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…
Author: gingetattoo
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…
Yo-Ho-Hondo! The Era of Piracy Arrives in Galaxy of Heroes with a Booty-Laden Battle and Smuggler’s Run 3
Hondo Ohnaka Returns, and He’s Brought Booty If your holo-crystals have been burning a hole in your smugglin’ satchel, it’s time to cash in—Galaxy of Heroes is kicking off its most swashbuckling event series yet: the Era of Piracy. And leading the charge? None other than Galactic Legend Hondo Ohnaka, the smooth-talking, score-chasing pirate who always seems to profit, even when the galaxy’s on fire. This August, prepare for a high-seas (or high-stars?) adventure in the newest Era Battle: Raiders of the Outer Rim. This ain’t just another relic grind. This is full-on pirate roleplay with blasters instead of cutlasses and loot that even Jabba would drool over. The Era Battle: Raiders of the Outer Rim The main course of this event is the Era Battle, where players get to flex their pirate-themed rosters. Expect new pirate-aligned characters, themed combat tiers, and yes—a bonus tier that requires Hondo Ohnaka himself….
A Sneak Peek at The Art of Star Wars Outlaws – Previews, Pre-orders, and Pure Eye Candy
With Star Wars Outlaws preparing to take players deep into the seedy underworld of the Outer Rim, it’s only fitting that the visual art book is gearing up to hit shelves just in time to keep the hype burning like a lightsaber through durasteel. The Art of Star Wars Outlaws is set to release next month, and we now have preview pages showing off what’s in store. Spoiler alert: it’s stunning. From vast open-world sceneries to grimy cantinas and underworld tech, this hardcover companion is going to be a must-have for Star Wars lovers, digital art collectors, and yes—even that friend who only plays games to “appreciate the visuals. And here’s the kicker: you can pre-order it now for $5 off right here. What Makes The Art of Star Wars Outlaws So Special? Unlike your run-of-the-mill concept art book, this one dives straight into the gritty charm and sleek design…
Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes: Kit Reveal for Quiggold — The Pirate Tank We Didn’t Know We Needed
Every now and then, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes drops a character kit that doesn’t just fill a niche—it opens a treasure chest. The latest addition? Quiggold, the gruff, heavy-blaster-wielding First Mate of Captain Ithano from The Force Awakens, now fully outfitted and ready to anchor the Pirate faction in both raids and Territory Battles. Let’s break down this new Dark Side tank, his synergy with Ithano, his stack-heavy mechanics, and why he’s absolutely vital if you’re chasing Galactic Legend Hondo Ohnaka. Quiggold’s Alignment and Role: He’s not just a meat shield—Quiggold is a disruptive utility tank with some of the most interesting buff-manipulation we’ve seen in the game. Why Quiggold Matters in the Meta The Pirate faction is still under construction, but Quiggold gives it a strong defensive backbone. His kit is loaded with buff stealing, debuff resistance, and mechanics that scale based on his Profit stacks—a new mechanic…
The Best Conquest Events for Small SWTOR Guilds in 2025
Because sometimes, size doesn’t matter—strategy does. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, Conquest is the bread and butter of guild engagement. But if your guild’s population could fit in a Starfighter, you’re probably not racing toward that top ten leaderboard. And that’s okay. Conquest rewards are still very much within reach for smaller groups—you just need to know which weeks to strike. Not every Conquest event is created equal. Some are geared toward PvPers, some are raid-centric, and others practically beg you to log in and rake in points by just breathing in the general direction of the GTN. So here’s your no-nonsense guide to SWTOR’s best Conquest events for small guilds, broken down by efficiency, effort, and tactical cheesiness. Total Galactic War: Chaos for the Win This is Conquest’s version of a galactic free-for-all, where all planets are open for invasion. While it might seem like large guilds would…
The Sith Moves Event Returns to LEGO Star Wars Castaways
Revenge of the Sith vibes, LEGO minifigs, and a dash of dark side swagger. There’s something delightfully menacing about a LEGO Darth Sidious hurling Force lightning with those tiny yellow hands. Good news: The Sith Moves event is back in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways, and it’s packing all the dark side energy you’d expect from something inspired by Revenge of the Sith. Running from now through July 31, this limited-time event brings a trove of Sith-themed unlocks, including custom minifig parts, vehicles, and more. If you’ve ever wanted your Castaways avatar to channel peak-Anakin-after-Mustafar levels of drama, this is your moment. What’s New in The Sith Moves Event? 🧱 Themed Minifig Parts Sith robes? Check. Scowling eyes? Definitely. A hood that screams “I’m about to betray the Jedi Order”? You bet. This event lets you trick out your Castaway in full dark side drip—whether you’re channeling Palpatine, Dooku, or brooding…
Star Wars Actor Kenneth Colley Passes Away at 87
The galaxy has lost one of its most dignified Imperial officers. Kenneth Colley, the actor who brought Admiral Piett to life in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died at the age of 87. Known for his quiet intensity and memorable screen presence, Colley passed away peacefully after complications related to COVID and pneumonia following a fall. A Career That Spanned Galaxies and Genres Born in Manchester in 1937, Colley was never the loudest actor in the room—but he was often the most memorable. With a career that spanned stage and screen, he worked with some of Britain’s most notable directors and theater companies. His nuanced performances were marked by subtlety, intellect, and a kind of quiet magnetism that pulled audiences in. He played everything from historical figures in Ken Russell films to biblical roles—most famously, a dead-serious Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of…
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes – Order 66 Raid Bugs and Observations
The Order 66 Raid in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes has officially gone live, and like any large-scale galaxy-shaking event, it’s already stirring the data pads and Discord channels. While many players are enjoying the chaos of clone betrayals and Jedi survival tactics, the devs have been watching closely—and they’ve taken notes. 🧠 Undersized Team Penalties – Not Quite Balanced? If you thought running a 3-man squad was a genius strategy to min-max your score… think again. The Order 66 Raid’s tooltip warned us: undersized teams get penalized. But as it stands, the penalty mechanics aren’t quite living up to balance expectations—especially in higher-tier modifiers. The devs are actively evaluating whether this penalty is tuned appropriately or needs a rework. TL;DR: bring a full squad until further notice. 🤔 Clone Trooper Bug: Clever Ruse Not So Clever The Disguised Clone Trooper’s “Clever Ruse” ability is meant to grant 20% Turn…
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes – July 2025 Calendar of Events
If you’re a seasoned holotable strategist or just getting your feet wet in the world of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, July 2025 is shaping up to be a busy month. From Omega battles and Assault Events to iconic Fleet Masteries and the ever-intense Territory Wars, there’s something on the docket for every type of player. Let’s dive into the full calendar of events and see what your roster should be gearing up for. 🔢 Daily Login Character: Morgan Elsbeth The reward for consistent logins in July is none other than Morgan Elsbeth. With her recent surge in Star Wars media, including Ahsoka, she’s a fitting addition to your collection—if you don’t already have her locked down. ✨ Omega Events Schedule Every Friday this month brings an opportunity to rake in Omega materials with a different set of faction-focused challenges: Mark your calendar and diversify your squads if you want…
Behind the Blasters: How Star Wars Outlaws Built Its Gritty, Cinematic Soundscape
If you’ve ever played Star Wars Outlaws and thought, “Wow, that starship flyby gave me chills,” you’re not alone—and it wasn’t an accident. The crew behind the game’s immersive audio sat down with Dolby Creator Talks to pull back the curtain on how they made Outlaws sound like it was ripped straight from the Original Trilogy… but with just enough modern edge to make your subwoofer sweat. Hosted by Alistair Hirst, this episode dives deep with the Massive Entertainment audio team: Let’s break down what they revealed—and how sound helped turn Star Wars Outlaws into one of the most BAFTA-worthy games of the year. 🎧 Three Pillars of Galactic Audio Greatness According to Koudriavtsev, the team anchored their approach on three audio “pillars”: 1. Cinematic Experience They weren’t just trying to make things sound cool—they were telling a story through sound. Whether it’s the hum of a speeder bike or…
8 Years Since the Battlefront II Alpha Stormed PC: Remember This?
Eight years ago, on June 29, 2017, a select group of lucky players got their first hands-on experience with Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) during its closed Alpha on PC. If you were part of that early wave, you probably still remember the sheer chaos of Naboo, the strangely OP Boba Fett builds, and the wildly mixed expectations hanging over EA DICE like a Death Star. It wasn’t just a test—it was a statement. And depending on who you asked, it was either a teaser of greatness to come or a glimpse of the Battlefront’s brewing identity crisis. What Was the Star Wars Battlefront II Alpha? The Alpha was a tightly controlled early-access test that gave PC players a bite-sized preview of what DICE and EA had cooked up for their next-gen Star Wars shooter. Unlike the controversial 2015 reboot, Battlefront II promised more content at launch, more eras, and—most…
Last Chance to Unlock Attack of the Clones Content in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways!
The Clone Wars may have started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away—but in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways, they’re ending today. June 29 marks the final day to unlock limited-time Attack of the Clones-themed items, and if you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time to log in and make the most of this event. Whether you’re after a shiny new Jedi robe, a Kaminoan-inspired minifig look, or a sleek Clone trooper speeder, the game’s character customiser and vehicle roster are packed with gear that brings the second installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy to LEGO life. What’s Up for Grabs? Here’s what players have been able to earn during the event—and what you’ll miss out on if you don’t act today: All of this content fits neatly into the game’s sandbox-style social adventure, giving your Castaway that extra touch of prequel flair. A Reminder of…
SWTOR Executive Producer Letter Q2 2025: Dynamic Worlds, Species Upgrades, and What’s Coming Next
The SWTOR development team just dropped a Q2 2025 transmission, and it’s packed tighter than a Jawa sandcrawler. From tech upgrades and new events to character customizations and long-awaited story expansions, the Executive Producer Letter reads like a greatest hits list for MMO updates. If you’ve been waiting for news on Galactic Threads, DirectX 12, or just wondering if Rattataki will ever stop looking like smudged chalk art—this is the one to read. Let’s break it all down, one update at a time. Game Update 7.6.1 – Rising Powers Back in March, Game Update 7.6.1 kicked things off with Galactic Season 8, aptly titled Rising Powers. Highlights include: Add in a few flashy rewards and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a seasonal grind that felt fresh, not forced. Game Update 7.7 – Dynamic Worlds May 28 ushered in Game Update 7.7 “Dynamic Worlds”, bringing a much-needed sense of chaos…