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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic launches the Legacy of the Rakata]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/subscription/" rel="tag">Subscription</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata"><img alt="In hindsight I sort of wish any of us knew how to read Rakata writing.  We can't feed this into HoloGoogle Translate." data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="445902" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/dc1154a0ec38a4b6d5c036a66d0e8ec5/200730744/swtor-legacyofrakata-epl-910.jpg" /></a></div>
The Rakata are kind of a big deal in <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em>. Their influence is everywhere in both the leveling game and in the overall lore, and finding out what their deal is kind of trumps other priorities of the week. So <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/article/20140909">the new Legacy of the Rakata flashpoint</a> that's just been added to the game should be of particular interest to lore hounds, as well as anyone looking to the completion of the game's Forged Alliances storyline.<br />
<br />
The flashpoint sees players exploring the ruins of Rakata Prime, learning more about the Star Forge with Agent Theron Shan and Lord Lana Beniko, and exploring the ruins with smuggler Jakarro. It's a tactical flashpoint, as well, which makes it that much easier for players to explore and discover more of the story while leading into the next major expansion storyline. If you're interested in seeing what the Rakata left behind, you can <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/article/20140909">log in now and try the flashpoint out</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/">Star Wars: The Old Republic launches the Legacy of the Rakata</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20960235/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-legacy-of-the-rakata/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>backstory</category><category>bioware</category><category>dungeon</category><category>dungeons</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>flashpoints</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>legacy-of-the-rakata</category><category>lore</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>new-content</category><category>news</category><category>news-items</category><category>patch</category><category>patches</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>story</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>update</category><category>updates</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The official launch of SWTOR's second expansion]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/trailers/" rel="tag">Trailers</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-in-game/" rel="tag">Events (In-Game)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/expansions/" rel="tag">Expansions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/interviews/" rel="tag">Interviews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Announcing the official launch of SWTOR's second expansion!" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="112900" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/4a89780c7623fd70c72edbe10f3a6cb1/HB-GSF-launch.jpg" /></a></div>
Today, <a href="http://swtor.com/galactic-starfighter/"><em>Galactic Starfighter</em></a> officially launches in conjunction with <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> Update 2.6. Free-to-play players as well as preferred and subscribed players can now jump into 12v12 freeform space battles. All players can choose to pilot one of four <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/galactic-starfighter/"><em>Starfighter</em></a> archetypes: scout, strike fighter, gunship, or bomber. Two team deathmatch maps joined the pre-launch domination maps, giving pilots four possible arenas to dogfight. But if space isn't your thing, <a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> also introduced a new dynamic flashpoint called Kuat Drive Yards that changes every time you run it.<br />
<br />
It's not often that the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/">Hyperspace Beacon</a> coincides with the launch of a <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> update let alone the official launch of an expansion. This week, I intend to give you all the juicy details of the new type of starfighter, the new <em>Starfighter</em> PvP maps, and the brand-new flashpoint. I also had a moment to ask a few of questions of Producer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/blaine-christine/">Blaine Christine</a> and <em>GSF</em> Lead Designer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/michael-backus/">Michael Backus</a>. But first, let me show you a few screenshots from the new content below and a launch trailer after the break.<br />
<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: The official launch of SWTOR's second expansion</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/">Hyperspace Beacon: The official launch of SWTOR's second expansion</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 04 Feb 2014 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20821733/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/04/hyperspace-beacon-the-official-launch-of-swtors-second-expansi/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>blaine-christine</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>expansion</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>galactic-starfighter</category><category>gallery</category><category>gsf</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>instances</category><category>kuat-drive-yards</category><category>launch</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>michael-backus</category><category>opinion</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>screenshots</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-galatic-starfighter</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>trailer</category><category>update-2.6</category><category>video</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2014 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Entering the SWTOR Kuati Drive Yards]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/expansions/" rel="tag">Expansions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/first-impressions/" rel="tag">First Impressions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Entering the SWTOR Kuati Drive Yards" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="89549" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/c70215146fbebcc1629e92f6b84a96c3/HB-entering-the-kuat-drive-yards.jpg" /></a></div>
You all remember the very first scene from Star Wars. A tiny ship carrying very important cargo was fleeing an imposing mammoth of a battle cruiser. The gigantic ship eventually swallows up the smaller one. We eventually learn that the Empire owns fleets of these Star Destroyers, but we never learn where they all came from. In the Expanded Universe, we find out that the Empire-loyal planet of Kuat manufactures these behemoths in the Kuati Drive Yards.<br />
​<br />
During the time of <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, we really haven't heard much about this planet or its starship manufacturing. We know that Grand Moff Vaiken created the first dreadnaughts the Sith Empire uses now on Dromund Kaas. We could only assume that Kuat was a member of the Galactic Republic. And we had no indication whether the Drive Yards existed at all until the latest expansion and the flashpoints that hit the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> test center this week.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Entering the SWTOR Kuati Drive Yards</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/">Hyperspace Beacon: Entering the SWTOR Kuati Drive Yards</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20806945/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/14/hyperspace-beacon-entering-the-swtor-kuati-drive-yards/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>admiral-ranken</category><category>bioware</category><category>dungeons</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>galactic-starfighter</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>kuat</category><category>kuat-drive-yards</category><category>kuati-drive-yards</category><category>KYD</category><category>lore</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>pve</category><category>ranken</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>update-2.6</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Strategic resources for everyone!]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/eve-online/" rel="tag">EVE Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/expansions/" rel="tag">Expansions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/endgame/" rel="tag">Endgame</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/eve-evolved/" rel="tag">EVE Evolved</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sandbox/" rel="tag">Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/player-generated-content/" rel="tag">Player-Generated Content</a></p><div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/"><img alt="Game title image" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/08/strategicresources-title.jpg" style="border-top: 0px solid; border-right: 0px solid; border-bottom: 0px solid; margin: 4px; border-left: 0px solid" /></a></div>
The past four <a href="http://www.eve-online.com/"><em>EVE Online</em></a> expansions have mostly focused on adding small features and overhauling old game mechanics and content that were beginning to show their age. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/crucible"><em>Crucible</em></a> delivered dozens of small but highly-requested features and gameplay improvements, and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/inferno"><em>Inferno</em></a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/retribution"><em>Retribution</em></a> continued with overhauls of several aging PvP systems. Even <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/odyssey"><em>Odyssey</em></a> contained mostly small features and revamps, its biggest gameplay features being <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/eve-evolved-first-impressions-of-odyssey/">a new hacking minigame and a streamlined scanning interface</a>. It's been several years since <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/eve-online/"><em>EVE</em></a> has received a truly massive and game-changing feature like wormholes or a sovereignty revamp, but <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/eve-evolved-bring-on-the-big-expansions/">that may all be about to change</a>!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ccp-games">CCP</a> recently announced its intention to start reaching for big ideas again, but this time set over a more realistic timeframe. If everything goes according to plan, the next five years could see the introduction of player-built stargates and true deep space colonisation. I <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/28/eve-evolved-colonising-deep-space/">wrote about the potential of this concept last week</a> and looked at some of the big features we'd need to make it a reality, but I didn't really delve into my personal favourite idea for a potential future expansion: New strategic resources and player-created deadspace complexes.<br />
<br />
In this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/eve-evolved/">EVE Evolved</a>, I look at how strategic resources could be used to get even individual players invested in something worth fighting for, and how player-created deadspace dungeons could be a great way to introduce them.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>EVE Evolved: Strategic resources for everyone!</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/">EVE Evolved: Strategic resources for everyone!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sun, 04 Aug 2013 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20685958/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/eve-evolved-strategic-resources-for-everyone/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>apocrypha</category><category>ccp</category><category>ccp-games</category><category>complex</category><category>crucible</category><category>deadspace</category><category>deadspace-complex</category><category>ded</category><category>dominion</category><category>dungeon</category><category>dungeons</category><category>dysprosium</category><category>eve</category><category>eve-evolved</category><category>eve-online</category><category>facility</category><category>farm</category><category>farming</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>game-design</category><category>highsec</category><category>inferno</category><category>isk</category><category>lowsec</category><category>making-isk</category><category>neodymium</category><category>nullsec</category><category>odyssey</category><category>opinion</category><category>player-built</category><category>player-generated-content</category><category>player-owned-starbase</category><category>player-owned-station</category><category>player-owned-structures</category><category>pvp</category><category>pvp-flagging</category><category>resource</category><category>resources</category><category>retribution</category><category>sandbox</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>starbase</category><category>strategic</category><category>strategic-resource</category><category>strategic-resources</category><category>territorial-control</category><category>territorial-warfare</category><category>territory</category><category>territory-control</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brendan Drain]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 04 Aug 2013 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How long do you wait before kicking an AFK group mate?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/" rel="tag">The Daily Grind</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/"><img alt="The Daily Grind How long do you wait before kicking an AFK group mate" data-src-height="298" data-src-width="530" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/07/impatientagent.jpg" style="margin:4px" /></a></div>
Yesterday whilst playing <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, I queued for a pickup group flashpoint to try and nudge my Sniper past level 40. Being a DPS class, it literally took an hour to get a group to pop, and then one of my three teammates decided to go AFK shortly after we entered the instance.<br />
<br />
After about six minutes -- yes, I timed it -- the group leader initiated a vote kick, which passed and sent our AFK mate packing. Right before the system removed him from the group, though, we saw his 'hi guys, I'm finally back' text in the group chat.<br />
<br />
The moral of today's story is that there is no moral. There is a Daily Grind question, though, and it is this: How long do you wait before kicking an AFK group mate?<br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2010/09/coffee.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" vspace="0" /><em>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 <a href="http://www.massively.com/category/the-daily-grind/">Daily Grind</a>!</em><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/">The Daily Grind: How long do you wait before kicking an AFK group mate?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 29 Jul 2013 08:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20679086/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/the-daily-grind-how-long-do-you-wait-before-kicking-an-afk-grou/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>afk</category><category>bioware</category><category>daily-grind</category><category>dungeons</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>pickup-group</category><category>pug</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>tdg</category><category>the-daily-grind</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2013 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant" data-src-height="350" data-src-width="530" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/04/hb-f2p-coruscant.jpg" style="margin:4px" /></a></div>
I was asked last week why I chose The Ebon Hawk as the server on which to run my <a href="http://swtor.com/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> free-to-play experiment, especially since it's my home server. Some people believed that the experiment would be flawed because I would have many people to call on to help me out in different areas. This is only partially true. I do have some people to call on if I absolutely need it, but remember that I play on the Imperial side normally; this test character is Republic-side. My guildies and friends do not play Republic characters on a regular basis. And I have already said that I will not take gifts from other characters. The only thing that they can offer me is a partner for leveling, and currently, no one that I know is the same level as my Smuggler. I won't catch up to any of them until I hit level 35.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/">Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, Coruscant</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20551730/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-coruscant/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bag-slots</category><category>bioware</category><category>cartel-coins</category><category>cartel-market</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>esseles</category><category>experience-points</category><category>f2p</category><category>f2p-experiment</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>free-to-play-experiment</category><category>galactic-trade-network</category><category>GTN</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>inventory-management</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-f2p-experiment</category><category>the-free-to-play-experiment</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>XP</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Gear grinding is unfun]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/endgame/" rel="tag">Endgame</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon Gear grinding is unfun" data-src-height="350" data-src-width="530" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/09/hb-gear-grind.jpg" style="margin:4px" /></a></div>
If you have been following me for the last few years on this column and some of the podcasts that I've done, then you are aware that hardcore progression raiding and PvP are not my thing. You will also know that I don't fault players for having their own fun, but the MMO industry often assumes raiders and PvPers are the ones game developers need to target and pursue. It could be that they are the loudest, the fastest, or maybe just the most competitive. I appreciate the players who blast through content. They are usually ones who make the guides that the slower players use to fight the "unbeatable boss." Unfortunately for developers, these are not the players who stick to the game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> made a lot of naive mistakes with <a href="http://swtor.com/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, but one of the biggest is that it listened too much to the vocal minority instead of attempting to make a game that caters to the long-term player. I consider myself and my guild long-term players. We play <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>SWTOR</em></a> for a multitude of reasons, ranging from basic Star Wars fanboyism to exploring new content to engaging in intense PvP battles. But one thing that is consistent among all of us is that we don't like to gear grind.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong; I understand that there need be a carrot for the players who complete high-level content, but I believe that <em>SWTOR</em>, along with other MMOs, is doing it wrong, and frankly, it's not fun.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Gear grinding is unfun</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/">Hyperspace Beacon: Gear grinding is unfun</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20315171/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/hyperspace-beacon-gear-grinding-is-unfun/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>Daedalus-Project</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>flashpoints</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>mmo-culture</category><category>operation</category><category>operations</category><category>opinion</category><category>progression</category><category>PvE</category><category>raiding</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guided tour of the new SWTOR flashpoint]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/"><img alt="SWTOR flashpoint: The Lost Island" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/dr-lorrick.jpg" /></a></div>
Yesterday, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> invited some members of the press to take part in a guided tour of the latest update for <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>. In recent <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/">Hyperspace Beacons</a>, we've covered everything from the user interface changes to the crew skills system. However, the specifics of some of the new story content have been a bit sparse. Thanks to help from BioWare, that's now changed.<br />
<br />
Beyond the break, we have put together a 15-minute video describing the ins and outs of the latest flashpoint: The Lost Island. Together with a member of the BioWare development team, we explored this new level-50 zone, destroying everything in our path and maybe learning something along the way.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Guided tour of the new SWTOR flashpoint</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/">Guided tour of the new SWTOR flashpoint</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20210477/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/guided-tour-of-the-new-swtor-flashpoint/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>dr-lorrick</category><category>dungeon</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>guided-tour</category><category>instance</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>new-content</category><category>opinion</category><category>ord-mantell</category><category>preview</category><category>rakghoul</category><category>Rise-of-the-Rakghouls</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-lost-island</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>update-1.2</category><category>video</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The crew skills story]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/crafting/" rel="tag">Crafting</a></p><div style="text-align: center">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: The crew skills story" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/03/hb-crew-skills-story.jpg" /></a></div>
Forgive my fanboy-ism a bit, please. Update 1.2: Legacy excites me. My friends on the <a href="http://swtor.com/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> live server wonder where I've got off to since the patch hit the test server. Not to worry, guys. I'm still in game; I'm just playing with the new UI and character builds.<br />
<br />
We know that the major part of this update is the Legacy system. In a system that is rarely seen across MMOs, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> has created a tangible connection between alts. Now, Aaron Shaddoe can be the brother of Maacus Shaddoe and the son of Ryctur Shaddoe, and the game will reward me for doing that. Aaron could be a Smuggler, Maacus a Jedi Consular, and Ryctur a Bounty Hunter, all with interconnecting abilities between them. It's an interesting concept, but I'm curious how many people are going to seriously use it for its intended purpose.<br />
<br />
Update 1.2 holds a couple of other changes that interest me more -- namely, crew skills and story content. Lead Combat Designer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/georg-zoeller/">Georg Zoeller</a> and Writer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/charles-boyd/">Charles Boyd</a> spoke about the changes to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-talks-swtors-1-2-crew-skill-changes/">crew skills</a> and <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/blog/20120316">the story update</a> in two developer blogs last week. And despite the legacy system's being the biggest part of this update, it's these two areas that will impact the greater game.<br />
<br />
[Warning: Some minor spoilers are contained within. It's been three months, so I hope they are not spoilers any more, but I should warn you just in case.]<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: The crew skills story</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/">Hyperspace Beacon: The crew skills story</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20200795/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/hyperspace-beacon-the-crew-skills-story/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>augment</category><category>augment-slot</category><category>bioware</category><category>charles-boyd</category><category>crafting</category><category>crew-skills</category><category>custom-crafting</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>georg-zoeller</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>legacy</category><category>lost-island</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>Rise-of-the-Rakghouls</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>story</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-fourth-pillar</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>update-1.2</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Massively's hands-on with Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 1.2]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events (Real-World)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/endgame/" rel="tag">Endgame</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On (Massively's)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/"><img alt="Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 1.2" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/03/update-impressions.jpg" /></a></div>
Goodness, I hope you have heard that <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is releasing a new patch soon. It's been jokingly dubbed the "Jesus Patch" because it's supposed to contain everything, and incidentally, it may "save" the game. Many critics have written off the game because developers missed some essential MMO ingredients when it launched. Despite that, <em>SWTOR</em> currently stands as the fastest-growing MMO ever and retains the second largest subscription base, according to <a href="http://ea.com">Electronic Arts</a>' investor calls.<br />
<br />
During the recent Guild Summit, while the guild leaders and fan site press were shuttled off, the press made its way to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> studios to try out the new content in Update 1.2. Each member was given his or her station to tool around with. Immediately, I noticed that the two Bounty Hunters in the character selection screen wore armor I had never seen before: Black Hole armor and War Hero armor. We were about to step into the new flashpoint called the Lost Island as well as the new Novare Coast warzone.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Massively's hands-on with Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 1.2</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/">Massively's hands-on with Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 1.2</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20191568/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massivelys-hands-on-with-star-wars-the-old-republic-update-1-2/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>austin</category><category>bioware</category><category>Denova</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>emmanuel-lusinchi</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>guild-summit</category><category>hands-on</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>lost-islands</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>novare</category><category>novare-coast</category><category>opinion</category><category>preview</category><category>previews</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>update-1.2</category><category>warzone</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic highlights upcoming Kaon Under Siege flashpoint]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/"><img alt="Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/01/swtor-1326484193.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left; ">
	Despite only having launched about a month ago, <a href="http://www.massively.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is already gearing up for its next content update. As <a href="http://www.massively.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> ramps up to release the update, it wants its fans to be getting excited for it as well. In that vein, the studio has released a new video highlighting <a href="http://www.massively.com/tag/kaon-under-siege">Kaon Under Siege</a>, one of the new flashpoints in the upcoming patch,</div>
<div style="text-align: left; ">
	<br />
	The story behind this flashpoint continues the game's current storyline, this time giving players a glimpse at the Tion Hegemony sector of the galaxy. Prior to the flashpoint, the Rakghoul plague has spread across multiple world in the system, killing the lucky and transforming those less fortunate into Rakghouls themselves. A few lucky survivors on the planet of Kaon have managed to hold out against the Rakghoul menace, and of course both the Empire and the Republic wish to rescue these survivors, eradicate the Rakghoul plague, and ultimately negotiate an alliance with the Tion Hegemony. For the full video preview of Kaon Under Siege, just click on past the cut.</div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic highlights upcoming Kaon Under Siege flashpoint</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/">Star Wars: The Old Republic highlights upcoming Kaon Under Siege flashpoint</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20148488/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-highlights-upcoming-kaon-under-siege/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>content-update</category><category>content-updates</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>flashpoints</category><category>kaon-under-siege</category><category>patch</category><category>patches</category><category>player-vs-environment</category><category>pve</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tion-hegemony</category><category>tor</category><category>update</category><category>updates</category><category>video</category><category>videos</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Daniel]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rakghouls and raging Hutts with SWTOR's Gabe Amatangelo]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-interviews/" rel="tag">Interviews (Massively's)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/01/kaonundersiegeheader.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
A month after <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em> began its official journey in the public eye, the developers of this game-changing MMO are ready to extend the story, which they call the fourth pillar of the MMO genre. In patch 1.1, which also brings the usual round of bug fixes, players will be introduced to a brand-new level 50 flashpoint as well as a completed version of the Karagga's Palace 8-to-16-man operation.<br />
<br />
In the official press release for 1.1, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> founder <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/greg-zeschuk/">Greg Zeschuk</a> notes, "A month ago when we launched the Early Game Access program for <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em>, we promised our fans that this would just be the beginning of our journey together." That's all well and good, but we want <em>details</em>. So we rang up BioWare's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/gabe-amatangelo/">Gabe Amatangelo</a> to discuss the new flashpoint, Karagga's palace, Ilum, and the future of <em>SWTOR</em> PvP.<br />
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Be aware that there will be some minor spoilers, but we'll warn you in advance!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Rakghouls and raging Hutts with SWTOR's Gabe Amatangelo</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/">Rakghouls and raging Hutts with SWTOR's Gabe Amatangelo</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20146844/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rakghouls-and-raging-hutts-with-swtors-gabe-amatangelo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>emmanuel-lusinchi</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>gabe-amatangelo</category><category>game-update-1.1</category><category>greg-zeschuk</category><category>ilum</category><category>interview</category><category>karaggas-palace</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>operations</category><category>outlaws-den</category><category>Patch-1.1</category><category>PvE</category><category>PvP</category><category>raids</category><category>Rise-of-the-Rakghouls</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>Star-Wa</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>SWTOR</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>TOR</category><category>video</category><category>videos</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's 1.1 patch adds anti-aliasing, level 50 Flashpoint]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/bugs/" rel="tag">Bugs</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/"><img alt="Star Wars: The Old Republic - Smuggler freighter, which has little to do with this article other than being cool" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/01/smugglership.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> next big update is live on the game's public test shard. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> says that the 1.1 patch is chock full of bug fixes and is "the first of many content updates" for the sci-fi MMO.<br />
<br />
New stuff includes a level 50 Flashpoint (Kaon Under Siege) and four new bosses for Operation: Karagga's Palace. Also of note is an anti-aliasing option in the preferences menu and a correction for the problems plaguing Kira Carsen's affection conversations. The full patch notes are viewable on the official <em>SWTOR</em> website.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/">SWTOR's 1.1 patch adds anti-aliasing, level 50 Flashpoint</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20142576/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/swtors-1-1-patch-adds-anti-aliasing-level-50-flashpoint/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>1.1-patch</category><category>bioware</category><category>bug-fixes</category><category>bugs</category><category>ea-bioware</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>kaon</category><category>kaon-under-siege</category><category>karaggas-palace</category><category>kira-carsen</category><category>operation-karaggas-palace</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/bugs/" rel="tag">Bugs</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guilds/" rel="tag">Guilds</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/01/hb-sensing-future.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
	I like making predictions. When it comes to <em><a href="http://swtor.com">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em>, I've been spot on about several things, but I've missed the boat on some too. "Careful you must be when sensing the future, Anakin. The fear of loss is a path to the dark side," Yoda warned the young Jedi Knight in Revenge of the Sith. It's a good thing I don't have anything to lose by guessing what I think will happen in the future for this game.</div>
<div>
	<br />
	In 2011, we saw <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>TOR</em></a> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/analyst-claims-swtor-could-already-have-1-5-million-players/">launch with astronomical numbers</a>, and all you have to do is look at our front page to realize how much people have been talking about this game. Hopefully, the future of the game is just as bright. Thankfully, developers at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> have been very talkative about what's coming in the future.<br />
	<br />
	Let's combine what players have said with the plans developers have spoken about to predict the future of the game. After the break, I'll mix the news with my Force powers to see in the the future... the future... the future... echo... echo...</div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/">Hyperspace Beacon: Sensing the future</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20138537/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/hyperspace-beacon-sensing-the-future/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>daniel-erickson</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>huttball</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>opinion</category><category>planet</category><category>planets</category><category>Predictions</category><category>pvp</category><category>speculation</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[BioWare hints at new SWTOR content, tops one million players]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/"><img alt="Star Wars: The Old Republic - new boss" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/kragga535x381.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is less than a week old, and many players are already wondering if and when <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> is going to add new content. Yes, there are some 50s on the servers already, and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/james-ohlen">James Ohlen</a> has <a href="http://www.swtor.com/blog/sneak-peek-james-ohlen">penned a post</a> on the game's official website that should excite those who have already rushed through the game's content.<br />
<br />
For starters, January will bring a new flashpoint to the game as well as an expanded operation instance. The former "takes place on a brand new world and involves some pretty epic battles." The latter "takes the existing Karagga's palace scenario and more than triples it in size."<br />
<br />
Ohlen says that's just the beginning, too, and BioWare plans on releasing similar new content with regularity. Finally, players concerned over the company's ability to add new story (and voiceover content) will want to check out writer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/alexander-freed">Alexander Freed's</a> post on the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=692033#edit692033">official forums</a>. In a nutshell, he says not to worry, as BioWare does have voice actors under contract and can proceed with development without adding much time to the content creation process.<br />
<br />
Finally, our <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/">sister site</a> reports that <em>TOR</em> has topped one million registered players and over 28 million hours played!<br />
<br />
[Thanks to Scratches for the tip!]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/">BioWare hints at new SWTOR content, tops one million players</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:15:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20134761/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-hints-at-new-swtor-content/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>alexander-freed</category><category>bioware</category><category>content</category><category>ea-bioware</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>new-content</category><category>operation</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:15:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Massively's guide to SWTOR's launch and beyond]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lore/" rel="tag">Lore</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-meta/" rel="tag">Massively Meta</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/crafting/" rel="tag">Crafting</a></p><div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/"><img alt="Massively's SWTOR Launch Guide (Original graphic by Larry Everett)" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/banner2.jpg" /></a></div>
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, we first heard mention of a new Star Wars MMO set in the popular Knights of the Old Republic era. <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> named it, and we've waited <strike>patiently</strike> impatiently through <strike>months</strike> years of hope and hype, fanboys and haters, and at least eight million articles about the fourth pillar of story.<br />
<br />
This week, <em>The Old Republic</em> is the new hotness, and the Massively staffers are right there with you, champing at the bit to <em>get in the head start already</em>! But what if you're not an expert on Star Wars lore or <em>TOR's</em> gameplay? What if you don't know the first thing about purple lightsabers, astromechs, and the Kessel Run? What if you can't decide which class to play? When do you get a starship? Can you really romance your companions? How do flashpoints work? And why are there <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/storyboard-there-are-no-bathrooms-on-coruscant/">no bathrooms on Coruscant</a>?!<br />
<br />
Relax, young Padawan. Put your blast-shield down and let Massively be your guide... literally. We've rounded up a massive collection of helpful introductory <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/swtor-class-guide">guides for each of the eight classes</a>, along with <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/swtor-gameplay-guide">overviews of gameplay mechanics</a> like companions, starships, flashpoints, warzones, and crafting. We've also curated the most illuminating lore essays from our regular <em>SWTOR</em> column, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Hyperspace-Beacon/">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, in addition to our extensive <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/swtor-hands-on">hands-on previews</a> from the last few years.<br />
<br />
Take your first step into a larger world...<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Massively's guide to SWTOR's launch and beyond</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/">Massively's guide to SWTOR's launch and beyond</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20118084/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/massivelys-guide-to-swtors-launch-and-beyond/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>advanced-class</category><category>bioware</category><category>class</category><category>classes</category><category>companions</category><category>crafting</category><category>ea</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>gameplay</category><category>guide</category><category>guides</category><category>headstart</category><category>launch</category><category>launches</category><category>lore</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>milestones</category><category>newbie-guide</category><category>preview</category><category>previews</category><category>roundup</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>starships</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-guide</category><category>swtor-launch-guide</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>warzone</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR lifts NDA and reveals Legacy system, new flashpoint, art book]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/"><img alt="SWTOR" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/11/swtor-1321644029.jpg" /></a></div>
Do you hear that? That's the sound of a million voices who were silenced suddenly freed to share their experiences with <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>. That's because <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware/">BioWare</a> has officially lifted the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) allowing testers to talk about the game.<br />
<br />
BioWare VP <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/greg-zeschuk/">Greg Zeschuk</a> posted the announcement just minutes ago <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=630104">on the forums</a>:
<blockquote class="bq-standard">
	As of now, the non-disclosure portion of our Game Testing Agreement is officially lifted. While all players must still accept the Game Testing Agreement, from this point on testers may now freely talk about their experiences this past weekend in the game, as well as post screenshots and gameplay videos of their testing experiences. We encourage you to come join us on the official <em>Star Wars[TM]: The Old Republic[TM]</em> Forums to share your experiences!<br />
	<br />
	The <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em> community site will have a copy of this message on the forums and it will also appear in the Patcher. Players may not talk about nor reprint posts from our testing forums as they are still fully covered by the confidentiality portions of our Game Testing Agreement. And all players who want to participate in the upcoming Beta Test Weekends still have to accept all terms of the Game Testing Agreement. So, other than that, free feel to talk about and share your experiences in <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em>.</blockquote>
If all that wasn't exciting enough, the dev team also released articles covering the flashpoint <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111118">Bringing Down the Hammer</a>, the book, <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111118-0">The Art and Making of <em>The Old Republic</em></a>, and the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=10940945#post10940945">Legacy system</a>, which allows for a family last name shared across characters.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/">SWTOR lifts NDA and reveals Legacy system, new flashpoint, art book</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20110135/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-lifts-nda-bothan-spies-spared-furth/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>beta</category><category>beta-testing</category><category>bioware</category><category>bringing-down-the-hammer</category><category>ea-bioware</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>game-testing</category><category>game-testing-agreement</category><category>Greg-Zeschuk</category><category>nda</category><category>non-disclosure-agreement</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-art-and-making-of-the-old-republic</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles']]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/trailers/" rel="tag">Trailers</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/07/esseles.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/LucasArts/">LucasArts</a> have said since the first announcement of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> that choices will matter. No one witnessed that more than visitors to the BioWare booth at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/sdcc-2011/">San Diego Comic-Con</a>. These fans had to choose between saving the engineering crew or saving the bridge crew in the Flashpoint called The Esseles.<br />
<br />
In this fast-paced instance, you and your party are trapped aboard the Republic cruiser called the Esseles. Like Darth Vader asking for the ambassador on board the Corellian Corvette at the beginning of A New Hope, the commander of an Imperial Star Destroyer in <em>this</em> Flashpoint is also seeking a Republic ambassador. The difference here is the Imperial forces haven't boarded yet. It is your job to hold them off.<br />
<br />
After the break, catch the full 13-and-a-half-minute walkthrough narrated by Director of Production <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/dallas-dickinson/">Dallas Dickinson</a>, sans epic beard unfortunately.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles'</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/">SWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles'</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20004491/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>choices</category><category>dallas-dickinson</category><category>dungeon</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>esseles</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>instance</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>republic</category><category>san-diego-comic-con</category><category>san-diego-comic-con-2011</category><category>sdcc</category><category>sdcc-2011</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>walkthrough</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Nuna bites]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events (Real-World)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/07/hb-nuna-1311593434.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
If you happened to be in San Diego this weekend then you may have noticed a large gathering of geekery known as <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/sdcc-2011/">Comic-Con</a>. Usually, this mecca of nerdom focuses on comic book related publications. Although <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> isn't exactly comic book gold, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dark-horse">Dark Horse</a> comics rose through the ranks of pulp royalty because of its vast library of Star Wars-related publications. It only seems right that <em>TOR</em> presents itself to this audience.<br />
<br />
Besides the panel in Comic-Con proper, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> developers hosted three separate question and answer sessions focusing on <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em>. As with most Q&amp;As, the majority of questions asked have been answered already in the past. If you were hanging out in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/darth-hater">Darth Hater</a>'s Ventrilo server like I was during the live broadcasts, then you heard a lot of "We knew that already." That being said, there were some pieces of juicy meat tossed to the crowd that we had not heard before. I will call them nuna bites, and you can find your slice after the break.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Nuna bites</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/">Hyperspace Beacon: Nuna bites</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19998727/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/hyperspace-beacon-nuna-bites/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>AC</category><category>advanced-classes</category><category>BioWare</category><category>companions</category><category>dallas-dickinson</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>endgame</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>georg-zoeller</category><category>Holly-Field</category><category>Ilum</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>mounts</category><category>pet-class</category><category>PvE</category><category>PvP</category><category>rich-vogel</category><category>san-diego</category><category>san-diego-comic-con</category><category>san-diego-comic-con-2011</category><category>sdcc</category><category>sdcc-2011</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>Stephen-Reid</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>vehicle</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Predictions for The Old Republic]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/perfect-ten/" rel="tag">Perfect Ten</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/perfect-ten/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/04/ewok.jpg" style="border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px;" /></a></div>
I'm going to share with you a deep secret about the Massively staff: Pretty much all of us hate <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/editor/larry-everett">Larry</a>. Oh, as a person he's likable enough, and he showers regularly, so no complaints there. He even saved the President's dog once and earned the Merit of Patriotic Pooches. Women swoon at his feet, and men occasionally throw their billfolds at him just so that he can afford to live the luxurious lifestyle that he obviously deserves.<br />
<br />
No, we hate him for a different reason entirely. You see, Larry gets the privilege and honor of being the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> reporter in these here parts, which has earned him no end of envy from the rest of us. Whenever we're all talking about <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>TOR</em></a>, Shawn will come in the room and tell all of us to cut it out -- except Larry. "Larry, it's your job to talk about <em>The Old Republic</em>. Keep on truckin', pal! You're the best!"<br />
<br />
And then Larry sticks his tongue out at us and makes pretend lightsaber noises for an hour or so while we grit our teeth.<br />
<br />
But then I remembered: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/perfect-ten/">I have a top ten column</a>! In which I can talk about anything! And if that subject so happened to be <em>TOR</em>, then for one glorious week I could actually talk about <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare's </a>upcoming MMO without fear of reprisal from upper management! So today is all about my predictions for <em>The Old Republic</em>. Nine of them will come true; one will not. Have fun guessing which one!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Perfect Ten: Predictions for The Old Republic</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/">The Perfect Ten: Predictions for The Old Republic</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19903360/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-perfect-ten-predictions-for-the-old-republic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>bounty-hunter</category><category>chewie</category><category>chuck-norris</category><category>companions</category><category>crafting</category><category>ea-bioware</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>force-user</category><category>george-lucas</category><category>greedo</category><category>han-shot-first</category><category>han-solo</category><category>imperial-agent</category><category>jabba-the-hutt</category><category>jawa</category><category>jawa-jedi</category><category>jedi</category><category>kashyyyk</category><category>larry</category><category>larry-everett</category><category>lightsaber</category><category>luke</category><category>merit-of-patriotic-pooches</category><category>rancor-pit</category><category>return-of-the-jedi</category><category>sarlacc</category><category>smuggler</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>time-travel</category><category>tor</category><category>trooper</category><category>unions</category><category>wedge-antilles</category><category>wookiee</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><category>wow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[PAX East 2011: Hands-on with SWTOR's Taral V]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events (Real-World)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On (Massively's)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-event-coverage/" rel="tag">Events (Massively's Coverage)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/hands-on-taral-v.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
<a href="http://swtor.com">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a><em> was an obvious hit at <a href="http://www.massively.com/tag/pax-east-2011">PAX East</a>. Fans stood in line for hours just to get a chance to touch one of the most anticipated games of this year and to catch a glimpse of Taral V, the first publicly shown Flashpoint. The excitement to be one of the first to get hands on </em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/">SWTOR</a><em> group content was palpable. Our contributing editors <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/editor/larry-everett">Larry Everett</a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/editor/eliot-lefebvre">Eliot Lefebvre</a> scored that opportunity to play the game last Saturday. Read on as our intrepid reporters showcase their experiences in the Star Wars universe. Draw your blaster and ignite your lightsaber as we head to a galaxy far, far away...</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Larry Everett:</strong> There are many things that can distract you from actually playing <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em>. Who wouldn't be distracted by the incredible layered scenery? I'd think the spot-on animations would make you want to attack <em>more</em>, although it is possible that you could attack the wrong target. Perhaps it was the vivid facial expressions that would cause someone to not make a dialogue choice. These have to be the reasons behind the fact that the Jedi Knight on our team completely failed to do his job in one of the most incredibly polished games and easy-to-slide-into games I have have ever played.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>PAX East 2011: Hands-on with SWTOR's Taral V</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/">PAX East 2011: Hands-on with SWTOR's Taral V</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19879371/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/pax-east-2011-hands-on-with-swtors-taral-v/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>dungeon</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>featured</category><category>Flashpoint</category><category>hands-on</category><category>instance</category><category>jedi-knight</category><category>learn-to-tank</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>pax</category><category>pax-2011</category><category>pax-east</category><category>pax-east-2011</category><category>smuggler</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-hands-on</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Sithing up for PAX East]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events (Real-World)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon/" rel="tag">Hyperspace Beacon</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2003/7/23/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/hb-paxeast.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
If you haven't been paying attention, then you wouldn't know that <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is going to make a huge appearance at <a href="http://east.paxsite.com">PAX East</a> this year. However, unlike past appearances, this presentation is all about giving the fans a first-hand experience with the game. The <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> community team has promised Flashpoints, Jedi classes, and origin worlds that the fans can see, hear, touch, and feel. For a fan who has been following the game since before October of 2008, this is far more exciting than any on-stage performance.<br />
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With all of the hoopla, it may be difficult to know every single thing that is going on. And as your guide through the vastness of hyperspace, I should give you a guideline so you do not miss a vital piece of the event. Follow me after the cut for a breakdown of the planned events and some suggestions for things to do while attending <a href="http://www.massively.com/tag/pax-east-2011">PAX</a>.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Sithing up for PAX East</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/">Hyperspace Beacon: Sithing up for PAX East</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19870226/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/hyperspace-beacon-sithing-up-for-pax-east/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>damion-schubert</category><category>daniel-erickson</category><category>david-bass</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>featured</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>Hands-on</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>Jedi</category><category>Jedi-Consular</category><category>Jedi-Knight</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>PAX</category><category>pax-east</category><category>pax-east-2011</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>Stephen-Reid</category><category>SWTOR</category><category>Taral-v</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>TOr</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR says BAM! is the word for today's update]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events (Real-World)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/races/" rel="tag">Races</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://swtor.com/news/news-article/20110304-0"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-pax-east.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
<div>
	Big news exploded from the <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> camp today. We knew <a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> was going to be at <a href="http://east.paxsite.com/">PAX East</a> this year, but we knew nothing of the team's specific plans. In <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news">today's updates</a>, the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> devs not only <a href="http://swtor.com/news/news-article/20110304">revealed more</a> about the Bounty Hunter profession as we predicted from <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/star-wars-the-old-republic-boom-goes-the-bounty-hunter/">yesterday's IGN video reveal</a> but also told us that visitors to their PAX booth would be the first of the general public to play the <a href="http://swtor.com/info/systems/flashpoints">Taral V flashpoint</a>.<br />
	<br />
	The <a href="http://swtor.com/info/holonet/classes/bounty-hunter">Bounty Hunter page</a> has been overhauled to reflect the advanced classes of Powertech and Mercenary. On the <a href="http://swtor.com/info/holonet/starships/d5-mantis">starships page</a>, catch the detailed specs of the Kuat Drive Yards D5-Mantis Patrol Craft -- or the D5-Mantis, for those who think KDYD5MPC is a silly acronym. <a href="http://swtor.com/info/holonet/biographies/mako">Mako</a>, the Nar Shaddaa slicer, was officially revealed as a companion for the Bounty Hunter. Also, don't forget the <a href="http://swtor.com/info/holonet/inhabitants/rattataki">Rattataki species</a> on the inhabitants page.<br />
	<br />
	<em>SWTOR</em> fans who were waiting on endgame reveals will hopefully be going to PAX East this year. You will be able to play a Trooper, Smuggler, Jedi Knight, or Jedi Consular in the Republic Taral V flashpoint, with Lead Designer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/james-ohlen">James Ohlen</a> and Lead Writer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/daniel-erickson">Daniel Erickson</a> in the booth to answer all your questions. While you're at <a href="http://swtor.com/news/news-article/20110304-0">booth 912</a>, don't forget to ask for your invitation to the Community Meet and Greet, which starts directly after the booth closes Saturday night -- the event's at the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1528">Westin Boston Waterfront hotel</a> right next to the convention center.<br />
	<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/">SWTOR Bounty Hunter reveal</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/#3947635"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-bh-image002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/#3947636"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-bh-image003_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/#3947637"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-bh-image004_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/#3947639"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-bh-image005_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/swtor-bounty-hunter-reveal/#3947640"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/swtor-bh-image006_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/">SWTOR says BAM! is the word for today's update</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19868332/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/swtor-says-bam-is-the-word-for-todays-update/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>advanced-classes</category><category>BioWare</category><category>bounty-hunter</category><category>class</category><category>classes</category><category>companions</category><category>daniel-erickson</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>Flashpoint</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>PAX</category><category>PAX-East</category><category>PAX-East-2011</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>starship</category><category>starships</category><category>swtor</category><category>Taral-V</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR dev builds mini-movies in Flashpoints]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/blog/20110204"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/flashpoints.jpg" /></a></div>
We all know <a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> is acclaimed for the presentation of its games. Single-player games like <a href="http://www.bioware.com/games/knights_old_republic/"><em>Knights of the Old Republic</em></a>, <a href="http://masseffect.com"><em>Mass Effect</em></a>, and <a href="http://dragonage.com"><em>DragonAge</em></a> have a way of capturing a player and immersing him in the world. How many of you have ever wondered what it would be like to invite your friends along for a ride on a BioWare game, too? This could be the key reason BioWare decided to make <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/systems/flashpoints">Flashpoints</a> in <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/jesse-sky/">Jesse Sky</a> is a world designer at BioWare Austin. In the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/blog/20110204">most resent developers blog</a> for <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a>, he details what it takes to build a Flashpoint. He explains that it's not all about getting to the next boss fight: "<em>Fighting through legions of enemies is part of what makes the cooperative gameplay feel heroic, but we find it helps if your enemies do more than just stand around waiting to be attacked.</em>" According to Sky, many players have run dungeons that have them wondering why they are there, with no sense of purpose. "<em>We want you to feel like you are the heroes in a Star Wars action sequence, but we also want to give you opportunities to roleplay with your friends</em>." Sky indicates again that <em>SWTOR</em>'s emphasis is not only making a great game but also making a great story.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read <a href="http://www.swtor.com/news/blog/20110204">the whole developers blog</a> on the official <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em> website.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/">SWTOR dev builds mini-movies in Flashpoints</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19828891/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/swtor-dev-builds-mini-movies-in-flashpoints/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>BioWare-has-got-story</category><category>developer-blog</category><category>developer-diary</category><category>dungeon</category><category>dungeons</category><category>ea</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>flashpoints</category><category>instance</category><category>instances</category><category>Jesse-Sky</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>world-design</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[[Updated] SWTOR unveils the Taral V flashpoint]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/trailers/" rel="tag">Trailers</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/starwarstheoldrepublic/video/6288055?hd=1"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/01/f-yeahayoda.jpg" /></a></div>
We've been told about <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> flashpoints for over a year now, since the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/developer-walkthrough">Developer Walkthrough</a>, but no one outside of <a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> has seen, touched, or really known anything about them -- until today. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com">Gamespot</a> was lucky enough to land <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/starwarstheoldrepublic/video/6288055?hd=1">the first glimpse</a> into one of the Republic flashpoints: Taral V.<br />
<br />
This 90-minute story arc within <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> was summed up in a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/starwarstheoldrepublic/news.html?sid=6287811&amp;mode=previews">subsequent interview with Jesse Sky</a>, World Designer for <em>SWTOR</em>. A powerful Jedi is being held prisoner inside a nebula, and only one specific computer can navigate the maelstrom. Sky highlights the flashpoint like so: "<em>Your mission is to infiltrate the hidden Imperial fortress on Taral V and recover this computer. Success will mean that the Republic fleet can launch an assault on the prison where you can, perhaps, rescue the Jedi prisoner.</em>"<br />
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For more on the interview with Jesse Sky, you can run over to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/starwarstheoldrepublic/news.html?sid=6287811&amp;mode=previews">Gamespot</a> or follow after the break right here on Massively for the full Taral V video.<br />
<br />
<strong>[Update: The official <em>SWTOR</em> website has added a </strong><a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/systems/flashpoints"><strong>new section for Flashpoints</strong></a><strong> including four other instances besides Taral V. We also updated the video so it does not have the three minutes of nothing at the end.]</strong><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>[Updated] SWTOR unveils the Taral V flashpoint</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/">[Updated] SWTOR unveils the Taral V flashpoint</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19818910/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/swtor-unveils-the-taral-v-flashpoint/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>BioWare</category><category>EA</category><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>endgame</category><category>endgame-content</category><category>flashpoint</category><category>Jesse-Sky</category><category>LucasArts</category><category>Star-Wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>Taral-V</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>