iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 21h

Well... that was not a milestone I was expecting to hit when doing a cheeky morning Convergence! #GW2 #GuildWars2

Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Have never used a Longbow on Brae before (rare for a Ranger!) Cue a makeover (unsure about the wings) and seeing the colour scheme I was reminded that I never did get the guaranteed Aurene weapon from Dragonfall. Three days, couple of metas a day and it finally dropped 😋 #GW2 #GuildWars2

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I 'fixed' my flat's water pump at the weekend but didn't test it because I didn't want to ruin my weekend if I failed. Can confirm my weekend would have been ruined, the pipework's leaking in 3 places without the pump even being turned on...

static.klipy.com

The Simpsons: Ralph Wiggum Rolling (Fml End)

ALT: The Simpsons: Ralph Wiggum Rolling (Fml End)

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I haven't gotten around to watching AEW All Out as yet but fuck is that going to make for solemn viewing now. One of the best British wrestlers to ever do it, reinvented himself as a hybrid-powerhouse when things were a little dark for him. Mad respect for that. RIP Pac, forever our Bastard.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

9 games that influenced ME! (Seal Online looks so out of place amongst these legendary titles 😆 It was my first MMO though. Also I cheated with Super Mario All Stars as that's a 3-in-1 cartridge but shh!)

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Last week I was playing both GW2: Visions of Eternity and Star Wars: Zero Company. Unbeknownst to me I was listening to three voice actors playing parts in BOTH games 😆 Jason Spisak - Vloxx & Luco Bronc. Courtenay Taylor - Kiel/Ludo & the 'Mentor' character. Darin De Paul - Rheff & 'Additional VA'.

static.klipy.com

Anna from Frozen: Happy and Laughing

ALT: Anna from Frozen: Happy and Laughing

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Now that I'm relaxed about reading about Zero Company posts I'm seeing a lot of people state that the difficulty is actually a little high even on Normal? I think maybe I've gotten in the habit of not giving myself praise? When I've time to problem solve in games I'm actually pretty good at it.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Question to the #GW2 Charr enjoyers... how do you feel about Rytlock being in this pose? The reason I ask... if the Charr are ever to come to GW3 they're going to have a more upright posture. This is how I imagine they'll look. (screengrabbed as I can't be bothered to find the story step)

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Fact about myself: Whenever I complete a game no matter what I thought about it I let the credits roll to the very end. Even if I'm not directly paying attention to the names taking that little bit of time out just feels... right. A small acknowledgement towards the devs.

static.klipy.com

The Office: Michael Scott Bows and Says Thank You

ALT: The Office: Michael Scott Bows and Says Thank You

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

First time trying the #VoE Convergence: "Oh cool, they're re-using the best part of the final patch. I'm alright with this." . New areas open up within the visions . New sub-bosses . New vision . Interesting skill mechanic . "Alright, stop flexing ANET..."

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I like it when GW2 gets weird. Never will I look at fish the same way again... #GW2 #GuildWars2 #VoE

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I play 'Pirate King' on the left Island as my minion and 'Hang in There' as my action to protect him.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Something I didn't mention in the whole 3-post review (there's many things!): I was really surprised that Isgarren became just as much a focal point as Vloxx in the finale. I was genuinely emotional seeing his story just slot into place, him having been a complete mystery for the past few years.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Visions of Eternity main story finished. All the extras still to play but I feel justified in saying it's top 3 expacs of all time. Absolutely brilliant from start to finish in the story that was told, the amount of content we got, the pacing (that 'patch 1 gap' was fine for me), the map designs,

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Maybe I'll finish the Code of Creation story tomorrow, maybe I won't. That's a private conversation between me and the far too many distractions in game. #GW2 #VoE

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I feel very seen right now 😊 Much appreciated you lovely devs for bringing this back! And yes, I've been playing for like 5hrs total and have only just reached chapter 16... so you could say my initial feelings towards the patch are pretty positive 😆 #GW2 #VoE

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#GW2 patch hits at 5pm. I usually eat something first then grab a coffee before starting. After that there's this weird thing my brain does... I can be enjoying the hell out of the new content BUT I know I can't finish it in one evening so I look for the optimum time to duck out. Today... it's now.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Every time I post either #GW2 or #GW3 speculation I'm nearly always wrong... but it doesn't stop me thinking about these things when I should be working! The joys of having a monotonous job I guess...

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Finishing up some VoE achievements prior to the finale tomorrow. I think however I feel about the ending I should be grateful this expac brought some of my most favourite maps in the game to date. Metas maybe need some tweaking down the line but for now Creation awaits! #GuildWars2 #GW2

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The #GuildWars3 trailer is officially the most watched video on the Guild Wars Youtube channel 😊 In just 3 months it's beat the GW2 preview video from back in 2012... so yeh, I'd say there's a fair bit of hype for GW3!

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Star Wars: Zero Company... we have to talk. A brilliant game, enjoying myself playing and yet I think I'm going to quit and start again. Why you ask? Difficulty on normal is beyond easy to the point that it's cutting out a massive part of the game- roster management. Urgh why am i like this.

static.klipy.com

R2D2 Falls in the Desert

ALT: R2D2 Falls in the Desert

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I am trying hard to not build up the Visions of Eternity finale in my head but it's very hard not to. VoE has been a delight up until now, one of my favourite expansions for sure. It's a shame we're going a little dark in GW2 after this with regards to the story, I'll miss it. #GuildWars2 #GW2

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Reposted by Dan Smith (Avenrise)

Malchemist @malchemisttv.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

I present to you all the LARGEST project I have ever done. 340 total hours on CSP! 😱 HUGE ArenaNet Partner collab! I presented this to ArenaNet last Friday, I am so proud of this & hope you all enjoy! Creators links below, please go support them!🔽 #guildwars2 Sponsored by ArenaNet @guildwars2.com

ArenaNet Thank You Poster, Partner Program and Creator Collaboration. Good vs. Evil

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Someone didn't check the layers were correctly aligned when placing the clouds down...

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Everything I'm reading about Guild Wars 3 is what I had in my brain already and from that perspective none of this new news is shocking me. But the flip side to that is that all this new info is living up to my EXTREMELY high expectations and that in of itself is a huge compliment #GW3 #GuildWars3

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Another Festival of the Four Winds passes... and another year without completing 'Light up the Darkness' 😅 In my defence I thought we had another week left... because I'm stupid. Until the next one... my fav of the year! 🎃 #GW2 #GuildWars2

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

London Trip Day 1: Mystery Wrestling 28! Might be the highlight of the trip? A lot of fun, a ton of surprise big name stars turning up and Evil Uno is just such a class act. Stayed to chat with the fans and take photos... cropped me out as I look like a 50yr old aunt.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I think Rockstar are taking the piss with their pricing, I'm salty about PC players having to wait a year and I disagree with their monetisation of GTA5. They completely gave up on story expacs because of Online... But GTA VI is looking to be every bit the game that has been hyped.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

A few things of note from today's #GW3 post: -I really love that everything in this era is a struggle. Getting from A>B is not a trivial thing, expeditions are sent out where many are lost. -There's a real sense of what the Asura will eventually become, but they're taking their first steps in GW3.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I've been trying to figure out where the 'AI Slop' line is for me recently. I think the fact that I don't always 'acquire in the regular way' the games I play does take a bit of the pressure off... but I do think any studio using it is naturally cutting corners at the expense of actual people.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Gamescom Opening Night Live most anticipated: Gears of War E-Day Exodus Warlock No Law There Are No Ghosts at the Grand Witcher 3 Remastered Not a single newly announced game here but Warlock gameplay looks damn fun and have never played W3! CDPR goated as well for giving away all that for free!

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Another couple of games I tried but just know I'm not going to be into playing for any length of time. I used to play everything and anything but now I'm so much more picky. That's ofc fine, tastes change but I'd love to give these games the credit they deserve. Instead I flake out after 30mins!

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

ANET could have just said 'Orrian Kodan came from the Shiverpeaks' and everyone would have been happy. No no, they're actually from Janthir, lost their faith and then regained it due to some mystery cataclysm in Orr. SO MUCH STORY POTENTIAL! #GW3 #GuildWars3

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Outside 'watching' the eclipse and the gulls are all kinds of confused as to why im sitting out here 😆

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Aven just sitting there admiring Jimothy. Mhmm definitely Jimothy and nothing else... #GW2 #GuildWars2 #Jimothy

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Rather than get all sad that I'm going on my own I'm doing something I've actually NEVER done before: make a whole weekend of it and book a hotel room for a couple of nights! Saturday: Mystery Wrestling then a movie Sunday: London wander followed by AEW All In 😋 Monday: Museum day maybe?

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Crispy Fish Pancakes from the Guild Wars 2 cookbook. Except slightly different: 1) Scallops are NOT a normal thing to buy over here, they're super expensive 2) I used trout and salmon because I had some in the freezer 3) Guesswork with the flour as I couldn't find potato starch. #GW2 #GuildWars2

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

My thing this week has been #GW2 Homesteading while watching Kitchen Nightmares. There's just something about a grumpy chef shouting at people while decorating a giant fictional tree. I'm now on to the US episodes. Fuck me is it bad... unnecessary dramatic music and camera cuts all over the shop!

static.klipy.com

Gordon Ramsay: Absolutely Appalling! Meme

ALT: Gordon Ramsay: Absolutely Appalling! Meme

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Avatar is my favourite movie of all time. The Way of Water visually was a step up and was worthy. Fire and Ash... showed potential but ultimately I didn't think the story progressed or added to the overall arc apart from introducing an interesting antagonist (Oona Chaplin is amazing as Varang).

theguardian.com

Out of the blue: James Cameron’s surprise departure would be good for Avatar

The director has yet again hinted that he may step away – but if he does actually relinquish control, would it benefit the franchise or would be it be ‘hasta la vista’, Terminator 6 style?

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

You've no idea how long it takes me to build a Homestead. Like I'll start placing things in game then come up with a change. Then an addition. Then a whole new area which needs me to fundamentally change the design and I get to the end of a whole day and I've completed nothing. #GuildWars2 #GW2

VERY early work in progress... and it gives away nothing of what I'm trying to accomplish. Plus it was actually more complete this morning before I started tinkering and now it's a mess -.-

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

After breaking the site yesterday the #GW3 'Playable Species' post is up! I'm super intrigued by the brand-new species they're introducing, I did think they'd find a way to insert Sylvari in but having decided not to play one (Aven is enough) it means more choice at launch for me!

guildwars3.com

Our Approach to Playable Species in Guild Wars 3

Learn about our approach to playable species at launch and beyond!

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

So way back I ordered THE most expensive 'toys' I've ever purchased, Arcane figures of Jinx and Vi. Popped in a deposit... and forgot about it. Reminder to pay the rest popped into my Inbox today and I was reminded that MAYBE I shouldn't be ordering shit when I'm giddy and excited about stuff. Ouch

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Sitting here in wonder at what I'm hearing but with a tinge of disappointment? that I was seeing so many new faces... "..and we're bringing back GW2 composer @maclaine.bsky.social" Genuinely teared up. Maclaine is part of the reason I fell back in love with GW2, very glad he's staying 🥹

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Mini rant because I need to vent: -Found out last week that these £50 AEW tickets are on sale for a fraction of that price. Discounted for NHS workers as well, I didn't know. -Was taking my sisters instead of my former bro-in-law as he wants nothing to do with me since he and my sister split.

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The absolute legends at ANET have only gone and done it... 🤣 #GuildWars2 #GW2

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

It may only be a tease... but it's a damn good tease for #GuildWars3! I wondered what the conflict would be, what the Gods would be doing with their time on Tyria and ultimately our place and goals within this magical world and this blog gave the beginnings of the answers to all of those 😊

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Trying to vary the types of games I play. I mean Clair Obscur became my 2nd favourite game of all time and I'd never played a turn based JRPG before so maybe I will find another gem? *plays something unfamiliar*

static.klipy.com

FUCK MAN I'M TRYING... (Stuck in a Cart)

ALT: FUCK MAN I'M TRYING... (Stuck in a Cart)

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Reposted by Dan Smith (Avenrise)

Ilona @efnyea.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Giveaway time! ✨ To celebrate 1000+ followers I'm hosting a small giveaway. Two people will win a custom scenic illustration ft. your character! (Like this one) How to enter: - Comment with your character! Can be any universe! - Tell me a bit about them! The giveaway will end July the 31th. 💚

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

It's so pretty 😭 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Alicia Edition. Probably my most pricey art book but for the quality and all the extras well worth it. Even down to the red felt in the art print folder. I adore the game, it's something I'll never forget playing and this art book does it justice 😊

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Dan Smith (Avenrise) @avenrise.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Bumble bum. (first bee I've seen enjoying my little 'roof garden'😊)

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