A SWTOR gamer posted to the official forums with some info that was supposedly datamined for the upcoming 1.7 patch. The user (named Kamii) had some information from the latest PTS client update but the thread was promptly removed. All credit for datamined info goes to Kamii. *Disclosure: All Datamined info should be taken with a grain of salt. There is no way for us to verify any of this as true, nor is there any way to prove that Bioware will still leave these features in the game if the info was valid. It’s meant for fun and speculation only.* Now, off to the info: Sentinels – Combat Spec “hand of justice” -> next dipatch can be used on any target also on combat tree – time_dilation (no description) New proc – increases melee and ranged defenses by 1% per charge up to 3 charges, lasts 10 secs, procs…
Author: Lisa Clark
John Riccitiello CEO of EA, Speaks Out About Video Game Violence
Do video games create sociopaths? Do shooter games make people kill people? Do violent games increase violence? These are questions that have been around nearly as long as the games themselves. This is a hot topic of political debate today and there are many who strongly believe that video games do contribute to shootings and other violence seen in the world today. BBC news tells us: The boss of Electronic Arts (EA) has denied there is any link between video game content and “actual violence””. Some politicians have very strong views about these video games and how they affect our culture: Republican congresswoman Diane Franklin subsequently proposed a sales tax on violent titles, saying the money should be used to “finance mental health programs and law enforcement measures to prevent mass shootings. Former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader went further, accusing games publishers of being “electronic child molesters” and…
Mtsbwy: Star Trek Meets Star Wars
This is exactly what The Verge has done in this hilarious thread that also invites you to post your own photo response. Make sure you scroll down through all the comments as well as the post itself.
The Problem with Gamers Today – An Entitled Generation
I have been gaming since I was old enough to pick up a controller. I was a child of the 80s- the Nintendo generation- but once I got my first computer and discovered PC games, I knew that would be my favorite platform. We own one of every console but I still play PC games with the most frequency. One thing that has changed a great deal about video games today is the sheer volume of options we have. There is a game for everyone and everything. Another thing that has changed in the gaming community is the overall attitude of many gamers. We have become an entitled generation of video gamers. Of course, this does not apply to everyone but I use “we” in the collective sense. Gamers today are selfish and impatient. They want what they want and they don’t want to wait for it. Many successful games…
SWTOR Reverse Engineering Can Cost a Lot
Reverse engineering is based on luck because of the random number generators (RNG) in the game. If you run across some bad luck, you could end up spending a great deal of money on your reverse engineering. If you have yet to experience it yourself, you need to read the story of this guy who wasted 20 million credits with a combination of poor Reverse Engineering luck and his own greed. He’s written about the tale in a “what not to do” blog post so you don’t have to suffer his same embarrassing fate. How I Underestimated SWTOR’S Reverse Engineering RNG from Mad Sith Assassin tells us: When rank 27 gear released with Terror From Beyond, I wanted to continue the success I had before. This is around the time two fateful events occurred. First, it became public knowledge that taking a crafted mod a player had made and…
SWTOR Space Missions Issues
Players have reported issues with SWTOR space missions recently and Amber Green, Live Community Coordinator, came into the forums to make an official response on the issue: We’ve investigated your reports and wanted to let you know that Space Combat Missions are working as designed. However, the patch notes for 1.6.3 were not fully correct, and we understand that this may have caused some confusion. These have now been updated for clarification, and we apologize for the mistake. With Patch 1.6.3, all Space Combat Daily Missions were moved to be available 12 hours later. They will now reset each day at 6AM CST (4AM PST/7AM EST/12PM GMT/1PM CET/11PM AEDT), rather than at 6PM CST the day before. This includes the new missions, of which there are 6, and they are available as follows: Tuesday – Far Cradle Strike (Imp) / Regnant Station (Rep) Wednesday – Kabal Station Defense (Imp) / Ardis Outpost…
Flashpoint Guide: The Streets of Cademimu
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic The Streets of Cademimu Flashpoint takes place in the city of Cademimu and it’s for level 29 players or higher. Some of the NPCs in the area are not aggressive so you can just bypass them but you’ll notice that a lot of them are fighting each other. For this reason, you’ll need to move fast and tag them first so you can get your XP points and the loot. You will go up against 3 bosses but to reach the first one, you’ll need to go down the elevator until you reach a green marker. When the elevator stops, the first thing you’ll see is a group of NPCs fighting. You’ll need to run into them to get the instance to update the objective. When you look on your map, you’ll notice that you…
Cartel Coin Conversions- How Much Does it Really Cost?
Are you wondering how much that item in the Cartel Market really costs? While the Cartel Market operates on Cartel Coins, those coins have to come from somewhere and subscribers get a small amount each month but everyone else will have to buy them with cash. This isn’t a new concept to come to MMOs as many have been using this model for quite some time. However, since it’s new to SWTOR, many players want to know how they can get the most from their cash spent on CC. So here’s a little breakdown of how much certain items would cost you (on average) from the Cartel Market. These prices are based on a ‘per character’ purchase. If you choose the ‘account wide’ option, it will cost more. Carbonite Chamber: 720CC= $6.48 More Quickbars: 250CC= $2.25 10 GTN Sale Slots: 125CC= $1.13 Additional Crew Skill: 420CC= $3.78 Now let’s take…
JJ Abrams Confirmed as Director of Star Wars VII, Speaks on the Role
It’s official: Abrams is directing Star Wars VII How does Abrams feel about being selected as the director for Star Wars: Episode 7? Reports say he called it “as surreal as it is exciting.” Abrams spoke with some press before heading into the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday night where he was there to accept the Norman Lear Achievement Award for such television works as “Felicity” (1998-2002), “Alias” (2001-2006), “Lost” (2004-2010), “Fringe” (2008-2013) as well as the current series “Person of Interest” and “Revolution.” Abrams is also known for his movie directing of “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible.”” He was on my personal shortlist for directors I wanted to do this early on but he initially said he wasn’t interested. Supposedly, the former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy (who will produce the films) convinced him to change his mind in early January after visiting him at the Santa Monica offices of…
5 Reasons You Should Be a SWTOR Subscriber
If you’re still holding back on the decision to become a SWTOR subscriber, it might be a good time to go ahead and take the plunge. When you look at all the benefits that come with a sub, you just might ask yourself why you didn’t do it earlier. Honestly, if you’re really into the game and play on a regular basis, it just makes sense to subscribe. Here are five reasons you should be a SWTOR subscriber: Subscriber Benefits in the Cartel Market: Another reason you should be a subscriber is for the Cartel Market benefits. You get access to all 6 quick bars, a minimum of 500 Cartel Coins per month to spend, 10 additional character slots per server, unlimited access to all warzones, flashpoints, space combat and operations, earlier access to sprint and speeder piloting, ability to queue your crafting items and much more. You Get 50%…
SWTOR Takes Top 10 Video Game Marketing Campaigns
Massively noted their top 10 memorable marketing campaigns and no surprise, SWTOR Flash/Freeze mob made the list at #8. Video game makers have to market and advertise just like any other business today. However, they are finding, just like other markets, that they have to get more creative with how they advertise and how they spread the word about their brand. Because of this, some video games have had some pretty interest campaigns to help draw attention to their game. SWTOR was no exception. Here’s what Massively writer Justin Olivetti had to say about it: “Despite your feelings on the game, you have to admit that this flash mob is just a brilliant piece of advertising. I don’t know what I love more: the incredibly detailed costumes, the decision to pose all dramatically instead of staging a hackneyed fight, the fog that comes up, the dad who just yanks his…
JJ Abrams to Direct Star Wars Episode 7?
UPDATE: This has since been confirmed true by Disney and Lucasfilm. Yay! Rumors have been buzzing the internet since Thursday evening when the news broke that JJ Abrams would direct Star Wars Episode 7, despite his earlier comments that he was not interested in directing the film. However, we’ve been unable to find confirmation from Abrams’ representatives, Disney or Lucasfilm that the rumor is actually true. The news was spread by multiple trade reports, including The Wrap, which has now pulled its Abrams story. The Hollywood Reporter still has their Abrams story up which says “Sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter that the Star Trekdirector is negotiating to direct Episode VII, the next installment in the fabled sci-fi franchise.” But this doesn’t tell us who their sources are and with no official confirmation, we cannot be 100% certain it’s not a rumor. All of the stories we find by official news sites like ABC…
Sexy Skins for Male SWTOR Characters
Why is it the female characters get all the sexy gear in SWTOR but the males are all covered in their armor? Where is the male eye candy for us ladies (and some guys)? One SWTOR fan has an answer and he’s posted it in the fan art section of the SWTOR forums. Forum user Ixum brings us “The We Want Skimpy Gear For Male Characters” Thread and it’s a riot. If you have not seen it already, it’s well worth stopping by. Whether you want to see male SWTOR in sexy outfits or you just want to get some lolz, you’ll enjoy browsing through the thread that is now 63 pages long and growing. Whenever he hits a milestone in views, he also does a special edition picture. Check out the 6K views leopard bikini, for example. While the thread has been around for quite some time, it’s actually…
SWTOR Flashpoint Guide: The Esseles
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic The Esseles is the very first Flashpoint for the Republic faction and you’ll enter it as soon as you leave the prologue planet. You’ll be asked to board the transport ship the Esseles headed for the capital of Coruscant. Players must be at least a level 10 before you are allowed to enter the transport. While you can go this instance alone, it’s more beneficial if you have at least two players and your companions. Going it alone can be difficult and you will miss the opportunity to fight a bonus boss. It also helps if both players have chosen their advanced class and if one of you is a healer. This is a story based Flashpoint so there’s many cutscenes and dialogue that will earn you social points and there are several bonus missions…
SWTOR Cartel Market Items Guide and Overview
If you have yet to fully explore the Cartel Market, you might have some questions about what’s it in, how much it costs and if it’s worth it. While each player is different and what is worth it to one player can vary with another, it does pay to do a little research into what you can get. So here’s an overview guide of the items in the Cartel Market available for purchase. Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic Cartel Packs There are two types of cartel packs that you can purchase and they contain an assortment of the goods and crafting materials. In addition to these, you can receive some very rare bonus items that you can’t find anywhere else. Crime Lord’s Cartel Packs– for 360 CCs, you’re guaranteed to receive two rare bonus items and you have a chance…
Does Your Character’s Lightsaber Have a Name?
So here’s a fun question for SWTOR players: does your character’s lightsaber have a name? And why or why not? We want to hear your lightsaber names and if you don’t have one, tell us why. This comes from a fun thread on the SWTOR Community Forums called “What is the Name of Your Character’s Lightsaber?” where players are discussing whether or not lightsabers should be named and what theirs are named. Halinmonk starts it off: “My Jedi Consular called her first lightsaber “Dawn” and her second “Aero”, my Sith Warrior called her’s “False Friend””. Tahrl brings in an opinion of those who are opposed naming their sabers: Hate to be the boring one, but neither my Jedi Knight nor my Sith Warrior named their Lightsaber. It is a weapon, a tool. Like a really deadly spanner. It’s not befitting a name. It may be damaged, discarded, replaced or stolen….
Flashpoint Guides: Kaon Under Siege
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic The Flashpoint Kaon Under Siege was added to Star Wars: The Old Republic with Patch 1.1 and it’s one of the hardest in the game. It’s intended for players who are at least a level 50. It takes place on a Spaceshuttle where an infection broke out, which turned everyone into a creature that resembles a zombie. The infection was passed from one person to another until everyone was infected. The main difference between this instance and many of the others is that the mobs are much harder to kill and there are a lot of them in the beginning of the Flashpoint. First Boss: The Mobs Instead of going up against a boss, the first thing your group will encounter is a big mobs fight. The objective is to stay alive as you’re met…
SWTOR Lead Designer Damion Schubert Talks Cartel Packs
Players have been doing a lot of talking about Cartel Packs and there is a thread on the SWTOR community forums that has some very important questions in it. Well, SWTOR Lead Designer Damion Schubert has now popped into answer some of those questions and give us some great info and stats. You can read the full thread for yourself but here’s a snippet: Do items put in the Galactic Trade Network sell? Yes. We have metrics, as well, on what sells, and for what price, which we compare to their drop rates. This gives us a great idea on adjustments we should make for future packs (the drop rates and the pack contents themselves) – which means that our next round of packs will be better, and the ones after that will be better again. Here are some fun stats * The White indestructible crystal Median Buyout price =…
EA to Release Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2013 Results on Jan. 30, 2013
EA issued a press release today that they will have their 3rd quarter fiscal year 2013 results on January, 30th. “In conjunction with this release, EA will host a conference call to review its financial results for the third quarter, discuss its outlook for the future and may disclose other material developments affecting its business and/or financial performance. Listeners may access the conference call live via a dial-in number or audio webcast.” Details as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 2:00 pm Pacific Time (5:00 pm Eastern Time) Dial-in numbers: Domestic: 773-799-3213; International: 888-677-1083 Passcode: EA Webcast: http://ir.ea.com EA’s financial results release will be available after the close of market on Jan. 30, 2013, on EA’s web site at http://ir.ea.com. A dial-in replay of the conference call will be available until Feb. 14, 2013 at 203-369-0099 (domestic) or 866-356-3373 (international). An audio webcast replay of the conference call will be available for one year at http://ir.ea.com. This is the first earnings call since SWTOR…
Flashpoint Guide: Battle of Ilum
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic A Sith Lord has taken control over a very powerful Imperial Battle Station, moved it to the planet Ilum and declared himself the Emperor of a new, improved empire. He has attacked both the Imperial and Republic forces to claim the famous crystals found on this planet. He intends to use them to help wipe out the Republic and Empire from the galaxy. Your job is to infiltrate the base, find the Battle Station and put an end to his plan. The Battle of Ilum is open to both Factions as they join forces to stop this Sith Lord from taking over. Players need to be at least a level 50 to take part in this flashpoint and you’ll face 3 bosses and two mini-bosses. Mini-Boss: Gark the Indomitable Shortly after you begin the flashpoint,…
SWTOR Game Update 1.7 – Return of the Gree Coming Soon
BioWare has announced the next game update today- date to be determined and like other game updates, it comes with a new event, new quests and new items. GET READY TO HELP THE GREE – YOUR PROWESS WILL BE GREATLY REWARDED! The new game update 1.7 is called “Return of the Glee” and will allow you to play with other Level 50 players or journey alone to assist the Gree in their continual pursuit of information. Rewards will be available to those “brave enough” to help the Gree. We also noticed there is cartel option to up your reputation gains in the upper right corner. It also looks like they cap your rep gain per week so you can’t grind it all out quickly. From SWTOR news regarding the new game update: NEW RECURRING EVENT: RELICS OF THE GREE Explore Ilum‘s contested area in the Western Ice Shelf to uncover the…
Fox News Strikes! SWTOR Segregates Gay Characters to Gay Planet
Many on both sides of the fence are displeased with how BioWare has handled the issue of same-gender romance in the game but Fox News had something to say about it yesterday in their article, ‘Star Wars’ game segregates gay characters on gay planet. Depending on who you ask, Fox News is either an excellence source for news and updates on all issues and current affairs, or a debacle of news station putting out biased and botched stories disguised as “news””. We’ll let you make the decision for yourself but either way, it’s good to see the topic getting some media attention. SGR in SWTOR has been heavily debated since before the game even launched and BioWare has always taken a positive stance on the issue, despite the complaints from some fans. BioWare’s Jeff Hickman, executive producer of ‘Star Wars: The Old Republic’ has said more than once, “Allowing same-gender romance…
Giant Crazy Wishlist for SWTOR- What Would You Wish For?
If you could have any features you wanted in SWTOR, what would they be? What features would you be willing to pay for if they added them to the game? Some SWTOR Reddit users have a nice thread going on about their SWTOR wishes. Everything from the practical to the ridiculous is coming out in this thread and Here are some things being mentioned in the conversation: A legacy-wide companion menu for crew skill maintenance. A legacy-wide bank. Twice as many missions available inside the crew skill selection. A way to have one companion designated for conversations while another companion is physically summoned. I’d like to be able to watch huttball while I’m queued for warzones. Legacy companion summoning. Generate a companion with the same class, items, and name as another character in your legacy with a default set of abilities associated to that class. LEGACY IGNORE. If I put…
Flashpoint Guide: The Colicoid War Game
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic When you reach levels 37 to 41, you can take part in one of the most unique Flashpoints in the game called The Colicoid War Game. It’s not like any of the others because there is only one classic Boss fight at the end. However, you will go though three challenges to complete the instance and both the Empire and the Republic factions have access to this Flashpoint. First Challenge: The Colicoid Attack Waves During the first challenge, you’ll fight a large group of Colicoid warriors that will run towards you all at once. Your goal is to kill off the warriors as quickly as possible without taking on too much damage. The best defense may be to mount turrets, face the enemy and burn them down. The order you take them out could mean…