NCSoft announces plans to release Guild Wars: Factions

NCsoft has announced that a new Guild Wars game is currently in development. It will be playable as a standalone game, but gamers who also own the original Guild Wars will be able to explore both game worlds and also get access to new items in the first game.

Guild Wars: Factions will introduce a range of new features, including new regions, professions, skills, missions and monsters. There will also be expanded options for both co-op and Player-versus Player gaming, and a host of new features for guilds.

Guild Wars players from around the world will get the chance to try Factions out during January 20-22, when ArenaNet will open its servers for the Guild Wars: Factions Global Free-for-All PvP Weekend.

Those who take part in the event will be able to try out two new professions - Assassin and Ritualist - and access the new PvP content, Battle Isles, which is said to offer "new PvP experiences, new and expanded arenas, new quests and a new explorable area as well."

Players will also be able to try out the new Observer Mode, which allows players to watch battles unfold and see what strategies and tactics are being used.

Guild Wars: Factions is out this spring.