On February 17, 2003, I walked into the small office of an unknown game studio named Arenanet for the second time. Beginning the day by signing my employment agreement, I then got a "tour" of the two room office space crammed with roughly a dozen people as I nervously introduced myself to the team. - ThreadSky

barefootmatthew.com • 14 days ago

On February 17, 2003, I walked into the small office of an unknown game studio named Arenanet for the second time. Beginning the day by signing my employment agreement, I then got a "tour" of the two room office space crammed with roughly a dozen people as I nervously introduced myself to the team.

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sientir.com•14 days ago

My oldest Guild Wars 1 screenshot.

I've spent a fairly large part of my life in Tyria, and it's a place of which I'm deeply fond.

Thank you for the part you've played in making a place I love. ❤️

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

It's hard enough to believe that was twenty-two years ago, much less that I'd still be with this studio, as we prepare to celebrate 25 years since the founding of Arenanet, and 20 years since the launch of Guild Wars, the franchise that would change my life in so many positive ways.

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

I don't even know how many people have worked beside me across those many years...Some of whom have been with us for most of this time, though I don't know whether anyone from that day in early 2003 remains with us. Faces change, but the soul of the studio remains. Matured. Brave. Strong.

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

In an industry rife with turmoil, it feels strange to celebrate such milestones, knowing several friends, acquaintances and colleagues who have fled gaming altogether, or who have struggled the past several years to maintain their employment in the wake of layoffs and downturns in revenue.

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

Sadly, Arenanet is no stranger to such turmoil, either. As one of those impacted by the 2019 layoffs, resulting in me being unemployed for nearly nine months, I know all too well that we're not immune from the forces that threaten our industry as a whole. Even so, I've felt safe here. At home.

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

It's hard for any studio to maintain themselves for even five years or ten, much less twenty-five. I consider myself so lucky to have found a home with this team, with these amazing people I get to share my professional journey with. To see the joy and community present in our players; our fans. 🥰

barefootmatthew.com•14 days ago

Games may be escapist entertainment on the surface, but they occasionally give rise to limbic experiences that reach the deeper places within us. Players have found salvation and acceptance in Tyria. They've fallen in love, and some have met their soul mate in Tyria. What could be more fulfilling?

shawne.bsky.social•14 days ago

That's really great man! I would love to return there one day.

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