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Guild Wars eighth anniversary celebrations start Monday with dodgeball, Rollerbeetle racing, and special item drops

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Next week’s throwdown will mark the eighth year of Guild Wars’ existence, made extra special by an upgrade to a new venue: y’know, Guild Wars 2. Games and goods await in the course of a party the likes of which Shing Jea Monastery has never seen.

Between April 22nd and April 29th, ArenaNet will open up the Shing Jea Boardwalk for business – so long as it’s thepartykind – and spread the goodwill via outposts all across Tyria: in Lion’s Arch, Kamadan, and the Great Temple of Balthazar.

Speak to Captain Li Sah at any of those locations to be transported to the Dragon Arena, the very temporary home of Tyrian dodgeball. Or if you’d prefer a spot of Rollerbeetle Racing, talk to the Rollerbeetle trainer.

Beyond the games, there’ll be drops throughout the week. Special items will include sparklers, creme brulee, rice wine and speed-boosting Sugary Blue Drinks. Oh, and you’ll want to chat with the mysterious Ciera, Sworn to Fire at Embark Reach. She’ll be handing out anniversary Ranger pets, Hounds of Balthazars, like they’re going out of fashion. Which would be preposterous – they’re brand new.

In a nice touch, ArenaNet will be offering the most venerable player characters – those eight-years-old or over – a gift card, and their choice of birthday gift boxes from previous anniversary events. OAPs will want to head to one of the four party sites and seek out the Xunlai Gift Giver.

“Thanks again to each and every one of you for your continued support over the years,” say ArenaNet. “We wish you the best of adventures in the year ahead. Enjoy the festivities!”

How long have you been around Tyria and its environs? I suspect there’ll be plenty of newcomers enjoying a Birthday Cupcake this year, don’t you?