I'm sure you guys have seen/heard of books based on games. Ive recently been reading a Halo novel, pretty nice actually. So i was wondering if Anet would go into this same direction with Guild Wars.
GW has a lot of things not covered by the game storyline and could really be fleshed out by some side novels. It has a nice mythology to create fantastic stories in, and i think they should capitalize on that
So my question is...would anyone (other than me) read it if it was made?
EDIT:
Im not suggesting that the actual Prophecies OR Factions storylines be turned into books. Whats the point when you play the game and know the story already. Im saying that the Guild Wars UNIVERSE: Its mythology, its countries, its monsters, its magic, its conflicts, is a perfect setting to make countless of stories from.
The next person who posts something along the lines "The manual/game/etc is badly written and would make a bad book" is obviously not paying attention to what im saying.
Guild Wars Novels
lyra_song
DevilStick
I wouldn't. Too busy playing the game. 
asdar
I wouldn't because I don't really like the guildwars storyline that much.
I did read the Halo books.
I thought my son would like them, he was 7 at the time, and while I was reading them to him I started liking them.
I was disapointed they didn't come out with books 4-6 when they released Halo 2.
I did read the Halo books.
I thought my son would like them, he was 7 at the time, and while I was reading them to him I started liking them.
I was disapointed they didn't come out with books 4-6 when they released Halo 2.
Lord Shazneri
I might would like to know more about Lore and the Old Gods
TopGun
If Guild Wars books were written on the same level as ANet's Guild Wars Manual, I migh just explode. The manual's lore was written on a fourth-grade level; utterly pitiful stuff, especially when I flip through manuals from games like Warcraft II, or even Warcraft I, games which featured far finer lore, most of which you played through and read about during the later releases. The lack of races isn't working to ANet's advantage, nor is the fact that they can never establish a clearly defined enemy. It was the Charr for a little while, then those Undead bastards, then the damn jungle crawlers and their humanoid friends, followed by the Dwarves... I haven't dug far enough into Factions missions to speak for the expansion, but I doubt it's much better. How a character identifies herself is paramount to the elaboration of a plot and the justification of an enemy; while you were from Ascalon in the core game, you ended up fighting a war for the dwarves, which I found rather irrational. Sure, you get to save the damn world, but even on a fantasy basis it's far-fetched. If you're in Ascalon, fight Ascalon's damn war, and if you want to run away to Kryta and fight their war, fine, but after a while it became ridiculous. There's no clearly defined enemy threatening YOU, but YOU'RE threatening an enemy that you pointlessly seek out.
They tried to break it with Factions, but like I said, I really can't speak for that game yet. Since the whole thing takes place on Cantha, it would make sense that your Canthan character would try to defend the forsaken hell-hole. Kurzick vs Luxon allegience could've been great, but the battles don't tend to stray very far from Saltspray Beach, and if they do, it's only by one map, usually in the Luxon direction.
In PvP, people identify by their Guild, by their Alliance, and by their Faction, but what of PvE?
They tried to break it with Factions, but like I said, I really can't speak for that game yet. Since the whole thing takes place on Cantha, it would make sense that your Canthan character would try to defend the forsaken hell-hole. Kurzick vs Luxon allegience could've been great, but the battles don't tend to stray very far from Saltspray Beach, and if they do, it's only by one map, usually in the Luxon direction.
In PvP, people identify by their Guild, by their Alliance, and by their Faction, but what of PvE?
makosi
Playing GW has rid me of my attention span such that I can barely read through these posts without my mind wandering. The thought of a book sends me in to a coma.
Sanji
I have to agree, a book on Guild Wars doesn't really interest me given how the plot tends to break down into:
"Why am I doing this?"
"Because (Rurik/The White Mantle/Vizier Khilbron/Glint/Master Togo/etc) said so!"
Hell, even Shiro Tagachi's backstory ends up like that.
"Dude, why did you kill the Emperor?"
"Because some old lady said so!"
It doesn't help that the signature characters in Guild Wars are saddled with mediocre builds and horrible AI. All while the lore tries to maintain how totally awesome and peerless they are.
"Why am I doing this?"
"Because (Rurik/The White Mantle/Vizier Khilbron/Glint/Master Togo/etc) said so!"
Hell, even Shiro Tagachi's backstory ends up like that.
"Dude, why did you kill the Emperor?"
"Because some old lady said so!"
It doesn't help that the signature characters in Guild Wars are saddled with mediocre builds and horrible AI. All while the lore tries to maintain how totally awesome and peerless they are.
Phoenix Denfer
Many in the Lyssa Fiction section have been writing short stories/novelettes for some time, including myself. The problem currently is getting rights from Anet to do just what you are asking.
To date, we are permitted to write works of fan fiction so long as we give proper credit to anet who holds the copyrights as well as make the material available for free.
At sometime Anet may open up the rights for purchase, but I'm sure it will not be a cheap prospect.
From the number of people that post and view the threads in that particular sub forum, I would say yes, there is interest in reading a GW's based novel.
To date, we are permitted to write works of fan fiction so long as we give proper credit to anet who holds the copyrights as well as make the material available for free.
At sometime Anet may open up the rights for purchase, but I'm sure it will not be a cheap prospect.
From the number of people that post and view the threads in that particular sub forum, I would say yes, there is interest in reading a GW's based novel.
Vermilion
Quote:
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Originally Posted by lyra_song
I'm sure you guys have seen/heard of books based on games. Ive recently been reading a Halo novel, pretty nice actually. So i was wondering if Anet would go into this same direction with Guild Wars.
GW has a lot of things not covered by the game storyline and could really be fleshed out by some side novels. It has a nice mythology to create fantastic stories in, and i think they should capitalize on that So my question is...would anyone (other than me) read it if it was made? |
As far as Gw books go, more than likely I'd read them. So far the Starcraft, Halo, MtG, Diablo and some other game-based books have all been good reads.
lyra_song
I think some people are misunderstanding me a little when i mean a Guild Wars novel. I dont mean a novel of the Prophecies or Factions storylines.
I mean novels based in this world/universe/mythology that Anet has created.
Sample idea:
A love story involving an Ascalon warrior whos beloved is murdered by the Charr and he decides to venture into the underworld to find some way to bring her back.
Hell, you can make entire novels based on stuff pre-prophecies (during the actual Guild Wars).
.-.
I mean novels based in this world/universe/mythology that Anet has created.
Sample idea:
A love story involving an Ascalon warrior whos beloved is murdered by the Charr and he decides to venture into the underworld to find some way to bring her back.
Hell, you can make entire novels based on stuff pre-prophecies (during the actual Guild Wars).
.-.
Rusty Deth
Quote:
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Originally Posted by lyra_song
I think some people are misunderstanding me a little when i mean a Guild Wars novel. I dont mean a novel of the Prophecies or Factions storylines.
I mean novels based in this world/universe/mythology that Anet has created. Sample idea: A love story involving an Ascalon warrior whos beloved is murdered by the Charr and he decides to venture into the underworld to find some way to bring her back. Hell, you can make entire novels based on stuff pre-prophecies (during the actual Guild Wars). .-. |
I mean the GW world in itself is a great pallet to make various stories about. I myself have pondered about making a comic book about it, but just like everyone else, playing GW is just taking over all parts of my free time.
CyberNigma
Then Vladimus Heroicus reached the scout in the great thicket.
"Wherefore is this Black Moa bird I have been searching all over for?"
The scout replied, "Why he roams around the center of yonder Ferndale. Go there and slay him."
"WTF, I went through Ferndale 3 times already and didn't see him," Vladimus snapped back, to which the scout replied, "well he's there now."
Vladimus raised his hands in anguish.
"Screw it. Let the damn bird eat all you people as far as I'm concerned. I'm off to Droknar's Forge for some Dwarven Ale!"
"Wherefore is this Black Moa bird I have been searching all over for?"
The scout replied, "Why he roams around the center of yonder Ferndale. Go there and slay him."
"WTF, I went through Ferndale 3 times already and didn't see him," Vladimus snapped back, to which the scout replied, "well he's there now."
Vladimus raised his hands in anguish.
"Screw it. Let the damn bird eat all you people as far as I'm concerned. I'm off to Droknar's Forge for some Dwarven Ale!"
Phoenix Denfer
Lyra, I understood what you asked. My story is set in the 2 year time period between pre and post searing.
You asked if others would read a novel based on the GW's Universe and I think if you look in Lyssa's Fiction you'll see, yes, there are many that would, including myself. I think if you re-ask your question in that sub forum you may find far more interest then in the general discussion.
The problem is, it isn't about the lack of people willing, its about the lack of copyright. Even if the story was completely separate of the game story lines, it would still require permission from Anet and NCSoft who hold all the copyrights. Bottom line, no one can use even the phrase "A Guild Wars Story" without paying royality fees.
I have tried emailing Anet to obtain permission to even charge just a down load fee if I put my book into PDF form as an e-book. The answer was very blunt. Writing is fine, collecting money is not.
You asked if others would read a novel based on the GW's Universe and I think if you look in Lyssa's Fiction you'll see, yes, there are many that would, including myself. I think if you re-ask your question in that sub forum you may find far more interest then in the general discussion.
The problem is, it isn't about the lack of people willing, its about the lack of copyright. Even if the story was completely separate of the game story lines, it would still require permission from Anet and NCSoft who hold all the copyrights. Bottom line, no one can use even the phrase "A Guild Wars Story" without paying royality fees.
I have tried emailing Anet to obtain permission to even charge just a down load fee if I put my book into PDF form as an e-book. The answer was very blunt. Writing is fine, collecting money is not.
makosi
Quote:
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Originally Posted by CyberNigma
Then Vladimus Heroicus reached the scout in the great thicket.
"Wherefore is this Black Moa bird I have been searching all over for?" The scout replied, "Why he roams around the center of yonder Ferndale. Go there and slay him." "WTF, I went through Ferndale 3 times already and didn't see him," Vladimus snapped back, to which the scout replied, "well he's there now." Vladimus raised his hands in anguish. "Screw it. Let the damn bird eat all you people as far as I'm concerned. I'm off to Droknar's Forge for some Dwarven Ale!" |
How many times would the word "noob" appear in this novel?
KillerGuitar666
I love fantasy books, and I would LOVE to read a book based on Guild Wars...I wouldnt do it on the Prophecies campaign, or Factions, maybe use the pre determined heros (Cynn, Devona,Aiden) and have them go on an adventure of some sorts, I would deffinately read em 
Neriandal Freit
I support a good, true and insightful Guildwars Novel line of books.
I dont want it to be a story about the story we're playing. I want the Novels to be preludes and precursors to games, or details the after events. I want things that dont even make tied in about the games, I want to learn more about the characters like Mehlno through stories rather then game.
We can also learn more about cleriges and evils through this way, advance NPC's that we fight and what not.
I dont want it to be a story about the story we're playing. I want the Novels to be preludes and precursors to games, or details the after events. I want things that dont even make tied in about the games, I want to learn more about the characters like Mehlno through stories rather then game.
We can also learn more about cleriges and evils through this way, advance NPC's that we fight and what not.
natuxatu
i would probably read it.. good or bad, just for my general knowledge of GW... I'd think of it more like an encyclopedia or more than anything else. But yeah most of the lore is very childish so i'd hope they'd make the books a little more hardcore.. but it would be nice to get some more back drop of the world
Jagflame
CyberNigma, if you wrote the rest of that story I would probably read it. Lol.
saneo
i would read them, i love fantasy type novels. would be fun to see some creative writers flesh out some of the guild wars plot line also
Phoenix Avenger
Wernt the halo books out before the games? I believe that it was games based on the novels...
But anyways, GW novel, meh, prolly wouldnt buy it because it would have the characters just running back and forth over the same areas over and over again. (That and all the plots would be exactly the same. Get out of a training area, find out you arnt powerful enough yet. "Ascend." Go kill the bad guy.)
But anyways, GW novel, meh, prolly wouldnt buy it because it would have the characters just running back and forth over the same areas over and over again. (That and all the plots would be exactly the same. Get out of a training area, find out you arnt powerful enough yet. "Ascend." Go kill the bad guy.)
Tainek
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Phoenix Avenger
Wernt the halo books out before the games? I believe that it was games based on the novels...
But anyways, GW novel, meh, prolly wouldnt buy it because it would have the characters just running back and forth over the same areas over and over again. (That and all the plots would be exactly the same. Get out of a training area, find out you arnt powerful enough yet. "Ascend." Go kill the bad guy.) |
Im pretty certain your correct, the games were based on the Halo books (which are a fine read btw)
Pevil Lihatuh
yeah you're right, the game was based on the books.
I don't think I'd want to see one. Other way round (i.e. GW based on the novel) maybe, but i find that rarely do games translate well to other media (films or books). Generally they don't have enough story or lore behind them so things have to be made up to fill out the film/book and it usually feels wrong somehow.
Elder Scrolls is possibly the only game that could make it into a film/book well simply because there is so much history and lore written down already with such huge countries known that there would be virtually no gap-filling necessary.
I don't think I'd want to see one. Other way round (i.e. GW based on the novel) maybe, but i find that rarely do games translate well to other media (films or books). Generally they don't have enough story or lore behind them so things have to be made up to fill out the film/book and it usually feels wrong somehow.
Elder Scrolls is possibly the only game that could make it into a film/book well simply because there is so much history and lore written down already with such huge countries known that there would be virtually no gap-filling necessary.
Dart
If Margaret Weis or Tracy Hickman or R.A. Salvatore wrote them
Ya - It would add alot to the meaning of the game for me...how cool would it be to be able to read the story and then get to be a part of it? If your failure would actually change the storyline of the game how even cooler would that be and then your second chance comes thru the creation of your next char--- a lot less mission/quest running would go on especially if they continue the "reward system" for those that do follow thru that way ----just a thought
Ya - It would add alot to the meaning of the game for me...how cool would it be to be able to read the story and then get to be a part of it? If your failure would actually change the storyline of the game how even cooler would that be and then your second chance comes thru the creation of your next char--- a lot less mission/quest running would go on
especially if they continue the "reward system" for those that do follow thru that way
lyra_song
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Pevil Lihatuh
yeah you're right, the game was based on the books.
I don't think I'd want to see one. Other way round (i.e. GW based on the novel) maybe, but i find that rarely do games translate well to other media (films or books). Generally they don't have enough story or lore behind them so things have to be made up to fill out the film/book and it usually feels wrong somehow. Elder Scrolls is possibly the only game that could make it into a film/book well simply because there is so much history and lore written down already with such huge countries known that there would be virtually no gap-filling necessary. |
Bungie considers the Halo novels to be canon. If a GW novel were to be made, it should be officiated by Anet and approved to be canon.
Guild Wars has a HUGE potential because theres a lot unexplained, undocumented and just plain hinted at stories.
Example:
Before the time of Grenth, when death was ruled by a cruel and unjust god, there stood a tower and a throne on this very plain. But Grenth rose up and destroyed the one called Dhuum and shattered down his tower, leaving only these storms of chaos as a reminder of the power that once held dominion here.
~Reaper of the Chaos Plains.
An epic battle between Grenth and the old death god Dhuum. This only a little snippet. You have a whole novel right there.
Guild Wars has some great lore. I suggest you stop and read what NPCs say. ^_~
h4mx0r
I liked the stories Anet gave us, including the manual. However, I do agree that the writing must be more refined before the novels will sell or even be good.
Kali Magdalene
Any licensed GW fiction would probably be written on spec, based on what Arena.net wants, or would be written based on a proposal delivered by an established author.
Unfortunately, you're not likely to find many IP holders willing to legitimize fanfiction (although people who write fanfiction can sometimes get their foot in the door to write new stuff). Generally, it's difficult to sell material that's already been Internet-published,
Unfortunately, you're not likely to find many IP holders willing to legitimize fanfiction (although people who write fanfiction can sometimes get their foot in the door to write new stuff). Generally, it's difficult to sell material that's already been Internet-published,
Esprit
It depends on how they are written.
If it's a story that covers what we see in the game, I would not be able to read it. If it fleshed out the story and provided more info than we already know, then it might be interesting.
I guess, in a sense, it would have to be written similar to the books that they write for movies. Take the novel based off of Serenity (Firefly movie). It covered everything in the movie, and also provided more insight on what the characters were thinking and some extra stuff that did not make the final cut.
Let a decent author write a story, and it might be worth a read.
If it's a story that covers what we see in the game, I would not be able to read it. If it fleshed out the story and provided more info than we already know, then it might be interesting.
I guess, in a sense, it would have to be written similar to the books that they write for movies. Take the novel based off of Serenity (Firefly movie). It covered everything in the movie, and also provided more insight on what the characters were thinking and some extra stuff that did not make the final cut.
Let a decent author write a story, and it might be worth a read.
Vermilion
The lore is great and all, but taking a character or two and making a story in the universe of the game would work as well. Of course, I'd probably read a bad romance novel with Cynn and Mhenlo if they made one. Wish I were kidding. -_-
M C H A M M E R
I would love that lol..Guild Wars Novels
UndeadRoadkill
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Originally Posted by TopGun
If Guild Wars books were written on the same level as ANet's Guild Wars Manual, I migh just explode. The manual's lore was written on a fourth-grade level; utterly pitiful stuff,
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nimloth32
i just wondering is a good story in game is important to make a good novel out of the game? i mean the game just give a setting/background of the novel right?..
Amadei
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Vermilion
Of course, I'd probably read a bad romance novel with Cynn and Mhenlo if they made one. Wish I were kidding. -_-
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Yeah, sure, I'd read a novel based on GW. Bonus points if it features characters we already know (Cynn, Mhenlo, Aidan and Devona) rather than some random warrior. Books are love.
torquemada
No, no, no, not a chance in hell. I see all kinds of crap fiction, even based on games, given to bad writers to make a tidy sum off the playerbase. There is actually good and superb fiction around, it would be better to make games and movies based on that, not other way around. I even saw Unreal novel around...
Raziel665
I'll only buy/read it if it features Eve in it, I love her story in the manual.
Bet a lot of people don't know she calls the skull she is always pictured with Adam and claims the skull talks to her at critical times.
Bet a lot of people don't know she calls the skull she is always pictured with Adam and claims the skull talks to her at critical times.
GedePod
Yeah It's like every single person in the world dislike the guild wars storyline and the lore.
Kali Magdalene
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Originally Posted by torquemada
No, no, no, not a chance in hell. I see all kinds of crap fiction, even based on games, given to bad writers to make a tidy sum off the playerbase. There is actually good and superb fiction around, it would be better to make games and movies based on that, not other way around. I even saw Unreal novel around...
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There's also plenty of games based on fiction that suck.