ArenaNet Boss Says MMOs Have 'Stagnated' and Guild Wars 3 Will Offer the Genre Something Genuinely New
Guild Wars 3, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2, is set to revolutionize the MMO genre, according to ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson. Speaking at IGN Live, he emphasized that the upcoming game will challenge the status quo in a market he believes has become stagnant.
Johanson highlighted that the MMO genre has remained largely unchanged for over a decade, with many players feeling that the same mechanics and monetization models are being repeated across titles. “We feel like right now, the genre that we make our game in, in the MMO genre — and we've consistently heard this from all of you too — that you feel like this genre is ready for something new, that it is stagnated, that we've all been playing the same games for the most part for over a decade,” he said.
A New Era for MMOs
Guild Wars 3 is positioned to be a bold departure from the norm, with ArenaNet aiming to innovate and offer a fresh experience for players. “And I think this is when ArenaNet's at its best, when we challenge ourselves and say, ‘Let's go solve for the problems and innovate,'” Johanson added.
The game is set to introduce new mechanics that bring a more dynamic feel to the MMO genre. One of the key features is the “joy of movement,” which aims to integrate action game elements into the MMO framework. This includes momentum-based gameplay, where movement is a core component of combat and exploration, offering a more fluid and engaging experience.
A Fresh Start in the Lore
Guild Wars 3 is set 1,200 years before the events of Guild Wars 1, during a time of political upheaval and divine conflict. This allows players to start on relatively equal footing, as there is limited lore covering this period. This setup presents a unique opportunity for players to explore a rich, uncharted world and uncover new mysteries.
No Subscription Fees or Battle Passes
Beyond gameplay, ArenaNet is making a strong statement about monetization. Guild Wars 3 will not feature a subscription fee or a battle pass, a decision that aligns with the studio’s long-standing philosophy. “We've challenged ourselves to ask the same question: can we make a game like this that doesn't have a subscription fee and doesn't have a battle pass fee buried in it as well?” Johanson said.
This approach is aimed at giving players the freedom to engage with the game on their own terms, without the pressure of ongoing payments. ArenaNet hopes to provide a more flexible experience that accommodates players’ varying schedules and preferences.
Looking Ahead
Guild Wars 3 is set to enter beta testing at the end of next year, with more details about its mechanics and content delivery expected in the coming months. In the meantime, ArenaNet has committed to supporting Guild Wars 1 and 2 “far into the future,” ensuring that fans of the earlier titles can continue to enjoy the games they love.
