Guild Tracks

Regina posted the final ruling on her wiki as well as over on the Guild Wars Guru forums. Basically both guilds lose the special trim that is normally awarded for placing, gold for placing first in the case of [rawr], and silver for placing in the top 16 in the case of [zero].  I was told that there were some at ArenaNet that viewed this as such an egregious violation of the rules that both guilds and all their members should be severely punished, perhaps even being permanently banned.  Some in the community also felt this way - myself not included.  The powers that be at ArenaNet though tried to ensure that this was not an emotional  or arbitrary decision based on a kneejerk reaction to events.  Information was collected in game to confirm what exactly took place and when, and how ArenaNet dealt with similar prior situations in the past I am sure was considered. In addition, ArenaNet stated that leniency is being exercised because this is the first offense - and that future offenses will be dealt with more severely.  I for one appreciate ArenaNet taking some time deciding on appropriate action, and getting input from various sources in making that decision.  I think this bodes very well for how such things will be decided down the road in Guild Wars 2.

To those asking for more severe punishment, all I can say is what would that truly accomplish?  As it stands Guild Wars PvP is some of the best available for MMOs, and one of the things that makes it work is having an active and vibrant PvP community.  With the game approaching 4 years post release, the PvP community is continuing to dwindle.  To remove two very active, and for the most part positively contributing guilds from this PvP community for causing an intentional draw would do much more harm than good.  Yes it would give other guilds a chance to rise to the top perhaps, but I personally think it would have cost the community much more than it would be worth.