Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Drew Karpyshyn set to pen another Star Wars: The Old Republic novel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/drew-karpyshyn-set-to-pen-another-star-wars-the-old-republic-no/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/drew-karpyshyn-set-to-pen-another-star-wars-the-old-republic-no/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/drew-karpyshyn-set-to-pen-another-star-wars-the-old-republic-no/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's probably not set on Taris, but doesn't the planet look kind of pretty from this art?
Drew Karpyshyn, a lead writer for Star Wars: The Old Republic and the author of the tie-in novel Revan, is no longer with BioWare. That's old news. What might be somewhat more surprising news is that he is still penning novels for the game, with new information about the second novel having finally surfaced from a Facebook posting by Del Ray Books. If you've been eagerly awaiting more details about the bridge between Knights of the Old Republic and the MMO's setting, it's your lucky day.

Titled Annihilation, the novel will focus on agent Theron Shan and his companion Teff'ith as they investigate an Imperial counterattack spearheaded by an apprentice of Darth Malgus. The posting goes on to confirm that the novel is currently on target for release on November 13th of this year. So if you can't get enough of your story in the game, it looks like it won't be too much longer until you can get even more story out of game as well.

MassivelyDrew Karpyshyn set to pen another Star Wars: The Old Republic novel originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbioware-mythicbooksdel-ray-booksdrew-karpyshyneaea-biowareelectronic-artsfictiongame-fictionsnewsnovelsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictie-in-novelstorWed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare goes bounty hunting for great guild leaders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/bioware-goes-bounty-hunting-for-great-guild-leaders/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
Aboard the Empire's great warship BioWare Austin, the Star Wars: The Old Republic community team has put a bounty on passionate leaders for the first SWTOR Guild Summit on March 4th through 6th. The summit is designed to facilitate direct communication between guild leaders and the developers as well as provide a lucky few with an advance sneak peek at some upcoming features.

The best thing about the summit is that any qualifying guild leader interested in helping to shape the game's future can apply to be a part of the summit. The official website has an application form up, although those who want to be considered for the summit need to fill it out by February 10th.

BioWare stated that it has already invited some guilds and that the remainder of the summit will be invite-only due to the limited size of the event. It's important to note that while the event itself is free, attending leaders have to assume the responsibility for transportation, room, and board.

MassivelyBioWare goes bounty hunting for great guild leaders originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinea-biowareguildguild-leaderguild-leadersguild-leadershipguild-summitguildsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-guild-summitWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic preps for guild imports, server list takes shape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/star-wars-the-old-republic-prepping-for-guild-imports-server-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/star-wars-the-old-republic-prepping-for-guild-imports-server-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/star-wars-the-old-republic-prepping-for-guild-imports-server-l/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

No word yet on the riots that will ensue for each player who doesn't get an access pass tomorrow.
At 7:00 a.m. EST tomorrow morning, the coveted early access invitations will be sent out for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Some of them, anyway. (Some players will have to wait a little bit longer.) If you're in one of the many guilds that prepared and recruited prior to the game's launch via the on-site recruitment feature, you're also in line to start in on the early guild deployment, which is outlined in detail on the official site. Long story short, you'll be given your guild's server assignment, and if you're unhappy with it, you're going to have to start up on a different server rather than using the automated joining.

Unfortunately, players aren't being given a full preview of servers ahead of time, but based on the deployment messages, a list is taking shape over on Ask a Jedi. The list is, of course, not absolute -- it's simply what servers are known that have been passed along -- but it's certainly extensive, with several different PvE, PvP, and RP servers for both US coasts and Europe. Keep checking back for more information, and keep your eyes on your mailbox early tomorrow morning.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is finally here, and the Force is with Massively! We've prepared a Hutt-sized feast of class introductions, gameplay guides, lore roundups, and hands-on previews to help you navigate the launch period and beyond. And don't forget our weekly SWTOR column, the Hyperspace Beacon!

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic preps for guild imports, server list takes shape originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-mythicbioware-star-warsbioware-swtoreaearly-accessearly-game-accesselectronic-artsguild-importguild-launchlaunchlauncheslucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgnewsserver-listserversstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

SWTOR - The Bounty Hunter
So you're thinking of being a Star Wars: The Old Republic Bounty Hunter, are you? It's a fine choice of profession. Challenging work, definitely. Requires a lot of travel, a quick draw, and a willingness to take on impossible odds. Some Hunters might see themselves as the avenging hand of the law, some just want to get paid, and some of them genuinely care about the Sith cause. But at the end of the day, every Bounty Hunter lives according to the same code: Find the mark and get paid for the job.

Of course, the in-game Bounty Hunter has all the tools needed to make that happen. With a plethora of tricks in his suit of armor, Hunters can do everything -- provide field medical support, keep targets occupied long enough for others to take them down, or even just waste everything with a plethora of missiles. There are a lot of options available to players who go down the route of the Bounty Hunter, and it doesn't hurt that the entire class oozes with style and intrigue from the start.

Continue reading SWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter

MassivelySWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbounty-hunterclassclass-mechanicsclassesdpseaea-biowareelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguideguideshealerhealingloremechanicsopinionrolesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-class-guideswtor-guideswtor-launchswtor-launch-guidetanktankingthe-old-republictorMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic accidentally taunts potential testers [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/star-wars-the-old-republic-accidentally-taunts-potential-tester/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/star-wars-the-old-republic-accidentally-taunts-potential-tester/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/star-wars-the-old-republic-accidentally-taunts-potential-tester/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Neither the writer of this post nor our SWTOR columnist are currently in the beta, for the record.
What's the worst thing that can happen when you're waiting for a chance to play a highly anticipated game? Being inadvertently taunted about the fact that you aren't in the beta. Star Wars: The Old Republic recently sent out a short survey asking for beta testers to take part, in the hopes of improving the overall testing experience. The only problem was that it wasn't sent out to testers... it was sent out to everyone who had signed up to potentially be a tester.

A thread on the official forums has already reached absurd length, causing server hiccups and intermittent inability to properly access all areas of the site. It's unknown how BioWare will apologize for this mishap (aside from a mention on their Facebook page) -- certainly it's not hurting anyone, but it's probably the last thing that most people not involved in the current beta would like to see. And if you see this message in your email, rest assured, it's no scam... just poor cross-pollination of mailing lists.

[Update: BioWare has officially confirmed that the emails were sent in error. "We can't apologize enough for getting your hopes up. Sorry again. Those responsible will endure a thousand years in the Sarlacc Pit," said Stephen Reid over Twitter.]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic accidentally taunts potential testers [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentsbetabeta-testingbiowarebioware-austinbioware-eabreakingea-biowareelectronic-artshumorsnafusstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortest-experiencetesting-surveysthe-old-republictorThu, 29 Sep 2011 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic is keeping a close eye on World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-keeping-a-close-eye-on-world-of-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-keeping-a-close-eye-on-world-of-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-keeping-a-close-eye-on-world-of-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aside from the guns, it almost looks like a telescope. If you squint a bunch.
From the interface to the design, many people have commented that there's a certain degree of similarity between Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft. So it probably comes as no real surprise to learn that Electronic Arts is studying WoW when it comes to SWtOR's upcoming launch -- but not in the way you might think. The company isn't concerned as much with the mechanical side of the equation, but with the question of what happens post-launch and how to increase player retention.

This might not seem like terribly relevant information, but a lot of attention is being paid to the game's content release schedule, the speed at which experienced players will go through new content, and the game's post-launch foci. It also extends to an emphasis on smooth networking code to ensure that players can log in and experience the game quickly rather than having to fight off latency. It's no secret that WoW is influencing other games, but SWtOR seems to be designed with an eye toward more than just gameplay.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic is keeping a close eye on World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbiowarebioware-austinblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcontent-updatesea-biowarelaunchmmo-industrynewspost-launchstar-wars-the-old-republicstudyingswtorupdate-schedulewatchingworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 07 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare delaying Star Wars: The Old Republic's European testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bioware-delaying-star-wars-the-old-republics-european-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bioware-delaying-star-wars-the-old-republics-european-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bioware-delaying-star-wars-the-old-republics-european-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Beyond that droid is the testing facility. You can't go that way yet.
International issues with Star Wars: The Old Republic started cropping up more or less as soon as the pre-order began, and they're apparently persisting. It's recently been officially announced that European testing invitations have been delayed, missing the initial weekend and being postponed for an unspecified length of time. Fortunately for the players who are no doubt sore over the delay, an explanation was included with the announcement, which kicks off by pointing out that a new build and an associated character wipe are on their way for later in the week anyway.

The new build will require testers to re-download the entire client, and with the client requiring a 27 gig download, it was suspected that any players presently invited might finish the download only to have to start an entirely new download immediately afterward. Localized French and German versions of the game will be included in the new build, which further contributed to the decision to ultimately hold off on the European testing. It's cold comfort to would-be testers left out of the game, but at least it isn't without some logic.

MassivelyBioWare delaying Star Wars: The Old Republic's European testing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-weekendsbetasbiowarebioware-austindelaysea-biowareeuroeuropelanguagelocalizationlocalizedstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortestingtesting-invitationsthe-old-republictorTue, 06 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare talks Star Wars: The Old Republic vehicles and launches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/bioware-talks-star-wars-the-old-republic-vehicles-and-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/bioware-talks-star-wars-the-old-republic-vehicles-and-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/bioware-talks-star-wars-the-old-republic-vehicles-and-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vehicles are cool. Not that having a trusty steed isn't cool in any game, but Star Wars: The Old Republic is a game emulating films in which every single vehicle was a character unto itself. In the most recent panel for the game at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, it's been made clear that the designers aren't limiting vehicles to simply spaceships for players and for ambient encounters. Landspeeders and speeder bikes will be available for players, with several styles shown off to the attendees.

As always, iconic imagery is at the top of the priority list for development, up to and including the opening text crawl following character creation. A firm release date has still not been announced, but the team has once again reiterated that the game will be out for this year's holiday season. Frustratingly vague? Perhaps, but at least there's plenty of tasty information to chew on despite the insistent lack of clarity elsewhere.

MassivelyBioWare talks Star Wars: The Old Republic vehicles and launches originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbiowarebioware-austinconventionseaelectronic-artslaunch-windowsmountspanelsreal-world-eventsreleasesan-diego-comic-con-2011sdcc-2011star-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorvehiclesFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: New Daniel Erickson interview on Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/new-daniel-erickson-interview-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/new-daniel-erickson-interview-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/new-daniel-erickson-interview-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-at/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

E3 is already bringing out the goodies for fans anticipating the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, with the trailer earlier today putting the game fresh into everyone's mind. But the trailer was all about the atmosphere and visuals, while a new video interview with Daniel Erickson is focused instead on the content of the game. The interview starts off with a brief discussion of the game's raid content, which Erickson is quick to stress is just one of the game's offerings for endgame.

Moving along, Erickson talks about the difficulties involved in creating a fully voiced game and how Mass Effect's success was a big part of what led to the full voice for player characters as well as NPCs. While not everything in the interview will be revolutionary new information for longtime Star Wars: The Old Republic fans, it's still worth a watch to learn more about the upcoming game.

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelyE3 2011: New Daniel Erickson interview on Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austindaniel-ericksondevelopmente3e3-2011ea-biowareendgameinterviewpreviewstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorvideoMon, 06 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Tired of TOR?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-daily-grind-tired-of-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-daily-grind-tired-of-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-daily-grind-tired-of-tor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How, you might find yourself asking, can one be tired of a game that is still a year away from release? Well, hype works in mysterious ways, and, while I'm probably in the minority around these parts, the constant buzz surrounding BioWare's Star Wars The Old Republic is starting to stick in my craw.

Don't get me wrong, the Canadian RPG deities have churned out a ton of great games, three of them on my short list for best ever (Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Knights of the Old Republic), but I continually boggle at the blind optimism which causes fans to proclaim that TOR will pwn face simply because of its perceived pedigree. I say perceived because I find it more than a little ironic that BioWare Austin employs several refugees from Star Wars Galaxies, a game that is almost universally despised by both Star Wars fans and MMORPG players alike, and represents the polar opposite in design philosophy from BioWare's World of Warcraft competitor wannabe. It's also interesting to note the news out of an EA investor meeting that indicates TOR will not break even unless they manage to conjure up a million subscribers (something only one other MMO has ever done).

If nothing else, BioWare picked the right IP with which to break into the MMO space, as it's been repeatedly proven that Star Wars fans will buy absolutely anything with a lightsaber on it, regardless of quality.

What about you, dear readers? Are you weary of the 800-pound hype wookiee otherwise known as The Old Republic?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Tired of TOR? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbioware-mmoeaelectronic artsElectronicArtshypeopinionstar-warsstar-wars-mmothe-old-republicSat, 24 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2010: Community manager panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Community managers are the very definition of a paradox. They're some of the most public faces of the game, yet their role is often least understood. They serve many masters -- developers, players, marketing, press -- and are beholden to all of them at once. They're often on the blunt end of unrestrained love and unfathomable anger. No matter what they are, one thing is for sure: their job rocks.

At least, according to a CM panel at PAX East entitled "Community Managers: More than Forum Monkeys." In it, five CMs from various studios shared just what goes on with their job, what limits they deal with, and what are the highs and lows of working in the public limelight 24/7. Meghan Rodberg (Turbine), Aaron Trites (Harmonix), Morgan Romine (Frag Dolls), Jess Folsom (Bioware Austin) and Linda Carlson (Sony Online Entertainment) spent a candid hour with an audience pulling back some of the mystique and misconceptions of their positions as supposed monkey tamers.

Hit the jump to read about the inner workings of these fabulous five community managers.

Continue reading PAX East 2010: Community manager panel

MassivelyPAX East 2010: Community manager panel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-tritesbiowarebioware-austincmscommunity-managerfacebookfeaturedfrag-dollsharmonixjess-folsomlinda-carlsonmeghan-rodbergmorgan-rominepax-eastpax-east-2010shadowbanesoesony-online-entertainmentturbinetwitterMon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Bill Dalton reveals the secrets to making big teams work]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/biowares-bill-dalton-reveals-the-secrets-to-making-big-teams-wo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/biowares-bill-dalton-reveals-the-secrets-to-making-big-teams-wo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/biowares-bill-dalton-reveals-the-secrets-to-making-big-teams-wo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


These days it's extremely rare for a video game to be made by one person. Groups of people from different disciplines work on a game, hired for their proficiency in their area of specialty. When we're talking about an MMO, the game development team often ends up being pretty big. When we're talking about an MMO as ambitious as Star Wars: The Old Republic, the team is freaking enormous, by necessity. In a recent article on Gamasutra one of the members of the SWTOR team, Bioware Austin technical director Bill Dalton, discussed the challenges that come up when working with such a large group of people.

Unsurprisingly, Dalton said that communication is at the core of keeping a big team afloat: "There is nothing you can do to communicate too much. In a situation where things are in crisis and something is broken, and you've told individual people as they come up, it's not a bad idea to overcommunicate and tell the whole team what's going on." Dalton mentioned that another difficult aspect of team development is balancing the differing view-points that each sub-team looks at the game from. Again, communication is the key to solving these puzzles. Check out the full article at Gamasutra to read about an interesting case study involving Star Wars: The Old Republic and its Hero Engine, which allows developers from all disciplines to make live edits to the game simultaneously -- impressive.

MassivelyBioWare's Bill Dalton reveals the secrets to making big teams work originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-teamsbill-daltonbiowarebioware-austindevelopmentgame-developmentlarge-teamsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorteamstechnical-directorthe-old-republictorMon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare says Mythic will help with Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bioware-says-mythic-will-help-with-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bioware-says-mythic-will-help-with-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bioware-says-mythic-will-help-with-star-wars-the-old-republic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We told you a couple of weeks ago about Mark Jacobs' departure from EA and the formation of a new (as yet unnamed) studio which will absorb BioWare and Mythic. Well, Eurogamer got the chance to talk to Greg Zeschuk, who has revealed Mythic will help out with Star Wars: The Old Republic but BioWare might not reciprocate on Warhammer Online:

"Ray (Muzyka) and I (have) both played Warhammer, and actually I've still been playing it on and off for a while, so I think for us it's not to much a popularity boost as just the fact that we can probably bring perspectives to the table that will be new and perhaps helpful to the guys from Mythic in the same way from an online perspective they can certainly share with us. To give credit to the Austin team [making Star Wars: The Old Republic], we have a number of serious MMO veterans on there, so it's certainly not neophytes, but there's absolutely opportunities to share and learn things back and forth."

MassivelyBioWare says Mythic will help with Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austineurogamergreg-zeschukmark-jacobsmythicmythic-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare employees satirize SWTOR's ginormous lightsabers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/bioware-employees-satirize-swtors-ginormous-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/bioware-employees-satirize-swtors-ginormous-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/bioware-employees-satirize-swtors-ginormous-lightsabers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


You may have noticed that the lightsabers in Star Wars: The Old Republic are disproportionately large. A vocal minority of fans are crying bloody murder about this, and BioWare is not unaware of that fact. At a company Halloween party, it would appear that they made a self-deprecating joke of it, with at least one employee showing up with an outrageously huge lightsaber, then staging a recreation of the screenshot that raised all those eyebrows.

The image was leaked to gaming blog Kotaku, and here it is. BioWare seems to believe it's good to have a sense of humor about yourself, and we agree!

MassivelyBioWare employees satirize SWTOR's ginormous lightsabers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart stylebiowarebioware-austincostumecostumeseahalloweenjokelightsaberlightsaberslightsabrelightsabresstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstyleswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 04 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's lead writer describes BioWare's ambitious storytelling initiative]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/swtors-lead-writer-describes-biowares--ambitious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/swtors-lead-writer-describes-biowares--ambitious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/swtors-lead-writer-describes-biowares--ambitious/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The biggest selling point of Star Wars: The Old Republic seems to be its focus on storytelling. Interactive stories have always been BioWare's particular claim to fame, so we're not surprised at the focus, but we will admit to being a little surprised at just how hardcore they are about it. In an interview with Gamasutra, BioWare Austin lead writer Daniel Erickson described the company's process for hiring and managing the writing staff, which includes more than a dozen people who went through a three-month training program, and who have now been working on the game for several years.

What's interesting to us about the interview (most of it focuses on professional questions, not on gameplay -- check out the info from our own encounter with Erickson for more on that) is that unlike with other MMOs, the development process began with writing. The stories created by the writers are the foundation of the game design and experience to come -- at least according to Erickson.

There's also a bit in there about the challenges of innovation in the MMO industry, and the need to make individual game features -- such as combat or story -- as solid as they are in single-player titles.

MassivelySWTOR's lead writer describes BioWare's ambitious storytelling initiative originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austindaniel-ericksondevelopmenteainterviewstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstorytellingswtorthe-old-republictorwriterwritingFri, 31 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Lucasfilm trademarks sound suspiciously KotOR MMO-like]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/new-lucasfilm-trademarks-sound-suspiciously-kotor-mmo-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/new-lucasfilm-trademarks-sound-suspiciously-kotor-mmo-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/new-lucasfilm-trademarks-sound-suspiciously-kotor-mmo-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lucasfilm has registered a number of new trademarks, including Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Old Republic, Star Wars Legends, and Star Wars Sagas. This news is interesting as is, but it gets really juicy when you read the type of patent and its description: "Entertainment services provided on-line by means of global and local area networks, namely, providing interactive computer game software, interactive video game software and interactive computer games and interactive video games, all on-line by means of global and local area networks ... "

That sounds awfully MMO-like, doesn't it? It's not even remotely conclusive though. It could be another kind of multiplayer, or it could even be some kind of web-based community service connected to a single-player game; the patent description suggests that it's also for news and "fan club services."

That said, it could be the fabled, BioWare Austin-developed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic MMO. We suppose it all depends on just how badly you want to believe!

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyNew Lucasfilm trademarks sound suspiciously KotOR MMO-like originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinknights-of-the-old-republickotorkotor-mmolucasartslucasfilmrumorrumorsstar-warsstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicstar-wars-legendsstar-wars-sagasstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-old-republictrademarkSat, 12 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOGology: The next big thing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mmogology-the-next-big-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mmogology-the-next-big-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/mmogology-the-next-big-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bastila Shan stars in the new LucasArts BioWare MMOG, Bastila Shan, Tomb RaiderI remember the excitement I felt back in 2001 when World of Warcraft (WoW) was announced. I greedily read early previews as new details were released in magazines like PC Gamer and Computer Gaming World (now Games for Windows). I savored each scrap of gameplay information and every gorgeous screenshot. It seemed so different, visually and conceptually, than all the other MMOGs I had played to that point. Yes, Blizzard was taking tried and true gameplay techniques from Everquest, Dark Age of Camelot, and other popular MMOGs at the time, but it was keeping the fun concepts and removing the painful ones. It was a somewhat foreign concept at the time to focus on making the fun factor the focus of the game. Some people will undoubtedly argue with me, but running naked while avoiding agro on a twenty minute corpse run in Everquest was not my idea of fun. Blizzard's game was also the only MMOG I knew of that promised it wouldn't discourage casual and solo play.

Apparently I wasn't the only one excited about World of Warcraft. Six years after WoW was initially announced, and on the eve of its three year launch anniversary, WoW has somewhere between eight and nine million subscribers. WoW is clearly the current king of the massively multiplayer mountain; at least in terms of populatiry. With one expansion under its belt, another set for release in 2008, and constant upgrades along the way, it's clear that WoW has a lot left to give. But there's always one thing you can count on when you're the king of the mountain; you'll always have a challenger aiming to steal your crown. Inevitably it will happen. Something will replace the WoW so many of us MMOG players know and love. It might be another Blizzard creation, a WoW 2.0 or a World of StarCraft. Or it might be something entirely different by another developer. It's a question that will continue to be asked until WoW is finally replaced. What will be the Next Big MMOG?

Continue reading MMOGology: The next big thing

MassivelyMMOGology: The next big thing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-ConanBiowareBioware-AustinBioware-MMOBioware-MMOGBlizzardfeaturedKnights-of-the-Old-Republic-OnlineKOTORkotor-mmoKOTOROLucasartsStar-Wars-GalaxiesswtorWarhammerWorld-of-WarcraftMon, 12 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST