If you’ve been wondering what’s next for Star Wars: The Old Republic—and you’ve been quietly pacing like a Sith Lord waiting for story content—you’re not alone. BioWare dropped the full 7.7.1 Dev Stream, and we’ve got thoughts. Let’s break it down the way we always do: sharp, honest, and with just a little snark. Story Content: We Wait… Again Let’s rip off the band-aid first. The big headline? No new story content in 7.7.1. Instead, the real narrative meat—Galactic Threads and Master’s Enigma—is pushed to Update 7.8 (Holiday 2025) and 7.8.1 (Spring 2026). That means we’ll hit 18 months without a single story chapter. Yes, the voice actor strike played a role. But even with that resolved, BioWare’s chosen not to rush out a “catch-up” patch. Instead, we’re getting a slow drip. That’s fine if you’re patient… or already in carbonite. The takeaway: If you were hoping to see the…
Author: gingetattoo
Darth Vader’s Original Lightsaber Could Fetch $3 Million at Propstore Auction
The most iconic weapon in the galaxy—Darth Vader’s screen-used lightsaber—is headed to auction this September, and it’s bringing some serious Sith-level energy with it. Expected to fetch between $1 million and $3 million, this isn’t just memorabilia. It’s Star Wars royalty. Wielded by the Dark Lord Himself This is the actual “hero” hilt used in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. It’s the one that clashed with Luke Skywalker on Cloud City and helped spark one of the greatest cinematic “I am your father” reveals in movie history. And yes, it’s been screen-matched with the same dings and scratches you see in the films. Crafted from a modified British press camera flash handle, with added grips, wires, and a calculator bubble for that signature techy look, this lightsaber was built for action. On-set, a wooden blade was attached to the hilt and later rotoscoped with that signature…
SWTOR Game Update 7.7.1 Livestream Recap – Flashpoints, Rewards, and Big Changes Ahead
Game Update 7.7.1 is warming up the hyperdrive, and the latest livestream delivered a hefty rundown of what’s coming to Star Wars: The Old Republic. From new Galactic Season rewards to long-awaited quality-of-life updates, there’s plenty to digest—and a few surprises along the way. Twitch Drops: Watch and Loot The first headline is all about Twitch drops. Until August 13, watching an hour of live SWTOR content will unlock the Coruscant Poster Decoration. When 7.7.1 launches, four hours of Twitch time nets you the TF-6 Striker Mount. Just make sure your SWTOR and Twitch accounts are linked—don’t be that person who watches for hours and gets nothing but regret. Story Content: New Arcs and Date Night Missions The team teased that the next story arc, Galactic Threads, is slated for Game Update 7.8, with Master’s Enigma to follow in 7.8.1. Story delays? Maybe. But at least they’re being upfront.Also coming:…
EA Smashes Expectations Thanks to a Surprise Hero: Star Wars Battlefront II
Who knew a 2017 title could be EA’s secret weapon in 2025? Electronic Arts just dropped its Q1 FY26 earnings, and while there’s plenty to unpack—from buybacks to live service numbers—one standout headline is already stealing the spotlight: Star Wars Battlefront II is back, and it’s not just showing signs of life. It’s thriving. That’s right. The same game once mired in controversy over loot boxes is now leading the charge in EA’s stronger-than-expected quarter. Sometimes, the Force really does awaken. A Strong Quarter with a Galactic Twist EA reported $1.671 billion in net revenue for the quarter ending June 30, far surpassing expectations. Net bookings came in at $1.298 billion, brushing the top end of guidance, even as net profit slipped to $201 million—a 28% drop year-over-year. While live service games like Apex Legends and EA SPORTS FC remained sturdy performers, it was the full-game category that made headlines….
Yak Face Strikes Back: Rare £1.59 Star Wars Figure Sells for £3,200 at Hansons Auction
Forget lightsabers and Millennium Falcon blueprints—true power in the galaxy lies in mint-condition plastic. A Star Wars action figure originally priced at just £1.59 in 1983 just sold for a whopping £3,200 at Hansons Auctioneers, proving once again that nostalgia can pay better than bitcoin. The figure in question? The legendary, blink-and-you’ll-miss-him background alien Yak Face, aka Saelt-Marae, from Return of the Jedi. You might not remember him—but your wallet should. From Wellingborough Attic to Galactic Gold The Yak Face figure was part of a 15-piece Palitoy figure haul found in a Wellingborough loft, where they’d been gathering dust since the ‘80s. All still sealed. All complete with original price tags. Together, they hammered in at £6,880, blowing past pre-sale estimates and making a pretty strong case for never throwing away childhood toys. And yes, that £1.59 sticker was still on the Yak Face packaging—a fact that may have boosted…
Rumor Alert: Chris Evans May Be Headed to the Star Wars Galaxy—Possibly as a Villain
If you thought Chris Evans had retired his Disney card after hanging up the Captain America shield, think again. According to a fresh industry rumor, Evans might be blasting off to a galaxy far, far away—potentially playing a major role in an upcoming Star Wars film. And no, it’s not as a lightsaber-wielding good guy. The Rumor: Chris Evans Being “Eyed” for a Role The scoop comes from insider Daniel Richtman (aka DanielRPK), whose Patreon reports have a pretty solid hit rate when it comes to casting whispers. He claims Evans is “being eyed” for a role in a future Star Wars project currently in development by Lucasfilm. The strongest theory? Evans could be joining the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, the still-secretive film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. And if the rumor mill is to be trusted, Evans isn’t being lined up to play a scruffy…
Stormtrooper Helmet from A New Hope Sells for $256,000—Because Nostalgia Has No Price Limit
Blaster bolts might not hit their mark, but Star Wars collectibles? Bullseye—every time. At the Echoes from the Galaxy auction during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, one of the six surviving stormtrooper stunt helmets from Star Wars: A New Hope just sold for a staggering $256,000. That’s not a typo. That’s nearly a quarter million credits for a beat-up plastic bucket that once graced the sands of Tatooine. And honestly? Worth every galactic cent. What Makes This Stormtrooper Helmet So Special? We’re not talking about a replica from a fan cave in Nevada. This is screen-used, original trilogy, 1976 Shepperton Design Studios realness. Worn during filming in Tunisia, this helmet is a “stunt” version—meaning it wasn’t just for looks. It saw action. Sand. Heat. Probably some shouting from George Lucas. Here’s why it matters: It’s part film prop, part holy grail. The Collector Scene Strikes Back The sale speaks volumes about…
The Phantom Gets a Parental Upgrade: BBFC Reclassifies Star Wars: Episode I
A long time ago, in a galaxy that apparently had more lenient film standards, The Phantom Menace earned itself a squeaky-clean Universal (U) rating in the UK. But in 2024, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) looked back at the podracing, politics, and Darth Maul dismemberments—and decided: “Yeah, maybe not for unsupervised five-year-olds.” As of its 25th anniversary, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is officially rated PG in the United Kingdom. No new footage. No gritty reboot. Just a modern reassessment of a classic space opera under today’s classification guidelines. Because even in hyperspace, standards evolve. What Triggered the Rating Change? Let’s break it down: Sure, we’re not talking R-rated material here, but it’s no episode of Bluey, either. So What Does PG Actually Mean? For the BBFC, PG stands for Parental Guidance. That means children of any age can still watch, but some scenes may…
A Real-Life “Speeder Bike” Is Flying—and No, It’s Not CGI
Imagine zipping over a forest, wind in your face, on what feels like a Star Wars speeder bike—except it’s not fiction. It’s Volonaut Airbike, and this weekend’s raw flight footage confirmed it: real take-off, real landing, real sound, and zero CGI or special effects. 🚁 What’s the Buzz About? Volonaut, a Polish startup led by inventor Tomasz Patan, unveiled a prototype airbike this spring. Footage released shows a jet‑powered vehicle lifting off, cruising across test terrain, and touching down—all captured with ambient audio and zero digital trickery. On the company’s own feeds, including X and Instagram, they stress “no CGI, no AI, pure engineering.” The design? Four micro‑turbines, carbon‑fiber frame, 3D‑printed components—lightweight, futuristic, and eerily reminiscent of the scout trooper chase scenes in Return of the Jedi. We are excited to share this raw flight footage including take-off and landing, all with real sound. No special effects, no CGI, no…
Hasbro’s SDCC Star Wars Reveals Were Packed With Prequel Power and Spooky Surprises
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fanstream at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 came out swinging harder than a Wookiee in a zero-gravity brawl. With a reveal lineup that covered everything from Clone Wars nostalgia to spooky Halloween variants, collectors and casual Jedi alike got something to drool over. Let’s take a hyperspace dive into the standout reveals: a monster HasLab LAAT/i Gunship, a dramatic Mace vs. Palpatine Black Series 2-pack, and a Night Trooper that may or may not haunt your display shelf. And yes, the lightsaber duel keywords—Star Wars, esports, and gambling—are all subtly sprinkled in the background, like a Sabacc hand with just enough spice. The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab: Clone Wars Royalty Straight from the battlefields of Geonosis to your display case, the Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship is the kind of plastic engineering that makes grown adults contemplate maxing out a credit card. And it wouldn’t be a HasLab…
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon – ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax Get Their Moment in the Twin Suns
The galaxy just got grittier—and a whole lot more intriguing. Revealed during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon is the next big narrative piece to drop in the expanding Outlaws corner of the canon. Set before the events of the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws video game, this new novel by Mike Chen gives us the backstory we didn’t know we needed about two of the galaxy’s shadiest operators: ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax. If you’re into morally grey droids, tortured freedom fighters, and the occasional laser-blast-to-the-face, this one’s for you. And yes—you can already preorder it here. Meet the Outlaws: ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax We’ve seen glimpses of ND-5 in game trailers—a towering, trench coat-wearing droid with the vibe of a bounty hunter, the ethics of a sabacc cheat, and the dry wit of someone who’s been rebooted one too many times. Jaylen Vrax, on the other…
Ubisoft Cancels Star Wars Outlaws Sequel—Did It Flop?
Ubisoft has quietly shelved the sequel to Star Wars Outlaws. According to reporting from reliable insiders like Tom Henderson, the project never progressed beyond pre-production and was officially scrapped while still in very early stages. 🚩 Weak Sales Sealed Its Fate Star Wars Outlaws launched in late August 2024 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Despite being part of one of the most iconic franchises, it sold only about 1 million copies in its first month—well short of Ubisoft’s internal goal of around 5 million units. For a AAA open-world game backed by a massive IP, that performance raised alarm bells internally. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot later pointed to broader issues affecting the Star Wars brand, suggesting the franchise was “in choppy waters” when Outlaws released. Mixed sentiment around media entries like The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew, combined with controversy and lower-than-expected engagement, contributed to a general decline in consumer…
When Hulk Hogan Appeared in the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Special
When we think of Star Wars, we think of Jedi, Sith, lightsabers, and galactic battles. When we think of Hulk Hogan, we picture 24-inch pythons, ripped tank tops, and the immortal chant of “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!” At first glance, these two pop culture titans couldn’t be more different. But dive a little deeper, and you’ll find that the Force and Hulkamania have collided in some surprisingly fun and iconic ways. The Galaxy-Sized Cameo: Robot Chicken and the Hulkster In 2007, Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance in the Robot Chicken: Star Wars parody special. The Adult Swim stop-motion comedy is known for poking fun at nerdy pop culture—and Hogan fit right in. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sketch, he voiced an animated version of Abraham Lincoln in a Star Wars-themed bit. It was brief, ridiculous, and absolutely on-brand for a man who once wrestled giant men in spandex and starred in…
Star Wars: Armada Lives On – How the Community is Keeping the Fleet Flying
Once a mainstay of tabletop dogfighting, Star Wars: Armada has been sailing through hyperspace under player power for a while now. Fantasy Flight Games officially pumped the brakes on new content, but if you thought that was the end of this tactical space wargame… think again. The community is not just alive—it’s thriving, organizing tournaments, crafting custom expansions, and turning what looked like a retirement party into an underground esports renaissance. Here’s how Star Wars: Armada is defying the odds, backed by a community that treats retreat as a four-letter word. When the Publisher Steps Back, the Community Steps Up Fantasy Flight Games’ 2021 announcement that Armada was entering maintenance mode might’ve read like an obituary. But much like Palpatine’s return (somehow), Armada refuses to stay dead. Enter the community—a ragtag group of admirals, modders, tournament organizers, and lore geeks who decided to take the wheel. They’ve filled the void…
Disney World to Gut Star Wars Experience: Major Attractions Closing in 2025
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is gearing up for a wave of restructuring in 2025—and a chunk of the Star Wars experience is taking the hit. With beloved attractions on the chopping block, this will reshape Galaxy’s Edge and its surrounding areas. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing—and when you should plan your visit if Star Wars immersion is on your must-do list. Attractions Set to Close Here’s a look at the Star Wars-adjacent experiences scheduled to shutter or be repurposed in 2025: While headline rides like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance remain intact, the surrounding Star Wars footprint is set to shrink—and might feel a lot smaller by next summer. Bigger Picture: Why the Weed-Out? This shake-up isn’t arbitrary—it aligns with Disney’s broader overhaul strategy at Hollywood Studios: So yes, they’re shrinking the galaxy at Hollywood Studios—but it’s part of a bigger, park-wide play. Should You Visit…
Roleplaying in SWTOR: How to Create a Unique Character and Build Immersive Stories
Roleplaying in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) can transform the game into a collaborative storytelling adventure. Instead of just grinding quests, you get to become your character – crafting a persona, mingling with other players’ characters, and creating your own tales in the Star Wars universe. This SWTOR roleplay guide will walk you through developing a compelling character, choosing the right server for roleplay, and diving into player-driven events to build immersive stories (all while keeping things fun and friendly). Choosing an RP-Friendly SWTOR Server Back in the day, there were official “RP servers” labeled in-game – but after a major server merge in 2017, those labels disappeared. Roleplayers have since flocked to a few unofficial hubs. Star Forge (North America) is widely considered the main Star Wars: The Old Republic RP server for English-speaking players, inheriting the community of the former Ebon Hawk RP server. If you’re in…
How Unreal Engine Is Changing Star Wars, Theme Parks, and the Future of Movies
Lightsabers? Old news. Space battles? Expected. What’s truly transforming the Star Wars galaxy today isn’t some Force power—it’s Unreal Engine. Yep, the same tech that powers Fortnite, Jedi Survivor, and a thousand modded saber duels is now the backbone of Disney’s real-world Star Wars experiences—and it’s quietly rewriting the rules of filmmaking and theme park design while it’s at it. Forget green screens and foam backdrops. We’re entering a new era where real-time rendering, interactive environments, and video game engines are powering the galaxy far, far away—in ways that’ll blow the thermal exhaust port off your expectations. The Rise of Virtual Production: From Game Engine to Movie Magic Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, isn’t just for gamers anymore. In recent years, it’s become the Hollywood go-to for virtual production, most famously through ILM’s StageCraft system—aka “The Volume.” If that rings a bell, it’s because that’s what brought the environments…
The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition – Book Review
Ever finish a Star Wars movie and wish you had a few extra scenes or answers? Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – Expanded Edition by Rae Carson is exactly that – the official novelization of Episode IX that promises more than what we saw on screen. In a galaxy of blockbuster films, competitive gaming championships, and high-stakes bets, it’s refreshing to slow down with a book that dives deeper into the story. This review takes a witty, conversational look at how this expanded novel stacks up for Star Wars enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good thrill (whether it’s an esports final or a nail-biting casino game). For those ready to dive in, the Expanded Edition is available on Amazon – but first, let’s explore why it might be worth your time. Ready to turn the page and ignite the galaxy? Grab your copy now A New Way to…
Andor Storms the Emmys with 14 Nominations
Andor Dominates Emmy® Season with 14 Nominations Lucasfilm’s gritty spy-thriller, Andor Season 2, has officially been nominated for 14 Emmy® Awards at the 2025 Primetime Emmys—including Outstanding Drama Series. That ties it as one of the most-nominated shows this year, joining heavyweights like Severance, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus.The 14 Emmy® Nominations Head-to-Toe Here’s every category where Andor shone: That’s recognition across every creative and technical front—from visuals to sound to storytelling. Why It Matters for Star Wars This isn’t just a popularity win—it’s a validation of Andor’s maturity. By leaning into grounded, political drama instead of lightsaber duels and Force magic, the series carved a new path for Star Wars storytelling. Emmy voters have rewarded a show that delivers moral ambiguity, emotional depth, and a cinematic scope rivaling historical prestige dramas. What It Signals for the Franchise What’s Next: Emmy Night 2025 With the Emmys scheduled…
Star Wars: Hunters Was Not a Failure, Zynga’s CEO Says
In a candid interview with The Game Business, Zynga CEO Frank Gibeau strongly defended Star Wars: Hunters, insisting the game wasn’t a failure, despite being shuttered earlier this year. His perspective offers valuable lessons on what success really means in the mobile gaming battlefield. 🎙️ “Star Wars: Hunters Was No Failure” Gibeau acknowledged Hunters didn’t meet commercial expectations, but praised its strengths. He said: “We built a great tech base and a fun game… but it wasn’t a viable business. We weren’t able to generate the organic installs from the license… It didn’t engage over the long term.” He added: “We don’t really consider them failures at the company… For every game that doesn’t reach its full potential, we go back, postmortem it, figure out what went right… and share that learning across the company.” So, Gibeau is clear: failing to go viral doesn’t equal failure—especially if you’ve built something…
⭐ George Lucas Makes Debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2025
A Pop Culture Titan Finally Hits Hall H This July, Comic-Con is pulling out all the stops—because George Lucas is showing up, live and in person, on Hall H for the very first time. The man who launched Star Wars is finally taking the stage at the convention formerly dominated by movie trailers and Marvel hype. Lucas’s appearance represents more than star power—it’s the story of a visionary returning to where fandom culture exploded decades ago, to showcase his next big project: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. What’s On Deck at the Panel The panel, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, will be moderated by Queen Latifah and include appearances from Guillermo del Toro and Doug Chiang, the famed Star Wars production designer. The focus? A sneak peak into Lucas’s upcoming museum. This isn’t a trailer drop or tease of new content. It’s an exploration of “narrative art”—from cave paintings…
Happy Birthday, Ben Burtt – The Sonic Genius Behind Star Wars
The Man Who Made the Galaxy Audibly Legendary July 12 marks the birthday of Ben Burtt, the mastermind behind some of the most unforgettable sounds in cinema. He didn’t just fill the silence—he created the literal voice of the galaxy far, far away. On this day, it’s only right to honor the man who gave a hum to the lightsaber, breath to Vader, and charm to droids. Iconic Sound Creations That Echo Through the Galaxy Lightsabers & Blaster Fire That iconic lightsaber hum? It wasn’t created in a lab—it was crafted from analog magic. Burtt combined the buzz of an old projector with feedback from a TV set to invent the most recognizable weapon sound in cinema. And the blaster fire? A hammer striking a guy-wire, tweaked until it became pure Star Wars. Vader’s Breathing You can’t have the Dark Side without that ominous breath. Burtt recorded himself breathing through…
Andor Scores Big with 3 TCA Nominations—Why the Critics Still Can’t Get Enough
Since its April 22 release, Andor Season 2 has been lighting up the streaming galaxy—and now it’s officially in the spotlight. The Television Critics Association just announced the nominees for its 41st Annual TCA Awards, and Andor scored three major nods: That’s critical acclaim served Rebel-style. With over 200 TV critics weighing in, these nominations are like hitting double-line bets in the prestige-TV casinos. Andor isn’t just floating around the galaxy—it’s commanding the table. Why This Matters: Andor at the Apex of Prestige What makes TCA nods feel different is their pedigree. These are the votes of seasoned critics who follow shows week-in, week-out. They’re not dazzled by big budgets or flashy cameos—they reward storytelling depth, thematic weight, and emotional truth. : Program of the Year Andor goes toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Severance, The White Lotus, and Hacks. It’s the galaxy’s best TV calling card. : Achievement in Drama The…
Nar Shaddaa Nightlife 2025: High Stakes, High Style, and Higher Roller Rewards in SWTOR
Welcome to the Neon-Soaked Strip of Nar Shaddaa There’s no better place in the galaxy to lose your credits, your inhibitions, or your sense of responsibility than Nar Shaddaa, and Star Wars: The Old Republic is bringing the Nightlife event back for another round of slot machine mayhem. From July 8 to August 19, 2025, it’s time to grind, gamble, and glam up like a proper galactic high roller. This year’s Nar Shaddaa Nightlife has expanded features, revamped mechanics, and an obnoxiously long list of juicy rewards that would make a Hutt blush. Whether you’re in it for the Iridescent Varactyl Mount, the Supernova Helmet, or just a few moments of slot-spinning euphoria, here’s your ultimate 2025 Nightlife breakdown. Where to Begin: Getting in on the Action To start your gambling career, head to the Republic or Imperial Fleet, where a floating mission terminal in the connecting corridor will point…