NCsoft unveils ArenaNet’s highly-anticipated competitive role playing game, Guild Wars
From the key developers behind Blizzard’s mega successes, Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo, Guild Wars ‘behind closed doors’ preview at EGN
European Games Network 2004, London/... NCsoft, the world's top developer of online computer games is pleased to announce Guild WarsTM, a mission-based competitive online role playing game, produced by its Seattle-based ArenaNet studio.
In the fantasy world of Guild Wars, players can engage in cooperative group combat, in single player adventures, or in large head-to-head guild battles. Guild Wars is a game that will constantly evolve, using streaming technology to provide players with the latest updates while they are online. In addition, gamers will be able to play Guild Wars without a monthly fee in North America. NCsoft will announce a variety of pricing options for gamers in other parts of the world in the near future.
"We're excited to unveil Guild Wars," said Patrick Wyatt, the original producer and lead programmer for the Warcraft series. "We believe that players are going to enjoy experiencing a game that offers technological advances that fundamentally improve the online role-playing experience, and the introduction of a groundbreaking business model for the genre."
ArenaNet was founded by key members of the creative teams behind the hit game series Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, as well as Battle.net, one of the most successful gaming networks in the world.
Guild Wars is mission-based, and while each combat experience will be different, achievements will be permanent, so that each character grows and progresses over time. Unique items, special abilities, and a wide variety of skills will add meaningful value for the players. Missions are not scripted adventures, but are tactical battlegrounds where victory or loss is determined by skill and teamwork.
Mike O'Brien, the creator and architect of Battle.net, points out: "Our vision has been to create a game that rewards skill and inventiveness rather than hundreds of hours of play, so we've built Guild Wars from the ground up to be a balanced environment where players of all skill levels can compete for recognition and prizes."
Key Game Features
- Join in cooperative quests or unite in head-to-head guild battles.
- Develop a unique character who can explore multiple professions and choose from hundreds of unique skills.
- Enjoy fully-integrated support for guilds, including worldwide tournaments and ladders, guildhalls, special character identification and forums directly built into the game.
- Experience a changing world, where the entire landscape can be altered as you explore and conquer.
- Play in a secure server-hosted game environment that prevents cheating; ArenaNet's technology allows quick and seamless resolution of exploits.
NCsoft is planning to launch Lineage II and City of Heroes in Europe by the end of 2004, with Guild Wars following in 2005. After that, the company will continue to service new games with the objective of establishing itself as a leading online game company in the European region by 2005.