ArenaNet blog explains Guild Wars 2 feature changes ahead of gamescom demo

Changes to skill acquisition, energy potions, the Charr personal story and character customisation amongst other things. Get the skinny below.

A detailed entry has been posted on the ArenaNet blog by game designer Jon Peters, explaining a number of changes made to NCSoft's upcoming MMO Guild Wars 2, ahead of its gamescom showing.

The post includes details of minor and major changes alike, kicking off with some changes to skills which will no longer cost energy to use thus making the hotly debated energy potions redundant.

A new energy-based dodge move has been added, allowing you to look all nimble as you evade enemy attacks. Peters notes, "Dodging is limited by energy, which regenerates over time."

Elsewhere, weapon-based skills are now learned by using that weapon: the more you use it, the more proficient you become with it and the more skills you unlock.

Peters explains the acquisition of non-weapon skills as such,

"Non-weapon skills are learned in a different way. The second half of the bar will be unlocked using a collection mechanic similar to Guild Wars. We want players to make fun choices about how they build their character, so the new systems will help promote this."

A dozen or so other changes are listed in the post, which you'll find here on the ArenaNet blog.

You can also read some hands-on impressions of Guild Wars 2, written-up prior to these changes being made.

Thanks, Massively.