New forum pictures.

At any point will it be possible for us to upload our characters as forum pictures? Honestly, I like the new forum format and it looks nice and sleek. My only problem is the fact that my picture is going to look like everybody else's picture. I like to think of my self as a special butterfly but this forum isn't allowing me to be my real self!

PS: Thanks for the new forums! I might even use it more than Reddit now. ;p

They probably won't give too much freedom with pictures do to the fact that they would have to heavily watch and remove inappropriate pictures allllll the time. That is probably why imo.

I'd prefer if there weren't any avatar but if they're going to have them, I don't see why they're being so limited.The only point for forum avatars is to more easily identify people with an image, but if all images are the same, there's no point having them.

Its obviously possible in special cases (like Gaile's picture there) but I'm not sure the system supports custom avatars being uploaded on the user-side. Every other forum I've seen that uses this same forum base has a set of stock avatars.

Even if its possible, it may not be the most ideal thing on Anet's end as it would require constantly policing the forum avatars for inappropriate ones.

I am hoping that with the right API's, we can eventually have our profile pics be screenshot portraits of one of our characters.

@Razor.9872 said:I am hoping that with the right API's, we can eventually have our profile pics be screenshot portraits of one of our characters.

Hmm, is there anything in the GW2 API that will give the ability to do that? If so, just limit it to that API call and then there would be no need to monitor pictures people use. I am going to guess anything someone might be wearing in the game has already been vetted by someone.

I prefer the restricted avatar system, otherwise it becomes another job for Anet to police forum avatars to make sure people are "playing nice". I would like to see more options, perhaps somehow integrating the guild banner system so we can use our guild icon. More images like what are currently available would work well also, but I don't think customization should go further than that.

@Razor.9872 said:I am hoping that with the right API's, we can eventually have our profile pics be screenshot portraits of one of our characters.

As far as I know, there's no current API able to generate characters minis, unfortunately. That's a broadly asked thing, though.I think that if/when it'll be possible, it'll be really nice to provide the API key or character name in the forum profile, in order to generate an avatar from one of the characters icons.

Where is anything related to Heart of Thorns... I want an Aurene picture :-1:

I like it the way it is. Just like reddit, they can moderate pre-set avatars and add more in the future, and people can choose what they like.

I hope we get a painted, stylized avatar of Colin Johanson (doubt it though, heh.)

Having moderated forums before I can understand why they don't want to allow people to upload their own images. It's not just inappropriate pictures, it's also trying to make sure people keep it to the right size and don't do stupid things like upload flashing gifs that give people headaches. And then you either need to provide hosting for all those images or you need to give instructions on offsite hosting and...basically it's a lot of extra hassle.

Having said that it would be nice if there was a bigger selection. I'm hoping they'll add to it over time.

If they're going to keep it this way we're going to need more options.

@Daharahj.1325 said:If they're going to keep it this way we're going to need more options.

Oh agree, give us some options maybe some of the legendary heros from GW1 even. Some of the Raid bosses maybe ?

I don't mind choosing from a preset list. However, do the pictures seem a bit distorted and blurry for anyone else? Not sure if it's a style choice, or if they're not sized correctly for icons. They just don't seem quite as sharp as they could be.

@Gailrin.1384 said:I don't mind choosing from a preset list. However, do the pictures seem a bit distorted and blurry for anyone else? Not sure if it's a style choice, or if they're not sized correctly for icons. They just don't seem quite as sharp as they could be.

Combination of both. They're using the usual stylistic "painted concept art" type of look present throughout the game, so part of it is that, but the images are also too small. You can see the clear difference in pixelation if you look at the image next to the poster's name (which is bigger) compared to what you see under a post for thumbs up for instance. Not to mention how pixelated the one on the profile page looks. They need to upload some larger quality images for the avatar pics.

Considering that we have the Reaper, Druid and so on, I am surprised we are not seeing symbols for the Deadeye and the other new specs. Heck, there are countless symbols and such in the game that could be used as pretty cool avatars - the current selection is surprisingly limited.

I don't know if that's possible but it would be fantastic if they could add a selfie option to the character select screen so we could choose which character becomes our avatar in the forums.

It would be great to get our main character as picture

I'd like to upload my character avatar too, but I can completely understand (and support) a decision to keep things this way.

I was also surprised at the limited selection. If they need to keep it to game icons, well, there are many many more than what we see here. Opening it up to all the skill, profession, item, etc icons will let people differentiate themselves far more.

It would be quite cool if they could somehow figure out how to link it to our accounts so we can use our own characters as icons rather than have us upload it, I understand the decision not to. If they can figure out a way to link it to our accounts I'd quite like to see special icons for those who played beta, icons depending on how many years you've played, icons for those who have bought HoT and PoF, having hard to get achievements unlock special icons for the forums, little things like that.

They're not necessary of course.

We use our accounts to log into the forum, so it would be nice if we could pick one of our alt's faces for our profile pic here.

Since the ESO forum uses a similar (probably the same) system for their forum.Here is what i know.More avatar options will probably be added in the future. Most likely post PoF launch. Since they're kinda busy right now.Custom avatars like Gaile's. Probably either an only a Dev thing, or possibly you need at least Veteran rank before you get the option.How do you get ranks.By posting meaningful posts (so not bump posts or other spam post)By earning points through being "Helpful" with information posts.By generally earning badges for your account.You'll notice that earn enough, you get another star behind your name.On the ESO forum I've seen the star count go up to 10 stars, who were special community ambassadors.

I hope this helps a little?

Would it be a simpler API issue if they linked it to the head shot that is shown in parties and on the character select screen?As an aside, all the little profile pictures under the posts with how people voted are annoying.

@Thelgar.7214 said:Would it be a simpler API issue if they linked it to the head shot that is shown in parties and on the character select screen?As an aside, all the little profile pictures under the posts with how people voted are annoying.

I duno if the API lets us get those. If it did, it would prob work.also you can turn off the lil avatars showing in your signature settings.