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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Seven things I learned while writing about SWTOR]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/#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/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;"><img data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="689000" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/b7878a3a354bb05e200240649642e9ba/201470011/hsb-header-2015-seven-lessons.jpg" alt="" /></div>
This travel through hyperspace cannot be compared to anything else. Not many people get an opportunity to work on something they love professionally, like my writing about <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>. With Massively as we know it coming to an end, it's time to say goodbye to this passenger.<br />
<br />
Before I actually say my final farewell to Massively, I'd like to leave you, fans of Massively and the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hyperspace-beacon">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, with a list of things that I've learned from writing this column.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Seven things I learned while writing about SWTOR</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/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/">Hyperspace Beacon: Seven things I learned while writing about SWTOR</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 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/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21136356/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/hyperspace-beacon-seven-things-i-learned-while-writing-about-sw/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>goodbye</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>savejoystiq</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>Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR dishes out punishment for a major exploit]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/#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/endgame/" rel="tag">Endgame</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/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/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit"><img alt="Ravagers" data-credit="Pretty Little Sith" data-mep="691486" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/a0bb7122824e7219791cae7a6e523686/201480465/mv-ravagers.jpg" /></a></div>
Last last week, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/eric-musco">Eric Musco</a> wrote a detailed post regarding a recent exploit that's plagued the PvE endgame for <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, explaining the planned punishments and the team's reasoning behind them.<br />
<br />
"We didn't take these actions lightly," Musco posts, "and reviewed every account to determine where we could be lenient. From our end, this was a no win situation. We feel responsible for allowing the exploit to occur and remain in the game for an unreasonable length of time, but we also cannot and will not condone cheating."<br />
<br />
Penalties applied to the affected accounts ranged from a warning and one day ban to even full and permanent suspensions. Musco finished up the post by encouraging players to continue to report potential exploits as soon as they are found.<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/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/">SWTOR dishes out punishment for a major exploit</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 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/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21137227/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/swtor-dishes-out-punishment-for-a-major-exploit/#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>eric-musco</category><category>exploit</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>operations</category><category>pve</category><category>raids</category><category>ravagers</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>Sat, 31 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Examining SWTOR's producer letter]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/#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/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</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/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Let's take apart SWTOR's producer letter" data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="683955" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/56c5d12163a211d6ba6a3bb0a823e1ba/201453102/hsb-header-2015-ziost.jpg" /></a></div>
At the community cantina that <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> held this past weekend at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/pax-south-2015/">PAX South</a>, community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/eric-musco/">Eric Musco</a> said that the community team was going to do something different in 2015 during the cantinas. He said that he wanted to reveal some tidbit at each and every event. And this cantina yielded us an early look at Producer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bruce-maclean/">Bruce Maclean</a>'s <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/">roadmap letter</a> to the community.<br />
<br />
In the letter, he talks about where the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> story will take us, what's on the horizon for flashpoints, personal stories, planets, and the outfit designer. But what is all this new stuff, and should it get people excited about the coming year? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for that. If you play for similar reasons as I do, then there is plenty to be excited about. However, there are certain players, like PvPers, who might be a little frustrated by what they are seeing and not seeing in the letter.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Examining SWTOR's producer letter</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/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/">Hyperspace Beacon: Examining SWTOR's producer letter</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 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/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21134817/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyperspace-beacon-examining-swtors-producer-letter/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>bruce-maclean</category><category>con</category><category>convention</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>event</category><category>event-coverage</category><category>events</category><category>expo</category><category>featured</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>massively-event-coverage</category><category>opinion</category><category>outfit-designer</category><category>pax</category><category>pax-2015</category><category>pax-south</category><category>pax-south-2015</category><category>penny-arcade-expo</category><category>pvp</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>ziost</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[PAX South 2015: SWTOR reveals its plans for this year]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/#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/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</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/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year"><img alt="Pax South 2015: SWTOR reveals its plan for the year" data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="681909" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/95777c4fe90944558ebc1580a6e6f101/201445389/SWTOR_ShaeVizlaArmor_WP_02-530xp.jpg" /></a></div>
When <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/eric-musco/">Eric Musco</a>, the <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> community manager, took the stage at the Community cantina last night at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/pax-south-2015/">PAX South</a>, he revealed that in 2015 the team wants to do something a bit different with this and future cantina crawl events. In the past, it has been policy not to reveal anything at the cantinas; they were intended to be social events where players could get some face-time with the developers of the game that they both enjoyed. However, going forward, the community and development teams have decided that each cantina <em>will</em> reveal that had not been mentioned before.<br />
<br />
The reveal at this weekend's cantina came in the form of the yet-to-be-published producer's letter by <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bruce-maclean/">Bruce Maclean</a>. The completely made-up story is that it was stolen from his computer while he wasn't looking and printed out to share with us at the cantina.<br />
<br />
After the break, you'll find a copy of that letter as it was dictated to cantina goers. The caveat, of course, is that this is not the final version of the letter that will appear on the official site in two weeks, so everything is subject to change.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>PAX South 2015: SWTOR reveals its plans for this year</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/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/">PAX South 2015: SWTOR reveals its plans for this year</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sat, 24 Jan 2015 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/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21134314/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/pax-south-2015-swtor-reveals-its-plans-for-this-year/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>bruce-maclean</category><category>community-cantina-tour</category><category>con</category><category>convention</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>event</category><category>event-coverage</category><category>events</category><category>expo</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>massively-event-coverage</category><category>pax</category><category>pax-2015</category><category>pax-south</category><category>pax-south-2015</category><category>penny-arcade-expo</category><category>producers-letter</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>Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR Q&amp;A mentions 12x, soloable flashpoints]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-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/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/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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="679184" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/3b0c582e53eef8cef4f29534218d335f/201437716/swtor.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Werit has posted <a href="http://www.weritsblog.com/2015/01/swtor-q-answers.html">a Q&amp;A</a> with <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> community team. It touches on the well-received 12x experience boost, which <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> says it will be discussing "later this year." There's also a bit about making older flashpoints soloable and while BioWare says it doesn't want to make all group content accessible to single players, it does have "some major story moments that [it] would like every player to see."<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/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/">SWTOR Q&amp;A mentions 12x, soloable flashpoints</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:30:00 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/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21133637/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/swtor-qanda-mentions-12x-soloable-flashpoints/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>grind</category><category>lucasarts</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[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic will address balance and ranked PvP for update 3.1]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/#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/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/subscription/" rel="tag">Subscription</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp"><img alt="Locked in mortal staffblade combat, as always." data-credit="BioWare" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/98f05d241bbb744f476d7000bc134d4c/201403543/swtor-31stuff-epl-116.jpg" data-mep="667640" /></a></div>
<em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em> is launching update 3.1 in about a month, and the developers are using this patch to address some standing issues.  The patch also <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7954707#edit7954707">kicks off the game's fourth ranked play season</a>, which is scheduled to last about three months.  This season will be used as the basis for some new ranked play adjustments, such as implementing a "floor" rating for picking up the lowest-tier season rewards in Season 5.  The season's titles will also be class-specific based on forum feedback.<br />
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Designers are also looking into balancing classes, starting with <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7954603#edit7954603">the Darkness Assassin and the Kinetic Combat Shadow</a>, addressing issues with survivability and damage in the class.  If you've been feeling squishier or less resilient or noticed oddities with abilities, you can take part in the thread yourself.  Early versions of these changes have <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7954535#edit7954535">already been rolled out to the test servers</a> for the coming update.<br />
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[Thanks to Mikey Moo 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/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/">Star Wars: The Old Republic will address balance and ranked PvP for update 3.1</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 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/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21130731/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-address-balance-and-ranked-pvp/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>balance</category><category>bioware</category><category>class</category><category>classes</category><category>competition</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>game-balance</category><category>game-mechanics</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>mechanics</category><category>news</category><category>news-items</category><category>patch</category><category>patches</category><category>ranked-play</category><category>ranked-pvp</category><category>ranked-seasons</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</category><category>updates</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Handling SWTOR exploits]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/#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/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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Handling SWTOR Exploits" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="659026" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/7753588650a2841fd4b91cac756233e9/201375948/hsb-header-2015-exploits.jpg" /></a></div>
On this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Hyperspace-Beacon/">Hyperspace Beacon</a>, I'd like to discuss the exploit issues that have popped up in <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> as of late. Admittedly, the widespread exploit that <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>SWTOR</em></a> recently experienced wasn't gamebreaking, and it certainly didn't fracture the economy as exploits in other games have. In fact, I don't even think that a rollback or anything severe was even considered for this particular exploit. However, the community team mentioned some things in its handling of the situation that made me wonder about exploits and cheats that violate the intent of the game designers.<br />
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I don't know that I will have all the answers in regard to how to handle specific situations, but I really intend for this to be a conversation starter. I want to read your thoughts in the comments.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Handling SWTOR exploits</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/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/">Hyperspace Beacon: Handling SWTOR exploits</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 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/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21128362/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/hyperspace-beacon-handling-swtor-exploits/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>corellian-run-radio</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>exploits</category><category>featured</category><category>heather-pretty-little-sith</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>ootinicast</category><category>opinion</category><category>Redna</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, 13 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR devs looking at lag issues, prepping 3.0.2 and 3.1 updates]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/#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/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;"><img data-credit="BioWare" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/410450edf7473f80ed054bdd67809815/201364531/SWTOR_SoR_SS5_1600x900.jpg" data-mep="656100" alt="" /></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> reps are all over <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> official forums as the week winds down. Thus far we've gotten an announcement about the game's <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7936708#edit7936708">3.0.2 update</a> which is scheduled to go live on January 13th. We also got a heads-up regarding the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7932754#edit7932754">3.1 update</a> currently on the test server.<br />
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Finally, community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/eric-musco">Eric Musco</a> chimed in with a lengthy post detailing what BioWare is doing about the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7936942#post7936942">prominent lag issues</a> introduced with game update 3.0.<br />
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[Thanks Mikey Moo!]<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/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/">SWTOR devs looking at lag issues, prepping 3.0.2 and 3.1 updates</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:30:00 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/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21127670/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/swtor-devs-looking-at-lag-issues-prepping-3-0-2-and-3-1-updates/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</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[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Five SWTOR predictions for 2015]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR predictions for 2015 " data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="636587" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/c7fa6236242afb4b4eaca4e6546c7f96/201309588/HB-header-2014-2015-predictions.jpg" /></a></div>
It's that time again to make my educated guesses on what <a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> will attempt to accomplish in the coming year with <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>. In <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/">the last Hyperspace Beacon</a>, I gave my grade card for how I think 2014 went, but now I extinguish the Force ghost of Christmas past and get a visit from the blue-glowy of Christmas yet to come.<br />
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I don't always get everything right, but I like to make a guess anyway. When you've finished reading my predictions, let's continue the discussion in the comments. I want to hear your thoughts as well.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Five SWTOR predictions for 2015</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/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/">Hyperspace Beacon: Five SWTOR predictions for 2015</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 30 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21122155/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/hyperspace-beacon-five-swtor-predictions-for-2015/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>featured</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</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-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrate SWTOR's sacred Life Day by launching frozen orbs of water at each other]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/#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-in-game/" rel="tag">Events (In-Game)</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa"><img alt="swtor" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/a92e058a7dc2ee6b1ff4e852be632d13/201257833/lifeday.jpg" data-mep="619033" /></a></div>
If there's a Christmasy holiday in MMOs these days, you can bet your bottom credit that there will be a snowball fight somewhere in it.  Apparently, MMO developers worldwide got together in 2009 and signed a sacred pact to feature snowball fights in all of their games in December.  And so it is with <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> and this year's Life Day.<br />
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<em>SWTOR's</em> <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/in-game-events?sf34732224=1">Life Day celebration</a> begins today and will go through January 6th.  It will feature snowball fights that have a chance of awarding parcels that can be traded for rewards, grumpy parcel droids that need a good cooling off, and several new cash shop items including a mini Wampa pet.<br />
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Get in the spirit of Life Day <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRrm59Z_0w4">by listening to Princess Leia's legendary song</a> from the Star Wars Holiday Special and downing some Wookie eggnog.<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/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/">Celebrate SWTOR's sacred Life Day by launching frozen orbs of water at each other</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21117143/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/celebrate-swtors-sacred-life-day-by-launching-frozen-orbs-of-wa/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>christmas</category><category>christmas-2014</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>holiday</category><category>lucasarts</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>winter-2014</category><category>winter-holiday</category><category>winter-holidays</category><category>winter-holidays-2014</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2014 14:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's 2014 report card]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/#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-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/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/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/roleplaying/" rel="tag">Roleplaying</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;"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's 2014 report card" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="616619" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/30698dd48167ceb1260c36957d000cfc/201250441/HB-header-2014-report-card.jpg" /></div>
In 1996, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/richard-bartle">Richard Bartle</a> published a study of MMO gamers that eventually led to his 2003 book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Virtual-Worlds-Richard-Bartle/dp/0131018167">Designing Virtual Worlds</a>, which was at the time the de facto MMO genre's design bible. Of course, this was before <a href="http://worldofwarcraft.com"><em>World of Warcraft</em></a> hit the scene, but many of the principles Bartle laid out still hold true. In fact, if you don't believe me, take it yourself: <a href="http://www.gamerdna.com/quizzes/bartle-test-of-gamer-psychology">GamerDNA</a> still has an online test based on the Bartle study.<br />
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Bartle categorized players based on their interests in the game; I would like to do the same this year as I did last year for <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> since it's a good way to measure the game against the average expectations of certain types of players. Bartle divides us all into Achievers, Socializers, Explorers, and Killers. I'll explain what each of those means as I discuss the different aspects of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>SWTOR</em></a>. If you know what that means and so you have a point of reference, my profile is SEAK, which means that I interact with all types of players.<br />
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For fun, I've added a grade-card-style of rating system: A, B, C, D, or F. Just remember the information I give about that score counts for more than the score itself.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's 2014 report card</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/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/">Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's 2014 report card</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21116453/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-2014-report-card/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bartle</category><category>bartle-test</category><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>report-card</category><category>richard-bartle</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>year-end-report</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you fill out MMO cancellation surveys?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/#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/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="608581" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/5ca0517f93dd75e98e6808ab2f7f0328/201227490/swtor.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
I cancelled my <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> subscription this week. Given my history with the game I'm sure it's only temporary, but for now I got what I needed out of the 12x event and I'm off to greener pastures.<br />
<br />
I told <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> as much in the post-cancel survey thing, too, but I seriously doubt it'll be removing the gear grind just for me! What about you, Massively readers? Do you think cancellation surveys are a formality? Do you fill them out?<br />
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<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/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/">The Daily Grind: Do you fill out MMO cancellation surveys?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 11 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21114481/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-fill-out-cancellation-surveys/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>daily-grind</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>gear-grind</category><category>grind</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>tdg</category><category>the-daily-grind</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR turning three, giving away anniversary decor]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/#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-in-game/" rel="tag">Events (In-Game)</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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/anniversary/" rel="tag">Anniversaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/housing/" rel="tag">Housing</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="608685" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/960344c610c3360eab28e6985e3ad212/201227866/3rdAnniversary_ScreenBG_02.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is turning three this month, and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> is celebrating by making the game's Coruscant and Dromund Kaas Stronghold housing instances available for three credits.<br />
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Which isn't as cool as it sounds, since their normal 5,000 credit price is pocket change that you can earn in 30 seconds. But hey, three! Fortunately the devs are doing something else that is actually cool. Namely, they're giving away <a href="http://www.swtor.com/anniversary">slick-looking decor</a> for your player house including a holographic projection of the galaxy, paintings, and a fireworks launcher.<br />
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You can pick these up at the Anniversary Personnel vendor in the Strongholds area of the Fleet from December 16th through January 13th<em>.</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/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/">SWTOR turning three, giving away anniversary decor</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21114530/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/swtor-turning-three-giving-away-anniversary-decor/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>anniversary</category><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>housing</category><category>how-about-the-tatooine-house-for-3-credits</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-anniversary</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR releases Shadow of Revan trailer to celebrate official launch]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/#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/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/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/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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau"><img alt="SWTOR" data-credit="SWTOR" data-mep="605457" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/656a2571c0e680bde7e69b9d8d9dc630/201219372/ss-revan-master-plan.jpg" /></a></div>
Early access for <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>'s <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Shadow-of-Revan/">Shadow of Revan</a></em> expansion technically opened last week, but for non-subscribers, the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/press-release/20141209">formal digital launch date is today</a>. Predictably, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> has released a <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/article/20141209">new trailer</a> to coincide with the official launch. Spoilers: Revan, lightsabers, ominous proclamations, etc.<br />
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Massively's Larry Everett <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/">explored the plotline</a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/">soloability</a> of the expansion in his column last week. Enjoy the trailer below.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SWTOR releases Shadow of Revan trailer to celebrate official launch</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/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/">SWTOR releases Shadow of Revan trailer to celebrate official launch</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 09 Dec 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/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21005041/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/swtor-releases-shadow-of-revan-trailer-to-celebrate-official-lau/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>trailer</category><category>trailers</category><category>video</category><category>videos</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic axes skill training costs]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/#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/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/"><img alt="swtor" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="601176" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/98cf2559b546a902570e0e1313212f02/201204759/hyper.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> penny-pinchers rejoice, for the oppressive tyranny of skill costs <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7848903#post7848903">are about to become history</a>. In a post on the forums this afternoon, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> announced that it will be abandoning skill training costs as of next week.<br />
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"One thing has become clear from the player feedback in not only this thread, but since launch: players do not like training costs. It is a situation where every level you will see your hard earned credits go to a holographic Hutt doctor in order to make yourself a bit stronger. We have been talking about this topic internally for quite some time and when you add player feedback to the mix one thing becomes clear... We should make training costs a thing of the past," the studio said.<br />
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[Thanks to the five million people who sent this tip in!]<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/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/">Star Wars: The Old Republic axes skill training costs</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sat, 06 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21003664/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/star-wars-the-old-republic-axes-skill-training-costs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>economy</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>skill</category><category>skill-cost</category><category>skill-training-cost</category><category>skills</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>training-costs</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Soloing through SWTOR's Shadow of Revan]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/#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/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/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On</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/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan"><img alt="Impressions of soloing through SWTOR: Shadow of Revan" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="597556" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/870275321560fe54deac5635f53ea8d9/201195945/revan-and-army.jpg" /></a></div>
Some people question how you can be a solo player in an MMO. To be honest, I, too, question how someone can do the whole game solo, but I do understand the desire to experience the game at your own pace. I believe the creators of <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> understand this, too. Game director <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/james-ohlen">James Ohlen</a> said that the biggest thing players wanted was the continuation of <em>Knights of the Old Republic</em> 1 and 2. Although part of the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a> story did continue the Revan and Exile stories, a lot of players haven't even touched on that storyline.<br />
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In a multiplayer game, it's hard sometimes to experience the story solo with all the group-only material. However, <a href="http://swtor.com/shadow-of-revan/"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> creates an amazing opportunity for the solo MMO player to really experience the full story it has to offer.<br />
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Fair warning: I will not spoil major plot points for the expansion, but I will reveal some key characters in order to talk you through this leveling experience.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Soloing through SWTOR's Shadow of Revan</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/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/">Soloing through SWTOR's Shadow of Revan</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 05 Dec 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/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21002952/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/soloing-through-swtors-shadow-of-revan/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>freemium</category><category>hands-on</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>microtransaction</category><category>microtransactions</category><category>opinion</category><category>premium</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>solo-content</category><category>solo-flashpoints</category><category>solo-leveling</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>Fri, 05 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pick up a SWTOR stronghold for practically nothing]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/#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/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/anniversary/" rel="tag">Anniversaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/housing/" rel="tag">Housing</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing"><img alt="swtor" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="597401" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/c3e0b0dccee42f1f20d9dec774a91a13/201195431/cor.jpg" /></a></div>
If you haven't planted roots in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> strongholds or are on a quest to collect them all, then <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> has a nice surprise for you. <a href="http://www.swtor.com/patchnotes/1222014/game-update-3.0-shadow-revan-early-access">Buried in the patch notes</a> for this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadows of Revan</em></a> expansion is an announcement that the studio is selling two of its strongholds for a pittance.<br />
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"To celebrate our impending 3rd anniversary, the Dromund Kaas and Coruscant Strongholds are now available for three credits!" BioWare posted.  Typically, these strongholds go for 5,000 credits or 50 cartel coins.<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/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/">Pick up a SWTOR stronghold for practically nothing</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21002908/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/pick-up-a-swtor-stronghold-for-practically-nothing/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3rd-anniversary</category><category>anniversary</category><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>giveaway</category><category>housing</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>player-housing</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadows-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>stronghold</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leaderboard: Are you playing Shadow of Revan this week?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/#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/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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/leaderboard/" rel="tag">Leaderboard</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="591445" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/82bd1a7daaf02ce7edad6da9897064e7/201182240/keyart_854x480.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> latest expansion debuts this week, and it brings with it quite a bit of new content. There are of course five additional levels and a few new skills to go along with all the discipline-based class changes. And there are two new planets (Rishi and Yavin IV) along with new story and leveling content.<br />
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Is that enough to pique your interest? Are you playing <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> this week? Vote after the cut, and let us know what you think either way!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Leaderboard: Are you playing Shadow of Revan this week?</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/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/">Leaderboard: Are you playing Shadow of Revan this week?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21001812/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/leaderboard-are-you-playing-shadow-of-revan-this-week/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>battle-royal</category><category>bioware</category><category>classes</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>leaderboard</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>mmo-story</category><category>one-on-one</category><category>one-vs-one</category><category>opinion</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</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>versus</category><category>vote</category><category>votes</category><category>voting</category><category>vs</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/#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/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/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/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/roleplaying/" rel="tag">Roleplaying</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/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Playing the Shadow of Revan" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="588916" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/98b5a5c744a4e299f229c3c7b5ed0b73/201172907/HB-playing-shadow-of-revan.jpg" /></div>
When I was first introduced to the expansion for <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, there were two things I wanted to see: the continuation of the class story and Yavin 4. And I'm happy to say that this expansion delivered both of those in a satisfying way. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/bioware-on-swtors-revan-expansion-upcoming-species-and-class/">When I spoke</a> to studio game director <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/james-ohlen/">James Ohlen</a> and lead writer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/charles-boyd/">Charles Boyd</a> about the expansion a few weeks ago, they told me that <a href="http://www.swtor.com/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> would close one major chapter and open a new book for <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a>. After seeing the expansion, I have to agree that <em>Shadow of Revan</em> does put a great cap on a class stories and opens the door for an exciting future for the game.<br />
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I don't want to give you the impression that everything in the expansion is exactly what I wanted, though. There is a surprising lack of exploration, the amount of content fell short, and parts of the maps felt slapped together. The screenshots depict beautiful scenes, but sometimes form outweighs function.<br />
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Before I continue, I feel obligated to tell you that there are spoilers of previous content in this piece, but the important parts of the new content will remain unspoiled.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan</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/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/">Hyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 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/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21000972/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>charles-boyd</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>expansion</category><category>featured</category><category>First-Impressions</category><category>hands-on</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>james-ohlen</category><category>launch</category><category>launch-day</category><category>launches</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>revan</category><category>rishi</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>Yavin-IV</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Here are some screens from SWTOR's new planet]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/#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/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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="589633" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/652e13495da35735f21e3b500bd385ab/201176265/places_3_854x480.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> website has updated with a new developer blog called <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141201">Rishi: Places of Interest</a>. Actually, let me back up. It's not really a developer blog, even though it's listed in the site's developer blog section.<br />
<br />
It's actually something of an in-character journal/travel log, but don't worry if you're not a roleplayer. You can still look at the pretty screenshots that focus on points of interest around the planet Rishi, which debuts in this month's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion.<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/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/">Here are some screens from SWTOR's new planet</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 17:00:00 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/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21001197/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/here-are-some-screens-from-swtors-new-planet/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>rishi</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>would-rather-have-screens-of-risha</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stream Team: Gorging on SWTOR's XP bonus for the holiday]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/#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/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/livestream/" rel="tag">Livestream</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-stream-team/" rel="tag">The Stream Team</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday"><img data-credit="MJ Guthrie" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="581108" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/9295d14e9999a790de271a2566c58a37/201147004/TOR+11-26-14.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Last week Massively's MJ showed what <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/duodecuple">duodecupled</a> experience rush can do: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/">two levels in one cutscene</a>! But the 12X XP bonus is not over yet, and her level can only skyrocket once she has a speeder to get around on. To take advantage of this final week of bonus, MJ is diving back into the dark side with the aim of getting her Sith through a planet or two's worth of story. Can she keep up the evil on her Inquisitor? Join us live at 9:00 p.m. and see just how many levels she can get this hour!<br />
<br />
<strong>Game:</strong> <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em><br />
<strong>Host:</strong> MJ Guthrie<br />
<strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, November 27th, 2014<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 9:00 p.m. EST<br />
<br />
Enjoy our Stream Team video below.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Stream Team: Gorging on SWTOR's XP bonus for the holiday</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/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/">The Stream Team: Gorging on SWTOR's XP bonus for the holiday</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:00:00 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/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20998814/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/the-stream-team-gorging-on-swtors-xp-bonus-for-the-holiday/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>12x-xp-bonus</category><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>livestream</category><category>livestreaming</category><category>livestreams</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>massively-meta</category><category>massively-tv</category><category>MJ-Guthrie-livestream</category><category>mv-tv</category><category>mvtv</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>stream</category><category>stream-team</category><category>streaming</category><category>streamteam</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>the-stream-team</category><category>tor</category><category>twitch</category><category>twitch-tv</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR players love that butt-ugly black-yellow lightsaber blade]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/#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/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/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="584530" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/5cb6c40e65d316bb8aa7e4386eec7dcb/201155126/buttugly.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> has released another <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> dev blog focused on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> class changes. This time, <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141126?sf34093748=1">Scoundrels and Operatives</a> take center stage.<br />
<br />
The firm has also published one of those really long infographic things that gives your scroll wheel a workout. Among the stats are the number of active players (one million), the number of PvP kills since launch (1,790,161,866), and the game's most popular lightsaber crystal (that godawful yellow-with-a-black-center debacle).<br />
<br />
Click past the cut to see all the numbers!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SWTOR players love that butt-ugly black-yellow lightsaber blade</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/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/">SWTOR players love that butt-ugly black-yellow lightsaber blade</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:45:00 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/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20999575/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/swtor-players-love-that-butt-ugly-black-yellow-lightsaber-blade/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>infographic</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>operative</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>scoundrel</category><category>scoundrel-i-like-the-sound-of-that</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-infographic</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:45:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic explains 3.0's Sniper and Gunslinger]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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/subscription/" rel="tag">Subscription</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger"><img alt="Keeping it at arm's length." data-credit="BioWare" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/79c363a815f5a5d60822b6cf19772236/201147755/swtor-gunslinger-epl-1125.jpg" data-mep="581435" /></a></div>
<em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em> finishes up its series examining the class changes coming with the 3.0 update today with <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141125">the Sniper and the Gunslinger</a>.  Why were those two the last on the list?  Probably because they were hiding way in the back.  That's sort of how they do things.  As both of the base classes (Smuggler and Imperial Agent) have seen some significant changes, some of the changes to Snipers and Gunslingers focus around keeping the core utility of the advanced classes while removing unnecessary or superfluous buttons.<br />
<br />
Sharpshooter/Marksmanship are fairly unchanged from their current incarnations, save for a new ability replacing an older ability in regular rotation.  Engineer/Saboteur is largely unchained, but the changes to abilities should produce smoother overall rotations.  Last but not least, Virulence/Dirty Fighting specialties both gain a new ability that functionally replaces an older option and a new passive ability to spread damage over time.  Check out the details on the new tricks on <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141125">the official development blog</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/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/">Star Wars: The Old Republic explains 3.0's Sniper and Gunslinger</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20998911/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/star-wars-the-old-republic-explains-3-0s-sniper-and-gunslinger/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>abilities</category><category>bioware</category><category>changes</category><category>class</category><category>class-abilities</category><category>class-changes</category><category>classes</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>expansion</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>gunslinger</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>news</category><category>news-items</category><category>patch</category><category>patches</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>sniper</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</category><category>updates</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Revan Returns trailer has a lot of Revans in it]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/#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/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/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="579354" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/751638103a8e8d798727c175d022c0c7/201141788/revan.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
How many times can you say Revan inside of a minute? Quite a few, if the latest <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> expansion trailer is any indication. It's called Revan Returns, and it's all about the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion slated to launched on December 9th. Click past the cut to have a look!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SWTOR's Revan Returns trailer has a lot of Revans in it</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/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/">SWTOR's Revan Returns trailer has a lot of Revans in it</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20998387/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/swtors-revan-returns-trailer-has-a-lot-of-revans-in-it/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>revan</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</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[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic hit by DDoS attacks]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/#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/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/subscription/" rel="tag">Subscription</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks"><img alt="Gosh, we're all super impressed." data-credit="BioWare" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/7508a29fe226ae94a184caa52de3764a/201137976/swtor-ddos-epl-1124.jpg" data-mep="578003" /></a></div>
If you were playing <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Star-Wars-The-Old-Republic/">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em> yesterday, you may very well have been hit with some lag and disconnections.  The good news is that it's not a problem with your ISP; the bad news is that it appears to be yet another installment in the ongoing saga of irritating twits with nothing better to do than try to damage servers.  Yes, it looks like <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/swtor/comments/2n7bhp/servers_down/cmb0eql">this was another DDoS attack</a>.<br />
<br />
Community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Eric-Musco/">Eric Musco</a>'s <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7818978&amp;posted=1#post7818978">last update on Sunday night</a> indicates that most of the issues <em>should</em> be resolved now, but it's possible that players may still experience intermittent connection difficulties.  The representatives from <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/BioWare/">BioWare</a> have not officially stated that it was a DDoS attack, but it lines up perfectly with a DDoS attack made against <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Electronic-Arts/">Electronic Arts</a> servers, <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/swtor/comments/2n7bhp/servers_down/cmb0eql">leading to the accepted conclusion</a>.<br />
<br />
[Thanks to Leiloni 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/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/">Star Wars: The Old Republic hit by DDoS attacks</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 24 Nov 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/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20998046/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-hit-by-ddos-attacks/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ddos</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>news</category><category>news-items</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>server</category><category>server-issues</category><category>servers</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>troll</category><category>trollwads</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What does your scariest avatar look like?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/#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/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="576970" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/10467248ef0d99e6daa60425a9478c3b/201134521/darth.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
I don't generally roll evil characters, but in service of chasing some <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> legacy achievements, I made that dude up there in the header. He's not particularly fun to play, given his despicable dark side acts, but at least he provided me with a Daily Grind topic.<br />
<br />
What about you, Massively readers? What does your scariest avatar look like?<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/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/">The Daily Grind: What does your scariest avatar look like?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20997813/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/the-daily-grind-what-does-your-scariest-avatar-look-like/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>daily-grind</category><category>dark-side</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>evil</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>sith</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, 24 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Soapbox: In praise of SWTOR's 12X experience]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/#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/events-in-game/" rel="tag">Events (In-Game)</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/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/roleplaying/" rel="tag">Roleplaying</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/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="571977" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/9838759592be06be3a78ebba953fdfef/201120331/heroheader.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
It's taken 12 times the normal XP rate, but <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is finally my main MMO (at least for another week or so). Well, OK, it's also taken a series of spectacularly ill-considered decisions by <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/xl-games">XLGAMES</a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/trion">Trion</a>, but that's a rant for another day.<br />
<br />
I've been playing SWTOR quite a lot over the past month since <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare's</a> subscriber-only pre-expansion boost has cut all of the godawful grindpark garbage right out of a galaxy far, far away. Too bad it's just a temporary fix, though -- here's hoping that the devs give veterans the option of keeping the XP bonus long after December 1st.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Soapbox: In praise of SWTOR's 12X experience</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/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/">The Soapbox: In praise of SWTOR's 12X experience</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 21 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20996450/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/the-soapbox-in-praise-of-swtors-12x-experience/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>editorial</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>grind</category><category>grindpark</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>mmo-story</category><category>mmo-travelogue</category><category>op-ed</category><category>opinion</category><category>rant</category><category>rants</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>soapbox</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>story</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-impressions</category><category>swtor-jef-reahard</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>the-soapbox</category><category>themepark</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stream Team:  Experiencing SWTOR's massive XP bonus]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/#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/star-wars-the-old-republic/" rel="tag">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/livestream/" rel="tag">Livestream</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-stream-team/" rel="tag">The Stream Team</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus"><img data-credit="MJ Guthrie" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="567536" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/3467fa562ded16bd4f78d7a4f9057d84/201106582/SW+11-20-14.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
If you're a fan of <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em>, you likely already know about the 12x story line experience boost that subscribers who preorder the <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan">Shadow of Revan</a></em> expansion get. But have you <em>seen</em> it? Massively's MJ dives into something new -- the Imperial side -- in order to show just how fast a character can level with this promotion. You seriously have to see it to believe it! And to spice things up a bit, MJ will also try to fall to the Dark Side. Can she manage to channel some evil? Join us live at 8:00 p.m. to clock how fast this little force user blasts through her early levels.<br />
<br />
<strong>Game: </strong> <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em><br />
<strong>Host:</strong> MJ Guthrie<br />
<strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, November 20th, 2014<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 8:00 p.m. EST<br />
<br />
Enjoy our Stream Team video below.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Stream Team:  Experiencing SWTOR's massive XP bonus</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/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/">The Stream Team:  Experiencing SWTOR's massive XP bonus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:00:00 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/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20992912/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-stream-team-experiencing-swtors-massive-xp-bonus/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>experience-boost</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>livestream</category><category>livestreaming</category><category>livestreams</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>massively-meta</category><category>massively-tv</category><category>MJ-Guthrie-livestream</category><category>mv-tv</category><category>mvtv</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>speed-leveling</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>stream</category><category>stream-team</category><category>streaming</category><category>streamteam</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>the-stream-team</category><category>tor</category><category>twitch</category><category>twitch-tv</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Guardian, Juggernaut discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</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/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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="572930" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/98ebeb19f7d2a53d0e27491f065296a7/201122855/juggernaut.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>

<p>Another day has brought us another <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> dev blog detailing the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/">class changes</a> coming in the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion. This time around, the focus falls squarely on Jedi Guardians and Sith Juggernauts.</p>

<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> says that both versions of <em>SWTOR's</em> single-saber tank will get new passives, new utilities, and more thanks to the discipline tweaks scheduled to hit the game's class trees in December 9th's 3.0 update.</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/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Guardian, Juggernaut discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20996860/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/swtors-guardian-juggernaut-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>guardian</category><category>juggernaut</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-3.0</category><category>swtor-classes</category><category>swtor-tank</category><category>tank</category><category>tanks</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Sentinel, Marauder discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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/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/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="567941" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/adf55f3268aff99039fc52c17c9f5726/201108203/sentinel_854x480.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
No, Sentinels and Marauders, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> hasn't forgotten you. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> latest class-based dev diary went live today and it's focused on -- you guessed it -- Sentinels and Marauders. More specifically it outlines how your favorite dual-saber class will play after December 9th's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion.<br />
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Head to the official <em>SWTOR</em> website to <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141118?sf33808630=1">read all about the changes</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/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Sentinel, Marauder discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20995556/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/swtors-sentinel-marauder-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>marauder</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>sentinel</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-3.0</category><category>swtor-class-changes</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Concerns about SWTOR's 3.0 combat]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/expansions/" rel="tag">Expansions</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/2014/11/17/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: Concerns about SWTOR 3.0 combat" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="565113" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/aebad2d4de9632b36dbf97022db30387/201099980/HB-header-3-0-combat-concerns.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://bioware.com">BioWare</a> has finally begun revealing the specifics of the Discipline system landing in the upcoming <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> expansion. We have seen the Bounty Hunter, Trooper, Inquisitor, and Consular paths. We have seen in detail how the Discipline system changes the leveling process in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a>. We've seen that tanks become tanky faster; we've seen that healers gain healing abilities earlier in the leveling process. A primary goal of the new system has been to ensure advanced classes learn role-specific abilities earlier without worrying about those abilities being exploited by hybridization.<br />
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With characters now able to level to 60, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware/">BioWare</a> gave each advanced class at least one new ability. For instance, Deception Assassins gain Ball Lightning, a 10-meter ranged ability that inflicts 2652 to 2780 damage and costs 32 Force. Many of the new abilities were specifically designed to make your character feel more powerful, which makes sense, right? You should feel that your character is growing with each level. But do these changes and additions actually make you feel more powerful, or are they just unnecessary impedences to the current priority flow or rotation?<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: Concerns about SWTOR's 3.0 combat</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/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/">Hyperspace Beacon: Concerns about SWTOR's 3.0 combat</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20994784/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/hyperspace-beacon-concerns-about-swtors-3-0-combat/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>featured</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</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-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Larry Everett]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[BioWare explains SWTOR's commendation changes]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/#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/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/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="565614" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/d8102deb8bb405a5ceb27138acad642f/201102099/swtorbringit.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/eric-musco">Eric Musco</a> has published a "one stop shop" post that details what's happening to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic's</em></a> commendations in the forthcoming <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion.<br />
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In a nutshell, all basic, classic, planetary, elite, and ultimate comms will be converted to basic commendations. The classic and planetary types are going away completely, while warzone and ranked warzone comms will remain as they are now. There are more details -- including bits about the basic conversion rates -- on the official <a href="http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=7806671#edit7806671"><em>SWTOR</em> forums</a>.<br /><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/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/">BioWare explains SWTOR's commendation changes</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:00:00 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/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20994966/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bioware-explains-swtors-commendation-changes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>commendations</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-commendations</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Sage, Sorcerer discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</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/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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="560170" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/673d46ba1c438ec8fa336df7984f3e3f/201086445/swtor_sorc_and_ashara.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Sages and Sorcerers, this <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category-star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> dev diary's for you. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> has revealed the <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141113">upcoming changes</a> to two more of its advanced classes that will go live when the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion launches on December 9th.<br />
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Both classes "have seen some changes to their baseline ability package," and all three specs for each class get at least one new active and two new passives. Learn more at 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/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Sage, Sorcerer discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20993397/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/swtors-sage-sorcerer-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>classes</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sage</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>sorcerer</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[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Assassin, Shadow discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="555896" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/2943f2e639e5b89012e1ac818d717882/201074172/swtor_meditate.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> fans, I'm sure you know the drill by now. The <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion is introducing major class changes and basically revamping talent trees in favor of a new discipline system. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare</a> has been putting out a dev diary every couple of days to outline the tweaks to each of the game's classes. Today's <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141111">installment</a> focuses on the Jedi Shadow and the Sith Assassin.<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/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Assassin, Shadow discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:30:00 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/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20992233/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>assassin</category><category>bioware</category><category>disciplines</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-disciplines</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you ride your mount inside?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/#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/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/the-daily-grind/" rel="tag">The Daily Grind</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="551299" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/19730025b420700d8adfbf3a8984db/201060617/putitawaydumbass.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Today on First World MMO Problems, we're talking about people who ride their mounts inside. These people are annoying. They're not quite as annoying as devs who allow mounts to be ridden inside, or devs who, in the case of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>, design interior spaces so cavernous that Star Destroyers can be flown down hallways and players feel compelled to ride their mounts inside just to save time.<br />
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I understand the need for travel efficiency, and mounts are generally faster than <s>walking</s> running. But, really? Do you have to park your 1970s repulsorlift station wagon right on top of the mailbox, clipping every player in a 20 parsec radius and generally ruining what's otherwise a visually pleasing interior environment?<br />
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What about it, Massively readers? Do you ride your mounts inside? Am I the only one who is bothered by this?<br />
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<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><br />
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Does riding your mount inside and blocking vendors/mail make you a dick? Yes, yes it does!<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/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/">The Daily Grind: Do you ride your mount inside?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 10 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20990925/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-ride-your-mount-inside/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>daily-grind</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>first-world-mmo-problems</category><category>first-world-problems</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>my-immersions</category><category>opinion</category><category>ride-your-mounts-inside</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><category>yes-its-a-slow-news-day-at-8am</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EA's quarterly net revenue is up, apparently in spite of SWTOR]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/#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/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/legal/" rel="tag">Legal</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/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor"><img alt="swtor" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="550380" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/32980612fcbdf40b872df9631fe95f23/201056871/hk47.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ea">Electronics Arts</a> had a bit to say about <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> in its <a href="http://investor.ea.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=712515-14-63&amp;CIK=712515">November 4th quarterly report</a> -- and none of it good.<br />
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The publisher named the sci-fi MMO as one of the properties that had decreased in revenue over the period. While EA's net revenue is up $295 million across the board, "this increase was partially offset by a $181 million decrease in revenue primarily from the <em>SimCity</em>, <em>Crysis </em>and <em>Dead Space</em> franchises, and <em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em>."<br />
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It remains to be seen whether next month's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion will give the MMO a healthy bump in revenue when it is released.<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/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/">EA's quarterly net revenue is up, apparently in spite of SWTOR</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sat, 08 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20990755/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/08/eas-quarterly-net-revenue-is-up-apparently-in-spite-of-swtor/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>financial-report</category><category>financials</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>quarterly-earnings</category><category>quarterly-report</category><category>revenue</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</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[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Vanguard, Powertech discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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/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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="BioWare" data-mep="549208" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/cf53a502dbe0eed22da78b7b3545e6be/201054168/Powertech_854x480.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Did you catch yesterday's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category-star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> dev blog about update 3.0's changes to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/">Mercenaries/Commandos</a>? Good, because now we're on to <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141107">Vanguards and Powertechs</a>. If you're just joining us, <em>SWTOR's</em> talent trees are going bye-bye <a href="http://www.swtor.com/blog/developer-update-introduction-disciplines">in favor of disciplines</a> when <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> launches early next month.<br />
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Click through the links below to learn what's becoming of your favorite class!<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/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Vanguard, Powertech discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20990472/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/swtors-vanguard-powertech-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>classes</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>powertech</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>vanguard</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR's Commando, Mercenary 3.0 discipline changes detailed]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/#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/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</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/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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/"><img data-credit="Jef Reahard" data-mep="547511" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/d219839e36f23935fdfc597bad69c472/201049023/swtor_merc.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Do you play a Commando or a Mercenary in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a>? If so, you'll want to read <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/bioware">BioWare's</a> latest <a href="http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20141106">dev diary</a> because it explains the discipline changes scheduled to hit your advanced class with the game's 3.0 update.<br />
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There's a lot to digest, including the fact that the game's new discipline system will allow players to select utility skills that were previously tied to a particular skill tree under the old system.<br />
<br />
<em>SWTOR's</em> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/shadow-of-revan"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> expansion launches on December 9th.<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/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/">SWTOR's Commando, Mercenary 3.0 discipline changes detailed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 06 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20989965/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/swtors-commando-mercenary-3-0-discipline-changes-detailed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>commando</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>mercenary</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>star-wars</category><category>star-wars-the-old-republic</category><category>swtor</category><category>swtor-3.0</category><category>swtor-disciplines</category><category>swtor-shadow-of-revan</category><category>the-old-republic</category><category>tor</category><category>your-friend-is-quite-a-mercenary</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR Shadow of Revan FAQ]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/#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/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/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/races/" rel="tag">Races</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/roleplaying/" rel="tag">Roleplaying</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/rumors/" rel="tag">Rumors</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>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmorpg/" rel="tag">MMORPG</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faqs"><img alt="Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR Shadow of Revan FAQs" data-credit="Larry Everett" data-mep="539830" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/db18a07301e659d2d2bbffab6c7f2b7f/201023991/HB-sor-faq.jpg" /></a></div>
With every expansion, there are questions -- a lot of questions. <a href="http://swtor.com"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> is no exception. <a href="http://swtor.com/shadow-of-revan/"><em>Shadow of Revan</em></a> changes a lot of game mechanics and expands the story of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>SWTOR</em></a>. With all the interviews and Cantina Tour chatter, it's difficult to tell what is true and what isn't. So I thought it'd be best to make an FAQ to answer some of those ponderings.<br />
<br />
<strong>When does<em> Shadow of Revan</em> release?</strong><br />
<br />
The official release date for<em> Shadow of Revan</em> is December 9th. However, if you preordered before November 3rd 2:59 a.m., then you will gain early access, which starts on December 2nd.<br />
<br />
<strong>Do I have to subscribe to play <em>Shadow of Revan</em>?</strong><br />
<br />
No, <em>Shadow of Revan</em> is a paid expansion and can be accessed by a free-to-play player. However, to be eligible for the 12x XP bonus, you do have to be subscribed to the game.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR Shadow of Revan FAQ</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/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/">Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR Shadow of Revan FAQ</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 04 Nov 2014 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/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20987835/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-shadow-of-revan-faq/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>bruce-maclean</category><category>charles-boyd</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>eric-musco</category><category>expansion</category><category>faq</category><category>featured</category><category>hyperspace-beacon</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>opinion</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shadow-of-revan</category><category>sor</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 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SWTOR brings back the Rakghoul event]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/#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-in-game/" rel="tag">Events (In-Game)</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></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event"><img alt="swtor" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/35bb67eb1b38c1208cce2fc2675eefe9/200994151/rhakhoul.jpg" data-mep="530396" /></a></div>
What's both the most terrifying and exhilerating thing that could happen this Halloween?  For <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-wars-the-old-republic/"><em>Star Wars: The Old Republic</em></a> players, it might just be <a href="http://dulfy.net/2014/10/28/swtor-rakghoul-resurgence-event-now-live-on-corellia/">the return of the Rakghoul Resurgence</a>.<br />
<br />
The event is currently live and will run for a week or so.  There are a few tweaks to the popular event, such as two new housing decorations to purchase (because everyone wants a plague bulb in hers or his living room, right?) and a brand-new world boss to fight.  Toxxun, the world boss, is located in Axial Park and drops a cute little plague pet.<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/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/">SWTOR brings back the Rakghoul event</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 28 Oct 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/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20985065/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/swtor-brings-back-the-rakghoul-event/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bioware</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>event</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>halloween</category><category>halloween-2014</category><category>holiday</category><category>in-game-event</category><category>lucasarts</category><category>rakghoul</category><category>rakghoul-plague</category><category>rakghoul-resurgence</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>world-boss</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>