Colin Johanson
Reporting and statements that mention Colin Johanson.
Latest coverage
Guild Wars 3 is 'significantly more' of an MMO than the first game, but that doesn't mean it's like GW2: 'All three of our games can coexist as different experiences'
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson clarified that Guild Wars 3 will be significantly more of an MMORPG than its predecessors, though it will not replicate the large-scale gameplay pillars of Guild Wars 2. This approach aims to allow all three Guild Wars titles to coexist as distinct experiences within the world of Tyria.
ArenaNet reiterates Guild Wars 3’s B2P no-sub model and place in ‘the middle of the MMO spectrum’
ArenaNet has reiterated that Guild Wars 3 will be a buy-to-play title with no subscription fees or battle pass subscriptions, emphasizing a fair monetization model. The studio aims for Guild Wars 3 to occupy a middle ground in the MMORPG spectrum, coexisting with Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 by offering a distinct experience.
Many live service games are just an MMO subscription "hidden inside of a neat 'optional' package", argue Guild Wars 3 devs in a post about the new game's monetisation
ArenaNet developers discussed the evolution of the MMORPG genre and how live service games often hide subscription-like monetization models. They stated that Guild Wars 3 will be a pay-upfront, no-subscription game, differentiating itself from models that use battle passes or recurring seasonal tracks.
Guild Wars 3 mission statement: no pay-to-win, no subscription fees - "The lines between an MMO and a live-service game have blurred"
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson released a mission statement for Guild Wars 3, emphasizing a commitment to no pay-to-win mechanics and no subscription fees, instead opting for a buy-to-play model. The statement also addresses the blurring lines between MMOs and live-service games, aiming to innovate the genre by respecting player time and offering meaningful progression without excessive barriers.
Guild Wars 3 Will Not Have Subscriptions, Pay-to-Win Features
ArenaNet has detailed its monetization and design plans for Guild Wars 3, confirming it will not feature subscription fees or pay-to-win mechanics, with all microtransactions being cosmetic or for convenience. Studio head Colin Johanson emphasized respecting players' time and maintaining a balance between the scale of Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2. The game is in development for PC and PlayStation 5, with beta tests planned for Fall 2027.
Guild Wars 3 Won’t Have “Hidden” Subscriptions Like Battle Passes
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson confirmed that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a subscription fee, battle passes, or pay-to-win mechanics, aiming for accessibility and long-term value. The upcoming MMORPG will be smaller in scale than Guild Wars 2 but larger than the original Guild Wars, and is slated for PC and PlayStation 5 with a beta in Fall 2027.
With Guild Wars 3 announced at long last, here's why its beloved predecessor has survived the test of time
ArenaNet has announced Guild Wars 3, prompting a discussion on the enduring success of its predecessor, Guild Wars 2. Game director Joshua Davis attributes Guild Wars 2's longevity to early design decisions prioritizing horizontal progression and respecting player time, allowing players to return without feeling obsolete. The game's strong art direction, which focuses on cohesive visual storytelling over chasing the latest technology, also contributes to its lasting appeal.
Confirmed: Guild Wars 2 will resume real annual expansions after Guild Wars 3 launches
ArenaNet has confirmed that Guild Wars 2 will return to releasing annual expansions following the launch of Guild Wars 3. This decision aims to provide a sustainable content model for the studio and the game, while also preparing Guild Wars 2 for an expected influx of new players tied to Guild Wars 3's release. Development of Guild Wars 2 expansions will continue in parallel with Guild Wars 3, with the existing Guild Wars 2 team focusing on non-expansion content and revamps during the interim period.
The Guild Wars games have always been set in a world abandoned by the gods, in new MMO Guild Wars 3, you'll see why they left
ArenaNet has announced that Guild Wars 3 will be set 1,200 years before the original game, during the time the gods abandoned the world of Tyria. Studio head Colin Johanson confirmed the MMO will not feature a subscription fee or battle pass, aiming to offer a different player experience. The game is planned to enter beta next year.
Guild Wars 3 won't have a 'battle pass fee buried in it', says studio head: 'We're not gonna…
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson stated that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a battle pass fee, aiming for a 'buy and play' model similar to previous titles. The studio is committed to respecting players' time and avoiding the 'modern version of the subscription' that battle passes can represent. This approach aims to differentiate Guild Wars 3 from other live service MMORPGs.
Everything we know about Guild Wars 3 and how it plans to 'push the MMORPG genre forward'
ArenaNet is developing Guild Wars 3, aiming to innovate within the MMORPG genre with a planned fall 2027 beta and a launch on PC and PlayStation 5. The game will retain the series' buy-to-play model and will not feature battlepasses. Guild Wars 3 will feature action-RPG combat with a focus on fluid movement and strategic skill use, set 1,200 years before the original Guild Wars.
Guild Wars 3 won’t feature a subscription or battle passes, Colin Johanson reassures fans
ArenaNet's Colin Johanson has confirmed that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a monthly subscription or battle passes. The upcoming MMO aims to evolve the genre with combat inspired by action games and a focus on player movement, set 1200 years before the original Guild Wars.
Guild Wars 3 will have no battle pass or subscription because ArenaNet studio lead doesn't want to "keep people hostage"
ArenaNet studio head Collin Johanson revealed that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a subscription or battle pass, opting for a premium buy-to-play model similar to previous titles. Johanson emphasized a desire to avoid the "second job" perception of MMOs and innovate within the genre. Support for Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 will continue alongside the development of the new game.
‘We are not replacing your favorite games,’ says Guild Wars boss Colin Johanson. Here’s how.
ArenaNet has confirmed Guild Wars 3 is in development, alongside continued support for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged. The studio assures players that existing games will not be replaced and will receive ongoing development. Guild Wars 3 will feature PC and PlayStation 5 functionality, with a beta planned for fall 2027.
Guild Wars 1 and 2 will continue to get updates even after Guild Wars 3 is out: 'We are not replacing your favorite…
ArenaNet has announced that Guild Wars 3 will not lead to the discontinuation of Guild Wars 2 or Guild Wars. Both existing titles will continue to receive updates for the foreseeable future, with Guild Wars 2 seeing a slowdown in new content as Guild Wars 3 approaches release. This approach mirrors successful strategies seen in other long-running MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV and RuneScape.
Everything we know about Guild Wars 3 – plus what’s happening to Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, set over a thousand years before the original game in the Tyrian region of Orr. The game will feature a new combat system emphasizing movement and strategic skill use, extensive mount riding, and character customization. Guild Wars 3 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, with a beta scheduled for fall 2027. ArenaNet also stated that Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged will continue to be actively developed.
Guild Wars 3 is coming, and it promises "a modern evolution of the MMO"
ArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, described as a 'modern evolution of the MMO,' at Summer Game Fest. The game will feature a momentum-based movement system and will be released on PC and PlayStation 5, with a beta planned for Fall 2027. The announcement follows recent domain updates and cryptic social media posts from the developer.
ArenaNet announces Guild Wars 3, promising 'an entirely new type of MMO experience'
ArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, an entirely new MMORPG experience set over a thousand years before the original Guild Wars in the Tyrian region of Orr. Studio head Colin Johanson stated the game aims to push the genre forward with innovative features, including a unique movement system and player-controlled spirits called Seekers. While no release date is set, a beta is planned for fall 2027.
Guild Wars 3 announced at Summer Game Fest, beta releasing in Fall 2027
ArenaNet announced Guild Wars 3 at Summer Game Fest, with a beta scheduled for Fall 2027. The MMORPG is described as an evolution of the genre, featuring new combat mechanics and open-world exploration. This announcement follows a period of increased marketing and hiring at ArenaNet, the developer behind the popular Guild Wars 2.
Guild Wars 3 announced
NCSOFT and ArenaNet have announced Guild Wars 3, the next installment in the MMORPG series, currently in development for Windows PC and PlayStation 5. Guild Wars 3 Game Director Colin Johanson stated the game aims to push the MMORPG genre forward with innovative experiences. Set over a thousand years before the original game, players will become Vaelwardens protecting the land of Orr and its spirits, featuring deep character customization and a combat system designed for both controller and keyboard.
