How Many are Interested in Alliances?

[Lane]

I've seen some talk of alliances between the guilds in this game. some of these alliances are between two guilds, and others have websites and forums dedicated to their members' use. How many guilds here think that alliances have a part in this game, and if so, then what part will they play in-game? Will your guild be actively looking for an alliance, will you join one only if you find a like-minded guild, or do you think there is no reason for alliances?

I'm not against alliances myself, but I'm very cautious. I want to make sure that any guild I become connected to in some way will make a good representation of the alliance in the community. I'll need to get more information about the guilds from in-game before making that decision. Also, there is the idea that alliances can limit your guild's ability focus only on your member's interests, since some of your resources may be used to help out oother guilds in your alliance at some point. The flip-side to this is that you would have the other guilds in your alliance helping you out when needed... if it turns out that your alliance is worth anything to begin with.

For the guilds who are currently involved in alliances, what activities/events/responsibilites will your members participate in to help the alliance rather than just your guild?

[LordFu]

I think alliances will have a large part in Guild Wars. I think it will be used a lot in the begining for guilds that are short on members. They will have to ally and share players in order to be competitive, and it's really a win win for the guilds involved, as it will increase the exposure of all those involved, helping to solve the member shortage. Some guilds will absorb each other, and that can be a good or bad thing, depending on the circumstances. In the later game, when guilds become more established in-game, alliances will probably amount to like minded guilds coming together to put together in-game events, and just play together to work on strategy. I plan on making alliances once I'm actually playing. We have had several alliances in other games, and they have been both good and bad experiences. Member poaching was the worst problem and brought a quick end to that alliance. On the other side of the coin, the better alliances have helped us improve our skill greatly by giving us a challenging opponent to practice against who is willing to discuss strategy before and after the game. I'd say your caution is definitly justified, Lane, but I would avoid being blatantly against the concept. Keep your mind open to the idea, but make sure that guilds you form alliances with will hold themselves to high ideals.

[Lane]

I'm definitely open to the idea, but as you pointed out in your experiences there are potential problems. Alliances aren't something I'm against, but I see an obvious alternative. The guilds who are considering an alliance should also strongly consider completely combining guilds. It all depends on the group you are considering becoming an ally with, and the main question I would be asking myself during the process is "Would I want these people to be in my guild?" The process is similar in that way to finding new recruits for your group.

When you get into permanent alliances, I see the potential for more bureaucracy than is needed. I think temporary alliances may have less of a potential for problems though.

[Akuyazi]

i dont see that much of a downside to having an alliance.. its good to have ppl to get your back in a tough situation, and you can help other ppl out too... i too plan on making an alliance with some ppl(if you wanna alliance pm me :P lol) ...sure you would have to share some of your glory and vice versa if your alliance was on top but would you have gotten there by yourself..can you really get through this game with no help from other guilds.. having all enemies and no allies.. no one to help you in a handicap situation(2v1 3v1 etc)... sure maybe with a large guild but what if your guild wasnt as big.. an alliance of 2 or more guilds could in fact equal one huge one... i see an alliance as more of a pro than a con..

[Felldoh]

Alliances not born out of political survival are for the weak.

[Raknish]

I like the idea of alliances. However, I am sort of behind on the news, kinda. Will there be factions or something similar. Because that could change the way you look at Alliances.

[Renoz]

Why not?

I think it will add the roleplay aspect, as well as bring in the community a bit more. For example, if I were to log into the game and none of my guild mates were available.. I could extended out into our alliance guilds instead of just random pick up groups.