,” said Dillon. “ArenaNet had a really strong engineering culture right from the beginning, and they’ve done an impeccable job maintaining the code base for the original game. It was in much better condition than when I left it 15 years ago.” The development team also highlighted that one of the key motivators was to ensure that Guild Wars Reforged would run smoothly on modern devices like the Steam Deck.
Gameplay and Visual Improvements
The Reforged edition features several improvements, including an HD visual update with enhanced resolution, ambient occlusion, and bloom effects. It also includes official controller support via X-Input and accessibility options for improved readability and gameplay. Additionally, the price point will be lowered to $20 for new players, while existing owners can enjoy a free update.
According to Stephen Clarke-Wilson, game director of the original Guild Wars, “Reforged means we’ve toughened it up!” He explained that there are minor gameplay tweaks but overall, the experience remains familiar. The developers aim to provide an upgrade rather than a remaster, focusing on modernizing the user interface and performance.
Looking Ahead
Guild Wars Reforged is set to arrive at a time when gamers have shown interest in revisiting classic online games. For the developers, this opportunity allowed them to rediscover their appreciation for the game and its community. “It’s an amazingly handcrafted and huge experience,” said Dillon. “To revisit all this craft of work has been rewarding on multiple levels.”
The release of Guild Wars Reforged marks a significant milestone in the evolution of MMORPGs, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements to appeal to both new and existing players. With its focus on accessibility and cross-platform support, it promises to be an exciting addition to the genre.
