Bringing PvP and PvE together in an MMORPG is no easy task. Therefore, the developers of the MMO Guild Wars 2 are considering skill-splitting.
Those who enjoy completing PvE content in an MMO want to carry out their quests in peace and not be constantly attacked by PvP players. Many game developers are aware of this dilemma and struggle with how to implement a meaningful PvP mode in an MMO that also thrives on PvE. They want to satisfy both sides and not cause player frustration.
PvP Splits Off
For this reason, many developers separate their games into a PvE and a PvP area. PvP is only possible when challenging other players who agree. Or one fights in special zones. Guild Wars 2 offers a separate PvP mode that is so well received that it is active in the esports area. However, every character can still improve in both areas. Those who only play PvP do not need the entire PvE burden.
For this reason, ArenaNet is currently considering completely separating PvE skills from PvP abilities in Guild Wars 2. If one wishes to play only PvP, they only need to focus on the PvP skills. They have developed an internal technology that would make this possible. However, this splitting would have global consequences. Players would be forced to choose one path.
Nothing is Certain Yet
Currently, the developers are considering whether this is a good idea and how to maintain balancing. Additionally, they are uncertain if they really want to give up the synergies between PvP and PvE, or if there is a way to maintain them in certain cases. With an upcoming update for Guild Wars 2, players will already experience initial effects of this skill-splitting – likely serving as a sort of trial run.
Andreas says:
ArenaNet’s idea is a double-edged sword. Generally, PvP struggles in the genre. MMOs with open PvP occupy a niche, and more and more games significantly limit PvP. Another splitting could lead to PvP becoming even more isolated from the genre and increasingly a separate game mode. However, can one imagine MMORPGs without “integrated” PvP?
However, it must be said that players share some of the blame for this development. Those who play in MMOs with open PvP know how it can be and that it can indeed deter new players.
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