760 replies to this topic

[Everlast]

Martin do u guys have any idea at what time 10th of april will the prepurchase oficially begin in ncsoft site or guildwars2 site?

[el hefe]

Everlast said:

Martin do u guys have any idea at what time 10th of april will the prepurchase oficially begin in ncsoft site or guildwars2 site?

theysaid on twitter.  12am pst.  so about 6 hrs 15 min.

[fog_of_redoubt]

So Martin...

I know you wont admit it... but there has to be an office pool going to see who comes closest to the actual number of pre-purchases in the 1st 24 hours.

What number did you chose?

[Everlast]

el hefe said:

theysaid on twitter.  12am pst.  so about 6 hrs 15 min.

Yo thanks dude!

[lazykoala]

Not surprised, but bad news nonetheless. It's like paying for a new smartphone at all once, but you don't get to know when it is coming out and you don't get to try it out before buying. All you get is a picture of it and the promise of "it will be good." Who came up with the idea of pre-purchases?...it is simply a terrible idea.

[Martin Kerstein]

Ok, let me put this straight:

This whole "discussion" is kind of ridiculous. No one is forcing you to pre-purchase the game. If you don't want to - don't do it. Our BWEs will not be under NDA, so there will be a ton of information out there from players so you can make an informed decision if you want to buy the game or not. And then buy it on launch. Or pre-order. Or whatever you want to do.

It is your choice to pick from the different offers.


You in this case as a general you, not a specific person.

[XPhiler]

Essence Snow said:

Well the industry as a whole has figured out something that benefits them. Where else can a business get their testers...not only for free, but to pay for a product in advance, test their product in mass, and be rather happy about it. I'm sure there are many other industries that wish they could have the same benefit. Imagine text publisher.....having customers pay in full for a text in adavnce...proof read parts of it....basically edit it....send feedback...all b4 recieving the book...lol they wish. Gaming industry has got it figured out.....lol

That's one way to see it, another would be That I love this game and think it will most likely be my favorite mmo for the next year at least possibly more (don't know what games are going to be released but so far I know of none that are better) Now here I got an opportunity. If I join the beta I can have a degree of possibility to shape the game more to my liking making it even better. It is not a job for me, it's not going to stress me out, I am going to enjoy doing it and can do at my pace. And Its not true I  don't really have to pay for it, Its a reward for trusting them that they will do a good job. I know enough about the game as is to be convinced that I am going to buy this game. It doesn't really matter if I buy it today (literally :>) next month or in December, I am going to buy it anyway for sure so really I am not loosing anything and gaining an opportunity I really wanted! I am not being exploited I am being rewarded in my eyes.

If you don't want to beta test, you don't have to. Nothing is stopping you from waiting for the full release, trying the game and then buy it!

[el hefe]

XPhiler said:

That's one way to see it, another would be That I love this game and think it will most likely be my favorite mmo for the next year at least possibly more (don't know what games are going to be released but so far I know of none that are better) Now here I got an opportunity. If I join the beta I can have a degree of possibility to shape the game more to my liking making it even better. It is not a job for me, it's not going to stress me out, I am going to enjoy doing it and can do at my pace. And Its not true I  don't really have to pay for it, Its a reward for trusting them that they will do a good job. I know enough about the game as is to be convinced that I am going to buy this game. It doesn't really matter if I buy it today (literally :>) next month or in December, I am going to buy it anyway for sure so really I am not loosing anything and gaining an opportunity I really wanted! I am not being exploited I am being rewarded in my eyes.

If you don't want to beta test, you don't have to. Nothing is stopping you from waiting for the full release, trying the game and then buy it!

but for gamers that aren't quite sure.  pre-purchae with no release date could be seen as a red flag.  so yes for those who already know they are going to buy it, it's great.  for those not so sure, it could possibly paint A-net in a bad light.

[On_Slaught]

Pre-purchase just seems more convenient. Assuming the game will come out eventually (which is obvious) and that the game won't suck horribly (which is obvious), then buying it now or later is whatever. However if buying it now means I don't have to go to the store at midnight on the release day then awesome.

[Minami Kaori]

Martin Kerstein said:

Ok, let me put this straight:

This whole "discussion" is kind of ridiculous. No one is forcing you to pre-purchase the game. If you don't want to - don't do it. Our BWEs will not be under NDA, so there will be a ton of information out there from players so you can make an informed decision if you want to buy the game or not. And then buy it on launch. Or pre-order. Or whatever you want to do.

It is your choice to pick from the different offers.


You in this case as a general you, not a specific person.

Thanks for putting this post up! Nice to see it coming from an "official" person.

Unfortunately there have been too many of these kind of "discussions" on Guru lately, it turns me and so many of my friends away from trying to find useful information here (the fact that so many good infos are available here just makes it even worse) :/

Pre-purchase start time, here I come ^_^
*waits*

[Venbloodblade]

Minami Kaori said:

Thanks for putting this post up! Nice to see it coming from an "official" person.

Unfortunately there have been too many of these kind of "discussions" on Guru lately, it turns me and so many of my friends away from trying to find useful information here (the fact that so many good infos are available here just makes it even worse) :/

Pre-purchase start time, here I come ^_^
*waits*

Same, i like that all the news on guild wars 2 in on here, but seems like every thread a page or two in just turns into a shit storm now

[XPhiler]

el hefe said:

but for gamers that aren't quite sure.  pre-purchae with no release date could be seen as a red flag.  so yes for those who already know they are going to buy it, it's great.  for those not so sure, it could possibly paint A-net in a bad light.

Sure fair enough, if they arent sure they should wait until they are sure. Personally I wouldnt even pre-order if I wasnt sure. A beta is not a demo, its not meant to help you make a decision if a game is for you or not, its actually quite the opposite. You need to enter a beta with a state of mind that everything you see is essentially incomplete. If you are unsure about the game and you're using the beta to make a decision you're essentially making a mistake in my option. If something in the beta convinces you the game is not for you, that reason might no longer exist by the time the game is released because other like you might have not liked it and reported it.

As for the red flag, I honestly believe the red flag should be raised if they had provided the release date not for not giving one. If they gave a release date it would mean the game is in a state considered finished. Nothing reported in the beta could be acted upon (well perhaps small things) because then they would have to move the release date due to the additional work.

I release we all want this game and a release date gives you something to look forward to but really in my opinion it has no bearing on the decision if you like the game enough that you want to buy it or not. I dont know you but for me if it is release in May, June, September or December will not make the game less or more attractive. It is the game that matters, there is a ton of information about it out there (perhaps even too much :)) that should be what makes you decide not a date!

[Hexin GW]

Why... how many different threads are people going to run on this? It's simple, it's open, you have your avenues ... including not buying if you so desire, we are consumers and make sound (mostly) judgement. Personally I decided to order digitally because it seems the simplest route, if I wanted a CE copy, I would likely run down to my local retailer and pay for the whole damn thing even if he only gives me a receipt. If he's sold out I snooze, I lose, and move to the next store.

Micro-transactions are in almost game release in some shape or form, it's something an investor/publisher knows ROI on and extremely low overhead cost. I think Anet has done some homework on what to/what not to put in the cash shop with minimal if no impact. I actually like what I see as a gamer, and want to try it so I decided that I will purchase by avenue of easiest mechanism for me (may not be the case with you).

I will also pre-purchase if anet had a gun to my head and told me, but luckily they chose not to, and I have the right to chose when, where and how my money lands on the table (your side, their side, or mine)

Someone above me noted how much of this bull/drivel is being spread across the guru forums, and I concur ... it's pretty sad in comparison to what it once was beta gw1.

I can't wait until everyone who does get the shot at bwe (via prepurchase) comes back on here and starts filling these boards with good information again - and weening out the whining. Have some kids, get married, get divorced, lose money, war occurs everywhere ... why spend endless effort bitching about something you have full control over versus things that control is shared or not even in your hands? You hold the outcome already.

[XPhiler]

Venbloodblade said:

Same, i like that all the news on guild wars 2 in on here, but seems like every thread a page or two in just turns into a shit storm now

I might be strange but in a way I think its a good thing. It shows people are passionate about the game. Only problem is some take it a little too far and factor in insults and attacks which is unfortunate, but personally I see nothing wrong with people sharing their views and feeling strongly about them. True it can be a bit painful to read through all the material if its a topic thats close to heart but you can always skim and skip posts that are not of interest I guess

[el hefe]

XPhiler said:

Sure fair enough, if they arent sure they should wait until they are sure. Personally I wouldnt even pre-order if I wasnt sure. A beta is not a demo, its not meant to help you make a decision if a game is for you or not, its actually quite the opposite. You need to enter a beta with a state of mind that everything you see is essentially incomplete. If you are unsure about the game and you're using the beta to make a decision you're essentially making a mistake in my option. If something in the beta convinces you the game is not for you, that reason might no longer exist by the time the game is released because other like you might have not liked it and reported it.

As for the red flag, I honestly believe the red flag should be raised if they had provided the release date not for not giving one. If they gave a release date it would mean the game is in a state considered finished. Nothing reported in the beta could be acted upon (well perhaps small things) because then they would have to move the release date due to the additional work.

I release we all want this game and a release date gives you something to look forward to but really in my opinion it has no bearing on the decision if you like the game enough that you want to buy it or not. I dont know you but for me if it is release in May, June, September or December will not make the game less or more attractive. It is the game that matters, there is a ton of information about it out there (perhaps even too much :)) that should be what makes you decide not a date!

oh im pre-puchasing.  but a few of my friends think im insane cause there is no date.  not everyone likes the idea is all im saying.  it's one thing to sell a game to those that follow it, it's another to market to gamers that don't.  and steps a company takes in the process may not be viewed so encouragingly by those that at this point are just interested.

[XPhiler]

el hefe said:

oh im pre-puchasing.  but a few of my friends think im insane cause there is no date.  not everyone likes the idea is all im saying.  it's one thing to sell a game to those that follow it, it's another to market to gamers that don't.  and steps a company takes in the process may not be viewed so encouragingly by those that at this point are just interested.

Ahh okey, that puts a different context. They are asking the wrong question though in my opinion, it would have been more productive for them to find out what convinced you to pay upfront for the game rather then how could you do that with no date :)

[el hefe]

XPhiler said:

Ahh okey, that puts a different context. They are asking the wrong question though in my opinion, it would have been more productive for them to find out what convinced you to pay upfront for the game rather then how could you do that with no date :)

trust me. we've discussed it at length.  some people are set in their ways.

[Neato]

Minami Kaori said:

Thanks for putting this post up! Nice to see it coming from an "official" person.

Unfortunately there have been too many of these kind of "discussions" on Guru lately, it turns me and so many of my friends away from trying to find useful information here (the fact that so many good infos are available here just makes it even worse) :/

Pre-purchase start time, here I come ^_^
*waits*

Most games are like that before release. All people really can do is fanboy/girl or nitpick and express concerns.

It's not as bad once the game comes out since there are many more meaningful discussions, but forums will always be a place where the displeased are the vocal ones. The ones that are perfectly content with everything won't find much of a reason to need to come to forums.

[shaolinwind]

So let me get this straight..

ANet is letting those that WANT to buy the game early do so..

And then letting those that WANT to beta test the game do so..

And then letting those that WANT to play the game 3 days early do so..

Annnnnnd ppl r complaining.. Why??

Thx for putting things straight Martin. Most of us are on the same wavelength. The rest r just trying to get there, but we can give em a little time.

What I don't think a lot of these guys get, is most games in the past called this part of development the 'release date' and then charged their players 15$ a month to beta test for them. Lol. I'm very happy u guys went the honest route. ;)

Edited by shaolinwind, 10 April 2012 - 04:43 AM.

[Lord_PorkSword]

I'll have to chime in and state that I'm after the CE for the following reasons:
* I'm a huge Guild Wars fan!
* I very much prefer physical art books over digital PDF's!
* Beta access!
* Statue, minipet and other items are just extra icing on the cake!
* I also like supporting excellent developers who can deliver the goods...
---
Release date not confirmed yet...who cares!! - We have guaranteed access to all beta events to tie us over until proper release..
No in-game vids of the minipet or wolf thing yet... who cares! - From the artistry already shown with everything so far in GW2 we all know Arenanet will do an excellent job with it!

I've been very impressed with all the Guild Wars 2 content that Arenanet has shown so far and I'm confidently proud to lay down some early cash to support Arenanet during their last stage endevours while reaping the benefits that this gives me! :D

Last but not least...good on Martin for commenting within this thread!  I'm purchasing the CE because I want to...NOT because I feel I have to! :D

[Geikamir]

I completely agree with Martin on this topic. It just doesn't make any sense. There are definitely things that people could take issue with, but this one shouldn't be one of them, IMO.

[el hefe]

Geikamir said:

I completely agree with Martin on this topic. It just doesn't make any sense. There are definitely things that people could take issue with, but this one shouldn't be one of them, IMO.

one could easily counter that with,   no final cash shop details and no final region lock details before pre-purchase.  the no release date was just the last in the bunch.  :p

[Kable]

Martin Kerstein said:

Ok, let me put this straight:

This whole "discussion" is kind of ridiculous. No one is forcing you to pre-purchase the game. If you don't want to - don't do it. Our BWEs will not be under NDA, so there will be a ton of information out there from players so you can make an informed decision if you want to buy the game or not. And then buy it on launch. Or pre-order. Or whatever you want to do.

It is your choice to pick from the different offers.


You in this case as a general you, not a specific person.

This discussion is actually warranted since there is no release date as of the time the full purchase price is payed. We as a community are just debating the merit of such an offering and how it could impact the way games are sold in the future based on how many of us participate in this rather new practice of fully purchasing a product with no release date.

Just for discussion purposes this "offer" could have been made a year ago and I feel there would be just as many people on-board with buying way in advance then as now. It's just a bit shocking to me is all. It comes down to giving people choices and a chance to somehow fulfill a need to chase the carrot at the end of the stick. They somehow are grinding away the remaining days until launch by saturating themselves with every source and way they can think of to be involved in the process of getting this game to launch-ready status.

I thank all of you (those who are pre-purchasing) for your courage and fearless undertaking in paying for a product with no release date, because it is YOU who I will base my purchase on after you have had some hands on time and either given your breakdown on things or spent time youtubing your adventures for us. I will plunk my money down after I hear from you and not some talking head or dev or game media persona.  ;)

[Wakers]

Kable said:

This discussion is actually warranted since there is no release date as of the time the full purchase price is payed. We as a community are just debating the merit of such an offering and how it could impact the way games are sold in the future based on how many of us participate in this rather new practice of fully purchasing a product with no release date.

Just for discussion purposes this "offer" could have been made a year ago and I feel there would be just as many people on-board with buying way in advance then as now. It's just a bit shocking to me is all. It comes down to giving people choices and a chance to somehow fulfill a need to chase the carrot at the end of the stick. They somehow are grinding away the remaining days until launch by saturating themselves with every source and way they can think of to be involved in the process of getting this game to launch-ready status.

I thank all of you (those who are pre-purchasing) for your courage and fearless undertaking in paying for a product with no release date, because it is YOU who I will base my purchase on after you have had some hands on time and either given your breakdown on things or spent time youtubing your adventures for us. I will plunk my money down after I hear from you and not some talking head or dev or game media persona.  ;)

No, it isn't.

If you're not happy about the lack of release date, then don't prepurchase.

It is that simple.  It has always been that simple.

[Kable]

Wakers said:

No, it isn't.

If you're not happy about the lack of release date, then don't prepurchase.

It is that simple.  It has always been that simple.

Is that another way of saying you don't like hearing other people's point of view? Because that feels like the spirit of the post I commented on.

Basically I took from it "This is how we did it period. You can like it or not....we don't really care one way or another. But lets not keep talking about it since I deem it a non-issue and your opinion doesn't matter"

[Wakers]

Kable said:

Is that another way of saying you don't like hearing other people's point of view? Because that feels like the spirit of the post I commented on.

Basically I took from it "This is how we did it period. You can like it or not....we don't really care one way or another. But lets not keep talking about it since I deem it a non-issue and your opinion doesn't matter"

No, that's not really what I'm saying.  

It's fine to express that view.  But we have 30 pages of the same people saying it over and over and over and over - if it is that much of a deal, then they can just not pre purchase and pre order instead.  Or buy on release.

The option is there.  I don't think a company should be panned for giving people more options.

[el hefe]

Kable said:

Is that another way of saying you don't like hearing other people's point of view? Because that feels like the spirit of the post I commented on.

Basically I took from it "This is how we did it period. You can like it or not....we don't really care one way or another. But lets not keep talking about it since I deem it a non-issue and your opinion doesn't matter"

buy 2 play cash shop models that sell the game before a release date, has a chance to become the norm after all the money they will rake in.  vote with your wallet goes out the window when the majority has the bigger wallet.  it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

[Geikamir]

el hefe said:

one could easily counter that with,   no final cash shop details and no final region lock details before pre-purchase.  the no release date was just the last in the bunch.  :p

Cash shop details. NOW we are talking about things people should be worried about. You know why? Because it's a permanent issue and it actually affects the game. It's huge.

When will it release? Who cares? It's in 2012. We know that. Isn't going to matter at all in a few weeks once we finally get a date. Don't like those stipulations? Wait it out. Don't buy it until you feel comfortable. You can't just "wait it out" with cash shop items.


Some people just can't see the forest for the trees.

[Wakers]

I honestly don't care about the cash shop.

I more than likely won't make use of it (except to buy a character slot).

I don't really give a rat's smelly behind if someone can use money to counter for my free time to keep pace (or get ahead).

It won't ruin PvP and PvE is not a competition so I really don't care - but I really don't think they'll have anything game breaking in there by release.

[Wherewulf1]

Lord_PorkSword said:

I'll have to chime in and state that I'm after the CE for the following reasons:
* I'm a huge Guild Wars fan!
* I very much prefer physical art books over digital PDF's!
* Beta access!
* Statue, minipet and other items are just extra icing on the cake!
* I also like supporting excellent developers who can deliver the goods...
---
Release date not confirmed yet...who cares!! - We have guaranteed access to all beta events to tie us over until proper release..
No in-game vids of the minipet or wolf thing yet... who cares! - From the artistry already shown with everything so far in GW2 we all know Arenanet will do an excellent job with it!

I've been very impressed with all the Guild Wars 2 content that Arenanet has shown so far and I'm confidently proud to lay down some early cash to support Arenanet during their last stage endevours while reaping the benefits that this gives me! :D

Last but not least...good on Martin for commenting within this thread!  I'm purchasing the CE because I want to...NOT because I feel I have to! :D

Yes! Thanks for voicing your thoughts as this is exactly how I feel.
Martin we're not always as vocal as the critical minority but we're onboard with this game and it's great developers.

Getting the CE :cool: