Gaile, as a community manager you were inspiring. Seeing you in Lion's Arch having the frog chats with the community made you the tangible face of the company. I don't quite have the skills that your dev role requires but still you made me interested in working in games. Thanks
Gaile, I have rarely agreed with you on anything game related, and could lock horns with you for a long time to come, but you are the last person at Arenanet I wanted to see this message from. You were here long before I started, and you weathered some of the most insane things that happened to Arenanet.
Soul-binding needs to be allowed to die gracefully. It has expired. It is long past it's time to become a footnote in the history of gaming.
@Gaile Gray.6029 said:
Goodbye, beloved Guild Wars 2 Community. I love you all and wish you well in the future.
That's either the most epic troll post ever, or the most epic fail by a gaming company in the history of online games. I'm hoping for the first and not the second.
This is why i hate mega game corporations. And we said Kotick was the devil, i guess they all are.
Anyone want to organize a farewell get together in game?
I'd do it myself but I suck at that stuff.. and don't really know how to organize a community event.. better people with experience and ideas set it up.
I'm in the EU myself so I'd be there if it was multi-region.
That was ... very disconcerting, even if I only recently engaged in the forum itself, Gaile Always struck me as a perfect example of a Community manager, engaging, sociable, and knows her game to a T, it's heartwrenching to see corporations at work. GAME INDUSTRY WORKERS UNIONIZE ALREADY ! This is not normal ! This game is successful because it has a Soul. Marketing departements dont give games souls. Developpers and Community Managers do ! It's a world that goes in reverse when corporate decisions rule to cut costs and Apply aggressive marketing at the cost of a game's soul, when in fact the sole Reason for that game's success is the fact players are attracted by, and want to stay because of that soul !
It is sad days with those that had bad news of recent and now Gaile who been with us from the start and hope never the end from the game world. With respect and thanks for all your hard works...... Like Thalies.7609 said on the above Two posts to this One.....
Reassure the community that everything will be okay and that the game will go on.
To restore consumer confidence...um...fire the popular public representative of the company?
I have enjoyed your posts on the forum Gayle, and will miss your presence personally, as well as missing having someone who made the effort to communicate and respond to the community. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Just saying, I guess I will not be in a hurry to spend more money on the game. Not in any sort of retaliation, but because this has added to my suspicion that it's all going away soon.
I started my Guild Wars journey in May of 2005. This has been the most painful week of that journey, and I can't see the light ahead. My thoughts are with all who got the bad news today. Please be well.
WvW™ - where you find more Red Rings of Death than an Xbox repair facility.
"Gaile Gray @GaileGray 10m
I am sad to tell you that I am no longer an employee of ArenaNet. It's been a wonderful 18+ years, and I have appreciated every one of those years and every single one of the friends I made through the game. I wish everyone at ArenaNet a fantastic future -- I love you all."
Man, this is not what i expected to read this morning. A good CM is important to filter the large amount of noise that a game forum generates and now GW2 has lost its.
@Gaile Gray.6029 said:
Goodbye, beloved Guild Wars 2 Community. I love you all and wish you well in the future.
Gaile,
Really going to miss your voice...and "soccer coach mom" approach of coddling our WvW community...
My voice will only be one of many that I'm sure.
Look forward.
There's nothing you did that wasn't done from the heart.
Everything you did was to bring joy to this community.
Through the years you've responded to our posts professionally & with well intentions.
Move forward.
Life's journey sometimes takes an un-expected turn, but it's your internal compass that will keep you on course.
Make sure you keep the embers of your self worth protected...until you can find a new place to land & re-kindle your blaze.
Do whatever it takes to keep your ember smoldering.
Get to the next step.
I've been down this road too. File for un-employment as you try to figure out where to go. Wallow for a little bit, but not long.
I hope when this door in your life closes...another door or window will open...but be ready & looking for it.
Love you too...wishing you well in your future too.
I feel like the loss of Gaile is the beginning of a new era at Arenanet. She was attentive, she was an active member of the community, and her presence here showed us that Arenanet was the same community and player focused company that we came to love through the years. I feel like them simply letting her go like that, out of the blue, is a loud and clear message that things are going to be different now.
I love the Guild Wars series. It's one of the last greats out there. It's heart breaking to see the beginning of its decline, as we likely won't see another game like it. I'm not not quite prepared for this to be the next Wildstar.
Goodbye Gaile. It was always a highlight to run into you in-game in GW1. I've been around since GW1 launched and you were always a fixture of the game. Thanks for all you've done and all those little in-game visits. Best of luck Queen Frog, we'll miss you.
This might have already been suggested but perhaps some sort of short, organized in game gathering at the frog pond as a proper farewell to these people who have helped to provide us with GW in all its facets over the years is warranted?
I never cared for Gaile or anyone else that failed to properly communicate, but this is the last straw for me. I'm uninstalling today and the hundreds of dollars I spend a month in the cash shop are coming with me. End of an era. Sad.
I've been a fan of this franchise since GW1 was released, and Gaile is a legend, an icon, a celebrity, but overall, just a great person. I remember when she would grace us with an appearance in LA or Kamadan during holiday events, I gave her a cupcake or delicious cake during Wintersday and she thanked me... may seem silly but she knew how to bring the community together, talking about her love of the game and keeping us informed. From this irrational decision, there is no proper way to say goodbye. This shouldn't be happening unless it was on her terms, she deserves that after all these years of dedication. Gaile, we really can't express enough how much you'll be missed. Wish you only good vibes from here on out. Peace, Frog Princess.
Just to vent a little, and from my understanding, NCSoft seems to be cutting those with a "higher salary" which includes some long time employees. There's a reason they've been there so long because their great work shows in game. It might be all about numbers, but do they realize the impact this will all have?? Laying off vet staff not only demoralizes players, but newer staff as well because why would you want to advance in a company if they're just going to cut you?? And not to name names, but there are some staff that made the cut who really, really shouldn't have. We will see how this plays out but I don't even want to play the game tonight after all of this.
@Cragga the Eighty Third.6015 said:
1. Announce massive layoffs.
2. Reassure the community that everything will be okay and that the game will go on.
3. To restore consumer confidence...um...fire the popular public representative of the company?
I have enjoyed your posts on the forum Gayle, and will miss your presence personally, as well as missing having someone who made the effort to communicate and respond to the community. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Just saying, I guess I will not be in a hurry to spend more money on the game. Not in any sort of retaliation, but because this has added to my suspicion that it's all going away soon.
yeah, even though I butted heads with Gaile sometimes, this was kind of an incompetent move that shows either Anet or NCSoft really doesn't know what they're doing.
I don't understand, I'm so confused and sad. I never directly interacted with @Gaile Gray.6029 but I would always look forward to her answers on the forum. while there is probably a lot we don't know, this doesn't seem wise. I mean it's not like they suddenly don't need someone to fill her job. I understand the situation is somewhat out of Anet control but I did not expect so many and so many major role on GW team to be laid off.
With tomorrow's patch... I'm just afraid the only MMO I like is heading straight for its inevitable doom. GW has been a major part of my childhood and GW Nightfall was one of the very first game I bought myself. I've always been happy to see the continuation of the world of GW. I really don't know what to expect now. This certainly won't help me sleep tonight...
I guess in the end, my well wishes to Gaile and everyone else going through the same. We love the work you've done for us, thank you.
Personally I didn't like Gaile that much. I've butt heads with her on more than one occasion. Her reasoning annoys me, being very identity-centric. I'm not happy to see her fired, though, largely because she wasn't fired for good reason.
When I saw the "Update from Arenanet" post in news and announcements, I knew it was a bad sign. It didn't actually address anything. It was one big "don't worry" message, and experience has taught me to be worried whenever anyone says not to be. Now, in all irony, the person in charge of telling us not to worry about the layoffs has been laid off.
"Self awareness is knowing when you're sitting at the throne of ignorance." --Leo G.
Oh, wait, they fired Gaile Gray? What monkey thought that was a good idea?
It just further steels my opinion that ANet's trying their very best to sabotage their game on purpose. This game has no future anymore, time to move on to something else, bye
@Jumpin Lumpix.6108 said:
So I guess the game is going in maintenance mode now like gw1 and thats probably it?
Well no. There are on the bright side, still approx 300 employees working on the game. Maintenance mode would have a handful and no content. Plus the game still generates revenue.
It will be a shaky few months for sure, but I don't think maintenance mode is on the horizon
I wouldn't be so sure of that tbh.. . and I would hazard a guess that revenue generation may take a hit to compound the issues further from here on in as player loyalty and willingness to support the game financially comes into question.
This may prove to be one of those defining moments and for all the wrong reasons... I do hope I am wrong but just as I had a sense there has been a growing cloud over the game this past 6 months, I am feeling this storm hasn't broken yet.
Fingers crossed the Phoenix really can rise from the flames.
Life is what YOU make it... NOT what others tell you!
I'm not a big participant on these forums. However, every time I read you, you seem very dedicated to what you do, and I think it won't be the same now, without you. I must admit this makes me sad.
I wish the best to you and all the people affected by this decision. I hope it will be the start to a new and beautiful journey!
To say that I'm shocked at this news would be an understatement. Gaile's been part of my Guild Wars journey all the way since 2005. In an age where most game studios feel like faceless corporations, she provided that essential human touch. She was a very busy person with lots of people clamoring for her time, but I still remember the occasions where people would raise issues or tickets with her that didn't seem to go anywhere, and she promised she'd look into it. And oftentimes, that DID actually get results. I can't say how amazing it is to actually feel like you have somebody at the company who will actually listen to you and provide a personal response instead of the canned form letters you tend to get nowadays.
You will be sorely missed, Gaile. ANet and the Guild Wars universe won't be the same without you. I wish you all the best on the next leg of your journey, and hopefully we'll meet again in Tyria or some other fantastic world down the line.
P.S. Tell the Frog that the heket are STILL causing problems in Elona. :P
Sorry to see you go Gaile, it won't be the same without you. I know that, whatever you choose to do in the future, you'll be amazing. So I hope you do something you love.
Comments
QADIM!
I'm gonna miss Gaile a lot. Thanks for everything you've done for us.
Gaile, as a community manager you were inspiring. Seeing you in Lion's Arch having the frog chats with the community made you the tangible face of the company. I don't quite have the skills that your dev role requires but still you made me interested in working in games. Thanks
Road apples, pig feathers, and sufferin' saddle soap! This place won't be the same without you, Gaile.
/e salute
Gaile, I have rarely agreed with you on anything game related, and could lock horns with you for a long time to come, but you are the last person at Arenanet I wanted to see this message from. You were here long before I started, and you weathered some of the most insane things that happened to Arenanet.
Soul-binding needs to be allowed to die gracefully. It has expired. It is long past it's time to become a footnote in the history of gaming.
Are you fing kidding!!! They let her go! wt absolute F! This does not bode well for the health of the game.
This is why i hate mega game corporations. And we said Kotick was the devil, i guess they all are.
Dwayna bless you bro.
Holy Warriors of [Kazo] following Kazo doctrine guided by, Our Lord and Commander, Zudo in the holy Trinity of Him and his two firm glutes.
This is complete BS. NCSoft said GW2 wouldn't be affected, but this proves otherwise.
Sorry to see you go, hope to see you land on your feet and continue to do what you love doing.
Want to add as well my gratitude for the great game anets devs created
Sorry to you Gaile and whomever else got laid off. Good luck out there.
Anyone want to organize a farewell get together in game?
I'd do it myself but I suck at that stuff.. and don't really know how to organize a community event.. better people with experience and ideas set it up.
I'm in the EU myself so I'd be there if it was multi-region.
Sad news, sad news.. I'll miss you terribly, but I wish you all the best, Gaile!
*press F to pay respects
I am so sorry Gaile and to all others affected
. Best of luck to all of you.
Somewhere chasing bags....
I wish we could have a little cute frog minipet to always remember Gaile
That was ... very disconcerting, even if I only recently engaged in the forum itself, Gaile Always struck me as a perfect example of a Community manager, engaging, sociable, and knows her game to a T, it's heartwrenching to see corporations at work. GAME INDUSTRY WORKERS UNIONIZE ALREADY ! This is not normal ! This game is successful because it has a Soul. Marketing departements dont give games souls. Developpers and Community Managers do ! It's a world that goes in reverse when corporate decisions rule to cut costs and Apply aggressive marketing at the cost of a game's soul, when in fact the sole Reason for that game's success is the fact players are attracted by, and want to stay because of that soul !
It is sad days with those that had bad news of recent and now Gaile who been with us from the start and hope never the end from the game world. With respect and thanks for all your hard works...... Like Thalies.7609 said on the above Two posts to this One.....
I have pressed my F KEY also.
I never met you Gaile, but I have corresponded a few times very often with you online.
You were very kind.
Thanks for being so open to the community.
mhm, ok, sure, whatever you say, no after you, I insist, no really, please, be my guest,
I have enjoyed your posts on the forum Gayle, and will miss your presence personally, as well as missing having someone who made the effort to communicate and respond to the community. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Just saying, I guess I will not be in a hurry to spend more money on the game. Not in any sort of retaliation, but because this has added to my suspicion that it's all going away soon.
(((((hugs)))))
gonna miss you Gaile
"Bacon Defeciency DIsorder Sux"
~ The Baconnaire
I started my Guild Wars journey in May of 2005. This has been the most painful week of that journey, and I can't see the light ahead. My thoughts are with all who got the bad news today. Please be well.
WvW™ - where you find more Red Rings of Death than an Xbox repair facility.
That's ducked up.
I so wish you were right.
Is this for real? If so, dang; Gaile you're amazing and I wish you the best in the future. Still dang, I thought you would never ever be dismissed.
Man, this is not what i expected to read this morning. A good CM is important to filter the large amount of noise that a game forum generates and now GW2 has lost its.
I will miss Gaile Gray, I hope her sudden departure from the team isn't met with an override on the macro usage for instruments.
I will honor you by picking a cold arrow rogue mercenary hireling named Gaile on my next Diablo 2 play through ;-)
Anet buff me :-(
Make me good at game!
Gaile,
Really going to miss your voice...and "soccer coach mom" approach of coddling our WvW community...
My voice will only be one of many that I'm sure.
Look forward.
There's nothing you did that wasn't done from the heart.
Everything you did was to bring joy to this community.
Through the years you've responded to our posts professionally & with well intentions.
Move forward.
Life's journey sometimes takes an un-expected turn, but it's your internal compass that will keep you on course.
Make sure you keep the embers of your self worth protected...until you can find a new place to land & re-kindle your blaze.
Do whatever it takes to keep your ember smoldering.
Get to the next step.
I've been down this road too. File for un-employment as you try to figure out where to go. Wallow for a little bit, but not long.
I hope when this door in your life closes...another door or window will open...but be ready & looking for it.
Love you too...wishing you well in your future too.
Yours truly,
Diku
Yours truly,
Diku
Credibility requires critical insight & time.
https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/discussion/89449/wvg-world-vs-globes/p1
I feel like the loss of Gaile is the beginning of a new era at Arenanet. She was attentive, she was an active member of the community, and her presence here showed us that Arenanet was the same community and player focused company that we came to love through the years. I feel like them simply letting her go like that, out of the blue, is a loud and clear message that things are going to be different now.
I love the Guild Wars series. It's one of the last greats out there. It's heart breaking to see the beginning of its decline, as we likely won't see another game like it. I'm not not quite prepared for this to be the next Wildstar.
She’s relaxing at home.
I too was there at one of those moments GW1 LA.
Will be sorely missed.
At a time when we need her voice of calm the most, they rip her from us. I'll miss you @Gaile Gray.6029 ❤️
New mount skins?! Anet take my money!
No way. I am shocked. Good luck in your future Gaile.
Thanks for everything you have done for us in Guild Wars 1 & 2.
Goodbye Gaile. It was always a highlight to run into you in-game in GW1. I've been around since GW1 launched and you were always a fixture of the game. Thanks for all you've done and all those little in-game visits. Best of luck Queen Frog, we'll miss you.
Goodbye @Gaile Gray.6029, you will be missed. I hope your next job is beyond your wildest dreams. Keep on caring.
Let's be neighbours.
This might have already been suggested but perhaps some sort of short, organized in game gathering at the frog pond as a proper farewell to these people who have helped to provide us with GW in all its facets over the years is warranted?
I never cared for Gaile or anyone else that failed to properly communicate, but this is the last straw for me. I'm uninstalling today and the hundreds of dollars I spend a month in the cash shop are coming with me. End of an era. Sad.
Wow, thank you for everything you've done for and with the Guild Wars community. It's the end of an era.
So much for their claims that it wouldn't affect guild wars 2. Gorram liars.
☠ Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured? ☠
"Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, and they never get to try again."
I've been a fan of this franchise since GW1 was released, and Gaile is a legend, an icon, a celebrity, but overall, just a great person. I remember when she would grace us with an appearance in LA or Kamadan during holiday events, I gave her a cupcake or delicious cake during Wintersday and she thanked me... may seem silly but she knew how to bring the community together, talking about her love of the game and keeping us informed. From this irrational decision, there is no proper way to say goodbye. This shouldn't be happening unless it was on her terms, she deserves that after all these years of dedication. Gaile, we really can't express enough how much you'll be missed. Wish you only good vibes from here on out. Peace, Frog Princess.
Just to vent a little, and from my understanding, NCSoft seems to be cutting those with a "higher salary" which includes some long time employees. There's a reason they've been there so long because their great work shows in game. It might be all about numbers, but do they realize the impact this will all have?? Laying off vet staff not only demoralizes players, but newer staff as well because why would you want to advance in a company if they're just going to cut you?? And not to name names, but there are some staff that made the cut who really, really shouldn't have. We will see how this plays out but I don't even want to play the game tonight after all of this.
yeah, even though I butted heads with Gaile sometimes, this was kind of an incompetent move that shows either Anet or NCSoft really doesn't know what they're doing.
I don't understand, I'm so confused and sad. I never directly interacted with @Gaile Gray.6029 but I would always look forward to her answers on the forum. while there is probably a lot we don't know, this doesn't seem wise. I mean it's not like they suddenly don't need someone to fill her job. I understand the situation is somewhat out of Anet control but I did not expect so many and so many major role on GW team to be laid off.
With tomorrow's patch... I'm just afraid the only MMO I like is heading straight for its inevitable doom. GW has been a major part of my childhood and GW Nightfall was one of the very first game I bought myself. I've always been happy to see the continuation of the world of GW. I really don't know what to expect now. This certainly won't help me sleep tonight...
I guess in the end, my well wishes to Gaile and everyone else going through the same. We love the work you've done for us, thank you.
Personally I didn't like Gaile that much. I've butt heads with her on more than one occasion. Her reasoning annoys me, being very identity-centric. I'm not happy to see her fired, though, largely because she wasn't fired for good reason.
When I saw the "Update from Arenanet" post in news and announcements, I knew it was a bad sign. It didn't actually address anything. It was one big "don't worry" message, and experience has taught me to be worried whenever anyone says not to be. Now, in all irony, the person in charge of telling us not to worry about the layoffs has been laid off.
"Self awareness is knowing when you're sitting at the throne of ignorance." --Leo G.
Oh, wait, they fired Gaile Gray? What monkey thought that was a good idea?
It just further steels my opinion that ANet's trying their very best to sabotage their game on purpose. This game has no future anymore, time to move on to something else, bye
I wouldn't be so sure of that tbh.. . and I would hazard a guess that revenue generation may take a hit to compound the issues further from here on in as player loyalty and willingness to support the game financially comes into question.
This may prove to be one of those defining moments and for all the wrong reasons... I do hope I am wrong but just as I had a sense there has been a growing cloud over the game this past 6 months, I am feeling this storm hasn't broken yet.
Fingers crossed the Phoenix really can rise from the flames.
Life is what YOU make it... NOT what others tell you!
Thank you for everything you've done. You will be missed.
Hi there,
I'm not a big participant on these forums. However, every time I read you, you seem very dedicated to what you do, and I think it won't be the same now, without you. I must admit this makes me sad.
I wish the best to you and all the people affected by this decision. I hope it will be the start to a new and beautiful journey!
See you soon!
To say that I'm shocked at this news would be an understatement. Gaile's been part of my Guild Wars journey all the way since 2005. In an age where most game studios feel like faceless corporations, she provided that essential human touch. She was a very busy person with lots of people clamoring for her time, but I still remember the occasions where people would raise issues or tickets with her that didn't seem to go anywhere, and she promised she'd look into it. And oftentimes, that DID actually get results. I can't say how amazing it is to actually feel like you have somebody at the company who will actually listen to you and provide a personal response instead of the canned form letters you tend to get nowadays.
You will be sorely missed, Gaile. ANet and the Guild Wars universe won't be the same without you.
I wish you all the best on the next leg of your journey, and hopefully we'll meet again in Tyria or some other fantastic world down the line.
P.S. Tell the Frog that the heket are STILL causing problems in Elona. :P
Sorry to see you go Gaile, it won't be the same without you. I know that, whatever you choose to do in the future, you'll be amazing. So I hope you do something you love.
sigh.. good luck to everyone who is leaving.