Guild Wars 2 Pre-purchase (and Amazon issues)

As most non-ludites and fantasy fans are surely aware the pre-purchase program for Guild Wars 2 was kicked off last week. Additionally, earlier this week it was announced the first Beta Weekend Event will be next weekend 27-29 April.

Those who pre-purchase the game (pay in full) will receive access to all Beta events (starting next weekend). When the game actually launches pre-purchasers will also get a 3-day head start.

Pre-orders ($5 min. deposit) will NOT have access to beta events, and will receive a 1-day head start (vice the 3-day).

2 sour notes unfortunately, there is still not currently a release date (though it's been stated the game will launch in 2012). ArenaNet employees have also stated that the release date hinges on the performance and feedback on the Beta events.

The other current issue is pre-purchase through Amazon. Though listed as a pre-purchase retailer Amazon currently only has pre-order (1-day head start) availability for physical boxes. It has been stated Amazon will have pre-purchase for the digital version, but no date has been set for when that will be.

In the meantime current on-line pre-purchase options include ArenaNet themselves and GreenManGaming who are currently offering the game for 10% off retail ($53.95). If/when ArenaNet and Amazon are able to work something out I'll update. I know I and many others with Amazon credit would like to put that towars GW2.

Current Amazon Pre-order (1-day start):

Shadow Era (ios,Android,PC/MAC)

I stumbled upon a fairly new game while looking for a quick fix on my Droid this past weekend. Shadow Era is a Magic The Gathering / World of Warcraft style "collectible" card game. The basic mechanics of the game are amazingly fun, and you have the option of collecting new cards for free through gameplay, or more quickly for cash or ad-based promotions.

Dungeons and Dragons Essentials

I'll admit, I'm incredibly late to the whole D&D thing. Growing up a fan of RPGs I had always seen Dungeons and Dragons, I was aware it existed, but I didn't know anyone who actually played. As I got older I had considered starting up a group myself, but with so many books out, and with several different versions, it seemed a daunting task. Until now.


A group of friends and I recently discovered the Essentials line of D&D. We each agreed to chip in and get all the materials we needed (relatively few, 2 books and a Dungeonmaster set were all we really needed. We got extra books for convenience however).

Gaming on a Budget/Swagbucks

So a lot of my friends wonder how I'm always buying new games. I'm not rich, and my girlfriend isn't a big fan of me "wasting" my money. I've got a few things that help keep me gaming, and keep me out of the doghouse.

The first is of course always looking for a deal. Amazon's Daily Deal has hooked me up a number of times (cheap Mortal Kombat, LA Noire, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2). Often these deals can be found within a month of a game releasing. If it's not a game that you 100% have to have on release date, a little patience can save you a lot of cash.