Jacob Daniel

It’s one thing to take inspiration from other cultures and weave their rich tapestry into a fantasy world. It’s quite another to forsake your origins and seemingly pander to one single audience. ArenaNet, an American company, seems to have taken a sharp and peculiar turn with their latest expansion to Guild Wars 2, "End of Dragons". When we picked up Guild Wars 2, it was because we were enthralled by its compelling narratives, the captivating characters, the thrilling combat, and the intricate world-building that drew from a multitude of cultures and settings. But with "End of Dragons", it feels as if the franchise has been forcibly shoved into a mold it wasn't designed for. Where is the diversity we've come to expect from a game that prides itself on its eclectic fantasy world? Where are the events and expansions inspired by Norse mythology, Native American folklore, or even quintessentially American tales? Why, instead, do we find ourselves drowned in a singular aesthetic that reeks of commercial pandering? And to add insult to injury, the in-game store, once a treasure trove of creative and unique skins, is now cluttered with Chinese-inspired items. While these items could have been appreciated as part of a larger, diverse collection, their current overwhelming presence is like walking into a mall and finding only knock-off merchandise. This is especially disconcerting considering the political tensions between the US and China. While video games often serve as an escape from real-world troubles, the overt shift in "End of Dragons" seems tone-deaf and out of sync with the reality of international affairs. It doesn't provide an escape, but rather amplifies the tension and disconnect. In conclusion, ArenaNet, what we, the fans, need is a return to the roots. A return to the rich, diverse, and thrilling narratives that made Guild Wars 2 a beloved franchise. We’re not opposed to cultural influences in the game, but what we cannot abide is the sacrifice of the game’s core values and diversity in the pursuit of a new audience. We want Guild Wars 2, not a thinly-veiled knock-off. Return to the creative brilliance that once defined you, and please, remember your fanbase – the ones who have stuck with you through every twist and turn. We're waiting, but our patience isn't infinite.

I played this game for about half a year, back in September the AI was incredible, all its responses were spot on. In February, it started to go down hill, the responses were blander, tone-deaf. People said the Ai was warming up, so I kept my sub. But now the Ai is useless, its barely even able to keep up with the story after one or two actions. It's really a shame, I wish we could get the September version back, before the devs lobotomized the Ai.