Guild Wars 3 trailer reveals the next evolution of MMOs

Most game studios these days seem to be running away from live service games — never mind massively multiplayer games. For a long time, the gaming industry has almost given the vibe that it is happy to leave that slice of the pie to Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. Well, we can officially add Guild Wars 3 into the mix.

Details are scarce at the moment, as the announcement trailer shown during Summer Game Fest largely focused on the making of an intricate tapestry. But around a minute into the trailer, we get a look at what may well be the classes you’ll get to play in the fantasy game, the mounts you’ll ride, and the ethereal world you’ll explore.

Developers ArenaNet say the game will be a “modern evolution of the MMO.” Based on the gameplay, Guild Wars 3 seems to take cues from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with its climbing mechanics. Movement and action as a whole are a huge emphasis of the multiplayer game.

A beta for Guild Wars 3 is planned for Fall 2027. The MMO is being developed for both PC and PlayStation 5. Here’s ArenaNet’s description of the game:

Become a Vaelwarden, a guardian of the land of Orr, protector of the people and spirits that call Orr home. Discover untold stories and forge lasting bonds with your fellow players as you glide, leap, sprint, and ride your way across a frontier with adventure around every corner.

Master a combat system where depth is achieved through strategic skill use, positioning, and movement – where action RPG combat meets Guild Wars build-making – creating a unique combat experience.

Run, slide, leap, and bound across Orr with a one-of-a-kind movement system that transfers your momentum between modes of travel, providing a free-form joy of movement through a world alive with adventure.