A new exploit has been discovered in Guild Wars 2 and ArenaNet is ringing in the new year by issuing bans to the worst offenders. Jewelry made from Wintersday snowflakes was being crafted and then salvaged for globs of ectoplasm and other materials. The snowflake jewel, however, was returned around 80% of the time when salvaged, creating an excessively lucrative loop. The exploit has since been closed and a round of permanent bans has been delivered.
The official forums (and other sites like Reddit) have been set ablaze with all sorts of opinions on the issue. Some blame ArenaNet for not catching the potential exploit themselves. Others state there shouldn’t be bans without warnings and that creating the snowflake jewelry and salvaging it is very similar to legitimate ways to make money. I believe ArenaNet has already set the precedent in their earlier dealings with exploits that they will not hesitate to smack people with permanent bans if they behave against the terms of service and jeopardize the in-game economy. If it seems too good to be true, it’s an exploit.
ArenaNet’s Gaile Gray is quick to point out that they have only targeted the worthy offenders stating, “I’ve seen the numbers, and the damage to the economy could have been substantial, if the exploit wasn’t closed down and if these people were allowed to use their ill-gotten gains. People whose accounts were terminated were the worst offenders. I’m talking a lot of ill gotten gains, and a significant risk to the economy.”
Where do you stand on this debate? Should there be warnings before bans? Do you trust ArenaNet’s statistics and support their bans on the abusers? Chime in and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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