Guild Wars 2 has adjusted the currency system, summoned the wrath of fans, and is now reversing course. The recent events have already been given a nickname – Gemgate, as it is called.
Gemgate – Where does this “Gate” thing come from?
“Gemgate,” the fans have dubbed the events of the last few days. And if the internet has taught us anything in recent years: It’s never a good sign when something has “Gate” tacked on to it. The “Watergate” scandal brought down US President Nixon. Since then, the suffix “-gate” has been hung on scandals or at least on things that people are outraged about.
Okay, since Nixon’s time, the suffix has been treated much more casually. “Monicagate” was the name given in the USA to the Lewinsky affair, Nipplegate was a mini-scandal involving Justin Timberlake, the Superbowl, and Janet Jackson’s breast, Gauchogate referred to an alleged misbehavior of some German national players at a World Cup party, and recently, “Gamergate” has made headlines for unpleasant reasons. So what did ArenaNet do to deserve the suffix? They altered the trading of gold and gems among players.
What did ArenaNet do?
According to their own statements, completely innocent and for the sake of players, they removed the option for players to buy smaller amounts of the in-game currency “Gem”, the gems, with gold from other players. While it was previously possible to purchase a single Gem, the minimum amount has now been set to 400 gems – further options were for 800, 1200, and 2000 gems.
According to ArenaNet, this is to make the purchasing process “clearer,” making it more resemble a normal trade. Allegedly, smaller amounts than 400 gems are rarely purchased. They took a look at purchasing behavior and changed it for the benefit of the players.
Well, that escalated quickly
However, the players viewed this differently and made harsh accusations against ArenaNet in the last 24 hours. This is a blatant grab at the players’ wallets, it’s all underhanded, some items cost 900 gems. How are you supposed to purchase that sum when only 400, 800, 1200, and 2000 gems are available? This has been deliberately designed to squeeze more money out of players, and they should just say that clearly.
Moreover, fans published statistics showing how significantly prices have risen since the changes. As gems become more valuable in the game, demand increases, more players buy gems directly from ArenaNet for euros or dollars, which ultimately increases ArenaNet’s profits. Accusations boiled over. It was not a good time.
Guild Wars 2 makes a backflip, now wants to offer both
According to Massively, there is already a statement from ArenaNet: They have heard the feedback from fans and want to run both systems in parallel. In addition to the current clear offer of 400, 800, 1200, and 2000 gems, they want to create the possibility for players to purchase a freely chosen amount of gems “individually” via a “Custom” button.
