ArenaNet has officially launched Guild Wars Reforged, a major update for the original Guild Wars title. This release marks a significant commitment to modernizing the classic MMO, focusing on improving accessibility and hardware compatibility for new and returning players.
The update is designed to make entering the original story more accessible than ever. A key feature is the deep integration of controller support, a technical challenge for MMOs that the development team has prioritized. This enhancement, along with specific optimizations for big-screen TVs and handheld devices like the Steam Deck, aims to support a wider variety of modern playstyles.
Game Director Stephen Clarke-Willson cited the positive response to the 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection as a driving force behind these ongoing improvements. Observing that players were engaging with the game on non-traditional hardware informed the decision to fully support controller and television play. This project is part of a partnership with 2weeks, underscoring a long-term vision for the game's legacy.
For players of the modern sequel, account linking is a crucial detail. A Guild Wars 2 account can only be connected to a Guild Wars Reforged account if both use identical login credentials, either through an ArenaNet account or a Steam account. The developer recommends that players purchase the game through the corresponding platform to ensure a smooth link.
This launch culminates a year of celebration for the franchise's 20th anniversary. It represents a new chapter for the foundational title, inviting heroes back to the origins of Tyria with updated technology. The full scope of changes is detailed in the official release notes published by ArenaNet.
