ArenaNet has recently unveiled an exciting update for fans of the classic MMORPG with the announcement of Guild Wars Reforged. This enhanced version of the beloved game is set to launch on December 3, bringing a renewed experience to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Originally released in April 2005, Guild Wars captured the imaginations of millions, establishing a strong foothold for ArenaNet, a studio founded by former Blizzard developers.
The Legacy and Revival of Guild Wars
Guild Wars made a significant impact on the MMORPG genre, amassing over nine million users who embarked on countless adventures across Tyria. While ArenaNet shifted its focus to the sequel, Guild Wars 2, a dedicated fanbase has remained loyal to the original game. Now, with the collaboration of 2weeks, a studio formed by former ArenaNet developers, Guild Wars Reforged promises to breathe new life into this classic title.
Brandon Dillon, co-founder of 2weeks, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a real treat to revisit the original Guild Wars. Beginning as a teenager, I’ve been involved with this franchise from the very start, collaborating with the original studio founders to create the world of Tyria. Partnering with ArenaNet to update and improve the player experience means the game can continue to be a beloved beacon for fans of multiplayer online RPGs for years to come.”
Game Director Stephen Clarke-Willson added, “Even after two decades, we’re still passionate about improving the experience of the original Guild Wars for players. The game has a dedicated group of fans, and with this update to modernize the experience, we hope players new and old will find a reason to continue adventuring through Tyria together.”
Exciting New Features and Enhancements
Guild Wars Reforged comes packed with new features, including controller support, Steam Deck verification, and a variety of graphical enhancements. Players can expect high-DPI support for modern monitors, updated HD skill icons, improved rendering options such as new antialiasing and ambient occlusion, enhanced bloom effects, more font size choices for game text, enhanced 3D environmental audio, and an improved quest-tracker. These updates aim to provide a refreshed experience for players, combining nostalgia with modern gaming features.
Existing users will enjoy Guild Wars Reforged at no additional cost, and new players can dive into the enriched world of Tyria for $19.99 on Steam or Windows PC, with all expansions—Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall—included.