Guild Wars Factions Interview

ComputerAndVideoGames.com has conducted an interview with ArenaNet's Jeff Strain about their upcoming expansion/standalone MMORPG, Guild Wars Factions. Check it out:
Q: We understand Factions is a standalone product. Why did you choose to go down this route rather than release an expansion that requires the original Guild Wars to play? What benefits does it bring?

A: That is correct - Guild Wars Factions is a standalone product, and does not require Guild Wars to play. We chose to go this route for several reasons. First, we are big proponents of player choice - no subscription fees, which force you to pay every month whether you have actually played the game that month or not, and no forced purchases. We believe that it is our job to make cool games that you want to buy. If we succeed, everyone is happy. But if you decide to pass on a new campaign, we are certainly not going to set up a business model that forces you to make a purchase that you don't want to make!
Factions, like all future campaigns, and like the original Prophecies campaign, is optional. We do our best to add compelling new gameplay features and content, and while we may think you are insane if you opt not to purchase it this time around, it is ultimately your choice. We'll do our best to catch you next time.

We also want to make sure that anyone can jump in and start playing Guild Wars at any time, even three years from now when there are numerous campaigns available. You should not have to go out and purchase two or more products to try it out, nor should you have to buy something that is three years old. And you certainly should not have to feel that you are "late to the party" and that it is not possible to catch-up. Each new campaign is a full game, not only in the scope of the content, but also in that it contains unique professions, quests, tutorials, and starter skills to bring you into the game and teach you how to play.

Every new campaign also has a large amount of content for fully leveled-up (or "Ascended") characters, so your existing characters can freely travel between all the campaigns you have purchased and play through the new content.