After five years of development, and 2 years of going dark, ArenaNet is launching its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Guild Wars 2. The game aims to remove the fluff from the genre.

What is Guild Wars 2?

If users have played World of Warcraft, Everquest, or Star Wars: The Old Republic, Guild Wars 2 is fundamentally the same game. However, ArenaNet aims to remove the grind and struggle that players have faced in previous MMORPGs. From spontaneous dynamic events (quests that happens when players walk into an area), the lack of a grinding across the game's 80 levels, or the sans-subscription business model, Guild Wars 2 is an accessible MMORPG.

Where can I buy Guild Wars 2?

The game is available from a video game retailer or ArenaNet. For users concerned that local retailers might not offer pre-purchase access to the game, the safe bet is buying from ArenaNet directly. Standard, Deluxe, and Collector's Editions are available.

How can I get into the Headstart weekend?

imply "pre-purchase" the game, and Guild Wars 2's virtual doors open Saturday for pre-purchase players. The purpose of allowing players to pre-purchase the game was to grant access to beta weekends and stress tests, but most pre-purchase players will simply be glad for an extra weekend to play 2012's most-anticipated MMOROG.

When will Guild Wars 2 be released?

Officially, the game will be released on Monday, Aug. 28, 2012. For pre-purchases, the game will be released on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. Check here for the time left until Guild Wars 2 goes live.

Why should I play Guild Wars 2?

Ultimately, players need to ask themselves whether MMORPGs are a genre they enjoy. While Guild Wars 2 does not require a subscription and therefore removes the guilt from not playing, MMOGs by nature require a long-term investment of time. This is a multi-year game, with expansion packs, new content (from small dynamic events to big content patches), and ultimately a lot to do in-game.

Guild Wars 2 will be released August 28 on PC.