Guild Wars 2, follow-up to the popular PC only MMO from 2005, might just be getting a console version. That is, if the port moves past the preparation stage.
According to an investors call hosted by publisher NCsoft, developer Arena Net is still putting forth all of their efforts into making Guild Wars 2 the best PC MMO yet, but a console version seems very likely. Guild Wars 2, like its predecessor, will be a freemium MMO, but will have a bunch of new features like underwater combat thrown in to bring fans back to the series.
As far as a concurrent launch for the console version of Guild Wars 2, that doesn’t seem like a possibility at this point. However, we don’t have a firm release date for the PC version of Guild Wars 2 either, but come Spring time we should have a better idea. Around that time ArenaNet will be taking the game through a large scale beta test, and it’s presumed that test will dictate when the game launches.
Once again, since NCsoft doesn’t want to scare PC fans away, only a small team of developers are working on this console port of GW 2.
“When it comes to Guild Wars 2 as we have announced already, we are in the preparation stage.”
It goes without saying that bringing an MMO, no matter how successful its predecessor or series might be, to a console is an inherent risk, but with one like Guild Wars 2 that lacks a traditional subscription there is the opportunity for success, not to mention the game adds a bunch of clever twists on the MMO genre.
Among the other new features being rolled out for Guild Wars 2 is a robust PvP system, more playable races, and dynamic events that will be influenced by your character or guild’s actions. Having experienced the game first hand, I can attest that the experience feels fresh, even in light of new MMOs like DC Universe Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic searching for their piece of the pie. Hopefully console gamers will be able to see for themselves sometime soon.
How would you like to see Arena Net port Guild Wars 2 to the console? Do you think that, despite many failures for console MMOs, that GW 2 will be able to find success?
Guild Wars 2 should be out some time in 2012 on the PC.
Source: Guild Wars Insider
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Game looks pretty good from what I’ve seen, but I don’t think it will be anything to keep me there. I’m looking at other upcoming releases like Tera which hopefully is more the route future mmos will take. I really hope that this game is better than the first, which in my opinion (stressing ‘MY OPINION’) was absolutely terribad. That being said, I will most likely pick it up because there’ not really any long term obligations.
And stay more on topic, the idea of a console version sounds ridiculous, but hey, there’s a first for everything.
to* (seriously this is my last post).
Eh, I’d still be playing it on the PC.
this game looks amazing, but honestly, if they can get console versions out, why not mac?
A Console mmo. Maybe there is a reason for xbox live sept for party chat.
OMG YES PLEASE!
omgomgomgomg
I played the first guild wars on pc and putting it on console would be awesomeeeee, yes please!
Hhmmm a consol MMO? I would be more than willing to give it a try but there would obviously have to have a beta. If turned out well, then it could very well be a new dawn for MMOs.
Hhmmm a consol MMO? I would be more than willing to give it a try but there would obviously have to have a beta. Plus if turned out well, then it could very well be a new dawn for MMOs. Probably get better sales too since not everybody has a suitable laptop for gaming.
Would it work cross-platform?