ArenaNet grants wish to heart transplant patient
by Rubi Bayer 
Nov 1st 2009 at 4:00PM
Filed under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Culture, Events, real-world, Guild Wars 2
Just last week Make-A-Wish arranged for Emily to travel to Seattle and visit the ArenaNet offices, making her the envy of a few million fans. She spent her morning touring the offices, meeting the staff, learning about what they do, and even meeting with the section heads to discuss her likes and dislikes about Guild Wars. After lunch, time to spend a few hours playing Guild Wars 2 with the ArenaNet team. That's right, Emily got an up close and personal look at the game, giving feedback and making suggestions from a fan's point of view. The best part came at the end: "They pulled us aside and asked if she could stay a couple of extra hours. They convened a group of their eight senior designers and Emily, and they asked Emily to help them design an "Event" for the game."
So when we finally get our hands on GW2, there will be a little something from Emily in there. Congratulations from Massively, Emily, and we wish you continued health.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Crim said on 4:18PM 11-01-2009
Reading this make u smile that she got something that she liked that they maid something that means allot to some one. I also wish her continued health.
and im looking forward to see her Event when GW2 comes ^^
Reply
DrewIW said on 4:33PM 11-01-2009
Anyone else notice the Space Hulk box in the pic?
Vintage tabletop gaming at its finest.
Reply
BIGGIN said on 7:45PM 11-01-2009
I noticed! Just played some Space Hulk last night.
HouseDecados said on 12:22AM 11-02-2009
not only space hulk.. but in the far back is some Confrontation and AT 43 and what looks to be like some of the new Arcane Legions game as well.
Jess said on 9:49AM 11-02-2009
Don't quote me, but I think SH was recently (or is about to be) re-released.
Plastic Rat said on 4:03AM 11-03-2009
@Jess
Yeah, it was recently re-released, but in a limited number with no plans for more. Best hurry if you still want it, I think it might already be sold out.
The space hulk box was like the first thing I noticed. Good to see game dev offices are the same pretty much the world over.
Neurotic said on 5:00PM 11-01-2009
Rock on, that's totally cool.
Reply
Brendan Drain said on 5:03PM 11-01-2009
This is the sweetest thing ever :)
Reply
devilsei said on 5:03PM 11-01-2009
Yep, ArenaNet just one-upped Blizzard.
Blizz gave out a pheonix, in-game quest, and a weapon.
ArenaNet just gave out some one-on-one time with GW2, an event ingame, and who knows what else.
Reply
Jack said on 5:47PM 11-01-2009
I do not think this is a good way to compare blizzard and ArenaNet both did grand someones wish.... Both are good in my eyes.
devilsei said on 10:14PM 11-01-2009
I have no arguments there actually, I just kind of find it funny that a company swimming in cash did less than a company whose main game only makes cash from box sales. I love the fact that both companies have done something special
Buuuut, if I had to choose between Acti-Blizz or ArenaNet, this just kinda solidifies the choice of ArenaNet a bit more... =P
Cray said on 5:09PM 11-01-2009
Cheers to Emily and Arenanet for this wonderful moment. Can't wait to experience the "Emily event".
Reply
Lateris said on 5:14PM 11-01-2009
Creative people have the biggest hearts. I think that was really cool of them to do this.
Reply
pogger said on 5:19PM 11-01-2009
Nice job guys -- you rock bigtime. BTW ... I'm sure there are a lot of ArenaNet GW fans who wouldn't mind paying an extra $5 / box if you end up releasing a GW2-Cardiac Edition having a portion of the $$s going to Emily or one of her favorite charities.
Reply
vtnwesley said on 5:45PM 11-01-2009
Thanks for doing that ArenaNet! I always like when I am dealing with companies that I wouldn't need to warn a child to "stay away from." That is a classy thing to do.
As Pogger suggested, I would gladly pay a $5-10 premium to give something to a heart-related charity or to Emily directly to help treat, research, or otherwise deal with this kind of thing.
My roommate and best friend has a heart condition that required a very invasive surgery as a child. If not for being lucky enough to have good insurgence as well as the best surgeon possible, he'd likely not be here today. If buying a video game I already want could possibly be made to help, then I'd do it!
Reply
Snowyjoe said on 5:59PM 11-01-2009
That was real good of Anet.
But this kind of event makes you wonder what would happen to all the other people that can't even afford a computer OR a heart transplant.....
I never liked hospitals or doctors, I don't like their "People with enough money can live, if you don't have the money you can die" idea.
Reply
Jess said on 9:51AM 11-02-2009
That's only in the U.S.
In the rest of the developped first world, healthcare is generally free.
max said on 5:59PM 11-01-2009
That is awesome. I never really thought about it, but if I ever had to spend any extended period of time in the hospital that would be plenty of quality game time!
Reply
CindyL said on 7:35PM 11-01-2009
That's so awesome! It's really nice of the team to go that extra mile too. And I'm really glad they got first hand feedback from a fan for GW2 lol. :) Yay! Thanks Emilie. Wish you well.
Reply
Alz said on 8:22PM 11-01-2009
The sad thing about this is that any company doing something nice like this will always have the same jerks criticizing them for doing it as a publicity stunt or saying whatever treatment they got wasn't fair for everyone else.
Reply