ArenaNet Responds to Guild Wars 2 'Delay'

Following news that ArenaNet's action RPG sequel Guild Wars 2 would be 'delayed' until 2010-2011, company founder Mike O'Brian issued an open letter to the community to clarify the release window.

Guild Wars 2 was never given a final release date by ArenaNet so therefore could not actually be 'delayed' according to O'Brien.

It was assumed the game would be released late 2009 after ArenaNet revealed it planned to Beta test the game at the end of 2008. With the test not materialising it became apparent the game would not make a released window of 2009 which dissapointed fans. Mike's  comments read:

"On Friday, NCsoft released investor materials that showed a very broad release window for Guild Wars 2, with the explanation that release timing is still "to be announced." ArenaNet has never given a release date for Guild Wars 2 other than "when it's done." NCsoft's investor materials are a reflection of that philosophy.

I know some fans had hoped for a smaller gap between the launch of Guild Wars: Eye of the North and the start of beta testing for Guild Wars 2, but we communicated last summer that it would be some time before we could commit to any beta or launch dates. Guild Wars 2 is a large and ambitious game, and we're going to take the time to do it right.

I'm immensely proud of what our team has accomplished and continues to accomplish with the development of Guild Wars 2.We'll have a lot more to say when we're closer to release. Until then,we thank you for your continued interest and ask you to stay tuned."