Talk:Game updates

Skill balancing schedule
First lol. - Are we gonna get a skill balance update this month? -- 19:44, December 3, 2009 (UTC)
 * Remember they have changed their policy about updates. ANet is not promising or implying greater-than-bug-updates more than several times a year. They are sensibly combining skill balancing with other feature changes into fewer releases. (This is substantially more efficient than more frequent, smaller releases, especially considering the small size of the GW1 software team.) I don't expect any skill changes sooner than Wintersday.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 20:12, December 3, 2009 (UTC)
 * And there I thought I read somewhere that they said they'd do a skill balance patch every 2 months now?? --[[Image:Takisig2.png]] 21:16, December 3, 2009 (UTC)
 * That was the interpretation made by some players on the official wiki of what they had read. I asked a while ago about whether they meant every two months vs. along with other feature changes; they said the latter. (I'll see if I can find the specific text.)
 * There's been a lot of misinformation about their plans...and ANet has done little to clarify, so the confusion is understandable.   &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 21:43, December 3, 2009 (UTC)


 * Okay, I misinformed myself. Here's what ANet actually has said: Content updates will be done separately from the monthly maintenance and occur every three to four months.
 * Some players have interpreted that as a promise to update skills with a certain frequency; I don't.
 * My interpretation: (1) ANet will have monthly updates to release bug fixes (and whatever odd miscellany); don't expect any rebalancing in these. (2) There will be 3 or 4 more substantive updates, which will include new features (e.g. Dhuum, H'ween quests) and feature changes (which would include rebalancing and also the PvE henchbar changes).
 * ANet has never really clarified what they mean by monthly maintenance or Content update, which are terms that tend to mean different things to different software companies (and, I fear, different things within the same firm).


 * Short story: I don't expect any significant skill changes before Wintersday.  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 22:08, December 3, 2009 (UTC)

Conspiracy
Now there might be a really easy way to check this by going into the game files and such, but I'm not that smart. So does anyone else think with all these "crash bug" fixes that they are sneaking in content for an orgasmic wintersday or anything? ShoganKiller  15:45, December 12, 2009 (UTC)


 * The only thing you can really check in Gw.dat is plain text, but there hasn't been anything new there this month other than some stuff for the in-game store promotions. &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 15:50, December 12, 2009 (UTC)


 * You mean they might actually be fixing crash bugs? O_O RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 16:47, December 12, 2009 (UTC)
 * haha, well I dunno, if all of these are bug fixes they should start killing the gnomes that are causing the bugs (or join the EEC, it would really help our membership) ShoganKiller  Shogankillerflag.jpg 18:00, December 12, 2009 (UTC)

Missing updates
So, there was an update on the 11th, but we no longer have a record of it. ANet never posted notes on their official site, so it's unlikely we'll learn what was in the code. I would prefer that we document such updates, even though we lack the details. I don't see any reason to treat them differently from updates that include notes, as long as we include some type of standard text (e.g. "ANet hasn't yet posted notes of this update.")  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 02:02, December 18, 2009 (UTC)


 * We have no historical precedent for this - neither wiki has ever kept close track of undocumented updates. Why start now?  I still don't understand the benefit.  If there's no update notes, then there's no update notes - no one ever signed a contract with Anet forcing them to release notes with every single update.  And before you bring up the code development analogy again, no, this is not the same.  Of course they'll keep internal notes about everything they've changed, but if the change was just a few minor bug/crash fixes, there's no reason to waste company time/resources to rewrite those notes in an external format.   &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 02:15, December 18, 2009 (UTC)


 * I don't see any reason to treat these releases differently, even though they have been in the past. I'm not arguing ANet has any obligation to release notes on any updates. This wiki documents the game, so when game code is changed, let's make a note. I would prefer that we present something, even when the software company chooses to present nothing.


 * I also cannot argue that the benefits are substantial: Some people check both wikis when they see the game update spam in-game; many check whenever the see the auto-update feature engaged. So, an early note would be helpful to them. Others are curious whether ANet is getting worse (or better) at releasing changes, so they are interested in how many times/month the company puts out new software (and how often it is new content vs bug fixes or minor tweaks). Is any of that necessary? No, certainly not. However, it's cheap to provide the info/data, so why not?  &mdash; Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 02:57, December 18, 2009 (UTC)


 * Bah, arguing about it is just wasting more of my time. If you think it's worth spending time on, then do it.  I don't care anymore.  &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 04:08, December 18, 2009 (UTC)
 *  i rest my caseAkbaroth 08:59, December 18, 2009 (UTC)

I know the second update on Dec 17 fixed a crash bug involving equipment templates and costumes. --Macros 09:57, December 18, 2009 (UTC)

December 21st Update
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20091221

Update
How long has it been since the last content update? Roland Cyerni 23:39, January 16, 2010 (UTC)


 * 2.5 months since Dhuum. 1.33 years since M.O.X.  Did I miss anything in between?  &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 23:57, January 16, 2010 (UTC)


 * You missed "Major Content and Feature Additions" :P [[Image:EM Signature.jpg]] ***EAGLEMUT***   T  A  L K 01:13, January 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Yeah, you forgot the wiki-sploding traveler and his cow --Gimmethegepgun 02:21, January 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * You forgot the removal of the Xunlai House Tournament. [[Image:Felix_Omni_Signature.png]] 04:28, January 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the quick and detailed response! Roland Cyerni 04:30, January 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * I'd rather finally have another just-balancing-patch to breathe some new life into PvP. --[[Image:Takisig2.png]] 11:31, January 17, 2010 (UTC)

Update Jan 18
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20100118

Broke?
Can't log in? Any speculation on what might've caused it, aside from EoE. =P--Darksyde  00:17, January 29, 2010 (UTC)


 * I don't see why everyone is making a big deal about it. So there's a problem with logging in. ANet knows about it and is trying to fix it. (personally I'm enjoying the possibilties people are saying, such as EoE or nerfing shadow form, as the causes) Chibi Moon Shadow  00:27, January 29, 2010 (UTC)
 * You know, I'm not that worried, and would've never been if it weren't for all the talk of hackers. My friend told me on a messenger that she can't log in, and instantly I thought "Fucking hackers!". Looked into it, found this, and my only concern is that all the accounts would be deleted. However, Anet being pretty reliable, I was quite sure it wouldn't be it. Even still... scary though, eh?--Darksyde  00:28, January 29, 2010 (UTC)
 * Just cause I'm a picky jerk, it actually took about 40 minutes to fix the bug.--gene195 00:32, January 29, 2010 (UTC)


 * Well, it's fixed now. And much to everyone's(I assume) relief they did NOT nerf Shadow Form. I do agree it was scary, but I found out orignally through the GuildWars fan page on Facebook. Within minutes of the bug they said that they knew something was wrong with the update and were working on a fix. I think I'll still change my passwords anyways, considering I almost forgot the one to my 2nd account. Chibi Moon Shadow  00:39, January 29, 2010 (UTC)


 * It was caused probably by their reconnection bug fix, as it dealt specifically with security question answers. Anyone who used a full command shortcut to login was able to do so, including myself, and those who logged in normally were blocked out. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 04:03, January 29, 2010 (UTC)

Update - Friday, January 29, 2010
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20100129

Feb 12
As soon as I finish downloading the update, GW immediately crashes, without finishing the update. Anyone else got this problem?--Darksyde  20:27, February 12, 2010 (UTC)


 * Same here, somewhat. Firing up the game like always crashed; Run as Admin did not. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  21:46, February 12, 2010 (UTC)
 * I am the administrator, I am on the only account on my computer, is there another way to start up?--Darksyde  21:51, February 12, 2010 (UTC)


 * I presume you're not using Vista then (thumbs up), which has the Run as Admin feature for administrator accounts :P Applications don't execute with admin priviledges by default. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  12:37, February 13, 2010 (UTC)

I've noticed that after I logon, the focus is no longer always on the character supplied in the security question. It's back to the way it was previously where it is focused on the last character that was played. Shadowlance 12:45, February 15, 2010 (UTC)


 * I noticed that even before this update, not sure when exactly it happened tho. [[Image:EM Signature.jpg]] ***EAGLEMUT***   T  A  L K 13:39, February 15, 2010 (UTC)

Again,
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20100225

Skill Balancing? Really?
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20100225

FA turtles unglitched??
I'll believe it when I see it... --Dosearius 05:58, March 3, 2010 (UTC)

Promised the purple squad's Siege Turtle a carrot
&rarr; Moved to Talk:Game updates/20100302

typo
Tuesday the 11Th ? I think Thursday the 11Th or Tuesday the 9th sounds better ... 14:43, March 12, 2010 (UTC)Murthag
 * Hehe, well, it sure sounds better than 11nd. :P Oh, and you could do it. ;) RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 15:03, March 12, 2010 (UTC)
 * not sure if it's considered a typo, but the Krak Flamewhip that they reference...are hey talking about the mesmer or the other one from eotn- Krak Flamewhip (Eye of the North)? Sukatsuke Ra 17:49, March 12, 2010 (UTC)
 * Obviously, the warrior one, who is in EotN. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 20:55, March 12, 2010 (UTC)

April Fools
I guess all those people asking for minis of their characters got their wish... sort of. :D Ailina 12:00, April 1, 2010 (UTC)

Those skill updates are awesome. Love the VwK update.69.249.223.63 01:56, April 2, 2010 (UTC)

The smiter's boon one made me laugh really hard to be honest. It's the worst skill in the game...Let's nerf it some more; just for good measure.--Ikimono  Sent his resume to ArenaNet 06:51, April 3, 2010 (UTC)

The Diablo reference ones (durability and Hardcore mode) were hilarious. -Phazor 05:40, April 4, 2010 (UTC)


 * Well...I'm not sure durability was a reference to Diablo. It is a commonality amongst RPGs.  Hardcore mode, however, is more likely to be a reference.  [[Image:RHSig.jpg]] rede | beiträge 05:31, April 5, 2010 (UTC)


 * I associated durability with Diablo because it would probably be their first thought considering some members of Anet were on the Diablo team at Blizzard. -Phazor 18:10, April 5, 2010 (UTC)


 * True, true. [[Image:RHSig.jpg]] rede | beiträge 21:58, April 5, 2010 (UTC)

Shining Blade in Talmark Wilderness
Game update says "The Shining Blade have established a camp in the Talmark Wilderness.", what's that about? Just a bunch of NPCs around a campfire, or is there more to it? --01:04, April 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * Anet's adding sneaky viral marketing all over the place, might well be an in-game event before GW2 Random Time  01:08, April 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * Interesting...--Ikimono  Sent his resume to ArenaNet [[Image:Monk-Paragon-icon.png]] 03:06, April 5, 2010 (UTC)


 * Here is a summary of the campaign. If you want to follow the whole thing from the beginning, including tons of wild speculation on game lore, see this here super-long forum topic.  &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 03:20, April 5, 2010 (UTC)
 * as of right now all the NPC update areas are pretty boring. No reason really to visit it. Though the Zinn trial had a few funny moments--Ikimono ...And my Axe! [[Image:Monk-Paragon-icon.png]] 19:15, April 9, 2010 (UTC)
 * since the peacekeepers are hostile, and we already sided with the blade in prophecies, do you think this will be a one sided thing? ShoganKiller  Shogankillerflag.jpg 21:16, April 9, 2010 (UTC)
 * More or less.--72.189.80.199 10:12, April 11, 2010 (UTC)

Reducing page size / loading time
I've reduced the number of displayed updates from 10 to 5 in order to reduce page loading/purging times. Since this was a simple change with obvious benefits that can be reverted easily, I didn't see the need for a pre-change discussion. &mdash;Dr Ishmael 14:35, April 14, 2010 (UTC)
 * Sounds fine by me. Especially since older updates are still easily accessible. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 15:01, April 14, 2010 (UTC)
 * Looks good. Shadowlance 02:15, April 15, 2010 (UTC)

Shit updates.
Instead of adding "new" things, try improving this game, theres enough work to do for Anet. 62.45.218.97 09:18, April 16, 2010 (UTC)
 * Waaah! How about you pay them to do that work, in the form of buying a costume everyone will forget about next month? Nobody wants to work for free. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 11:20, April 16, 2010 (UTC)
 * I think they could have done much better with the costumes, I realize something like that takes a lot of time and effort to do, but they look way too cartoony and unfinished for me to spend 10 bucks on them ShoganKiller  Shogankillerflag.jpg 11:37, April 16, 2010 (UTC)
 * The way I see it, my $10 just fed the Anet staff for a day. That's a whole day they can work on GW2 instead of dumpster diving. It's totally worth it, even if I think the costumes are not "all that". --Macros 16:10, April 16, 2010 (UTC)
 * I think the costumes are great. Now players who play certain professions will get to look how they want to. I remember that a lot of people who I've helped in the past who are new to the game were disappointed that necromancers can't get the standard "caped sorceror/villain" look with standard armor. These new types of armor will be nice for monks, mesmers, rangers, and assassins.  Personally, I think the costumes look excellent, and I'll definitely be buying the set soon. Silver40596 00:37, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Me2, as soon as I can get my PayPal account up and running. I don't have a creditcard yet, and my mum won't led me lend hers :/ &mdash;The preceding unsigned comment was added by Arnout aka The Emperors Angel (contribs).
 * You don't have a debit card? Don't you have to have a bank account to set up PayPal anyway? Those usually come with debit cards. That's what I use. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 11:05, April 17, 2010 (UTC)


 * I think he's saying he has a bank account for PayPal, but the PayPal account not yet activated. The other payment method is via credit card, which is also not an option to him. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  11:13, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * What I'm saying is that you don't need a PayPal account if you have a debit card, which you usually get if you have a bank account, which you usually need to set up PayPal anyway. I didn't like having PayPal, because (coincidentally?) I started getting a lot of spam after setting mine up, and also a lot of phishing emails about PayPal accounts, and it was just freaking me out too much. :/ Not to mention, it got suspended after I purchased something form GW when I came to Ukraine. So, if a debit card is an option for him (and I don't see why not), he should use that instead. Plus I don't feel too comfortable with NCsoft, so I always use the in-game store now. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 11:15, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * I don't know what the exact defenition is of a debit card. We have bank cards used for getting money at ATM's, and for paying in shops. Although in a differend way then a credidcard, (where you pay after a month or something) ou bank cards withdraw money from the paying account instantly. And trust me, I can't pay at the GW store with one. Also, thanks for singing. Arnout aka The Emperors Angel 11:55, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Yes, that's exactly what a debit card is, it uses the money in your bank account. I use mine in the GW in-game store all the time, it's a VISA tied to my U.S. bank account. Maybe it's based by country, too bad you're sure you can't use yours. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 12:18, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Mine's a Maestro, and outside the EU, that's not supported anywhere. Arnout aka The Emperors Angel 12:33, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Ok, that's why. The in-game store only supports VISA, Master Card, American Express/AmEx Corporate and Discover. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 15:01, April 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Back in the olden days (you can still get them sometimes, if you specifically request it), ATM cards were just ATM cards. The "check card"  added the VISA/MC/AMex bits to it so that you can use it "like a charge card," incidentally also affecting things like liability, consumer protections, etc.  E.g. if there is fraud on your debit card, you are out the money until it is resolved in your favor; with a credit card, you dispute the charge and don't pay it until it is resoled in the merchant's favor. 71.146.65.151 23:46, April 23, 2010 (UTC)
 * Great info, I didn't know that. But it has zero value in this case. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 01:25, April 24, 2010 (UTC)
 * So does "this case" in context of what this section is supposedly about.
 * All relative. A_F_K_sig_2.jpg A F K When Needed 20:46, April 24, 2010 (UTC)
 * So is everything else, except the speed of light in a vacuum, as far as I know. ــѕт.  мıкε  21:07, April 24, 2010 (UTC)

Some turns get you places, others roll your car. Context and value aren't the same thing. :P RoseOfKali 09:12, April 25, 2010 (UTC)

The Mesmer update
It may not be noted here, but it shows in game. They've been talking about it for ages, and it has finally come. Mesmers have been buffed for pve. Now, this may go unnoticed by much of the community, because mesmers will still have the same learning curve it has always had, or the opposite might be true, with mesmer nukers running around with builds that put pre-nerf Cryway to shame. But I know now that I will be less wary when adding a mesmer to a group (if I ever see one that is). This is a day of rememberance, a day of triumph, a day where the power creep completely changes the way mesmers have been treated in pve since day 1. And people, playing guildwars 2 years from now, will ask you: Where were you when mesmers were changed? And I can say: In game killing stuff with my mesmer of course. Arcdash 06:28, April 30, 2010 (UTC)
 * There is no mention on the recent Game updates notes that the Mesmer changes have been released into the live game as yet. The changes should still only be at the eval/testing stage. More info available for those who are not familar with what's being considered, details here. --Wolfie [[Image:Wolfie_sig.jpg|19px]] (talk|contribs) 08:17, April 30, 2010 (UTC)
 * No...thats what they were talking about when they said incorrect skill descriptions. For a few shining moments, certain mesmer skills looked kinda ridiculous, at least on Gwen's skillbar.  If you weren't in game at the time, then you couldn't have seen the changes. Arcdash 14:35, April 30, 2010 (UTC)
 * Remember what any of those changes were? 65.207.54.194 14:48, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * See here. &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 15:39, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * Buffing some little used skills is welcome, though I wonder if some of those buffs might be overdoing it. Empathy and Cry of Frustration were already plenty useful, and hardly needed a buff, though.  Quizzical 16:23, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * With buffs like those, I always wonder if they remember that by buffing players, they're buffing monsters. Fuckin' Mistrust. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  16:25, April 30, 2010 (UTC)
 * You'll need Mesmers to counter Mesmers. XD ــѕт.  мıкε  16:34, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * Brrrr, those jotun mesmers are gonna get frightning. Which in HM, they already are.--[[Image:El Nazgir sig.png|Talkpage]]El_Nazgir 17:17, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * Oh yes...PvE might gain another level of difficulty for this. And I hope they don't adjust it because its too hard (like they did for the WoH boss in Thirsty River was changed after people complained he was too hard).  Personally...I actually kind of want to see scarier mesmers in pve, masochistic monk that I am.  Arcdash 17:37, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * 2 words: AI reflexes (though technically, that's 3 words). AI mesmers are already not to be underestimated in PvE. This is only going to make it worse (though I guess my staple mesmer hero gets buffed too nicely).--[[Image:El Nazgir sig.png|Talkpage]]El_Nazgir  17:53, April 30, 2010 (UTC)


 * Oh, I've already known that xD A big mesmer change is still welcome by me, because it could cause naysayers to see that PvE can really be a challenge.  Its a double edged sword, sure, but in this case both sides of the sword benefit in the end.  It allows mesmers into PvE, and it makes PvE that much more tactical and less sheer damage.  Arcdash 18:43, April 30, 2010 (UTC)
 * See...the monk in me is going "SDFAGDS" but the competitive player in me is going "SDFAGDS USE YOUR SECONDARY"--<font color ="Blue">Ikimono <font color ="Brown">...And my Axe! [[Image:Monk-Paragon-icon.png]] 12:21, May 3, 2010 (UTC)
 * Quzz, CoF isn't in there, it's just regular Frustration. Also, Soothing Images was already just plain mean to adren users... I don't even know how to describe it with a DAS included. Also, Empathy+Calculated Risk, anyone? --Gimmethegepgun 13:41, May 3, 2010 (UTC)


 * The proposed change for Cry of Frustration (see Wolfie's link) is a damage increase, which wouldn't be detectable by .dat divers (see my link) because it only changes the variables that get inserted into the description, not the description itself. &mdash;Dr Ishmael Diablo_the_chicken.gif 15:34, May 3, 2010 (UTC)

Seriously. Wtb mesmer update. You don't just leak something huge like that and then put it off for weeks. Its cruel and sadistic. Docta Jenkins 01:21, May 14, 2010 (UTC)


 * You don't just rush something huge like that and break the game to hell without proper testing. It's kind of dumb, even if just one stupid mistake comes through. RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 01:43, May 14, 2010 (UTC)
 * See here, here, and here. They have no problems with breaking pve. The real reason it's taking so long is because of the pvp changes x.x Docta Jenkins 00:50, May 15, 2010 (UTC)
 * Well, my example wasn't a problem in PvE now, was it? RoseOfKali [[Image:RoseOfKaliSIG.png]] 06:33, May 15, 2010 (UTC)


 * You brought up three imba-factors that all got a nerf. I don't know about SF (playing D2 atm :P ), but Ursan is history. Soul Reaping? Yeah, granted. Fucking broken. --- [[Image:VipermagiSig.JPG]] -- (contribs) &emsp;(talk)  07:02, May 15, 2010 (UTC)


 * Shadow form isn't nerfed XD! Docta Jenkins 15:13, May 15, 2010 (UTC)


 * Yes it is. You need a lot more focussed build, or a "balanced" build with cons to get the same effect as the old SF build. The main problem is that even though they're more difficult, people still find ways to make them the best at their job.--[[Image:El Nazgir sig.png|Talkpage]]<font color="Green">El_Nazgir 16:26, May 15, 2010 (UTC)


 * I think the 3 he listed do illustrate good examples of imbalance that did take a considerable amount of time for them to rebalance or eve acknowledge. --72.220.205.226 08:17, May 16, 2010 (UTC)


 * She, I think. But that's besides the point. Guild Wars is becoming more and more like some OTHER MMO's I can think of, where they seem to stop bothering to balance at all, and merely shuffle around who and what is overpowered periodically. Honestly, I wonder why it takes them forever and ever and ever to nerf things that are CLEARLY broken, and at the same time fail to buff skills/classes that need it. The entire point of balance is to find a "Baseline" of effectiveness, and then make everything and everyone else balanced in comparison. Different, but balanced. Honestly I think they need to take their heads out of there asses, and do a giant update to change/buff/nerf at least 40% of the skills in the game. Heck, this update is a bit moot, I've always rathered bring a Mesmer than a Dervish, they're in need of a buff worse imo. 70.181.74.64
 * That would be lovely, but a) they don't care and b) there's basically only one employee that still works on Guild Wars. [[Image:Felix_Omni_Signature.png]] 02:32, May 17, 2010 (UTC)