Don’t let the name fool you. Guild Wars is not about some sedate, sit-in-your-manor and indulge in economic war with your competition. This is not about trade routes or cornering the market in a certain product and driving the prices up or down. This is about war, and combat, and challenging yourself to be the best you can be, as a player and as a clan.

ArenaNet and NCsoft are the dynamic duo behind this massively multiplayer online game slated for release in the second half of the year. The title is a fantasy combat game, full of quests and rewards, and coupled with areas where guilds can vie for control of property.

There are several elements that will set this title apart from the plethora of other MMPs slated for release this year. First, the game will cater to both the hardcore gamer and the casual player. Each gets to choose the path they will take and devote as much, or as little time, as they wish without incurring the benefit of penalties for time devoted to leveling a character. The second is that Guild Wars will be free to play online.