DarkGhostGizmoXx

Ha, I will continue posting these pictures, since I am now doing 100% map with my thief.


Critical Hit?

Caudecus's Manor

Thread for all the landscapes. I hide my toon with /sleep emote and hide UI  with Ctrl+Shift+H.
Southsun Cove - Southsun Shoals

Lion's Arch - Inner Harbor

Diessa Plateau - Town of Nolan (jump to gears and go trough the pipe that seems to be lit up) - Charr's hidden strawberry garden

Caeldon Forest - Spekks Laboratory (jumping puzzle)

The Grove - Garden of Dawn (swim under the wall) - Hidden area behind the pool

I think it's a well designed minigame. Gw2 gameplay will never be like gw1 and we just have to accept it.

SpecialK, on 14 June 2013 - 04:43 AM, said:

Really?  Do you truely believe that the reason you are not getting the free minis is because you are not loyal enough? How is this the first theory that comes to mind?  Do you watch Foxnews all the time?  Isn't it possible that they simply do not have the data for people that purchased gems in the head start period or the data is not as readily available as purchases after August 28?  I will be honest I have no idea why purchases before August 28th were excluded but I seriously doubt it was due to someone thinking that everyone that purchased before August 28th was not loyal enough.  If I had to guess I would go with a techical reason before a vendetta type of conspiracy.

Inraged Twitch, on 15 June 2013 - 07:59 AM, said:

developers can't win. make it group content and people complain, make it for everyone by being solo, people complain

Abstract

Would someone get Anette-chan out of here?! We don't need her tomfoolery now. Shoo you damn charr, go back to Ascalon!

Gems are bad 'kay? That's what I always say. And thanks to Cube's assistance and her (his?) Survey, I'm going to get to the bottom of this silly business. Her (his?) data will prove most invaluable. After weeks a whole day crushing data I am ready to present it to the world. Be free to partake in the discussion and tell me what you think.

The survey itself is a better attempt at trying to understand our habits with the Gem Store and try to figure out the data that ArenaNet herself (Anette-Chan) is withholding from us. And maybe take a good wack at trying to figure out what exactly is going on in their heads. Some insight could do wonders in the midst of all this insanity...

Without further ado, I give you... The Gem Store Survey! In Five Seconds... *pling*

Our Sample

A good sample is important, and without a doubt this survey managed to capture a decent picture of the overall state of the Gem Store.

Precisely 359 gamers and 1 dummy* answered this survey. Gender wise, the sample included 309 male gamers and 51 female gamers (85.8% and 14.2% respectively). Age wise, a majority of the sample was included in the “16-24” and the “25-34” age groups (160 and 135 subjects respectively, 44,4% and 37,5%) with the remaining subjects distributed between the 35-44 and the “45-54” age groups (36 and 22 subjects respectively, 10,0% and 6,1%). The outliers were considered for statistical accuracy, distributed between the “under 16” and the “55 and above” age groups (2 and 5 respectively, 0.6% and 1,4%). “16-24” was the Mode and “25-34” the Median.

For statistical accuracy, the sample was split in two: those who have bought and still buy gems, and those who have never bought gems. Using the Gold-Gem exchange is not considered as a Gem purchase for the sake of this survey, as I only considered the cases where real money was actually spent. As a result, 124 cases (34,4%) were discarded in regards to where they spend their Gems, in virtue of the white knights saying that it counts as “using resources within the game”. It also worth pointing out that 57 of these cases (43,5% out of the 34,4%) didn’t report where they were spending their Gems, since they never acquired any.  This change will allow a better clarity determining how the sample spends their Gems bought using real currency.

For better clarity, and thanks to the feedback I obtained, I condensed the amount of Gems purchased into intervals. The original survey had fixed Gem values obtained on a monthly basis, and it turns out most subjects answered it on a rounded down approximate figure. The data was interpreted based on that estimative.

The intervals were: Bellow 800/Stopped Buying; 800-1599; 1600-2799; 2800-3999; 4000-5999, 5000-7999 and Above 8000.

Also worth pointing out that survey asked for average numbers of purchased Gems on a monthly basis.  If over the course of four months a subject purchased 1600 gems, the average would be included in the “Bellow 800 Gems/Stopped Buying”.  This estimate was also obtained from feedback.

*- The dummy being a friend of mine, who answered the survey while it was being processed

Does anyone even buy Gems?

Surprisingly enough, a valid chunk of the sample purchased Gems in the past or actively buys Gems.  What is not surprising is number of Gems bought. Of the 235 subjects who bought Gems, about 51,1% have bought “Bellow 800” Gems on a monthly basis or stopped buying them altogether.  20,4% and 11,1% bought a number of gems between “800-1599” and “1600-2799” respectively. The remaining 17,5% were somewhat  evenly spread in terms of the number of Gems bought above 2800 Gems.

What about the ones that don’t buy Gems?

Of the reasons given as to why the subjects didn’t buy gems, of the 125 sample 59,2% stated that the were content in exchanging their gold for Gems. 15,2% stated that they think Gems are too expensive, 12,8% is morally against Gems, 5,6% said that there’s nothing of interest in the Gem Store and 7,2% gave other reasons.

Most of the other reasons that were provided were in the lines of dissatisfaction with the state of the game, dissatisfaction with the Gem Store, or the belief that they already had given enough money towards the game in their initial purchase. These valiant soldiers are voting with their wallet.

Is the age group a determinant for those who buy Gems?

This was one of my first questions when I ran over this survey’s data.  Is ArenaNet scamming innocent kids out of their lunch money or their parent’s credit card?

Sadly that is not the case. With the average Guild Wars 2 player being slightly above the age of 16 with a modest share of older gamers around and above the age of 24 (Mean of 1,81 between the sample for age groups), I can safely assume ArenaNet preys on college students and graduates’ wallets. Those bastards…

The data also shows a slight tendency of older gamers to spend money on gems but this might be a skewed correlation, due to the uneven sample, but it seems older gamers are more willing on spending money on gems. Even if the significance is small (0.119 Pearson) it is still there.

For those who buy gems, the correlation with the age group when compared with the amount of gems purchased is even lower. Age at first glance seems to have little influence on the amount of gems purchased (0.083 Pearson), and this backed up as the case by case shows:

• Every subject “Under 16” has never bought Gems.

• 48,9% of the subjects between ages “16-24” bought a number “Bellow 800” Gems. A cumulative of 34,7% bought between “800-1599” and “1600-2799” Gems (21,7% and 13,0% respectively). Number of subjects is 92.

• 51,5% of the subjects between ages “25-34” bought a number “Bellow 800” Gems. A cumulative of 34,6% bought between “800-1599” and “1600-2799” Gems (25,7% and 8,9% respectively). Number of subjects is 101.

• 54,5% of the subjects between ages “35-44” bought a number “Bellow 800” Gems. A cumulative of 13,6% bought between “800-1599” and “1600-2799” Gems (4,5% and 9,1% respectively). 18,2% bought “4000-5999 Gems and 9,1% bought “Above 8000” Gems. Number of subjects is 22.

• 58,8% of the subjects between ages “45-54” bought a number “Bellow 800” Gems. A cumulative of 35,2% bought between “1600-2799” and “4000-5999” Gems (4,5% and 9,1% respectively). Number of subjects is 17.

• Each subject of age “55 And Above” bought a number of Gems between “Bellow 800”, “2800-3999” and “Above 8000”. Number of subjects is 3.

A bigger sample of gamers over the age of 34 would be required for a more accurate prediction, but it does seem to prove a slight willingness for older gamers to spend more on gems. It is worth noting that all subjects who bought an amount of Gems “Above 8000” are in the upper echelon of the age groups.

Where do they spend their Gems?

I can tell you this much, it was a nightmare to crush multiple choice data… My fingers hurt.

Of the sample of 235 subjects, only 32,8% actively buys Gems to exchange them into gold. 63,7% of these subjects buy a number of Gems above 800, with the remaining 36,4% buying only “Bellow 800”. For their actual spending habits we would need another survey but this shows the reason as to why the Gem exchange rate is soaring as high as it is.

Of the sample of 235 subjects, only a measly 3,4% actually spends their Gems on Boosters. Their actual use is a testament of their overall failure as this was one of the biggest points of dissatisfaction from the anti-Gem Store advocates. This could mean that the subjects don’t find Boosters worth spending in. More surveys are required.

Of the sample of 235 subjects, only 22,6% actively buys Town Clothes and 29,8 buys Armor Skins and cosmetics. What is worth mentioning is that, most of the discarded data of subjects who didn’t buy Gems also mentioned that they spent the gold converted Gems so they could buy Town Clothes and Armor Skins. This could mean that people are circumventing from actually spending real money on these sorts of goods.

Of the sample of 235 subjects, only 14,0% actually invests in things like Dye Packs, Finishers and other assorted goods. With a good deal of finishers (and quite good ones) being obtained from PvP and Dyes being a common commodity, this is a no brainer. Regarding less cosmetic things, like Cox Boxes and Black Lion Chest Keys, only 22,6% invest in these sort of things. If you were wondering why ArenaNet is trashing us so hard with low drop rates while keep adding more and more rare and exciting items in these boxes, it is safe to assume it is because they aren’t happy with these numbers… I say we burn the Cox witch!

Of the sample of 235 subjects, a grand total of 40,9% invests in Services (Name change, cosmetic change, Black Lion Salvage Kits, etc.). As for Upgrades, a whopping 76,6% invests in things like Bank tabs, Bag tabs and Character slots. T

his reveals two things: one, the subjects are more willing on spending Gems on quality of life goods rather than cosmetics, exactly as we all thought and two, this means that a great deal of development is thrown at cosmetics that the subjects aren’t actively buying.

Final Thoughts

I can almost see people lining up to twistedly defend ArenaNet and tell me that this data isn’t valid or something. Well, I crunched these numbers myself with a calculator and it made a smiley face, but if anyone wants to check it out themselves, I’ll be more than glad to share with you the database. I used IBM SPSS in case you are wondering, and went to a great deal to avoid posting Descriptive Statistic Tables than nobody could understand.

But what can I say about this data? Well, for one, people are cheap as they are avoiding at all costs spending much on the Gem Store. But what is more disturbing, is that people are spending the equivalent in Gems as if the game was subscription based.

If this data is correct… Then ArenaNet is receiving in sheer Gem Store revenue at least half as much income as if they were pushing a subscription based model! And worst of all, we are NOT receiving content that justifies this revenue! If we don’t consider the sheer amount of time put into making Gem Store cosmetics that is. What’s worse is that most of them aren’t even spending their Gems in cosmetics but in quality of life goods!

ArenaNet must know this, as they have this sort of data more reliably available than I do, and yet they continue to invest time and effort on a Gem Store that is not reliably attracting Gem buyers. What’s worse, they are actively dissuading Gem buyers with ludicrous Cox Boxes that have a great deal of chance of giving out nothing of value!

You can’t ignore this data anymore, or what I’ve been saying all along. ArenaNet has to wake up!

The End

.... Gmr Leon is silly.

Despite all the negative posts here, I would say yes. It's a great game. Perfect? No. But at great game, and IMHO the best MMORPG on the market.

Have fun!

Here my thief is wearing a mix of the gem store set, heritage and starter gear:

T6 Mat Farm Guide

(hopefully, this is in the right place!)

Much like many players, I'm dirt poor. I developed these runs in conjunction with a freind of mine, Handmade. We're both working on legendaries, and realized farming our stuff would be much cheaper (obviously). Some of these farms are known, others maybe not. But now, you all know either way!

Now, why would someone want to farm T6's when they could just do CoF P1 runs and buy them? Well, because not only does this give you a direct farm for specific mats, but it also helps prevent inflation (especially if you sell the mats). So, not only are you making money/saving money, you're helping prevent the increase price of T6 mats and generally helping the economy.

You may have seen this guide on the Sea of Sorrows Server forum, or on Reddit. This is the same guide (which I wrote), but now it's updated and ready for the publics consumption.

This guide includes farms for:

+ Karka Shells
+ Armored Scales
+ Vicious Fangs
+ Ancient Bone
+ Vials of Powerful Blood
+ Elaborate Totems
+ Powerful Venom Sacs
+ Vicious Claws
+ Piles of Crystalline Dust

Non T6 Mats included:
+ Corrupted Lodestone
+ Charged Lodestone
+ Onyx Lodestone

It's an ever-developing guide, so check back every-so-often for any updates. When it is updated though, I will make a post stating what was changed.

Some things to note:
+ If the farming zone is full of bots, report them and try guesting on another server!
+ MF is highly recommended. I personally use Spicy Pumpkin Cookies. But any MF Consumable is good.
+ These are developed to be "semi afkable" so you don't really have to worry about dieing unless you really aren't paying attention.

Vicious Fang/Vials of Powerful Blood Farm

Here you will be killing Reef Skelk. Handmade and I basically run from the Cove north up the beach and back down, very simple.

Recommended Skills:
+ Speed Buffs (Signet of the Hunt, Signet of Shadow, Rampage as One, for example)
+ AoE Damage Skills (Any Ele, dagger storm, whirling axe)

There is no Veterans on this run. Average in 45 minutes was about 5-10 of each Vicious Fangs and Vials of Powerful Blood.

Powerful Venom Sac Farm

Here you are killing Reef Riders (and young Reef Riders). We basically run around in a circle. Killing all the comes in our path.

Recommended Skills:
+ Speed Buffs (Same as above)

There is 2 Veterans for this. Fights are straight forward. Watch for confusion and a reflection dome that they create. It will reflect all projectiles.

Vicious Claw and Ancient Bone Farms

Here you are killing the Ice Brood Colossus and Corrupted Quaggan.

Recommended Skills:
+ Speed Buffs (Same as above)
+ The ability to dodge

Other noted drops:
+ Corrupted Lodestone

There are no veterans along this path.

Elaborate Totem/Ancient Bone Farm

Here you are killing the Grawl

Recommended Skills:
+ Speed Buffs
+ AoE Damage
+ AoE Pulls (Binding Chains, for example)

There are no veterans along this path.

Piles of Crystalline Dust/Charged Lodestone + Other Lodestones

(First picture) Here you are primarily killing the Sparks and Air Elementals (Veterans). There is also Ice Elementals (Corrupted Lodestone) and Embers (Onyx Lodestone, possibly Molten) within the ring. There are multiple Veterans. You will need to open the Temple of Lyssa for this one.

(Second Picture) Here you are killing ONLY Sparks and Air Elementals. There is four total veterans. An event will spawn where a champion risen knight will appear. You will need to open the Temple of Dwayna for this one.

** The drop rate on the Charged Lodestone is low (as compared to say, the Corrupted Lodestones). The drop rate on the Crystalline dust is kind-of low, but factoring in the amount of incandescent dust that drops, the value of charged lodestones and the value of the Crystalline dust, we figure it's still a decent farm. Shocking Crystals are dropped often, and add up quickly, which can be sold for a few silver after every 30-40 minutes.

Recommended Skills:
+ Speed Buffs (Same as above)

Armored Scales

Here you are killing the Barracuda, Sea Turtles and Sea Scorpions.  They are in the water behind the boat. A Black Lion trader is located right above you for easy disposal of goods.

Recommended Skills:
+ Grenade Kit for Engie's is superb here
+ Ranger Spear Gun is also great (it's what I use)
+ General High damage aquatic skills

Karka Shell/Vials of Powerful Blood

Here you are killing the Karka for the shells. With the May 14th Southsun update, Veteran Karka always drop 1 to 2 Karka shells. You really need a group to make this farm super effective. Follow the path, and by the time you complete the circle, the champion will respawn, and between going into the hive and coming back out, the veterans outside will have respawn. In 3 hours with a large zerg I was able to get 100+ karka shells. Smaller groups will get a little less due to speed.

Recommended Skills:
+ This really is a group farm to be effective
+ AoE skills and survival skills are extremely useful
+ The ability to dodge Karka Rolls.

Other notes
+ Don't forget, you can promote T5 materials to T6 ones!
+ Bring a friend! Having someone else to chat with/run with makes things less dull!
+ Listen to music!

assyrian dragon, on 06 June 2013 - 04:48 AM, said:

Investing what?

You don't like where the game is, leave it. It's free to come back sometime later if anything ever changes.

I am going to try reorganizing this post to show off all my quaggan related projects.  


Plushies
Second quaggan

Fourth quaggan

Quaggan backpack
Quaggan # 5

Quaggan calf

Shelly quaggan

Commissioner quaggan

Pink quaggan calf
Ghost quaggan

Quaggan loves you!

Angel quaggan (special request)

Coddler quaggan
Foostivoo


Figurines

Quaggan with a heart

Quaggan chess set

Sleeping quaggan



Other

Fuzzy pink quaggan hat

Fuzzy blue quaggan hat



Edit:  For anyone wondering my deviantArt page is http://koreena.deviantart.com/

I love my guardian <3

i still play GW2 - not everyday because i just cant due to long hours at work, but i have three days off and i spend a lot of time in the game and i love it.

im doing fractals atm and having a blast, its one of those, youve got to participate in it to understand the feeling type feelings.  fractals really push me to a heightened state of play and that coupled with the immense enjoyment i get from playing my class (Thief) its really just taking all of my time atm.

the few weapon skills dont bother me, i like a small set of skills that you have to think about when to use at the best times etc.

i have yet to even step foot in WvW so there is an entirely new game in there.

im still working on 100% world completion im at 82% currently

i still need to finish this characters personal story.

i LOVE running dungeons.  its what i live for in these types of games.

overall there is just so much for me to do in this game.  my guildies do guild events all the time, we do fractals, guild bounties, hell they got a group to just farm in Southsun also they get groups together to capture temples in Orr.

there has just been so many content updates too that honestly with only 3 days to play, i feel like i miss out on a lot of that material.  i have never seen an mmo that has put this much content out in such a short time.

we had the Mad King event

the lost shore event

the christmas event

the easter event

the flame and frost event

the southsun event

and now the dragon bash.

all in 8 months.  thats amazing.  i have played 14 mmorpgs total in my life and in all those games i ran into players that had been playing for years and i always asked myself, how is that possible?  well i have finally found a home.  i have finally found an mmorpg that i can truly just play for the foreseeable future.  its an exciting feeling for me and i honestly just love everything about GW2.

except the RNG
and parts of the community

This does indeed sound quite awesome.

And I love the song ^^

This thread is a refreshing change!  A lot of disgruntled players make threads to say that Anet lied about everything and the manifesto was bullcrap, but I commend you for doing something different.