GuildWars.com Terms of Use

I am interested in creating a Guild Wars or ArenaNet fansite. What is your policy regarding copyrights and trademarks? May I use ArenaNet and/or Guild Wars content, i.e., images, text, animations or sound files, on my web page?

Yes, you may use our content - that is images, text, and video or audio files - within the following parameters:

The content must be used in a noncommercial context for private, personal use only
You must include all copyright and other notices associated with the content
You acknowledge and agree that no title nor any other form of ownership to the content has been or will be transferred to you from ArenaNet nor from anyone else
You agree that you will not alter, disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer or in any other way modify the content
You agree that ArenaNet has the right to request removal of our content at any time, for any reason

You may not use our content on sites that contain or link to sites containing:

Hacks or cheats
Pornography
Inflammatory Content
Unlawful content
Objectionable content, as determined by ArenaNet

May I use your art or images for items, such as clothing, toys, or other game-related goods?

Our art assets - be they concept art, in-game screenshots, verbal content, or renders - are all copyright materials. Their use is strictly prohibited unless approved in advance and in writing by ArenaNet.

I am an alpha tester who is building a fansite for Guild Wars. Can I post images or content from within the Alpha version of the game?

All in-game images are the property of ArenaNet, and during the Alpha Test, all images will be released exclusively by ArenaNet or its parent company, NCsoft. Any alpha tester who releases images or our own content without our express permission will be considered in breach of his or her Non-Disclosure Agreement, and will be subject to removal from the Alpha Test and possible legal action.

Are there any legal notices and disclaimers that I need to have on my site when talking about your products?

Yes. You must include all copyright, trademark and other notices as appropriate. The following are the appropriate trademark designations:

ArenaNet®

Is there a preferred way to create my site’s logo or masthead?

In order to avoid confusion between fansites and official sites, we request that you include some manner of designation within your masthead that indicates the site’s status as a fansite. The site may be labeled a “news site,” “fansite,” “unofficial site,” “community site,” or other site titling variation that has been approved by our Community Relations Manager. In addition, the Title Bar on the browser should also reflect the proper designation to prevent confusion between official and unofficial sites.

Are there restrictions on what I name my site or what domain I purchase for my site?

ArenaNet would prefer that sites not closely mimic the names of our proprietary domains. Sites with names that closely mirror our own site names can cause confusion for our customers and may cause some to assume that the domain is officially sanctioned or professionally associated with ArenaNet.

Can I put ArenaNet or Guild Wars downloads on my web site?

Yes, you may. We allow the non-commercial mirroring of our downloadable Content, such as images, videos, demos, etc., as long as the content is not altered in any way. This permission may be rescinded at any time at the discretion of ArenaNet.

Can I translate your site into another language if there is no official site in that language?

It is essential that we maintain control over content integrity and accuracy, and for that reason we will be localizing our sites to many languages. In the meantime, in the interests of quality control, unofficial translations of our sites are not permitted.

Can I make add-ons or expansions for ArenaNet games?

No.

Can I sell a CD or any other distribution media containing content from ArenaNet?

No.

Can I resell my ArenaNet account?

No.

Can I write a story, book, poem, musical composition, etc., based on your game?

We appreciate the creative processes and the passion of our fans, but it is essential that we maintain commercial control over our product. Therefore, commercial productions are all sourced from ArenaNet and/or NCsoft.

However, we permit the use of our game world and our characters in literary or musical pieces intended for personal use only, such as those posted on or released through a non-profit website, as long as such usage does not fall outside the parameters established in the first item on this document. We do not permit the unauthorized use of our game world, our characters, or any other elements of our game in any form that involves profit or commercial benefit, such as novels, short stories, articles, screenplays, action figures, theatrical productions, or other adaptations of our game.

I have an idea for a commercial venture (play, movie, action figure, etc) involving the Guild Wars world. Shall I send it to you?

Unfortunately, ArenaNet cannot accept unsolicited ideas or submissions. As a result, we will not be able to review or authorize any submissions of this sort. We will not view e-mailed submissions and must return mailed submissions unopened.

Can I create and/or distribute hack and cheats for your games?

No. ArenaNet is 100% against hacks and cheats, and their use, attempted use or distribution will result in the closure of any individual game accounts that are associated with the hacks or cheats.

Where can I send suggestions for in-game content?

We are grateful for the enthusiasm of our fans, and appreciate the efforts and creativity that they use to develop concepts intended to assist with or expand upon our current and future titles. However, our company policy necessarily prevents us from accepting and/or reviewing any unsolicited ideas. ArenaNet will return any unsolicited materials without viewing.

One alternative for submitting ideas and suggestions is to post them on a fan-run Suggestions Forum.