ArenaNet News

1. Unearthing the Necromancer

   08/24/2010

   Just in time for gamescom, we've dug up the necromancer, a master of dark arts who wields the power of death... and life! This sinister Guild Wars 2 profession can summon undead minions, suck the life force from enemies, and cheat death with the eerie Death Shroud ability! Unearth the uncanny necromancer and his strange abilities here!

2. Watch Our MMO Manifesto Video

   08/10/2010

   In our new MMO Manifesto video, ArenaNet Studio Lead Mike O'Brien and key creators explain how Guild Wars 2 will defy MMO conventions and create a new kind of game - free from boring grind and static, unchanging worlds. Loaded with incredible gameplay footage, the MMO Manifesto video charts a bold new direction in gaming. Watch it right here!

3. Wall to Wall Gamescom Coverage!

   08/06/2010

   ArenaNet is hitting gamescom in a big way this year, with the world premiere of the Guild Wars 2 live demo and a weekend full of swag and surprises! If you're lucky enough to attend gamescom 2010 in Cologne, Germany, put the NCsoft booth (Hall 9, A11) at the top of your list! Everyone's excited to play the first ever Guild Wars 2 live demo. We've got 45 demo stations and a squad of helpful staffers, and we can't wait to show our game off!In addition to the Guild Wars 2 hands-on experience, we've got a lot of other cool stuff planned. We're giving away and signing copies of the Art of Guild Wars 2 and Ghosts of Ascalon, the first Guild Wars novel. Panel discussions with ArenaNet developers like Jeff Grubb, Eric Flannum, and Daniel Dociu will expand your understanding of GW2 and the game design process. We'll be passing out Guild Wars 2 art cards at certain times, which are your key to winning fabulous prizes. Plus, we've got a costume competition, a community party, and a couple incredible surprises!That's not all. Our fellow NCsoft title Aion has lined up a full slate of activities and fun for gamescom. Bookmark the NCsoft Event portal to make sure you'll receive a constant flow of exciting coverage from the NCsoft booth and a live video stream to convey the full gamescom experience!If you can't make it to gamescom, be sure to follow ArenaNet on Twitter and Facebook for updates and surprises from the show floor, and keep an eye on the ArenaNet Blog for behind-the-scenes info.

4. Free Ghosts of Ascalon Preview and Wallpapers

   07/14/2010

   The first Guild Wars novel, Ghosts of Ascalon, hits the stores on July 27th, but you don't have to wait to read the first chapter! Check it out for free here (English only, Right click to save as), and then swing by our updated Ghosts of Ascalon page, which features a cool new wallpaper, a map of the book's setting, and an updated FAQ - right here!

5. Introducing the Ranger

   07/12/2010

   Presenting the ranger, a keen-eyed master of archery who can harness the power of nature or fight alongside his loyal animal companion. This Guild Wars 2 profession can lay traps, summon nature spirits, or barrage his foes from a distance. Discover the multi-talented ranger and his potent pets right here!

6. Player, Heal Thyself - Healing and Death in GW2

   07/07/2010

   Guild Wars 2 will challenge the way you think about healing and death in an MMO. Game designer Jon Peters shows how we break the mold with dedicated healing slots for all professions, new "downed" skills, decreased death penalties, and more! Learn more in Jon's in-depth article right here!

7. Enter the GW2 Costume Contest at gamescom

   07/02/2010

   As you know, we're going to be at gamescom in Cologne, Germany on August 18-22, showing off the first public demo of Guild Wars 2. But that's not all - we're hosting the first ever Guild Wars 2 Costume Contest at gamescom, so start working on your costume now! More details will follow!

8. IGN Interview Reveals New GW2 Features

   06/30/2010

   IGN wanted to learn more about additional features of Guild Wars 2 -- stuff like feats, achievements, personality, and the many mini-game activities. Designers Curtis Johnson, John Stumme, and Ben Miller sat down with IGN to fill them in on the wide range of gameplay in GW2 beyond combat! Check out their wide-ranging discussion about the features of Guild Wars 2 right here! (English only)

9. Dociu Receives Applied Arts Award for GW2 Concept Art

   06/17/2010

   Our very own creative director Daniel Dociu won an award from Applied Arts, Canada's Visual Communications Magazine, for his striking Guild Wars 2 concept art paintings. Go check out these evocative masterpieces for yourself right here! Congratulations, Daniel!

10. Introducing the Warrior and the GW2 Trait System

    06/09/2010

    Presenting the rugged warrior, a master of weapons who builds up adrenaline to power his attacks! Learn more about the warrior and seem him in action here. Plus: check out the Guild Wars 2 trait system, the key to upgrading and enhancing your character!