In a recent shareholder meeting, NCSoft's co-CEO, Park Byung-moo, confirmed that Guild Wars 3 is currently in development. This announcement has taken many by surprise, especially considering the ongoing success of Guild Wars 2, which continues to receive expansions and updates.
Guild Wars 2, released in 2012, has maintained a dedicated player base over the years. The latest expansion, "Secrets of the Obscure," was well-received in 2023, with plans for additional content in 2024 and 2025. This continued support has led to questions about the future of Guild Wars 2 as attention shifts to its successor.
The news has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among fans. Many are eager to see what Guild Wars 3 will bring, but there's also apprehension about potential changes to the game's monetization model. Guild Wars has traditionally avoided subscription fees, relying instead on a one-time purchase price and paid expansions. Fans fear that NCSoft might adopt a free-to-play model with microtransactions, similar to trends seen in other MMOs.
As of now, details about Guild Wars 3 are scarce. ArenaNet, the developer behind the series, has not provided additional information, stating that their focus remains on Guild Wars 2's development, including upcoming expansions. Given the early stage of development, it's likely to be several years before Guild Wars 3 is released.
In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy Guild Wars 2, which shows no signs of slowing down. The announcement of Guild Wars 3 serves as a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity and NCSoft's commitment to expanding the Guild Wars universe.
