Gamers will not be forced into microtransactions

Aug 30, 2015 10:29 GMT  ·  By

Video game developer ArenaNet is announcing that its MMO Guild Wars 2 has made the switch to a free-to-play model and that it has settled on an October 23 launch date for the Heart of Thorns expansion, which will deliver a range of new content for the title.

The studio says that, by making the core game accessible to anyone, it is trying to make sure that as many gamers as possible have a chance to see the core features in action.

Heart of Thrones for Guild Wars 2 will launch as a buy-to-play experience with subscription fees, with the developers aiming to get as many of those who experience the MMO without paying to then invest in the expansion.

Mike O’Brien, co-founder and president of ArenaNet, states, "As we get ready to release our first expansion for Guild Wars 2, we want to ensure that we keep a simple business model where new players can play the core game for free while all players need only purchase one thing - Heart of Thorns - to get access to all of our new and future content."

All those who buy Heart of Thorns will get all future content releases for free, with ArenaNet promising that it will introduce major raids and Living World episodes with unique narratives.

Pre-ordering Heart of Thorns is a good idea for core fans

The expansion for Guild Wars 2 is offering a pre-order program that gives gamers access to beta weekends and to some unique content, with the progress made able to translate into the full launch of the expansion.

Heart of Thorns will also continue to follow the ArenaNet model when it comes to microtransactions and the delivery of additional content.

Mike O'Brien says that his company is not aiming to aggressively target players with monetisation initiatives and other microtransaction-driven attempts to get extra more money in the long term.

The studio wants fans to feel comfortable spending time with Guild Wars 2 and to only pay for those elements of the MMO that they appreciate, like the Heart of Thorns expansion.

ArenaNet says that, until October 23, it will deliver more information about the way the game is evolving in terms of core mechanics.

Guild Wars 2 - Heart of Thorns images (11 Images)

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