Guild Wars 2 introduces custom PvP arenas, spectator mode

ArenaNet has prepped two new eSports-friendly features for Guild Wars 2.

Both custom PvP arenas and spectator mode are expected to go live on test servers this month for beta testing. The two together are designed to give keen PvP players more options for organising friendly matches and learning from each other.

Custom arenas allow you to make your own place to play, organize private tournaments with friends, and challenge other teams. A wide variety of options mean they're flexible enough to handle everything from one-vs-one grudge matches or full blown tournaments.

Custom arena kits will be available to purchase from the gem store after beta.

Spectator mode is exactly what it sounds like; it lets you kibbitz any hot-join or custom game where the owner has allowed spectating, and check out what the players are doing. It will not be available in ranked matches due to concerns about cheating - and to foster the shoutcast community.

To try it out, you'll just have to choose "spectator" as your team when joining a match.

You'll be able to check out custom arenas and spectator mode from April 30. For more information on both new additions, visit the MMO's blog.