The Resilient Spirit of SWTOR
“Star Wars: The Old Republic” (SWTOR) has navigated through 2023 much like the heroes at the end of “Empire Strikes Back” – battered but hopeful. This year marked a significant chapter in the game’s history, characterized by change, challenges, and a steadfast commitment to its community.
A Year of Milestones and Shifts
SWTOR began 2023 on a high note, boasting an impressive 158 billion conquest points racked up by players in 2022. However, the game also found itself on a list of MMOs with uncertain futures, a prediction that would soon gain relevance.
Key Updates and Patches
The first significant patch of the year, released in late March, introduced the 64-bit client, Galactic Season 4, and PvP Season 2. This update aimed to tackle SWTOR’s notorious inflation issue. Additionally, the game began testing cloud-based servers, a move towards enhancing its backend infrastructure.
Celebrating Star Wars and Remembering a Legend
Star Wars Day brought the announcement of Update 7.3: Old Wounds, taking players back to Voss with new areas, a flashpoint, and more economic adjustments. The community also came together in May to hold a vigil for actor Ray Stevenson, a beloved figure in the Star Wars universe.
A Significant Transition: From BioWare to Broadsword Games
June saw a seismic shift for SWTOR as it transitioned from BioWare to Broadsword Games, along with half of its development team. This move, while initially met with anxiety, was seen by many, including ex-BioWare’s Damion Schubert, as a positive step forward.
Updates Amidst Transition
Despite the tumultuous background changes, SWTOR continued to roll out updates. PvP Season 3 began in July, and the game received a nod in an official Star Wars comic book. The transition to new cloud-based servers started in mid-August and concluded in mid-September.
Galactic Season 5 and Quality-of-Life Improvements
Early September saw the launch of Galactic Season 5 with Update 7.3.1, bringing a slew of quality-of-life improvements. This update introduced outfits inspired by the Ahsoka Disney+ series and made sprinting available from level 1.
Broadsword’s First Livestream and Visual Evolution
October marked Broadsword’s first big dev livestream, previewing Update 7.4 and sparking discussions about SWTOR’s visual aging.
A Welcome Return: The Australian Server
A surprise announcement in November about the reopening of an Australian-based server was a cause for celebration, especially for the Oceania community.
Update 7.4: Chains in the Dark
December brought Update 7.4: Chains in the Dark, the last patch developed under BioWare. This update introduced a new area, storyline, and world boss on Ord Mantell, along with an overhaul of the Galactic Trade Network.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As 2023 wraps up, SWTOR stands at a pivotal point. With Broadsword Games at the helm, cloud-based servers, 64-bit architecture, and the return of the Australian realm, the game is poised for a bright future. The SWTOR community and the MOP team eagerly anticipate what 2024 will bring for this enduring MMO.
Conclusion: SWTOR’s Unyielding Journey
SWTOR’s journey through 2023 has been a testament to resilience and adaptability. Despite facing significant changes and challenges, the game has continued to evolve and engage its passionate community. As SWTOR steps into 2024, it carries with it the hope and excitement for new adventures in the Star Wars universe.
FAQ: SWTOR’s Journey Through 2023
Q1: What significant changes occurred in SWTOR in 2023?
A1: In 2023, SWTOR underwent a major transition from BioWare to Broadsword Games, along with half of its development team. This change marked a new era for the game.
Q2: Were there any major updates in SWTOR during 2023?
A2: Yes, several major updates were released, including the 64-bit client, Galactic Season 4, PvP Season 2, Update 7.3: Old Wounds, and Update 7.4: Chains in the Dark. These updates introduced new areas, flashpoints, economic adjustments, and quality-of-life improvements.
Q3: How did SWTOR address its inflation issue?
A3: SWTOR aimed to tackle its inflation issue through various economic adjustments introduced in the updates, particularly in the first significant patch of the year and in Update 7.3: Old Wounds.
Q4: What was the community’s reaction to SWTOR’s transition to Broadsword Games?
A4: The community’s reaction was mixed, with some expressing anxiety about the game’s future, while others, including industry professionals, viewed it as a positive development.
Q5: Did SWTOR make any technical improvements in 2023?
A5: Yes, SWTOR began testing and eventually transitioned to cloud-based servers, which was a significant step in enhancing the game’s backend infrastructure.
Q6: Were there any special events or acknowledgments in SWTOR in 2023?
A6: The community held a vigil in May for actor Ray Stevenson. Additionally, SWTOR received a nod in an official Star Wars comic book.
Q7: What was Galactic Season 5 about?
A7: Galactic Season 5, launched in early September, brought various quality-of-life improvements, including a higher cap for auction hall bidding, map changes, quick travel price scaling, and new outfits inspired by the Ahsoka Disney+ series.
Q8: What did Update 7.4: Chains in the Dark include?
A8: Update 7.4: Chains in the Dark, released in December, introduced a new area, storyline, and world boss on Ord Mantell, along with an overhaul of the Galactic Trade Network.
Q9: Was there a new server opened for SWTOR in 2023?
A9: Yes, in November, SWTOR announced the reopening of an Australian-based server, which was particularly celebrated by the Oceania gaming community.
Q10: What are the expectations for SWTOR in 2024?
A10: With the transition to Broadsword Games, the implementation of cloud-based servers, and the new Australian server, there is a sense of optimism and curiosity about what the game will bring in 2024.
