archivists' Sanctum [Lore]

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:12 - 63

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business), or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

Shewmake

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2006

Alabama

Mo/D

11 Aug 2009 at 23:15 - 64

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business), or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

Which may be the surprise that Regina mentioned would occur at PAX?

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:16 - 65

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business),

Wishful thinking, I'm afraid. If that was the case, wouldn't they would have announced it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

I hope this is possible. Not sure ArenaNet has the resources or legal ability to pull away from NCSoft, they are essentially the same company.

Mister_Smiley

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 23:17 - 66

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigashadow

I think Mike O'Brien will probably come out with another "Letter to our fans". However, what can they say really? All you are going to get is "Don't worry, this doesn't affect GW2".

Yes i agree i hope they do

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

They need to do better than that...

That GW2 trailer better be real.

I don't expect it to me, but i hope that it is real and its mind blowing

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 23:17 - 67

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business), or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

yeah , second me

. But hey , the time will answer us.

Diana Belevere

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

Me/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:18 - 68

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

They need to do better than that...

That GW2 trailer better be real.

GW trailer? Wut? Is it rumored to be at GamesCon next week?

Anyone even know if ArenaNet/NCSoft is attending? o.O

Konig Des Todes

Ooo, pretty flower

Join Date: Jan 2008

Citadel of the Decayed

The Archivists' Sanctum [Lore]

N/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:19 - 69

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shewmake

Which may be the surprise that Regina mentioned would occur at PAX?

Assuming the choice of company words was for a reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

Wishful thinking, I'm afraid. If that was the case, wouldn't they would have announced it?

The thing is, they only announced his leaving NCSoft, so he might not have left Arena Net. I am only bringing this up. I doubt they worded it so carefully to exclude Arena Net for no reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

I hope this is possible. Not sure ArenaNet has the resources or legal ability to pull away from NCSoft, they are essentially the same company.

That's why I doubt the later, personally. Though it would be grand. It could also be they are going to a different parent company. Or merging with/buying another company which will give them the resources.

Mister_Smiley

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 23:19 - 70

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business), or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

That could be true, but didn't he leave Anet to join NCsoft, so leaveing NCsoft means left completely?

MisterB

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Oct 2005

Planet Earth, Sol system, Milky Way galaxy

[ban]

W/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:19 - 71

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes

I didn't see anyone mention this but, uhm....

Jeff left NCWest. It never said he left Arena Net...

I think he's either separating himself from NCSoft business (so he can focus on Arena Net business), or this is the beginning of Arena Net leaving from NCSoft sponsorship...

Which means no delays due to other games made by NCSoft.

What? NCSoft does not just sponsor or publish ANet's product; ANet is a wholly owned subsidiary of NCSoft. It's not a good sign for GW2 when one of the co-founders of the original franchise has left the project.

slowerpoke

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2007

Cuba

11 Aug 2009 at 23:20 - 72

did Gariott leave before or after they closed tabula

i hope jeff remembers to cash in his stock options before 90days

GhostKairi

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2008

WTB Q8 Fire/ES Staffs And OS Crystallines!

Teh Academy [PhD] - Tomb of the collectors

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:23 - 73

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

I hope this is possible. Not sure ArenaNet has the resources or legal ability to pull away from NCSoft, they are essentially the same company.

If You Want Something, You Fight For It...

I Dont know what you guys are having a debate over. They Announced Guild Wars 2. Until they give the word its over, you shouldnt think anything otherwise, thats just stupid. Games cost a lot of money, and people in that kind of buisness dont give up like that, even if they are taking orders from a higher power.

As to Jeff departing, its sad to hear, but he was in a different section to ANet, which leads me to believe it wont affect anything but the said job ( I forgot what he does lol ) he left.

Back then

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2009

11 Aug 2009 at 23:23 - 74

Something else that's interesting that no one is mentioning is

"Also departing is their President of Publishing David Reid."

The article claims its un-related, but the President of Publishing and the President of product development both leaving at the same time....?

One could interpret this to mean Anet may be making a move to publish Guild Wars themselves and leave NC-Soft, but that'd be a pretty big assumption. It's also possible both decided to move on to a company like Blizzard to help with all their upcoming titles, and who certainly pay better then NC-Soft ever could.

I say we keep making wild speculations until someone official comes here and clears it up.

Konig Des Todes

Ooo, pretty flower

Join Date: Jan 2008

Citadel of the Decayed

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:24 - 75

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Smiley

That could be true, but didn't he leave Anet to join NCsoft, so leaveing NCsoft means left completely?

No, he did not leave Arena Net to join NCSoft, but leaving NCSoft does not mean leaving Arena Net. While the two companies are close together, they are not the same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterB

What? NCSoft does not just sponsor or publish ANet's product; ANet is a wholly owned subsidiary of NCSoft. It's not a good sign for GW2 when one of the co-founders of the original franchise has left the project.

It also never said Jeff left the Guild Wars project. Again, it just said he left NCWest. Not Anet, not Guild Wars, just NCWest.

Call me optimistic, but I'm just reading in-between the lines and that is my interpretation.

Inde

Site Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2004

11 Aug 2009 at 23:25 - 76

While I love the panic displayed here, and the insights that may or may not be sprinkled throughout (yes I'm guilty) I think it's obvious to us all that GW2 is being developed. They have what, 170+ employees? Really, what do you think they are doing with their time up there.

We have concept art, while not officially released it has won an award.
We have little finds all over about a possible gaming trailer
ArenaNet is being represented at GDC
They have a booth at PAX
Voice Actor's with GW2 on their resume
Talk from the devs about being on the guild wars 2 engine

You're right, most of this is not official. Clearly something is going on though. I'm sure Anet has more up their sleeve, they have no other titles to their name. While I'm sure some of us dream of sitting around an office doing nothing all day, ArenaNet with it's hundreds of employees is working on the development of Guild Wars 2. It is not vaporware. While there is speculation in this thread about GW2 and how Anet chooses to communicate with us and the inner-workings of NCSoft, try to temper that with the knowledge that the game is being developed.

While NCSoft might be subjected to the problems that many corporations are, ArenaNet is there and continuing to plug away. Despite what their parent company does.

BenjZee

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2006

The Overacheivers [Club]

Mo/

11 Aug 2009 at 23:26 - 77

Hopes Konig is right!!! ^^^ Linsey we're waiting please shed some information.

fog_of_redoubt

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: May 2005

11 Aug 2009 at 23:29 - 78

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostKairi

If You Want Something, You Fight For It...

I Dont know what you guys are having a debate over. They Announced Guild Wars 2. Until they give the word its over, you shouldnt think anything otherwise, thats just stupid. Games cost a lot of money, and people in that kind of buisness dont give up like that, even if they are taking orders from a higher power.

As to Jeff departing, its sad to hear, but he was in a different section to ANet, which leads me to believe it wont affect anything but the said job ( I forgot what he does lol ) he left.

Games cost money? Yes they do. It costs a lot to publish a game. And this needs to be constantly reviewed for ROI (return on investment). Games get canceled all the time. NCSoft cancels games before they are done.

It may very well be being done right before your eyes. Given the most optimistic time frames, they may be at the 50% milestone in terms of investment vs initial returns. Given the economy and performance of the GW2 team they could very well decide to cut their losses.

Wouldn't be the 1st time this has happened.

Now no one knows yet why Jeff left. But if they had made an internal decision to cut GW2 out like a bad cancer, do you think Jeff would sit by and let it happen? Or would he make a statement by quiting before the announcement?

SerenitySilverstar

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

11 Aug 2009 at 23:30 - 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inde

You're right, most of this is not official. Clearly something is going on though. I'm sure Anet has more up their sleeve, they have no other titles to their name.

(snip)

While NCSoft might be subjected to the problems that many corporations are, ArenaNet is there and continuing to plug away. Despite what their parent company does.

Nicely said Inde.

The best we can do is wait for more info. I know waiting sucks, but there it is.

Mildly concerned fangoil.

Konig Des Todes

Ooo, pretty flower

Join Date: Jan 2008

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11 Aug 2009 at 23:36 - 80

Quote:

Originally Posted by fog_of_redoubt

You have been waiting for info for over 2 years, I hope you have continued patience.

And it takes much longer than 2 years to develop a game. And if NCSoft was the reason for the hushing, than all the more reason for Anet to be trying to find a new parent company like I suggested as a possibility.