The key element of the Guild Wars logo is the dragon. Danger emanates from him, which is extremely important for the plot of a fantasy video game, where coordinated action and timely reaction are paramount. However, the fire-breathing creature has a dual function: it not only connects the emblem to the storyline but also conveys the numbering of the game.
Guild Wars: Brand overview
Founded: | April 28, 2005 |
Founder: | ArenaNet |
Meaning and History
The online game’s emblem appeared during the release because it needed a spectacular “cover,” intriguing and eye-catching. Also, her task was to reflect the events that take place in the fantasy universe. And the game design is already innovative. The first major update of Sorrow Furnace took place right in the year the game was released – in September 2005. Then the developers added several locations.
The second part is built on a different engine – a modified one, which ArenaNet planned to use earlier. Also, in Guild Wars 2, the logo is much more colorful and richer, and the animation and graphics are better. Also introduced the Havok system, which simplifies the interaction and an extended trial account with limitless possibilities. It’s free, but it provides access to all content.
The second set has two expansions – Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire. It has nine professions and five races that are not tied to each other. The character customization is very varied and rich. The combat system is active, so the projectiles fired are directed only in the chosen direction, and you can dodge them, like any attack.
Thus, the storyline and images of the fantasy world are directly conveyed in the logos. For Guild Wars 2, the emblem contains more details than the personal symbol of the debut part.
What is Guild Wars?
Guild Wars is a franchise based on a series of games with the same name. The first one was released in 2005, but the most popular installment is Guild Wars 2, which came out in 2012. The developer of these games is the American company ArenaNet. Unlike many other MMORPGs, these games do not require a monthly subscription. Users make a one-time payment at the beginning and can then freely create characters, explore the world, and battle monsters.
2005 – 2011
The logo contains only text – no graphics. But it is replaced by the letters themselves, made to order. They reflect well the atmosphere of fantasy, dynamics, the tension of everything that happens. This is accentuated by the blurred red stripe running along with the lettering, sparkling metallic textures, sharp serifs, and large spikes in the hand-drawn symbols.
Also used are bright highlights and reflections, gradient transitions of different colors – from golden to dark brown. “G” and “R” have special elongated strokes, reminiscent of spurs or sword blades. The “S” has a bifurcated lower end, like the trunk of an elephant. Guild Wars is in uppercase, but the first letters in words are much larger than the rest. Therefore, it seems as if there are both uppercase and lowercase characters. However, it is not. A thin dark line surrounds all characters. Clearance “D” depicts a four-pointed star or spark.
2012 – today
Guild Wars 2 has a slightly different logo with more detail and graphics. The name of the online game is located on one line. The letters are much denser than in the first emblem, so there is no gap between the final “D” and the initials “W.” All characters are also uppercase, but the size of “G” and “W” is slightly reduced compared to the previous logo. Moreover, they are narrow. “G,” “D,” and “S” have the bottom zone blown out, so it seems that there is space, and the strokes are not drawn at all. Gradient transitions are removed, the color is not variable – mainly, a dark palette prevails.
The key focus is on the dragon, which sits next to the title. The mythical animal is depicted in profile with wide strokes – like an artistic brush. In this way, it resembles tongues of flame through which its head, neck, and part of the torso appear. The dragon has an open mouth and a lowered head so that it resembles the number “2” as much as possible, indicating the issue number. The fantasy creature is painted in fiery colors: red, crimson, scarlet, and gold. Moreover, they are used in unlimited design options with an emphasis on different shades.
Guild Wars: Interesting Facts
Guild Wars is a popular online role-playing game series that stands out because it doesn’t charge a monthly fee. Made by ArenaNet and launched in 2005, the series has attracted millions of players with its engaging story, free access after the initial purchase, and unique game features.
- No Monthly Fee: Unlike other games in its genre, once you buy Guild Wars, you can play online as much as you want without paying extra. This approach helped the game reach a wider audience.
- Instance-Based Gameplay: The game uses private instances for missions outside cities. This setup decreases lag and lets players enjoy a story-focused experience without disruptions from others.
- Competitive Play: Guild Wars focuses heavily on player-vs.-player (PvP) competitions, including team battles and rankings, have built a strong competitive community.
- Dynamic Skill System: Players can access many skills but can only take a few into battle. This limitation forces players to think strategically about their choices.
- Expansions and Sequels: Following the original game, Guild Wars released three major expansions that added new areas, skills, and stories. Guild Wars 2, launched in 2012, continues the story with even more content and features.
- Living World: Guild Wars 2 introduces a “Living World” that evolves with new updates, keeping the game exciting and fresh for players.
- World vs. World PvP: A large-scale PvP mode in Guild Wars 2 allows players to battle over territory in massive, team-based conflicts.
- Innovative Leveling: The game encourages exploration and participation in events over grinding monsters, creating a more enjoyable leveling experience.
- Art and Music: Both games are known for their beautiful art and music, creating an immersive world for players. Guild Wars 2’s soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is especially praised.
- Community Focus: ArenaNet actively engages with the player community through updates and by incorporating player feedback, making the community a key part of the game’s development.
Guild Wars has significantly impacted online gaming by introducing fresh approaches to gameplay, community involvement, and game sales. Its legacy continues to shape the genre.
Font and Colors
Despite the great popularity and long-standing release of the multiplayer online game, it has only two logos – in terms of the number of issues. It can be noted that they have evolved from simple content to complex since to designate the second part, an additional element was required – a number. And in the debut version, the design emphasis is placed on letters – expressive, pointed, curly, meaningful. They convey the essence of the fantasy world, reflected in them, as in a mirror. Therefore, reflections and glare are visible everywhere. Nothing of the kind is observed in the current logo. It focuses on the fire-breathing dragon.
The first part has an individual typeface. It is hand-drawn, not printed, so all letters are graphic elements. For the second edition, the developers chose a font reminiscent of the custom GW Two.
The signature palette is made in one tone, but many shades are involved in it since, in both cases, there is a gradient. In the first logo, the lightest color is peach pink # fffbe8; the darkest is brown # 602c06. The red scale dominates the second emblem: a less saturated shade – sandy # fdb55f, intense – earthy # 250100.
Guild Wars color codes
Pastel Orange | Hex color: | #ffb24d |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 255 178 77 | |
CMYK: | 0 30 70 0 | |
Pantone: | PMS 1365 C |
Red | Hex color: | #f10a00 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 241 10 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 96 100 5 | |
Pantone: | PMS 172 C |
Maroon | Hex color: | #760200 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 118 2 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 98 100 54 | |
Pantone: | PMS 484 C |
Bulgarian Rose Red | Hex color: | #3a0000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 58 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 100 100 77 | |
Pantone: | PMS 490 C |
Licorice | Hex color: | #190000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 25 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 100 100 90 | |
Pantone: | PMS Neutral Black C |