Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Three games that need player-generated content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/some-assembly-required-three-games-that-need-player-generated-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/some-assembly-required-three-games-that-need-player-generated-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/some-assembly-required-three-games-that-need-player-generated-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Three games that need player-generated content
At times over the last half decade, I've felt as if the MMORPG genre lost sight of itself. It seemed that all any gamemaker wanted to do was emulate a certain wildly successful outlier, and this in turn threw a wet blanket over the sandbox play, emergent design, and player-generated content that separates MMOs from run-of-the-mill video games.

The last year or so has seen the collective industry start to wake up from that bad dream, as there are now a half dozen really promising sandbox or sandpark titles in development, several of which are backed by millions of dollars and major studios.

What about the current crop of games, though? Is it a stretch to imagine a few of them, even the unapologetically linear ones, expanding their horizons with a little bit of player-generated content?

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Three games that need player-generated content

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Three games that need player-generated content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, flashpoints
I am beginning to wonder whether I just don't like the leveling process in Star Wars: The Old Republic anymore. In Mike B's video The 12 days of Smack Talkin', Darnell called all the extra NPC talking "98 minutes of unnecessary commentary." The story definitely had an impact on me the first time I ran through it, but this was the third time I've run through the Balmorran storyline on the Republic side, and truth be told, I was never a huge fan of it. This time, on my free-to-play character, it was definitely 98 minutes of unnecessary commentary.

Of course, once I started the featured adventure through the tremendous story that was bugtown, I had to find a way around that compositional trainwreck. My character is a Smuggler, not an exterminator. Mind you, I've yet to actually smuggle anything, but that's beside the point! I figured the best way around that insect hole was to level through flashpoints. To my surprise, it actually worked.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, flashpoints edition

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, flashpoints edition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balmorrabiowarebugtowncademimueaelectronic-artsf2p-experimentfeaturedflashpointsfree-to-play-experimenthyperspace-beaconlucasartsopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorTaral-Vthe-old-republictorTue, 04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: You were saying?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots You were saying
If there's a class in Star Wars: The Old Republic that has a monopoly on the best lines, banter, and dialogue, it would have to be the Smuggler. Reader Danielle sent us in this nicely framed shot: "Here's my confident, sassy Smuggler striking a pose as he interrupts a conversation."

But isn't interrupting a conversation... rude? He shouldn't do that, then. He should wait patiently until both parties are finished, and perhaps raise his hand and wait to be acknowledged by his betters. Or he could totally interrupt their boring chit-chat.

The One Shots column is a time capsule of some of the most important MMO moments in history, and you're about to witness the latest entries into this hallowed vault. Steel yourself and prepare to gaze in wonder at the peak of human ingenuity and the print screen key!

Continue reading One Shots: You were saying?

MassivelyOne Shots: You were saying? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebring-back-one-shotseaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfirefallfpsfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhistoricallord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmmo-shooterone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaportalusportalus-gamespotbspvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthird-person-shootertorturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-submissionswarSun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare granting one-time free transfer to SWTOR APAC refugees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/bioware-granting-one-time-free-transfer-to-swtor-apac-refugees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/bioware-granting-one-time-free-transfer-to-swtor-apac-refugees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/bioware-granting-one-time-free-transfer-to-swtor-apac-refugees/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Kira in distress
BioWare community manager Eric Musco has updated Asia-Pacific Star Wars: The Old Republic players on their server transfer options. The company announced in late March that the game's APAC shards are being shuttered.

"Starting on Tuesday, June 4th, you will all be allowed a free one-time transfer for each character you have on an APAC server, Musco wrote. "We are going to allow you a one-time transfer to any SWTOR server. To reiterate, starting on Tuesday, June 4th, you will be allowed a one-time transfer for each character you have on an APAC server to any other non-APAC server."

MassivelyBioWare granting one-time free transfer to SWTOR APAC refugees originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nightmare in neon SWTOR posts Update 22 pages
While the news of Star Wars: The Old Republic's Update 2.2 was revealed almost a week ago, BioWare's created a couple of pages to highlight the update's key features.

The Operation Nightmare page details the new level 55 nightmare-mode operations (Terror From Beyond in 2.2 and Legions of Scum and Villainy in 2.2.2). There's also information on the high-level underworld crafting plans, guild and reputation bonuses, and bonus weekends coming to a game near you. The next such bonus XP weekend is June 21st through the 24th, by the way.

The guild rewards program page has the full scoop on why it's so cherry to be part of a SWTOR guild these days. Aside from the free hugs and moral support, there's a substantial increase to gained XP that guilds can provide -- especially if these guilds go on a recruiting spree.

MassivelyNightmare in neon: SWTOR posts Update 2.2 pages originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.22.2.2biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playguild-rewardslucasartsnightmare-modeoperation-nightmareoperationssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-2.2update-2.2.2Fri, 31 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, closing chapter one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-closing-chapter-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-closing-chapter-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-closing-chapter-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, closing chapter one
It's been a couple of weeks since I've covered anything dealing with my Star Wars: The Old Republic free-to-play experiment, so I should do a quick rundown of the rules. I believe that it is possible to play SWTOR from beginning to end, including endgame, without paying for anything. The SWTOR cash shop (Cartel Market) and auction house (Galactic Trade Network) are directly connected in a way that allows for nearly everything sold in the cash shop to be sold to other players with in-game credits. There are enough people who have more real-life money than time to support those who have more time than money. So during my experiment, I vowed I would not take any gifts from other players or my alts and I would buy all of my unlocks off the GTN.

So far, I've noticed little change from level 1 to 10. However, Coruscant started to get rough. I also learned that leveling alongside a subscriber turned out to be disappointing. Yet in general, the leveling process seemed to be right on par with the planet I was on. It was my theory after leaving Taris that although there is a F2P experience penalty, my XP placed me on-level with each planet. Subscribers had an advantage of rising above the recommended level for each planet.

Then I ran into Tatooine.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, closing chapter one

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, closing chapter one originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alderaanbiowareeaelectronic-artsf2pf2p-experimentfeaturedflashpointsfree-to-playfree-to-play-experimenthyperspace-beaconlevelinglucasartsopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortatooinethe-old-republictorwarzonesTue, 28 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan brings SWTOR's Darth Malgus to life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/fan-brings-swtors-darth-malgus-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/fan-brings-swtors-darth-malgus-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/fan-brings-swtors-darth-malgus-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fan brings SWTOR's Darth Malgus to life
It's no secret that as players, we can really get into our favorite MMOs. But some folks have the skills and dedication to take this much further than the rest of us mere mortals! Such is the case with Julian Checkley, who sent us a video in which he plucked Darth Malgus from Star Wars: The Old Republic's Deceived trailer right off the screen and plunked him down in real life.

Built from scratch in his workshop in Ireland, the costume took six weeks to complete. This footage was actually a spur of the moment idea to show off the just-complete project, and Checkley noted that no CGI was used. He did, however, lament that the costume was lacking a sexy blue Twi'lek partner. Watch him don the costume for the first time after the break, and tell us if that isn't just the definition of awesome!

[Thanks to our tipster!]

Continue reading Fan brings SWTOR's Darth Malgus to life

MassivelyFan brings SWTOR's Darth Malgus to life originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 May 2013 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This happened in a SWTOR flashpoint
Star Wars: The Old Republic senior producer Bruce Maclean has posted a summer development roadmap on BioWare's official game forums. The update outlines the 2.2 and 2.3 patches, with the former tentatively scheduled for June 11th and the latter penciled in for August 6th.

The first patch will feature additional guild XP bonuses based on membership numbers (up to a maximum 10% boost), the ability for crafters to make underworld gear, and Nightmare Mode for Terror From Beyond (along with new gear drops).

The second patch will feature "significant graphical upgrades," a new daily area, a new recurring event, and new flashpoints.

MassivelyLots of new content coming to SWTOR this summer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebruce-macleaneaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-2.2swtor-2.3swtor-new-flashpointsthe-old-republictorFri, 24 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare responds to SWTOR Legacy system exploits and bans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-responds-to-swtor-legacy-system-exploits-and-bans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-responds-to-swtor-legacy-system-exploits-and-bans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-responds-to-swtor-legacy-system-exploits-and-bans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR - Innocent smuggler
BioWare has followed up on the recent Legacy system/crystal banning brouhaha that resulted in the temporary banning of some players from Star Wars: The Old Republic. Community manager Eric Musco says that less than 150 people were incorrectly flagged, and if you're one of those folks you should have already received a message from customer service.

"If you have not had your suspension reversed and you feel this was in error, please contact accountdisputes@swtor.com and they will be able to look into the issue further," Musco writes.

[Thanks Olorunsegun Adewumi!]

MassivelyBioWare responds to SWTOR Legacy system exploits and bans originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsexploitsf2pfree-to-playits-not-my-faultlegacylucasartssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-exploitthe-old-republictorThu, 23 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare 'actively investigating' recent SWTOR bannings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-actively-investigating-recent-bannings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-actively-investigating-recent-bannings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/bioware-actively-investigating-recent-bannings/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BioWare 'actively investigating' recent bannings
If you follow Star Wars: The Old Republic at all (and judging by the response to our tip line, you do!), you've heard the hullabaloo involving crystals and account bans going on right now. It appears some players have found they can bypass the fee necessary to unlock crystals account-wide in the Collection UI by spawning multiple crystals and using the Legacy system to trade those crystals to alts. As a result, a number of accounts have received temporary bans for exploiting. However, a number of players also claim they were caught in the cross-fire just for having a large number of legitimate crystals in their inventory, not realizing that was considered an exploit.

BioWare has issued a statement that it is aware of the situation and is actively investigating and that more information will be posted when it is available. In regard to the deleted and locked threads involving the issue, BioWare also reminded players that posts discussing exploits or action taken against accounts is not permitted on the forums.

[Thanks to all who sent in tips!]

MassivelyBioWare 'actively investigating' recent SWTOR bannings originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bansbiowareCollections-UIeaelectronic-artsexploitingexploitsf2pfree-to-playlucasartssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorThu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Does SWTOR's F2P work?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/hyperspace-beacon-does-swtors-f2p-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/hyperspace-beacon-does-swtors-f2p-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/hyperspace-beacon-does-swtors-f2p-work/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Does SWTOR's F2P work
Those of us who have played through the middle planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic know that chapter two is rather blasé. And as far as the free-to-play experiment is concerned, I really don't have anything new to report this week, or at least, not enough to fill a whole column. I will certainly have an update for you next week.

This week, I'd like to talk about SWTOR's free-to-play model in general. Although the design team has received a lot of heat from fans and haters alike, the system does have merit along with legitimate flaws. I do like SWTOR, but I'm not ignorant enough to believe that everything the game designers have done is perfect. I am also not one to hate because the game wronged me a year and a half ago. No matter the game, I understand, given my three years reporting in the industry and many other years playing video games, that there will always be people who hate a game no matter what developers do to appease them. At the same time, there will always be those who love a game no matter what stupid thing the developers do and will see no wrong no matter what you say to try to convince them. I try to put myself somewhere in the middle.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Does SWTOR's F2P work?

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Does SWTOR's F2P work? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebusiness-modelsdallasdamion-schuberteaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhyperspace-beaconlucasartsopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriberssubscriptionswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 21 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Gree event returns May 21]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/swtors-gree-event-returns-may-21/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/swtors-gree-event-returns-may-21/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/swtors-gree-event-returns-may-21/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

You can have this Gree mount after a lot of grinding
The Gree starship Grey Secant is returning to Star Wars: The Old Republic's planet Ilum. BioWare's website has updated with all the details on the event's return engagement, which starts May 21st and runs through the 28th.

Players can earn reputation, rare armor, vehicles, and pets, and BioWare says that "this is a great time for players at level 45-plus to jump into the event before the event returns at level 55 in the future." More info is available via the Relics of the Gree event blog.

MassivelySWTOR's Gree event returns May 21 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgreegree-eventlucasartsrelics-of-the-greesci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-eventthe-old-republictorFri, 17 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's customization cash kitty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-customization-cash-kitty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-customization-cash-kitty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-customization-cash-kitty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon SWTOR's customization cash kitty
It's a hard thing to admit when you're wrong. But I admit that I was wrong about Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 2.1: Customization. Even as late as last night on The Republic, I believed that things like the new Appearance Designer might not cost players Cartel Coins to use, but now that the update has arrived, I admit that is certainly not the case. Had I known that it would cost CCs to so much as use the Appearance Designer, I would be in the camp of players upset about this update containing only Cartel items. If you define an expansion or DLC as additional content that costs money, then that is exactly what this update is.

I'm not against BioWare making money, and to be completely honest, I'm not upset about the company making money on many of these items. Perhaps through my own misunderstanding, I feel a bit cheated with the update. Let me break down the Update 2.1 items for us. I'll point out the good and the bad, and maybe you will understand my perspective, even if you don't agree.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's customization cash kitty

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's customization cash kitty originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearance-designerbiowarecartel-coinscartel-marketcatharcollectionsCollections-uicustomizationeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhyperspace-beaconlucasartsopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-2.1Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR customization update goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/swtor-customization-update-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/swtor-customization-update-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/swtor-customization-update-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

swtor customization launch trailer
With all of the glamor and glitter, fashion and fame coming to Star Wars: The Old Republic these days, it must either be a Jem and the Holograms expansion or Game Update 2.1: Customization. It's the patch that says that it's OK to be a vain, preening peacock as long as you're saving a galaxy far, far away, and it's totally live, like, right now.

Update 2.1 includes new dye modules, a collection interface, name changes an appearance editor, and the option to play as a member of the Cathar race.

Check out the update trailer after the break!

Continue reading SWTOR customization update goes live

MassivelySWTOR customization update goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.12.1-updatebiowarecatharcustomizationdye-moduleeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgame-update-2.1jem-and-the-hologramslucasartsname-changessci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-2.1Tue, 14 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Shooting firstYou know what sucks? Hearing a cool piece of game music and having no idea what it's called or where to hear it again, that's what. I mean, it sucks in a first-world-problems sort of way, but still.

It happened to me over the weekend as I was playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. My Imperial Agent was toodling along, doing the nefarious things that Imperial Agents do, when the most dastardly fanfare I've heard this side of the Imperial March came blaring out of my speakers.

It was glorious.

Naturally, I haven't heard the phantom track since, even after much fumbling about trying to recreate the in-game circumstances during which it originally played. I even turned to the soundtrack CD that came with the collector's edition that's been gathering dust in my closet since 2011. It wasn't on there, of course, since soundtrack producers have some unwritten rule about leaving off half the soundtrack (and jumbling the tracks they deign to include) when they make an album. I've also been unable to find the track on YouTube's extensive SWTOR soundtrack playlists.

So, what say you, Massively readers? Has a piece of game music ever derailed a play session? Which one?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaily-grindeaelectronic-artsf2pfirst-world-problemsfree-to-playlucasartsmmo-soundtrackopinionsci-fisoundtrackstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-soundtracktdgthe-daily-grindthe-old-republictorMon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is about to get a little more colorful. The upcoming game update 2.1, as you may remember, will herald the arrival of a number of new dye modules that players can use to satisfy their inner fashionistas. Well today, the fine folks at BioWare have released a new video to give players a sneak peek at some of the lovely tints they'll be able to get their nerf-herding little hands on when 2.1 goes live. So what're hue waiting for (ha ha)? Click on past the cut to check out the full video.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So now kitties get to double their lightsabers.
Following the free-to-play announcement, many gamers were quick to mark Star Wars: The Old Republic as a broken shell of a game, with its business model conversion serving as the last gasp of a game in danger of imminent shutdown. The facts do not support that particular viewpoint. According to the most recent Electronic Arts earning call, the game has more than doubled its revenue since the conversion in November of last year.

EA president Frank Gibeau stated in the most recent earnings call that the game's subscriber numbers have remained stable, with more than 1.7 million new players joining the game via the free option. He also restated that the game is aiming to keep up a content delivery schedule around every six weeks. So if you were getting a bit nervous about the long-term viability of SWTOR, it looks like you can rest a bit more easily.

MassivelyFree-to-play model more than doubled the revenue of Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingbusiness-modelseaearningelectronic-artsf2pfrank-gibeaufree-to-playfree-to-play-conversionslucasartsprofitsrevenuesci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsusbcriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling
With the last bit of Update 2.1: Customization revealed yesterday, I can talk about an item that will change the free-to-play side of Star Wars: The Old Republic. After the next update, F2P players can withdraw credits from escrow with Cartel Coins. Although I will not have a way to find out whether this will actually affect the prices on the Galactic Trade Market until it goes live, I think it's safe to say that prices will initially go up.

Let's talk about this and group leveling in this week's SWTOR free-to-play experiment.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredc-universe-onlineDCUOeaelectronic-artsescrowexperience-boostf2pf2p-experimentfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-experimentgalactic-trade-networkgtnhyperspace-beaconLaura-Williamslucasartsopinionsci-fiSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortaristhe-old-republictorvoidmynxTue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare dates SWTOR's Game Update 2.1 and 2.2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/swtor-dates-game-update-2-1-and-2-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/swtor-dates-game-update-2-1-and-2-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/swtor-dates-game-update-2-1-and-2-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR dates Game Update 21 and 22
In a post on the official forums, Star Wars: The Old Republic Community Manager Eric Musco addresses some concerns about the release of Game Update 2.1 and what it will bring to the table. More importantly, though, Musco gives a tentative release date for both GU 2.1 (May 14) and GU 2.2 (June 11), which is said to be the actual content-heavy update.

So even though we don't know exactly what that GU 2.2 content is yet, we're reassured that this 8-week update cycle will continue, and those worried about the customization focus coming with GU 2.1 just need to wait a bit longer for more shinies.

MassivelyBioWare dates SWTOR's Game Update 2.1 and 2.2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgame-update-2-1game-update-2-2lucasartspatchsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-patch-2.1the-old-republictorTue, 07 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Collect all the things in Star Wars: The Old Republic's 2.1 patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/collect-all-the-things-in-star-wars-the-old-republics-2-1-patc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/collect-all-the-things-in-star-wars-the-old-republics-2-1-patc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/collect-all-the-things-in-star-wars-the-old-republics-2-1-patc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Everyone dresses like Thana, all the time. News at 11.
The downside of picking up some special items and drops in Star Wars: The Old Republic is that a lot of them are limited. Sure, you might be able to buy Revan's Mask, but you have to decide which of your characters will get to wear it. But that's changing in patch 2.1. A recent interview sheds more light on the upcoming Collections system, which will allow you to unlock items you have obtained on one character for repeated access.

Once you've obtained an item on a character, that item will be marked in your collection, allowing you to recreate that item for that character. Pay a few Cartel Coins and that item unlocks for every character in your account, including characters on other servers. The system will include mounts, armors, and pets, with more room for special promotions and the like in the future. So now you don't have to worry about who gets the special mount -- everyone can get the benefit.

MassivelyCollect all the things in Star Wars: The Old Republic's 2.1 patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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