Why did Guild Wars 2 go free-to-play? According to Fortune, ArenaNet’s decision to switch business models was centered around its desire to grow the fan base for Pro League Season 1, which starts next month.
ANet head of global marketing Steve Fowler told the magazine that his firm believes that fans “will want to see Guild Wars 2 played on the biggest possible stages, and they could help propel [the game]Â into the very top echelons of what we see with other MMO e-sports scenes.”
John Cornening, an associate game director on Guild Wars 2, says that “there is no grind for gear and stats, and there is nothing to buy to be competitive.” As such, ArenaNet is confident that Guild Wars 2’s e-sports scene will do well since there is no barrier to entry for someone who happens to watch a match.
