Update: Guild Wars 2 is now available for pre-order, with the game being assigned an August 28 release date

Guild Wars 2 is the follow-up to 2005’s critically acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Guild Wars. Currently in development by AreaNet, the next instalment to the online role-playing franchise is expected to land in late 2012.

We bring you all the latest news on trailers, gameplay and characters for what is sure to be another online smash.

Guild Wars 2: UK Release date

AreaNet has confirmed that the Guild Wars 2 release date has been confirmed for August 28 in the UK. The game is currently available for pre-order on the Guild Wars 2 website.

Guild Wars 2: Price

Unlike World of Warcraft, players aren’t tied to a monthly subscription with GW2 – only a one-off payment for the game. The standard Digital Edition is available for pre-order for £49.99 via the official Guild Wars 2 website.

Gamers must fork out £64.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition but will receive a catalogue of exciting skills and features, including Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill (players can summon a four-legged companion to help them during combat), Golem Banker (a manservant that grants players access to their account storage from anywhere in the world) and Chalice of Glory (a special chalice used to unlock rewards).

A price point has yet to be allocated to the Collector’s Edition but we’ll update this post as soon as it’s announced.

Guild Wars 2: Story

For years, the continent of Tyria has been savaged by war and chaos. Five races – the ferocious Charr, the magical and canny Asura, the shape-shifting Norn, the secretive Sylvari and the humans – have locked horns in a bid to gain supremacy.

But an unlikely scenario threatens their pursuits – the awakening of the mighty and powerful dragons. Fuelled by their blood-lust, the creatures wreak havoc across the land, leaving a pile of destruction in their wake and enslaving Tyria’s once-warring habitants.

Now a select group of heroes from each of the five races must unite – setting aside their differences – to bring down their common enemies. Only once the beasts have been defeated can life in Tyria return to normality.