People are talking about SWTOR- this we already know but now that the official launch date has arrived, we see big media coverage at an all-time high. We also continue to see the comparisons made between SWTOR and WoW. USA Today had two stories on the game and it was also covered by large news organizations like the New York Times, The Telegraph, BBC, Daily Mail, and FT.com all of which had something to say about SWTOR and WoW. Big media roundup of SWTOR vs. WoW: New York Times “On Tuesday, Electronic Arts will release Star Wars: The Old Republic, a sprawling multiplayer online adventure that is the first legitimate competition that World of Warcraft has faced for the hearts, minds, hours and dollars of millions of players. “Star Wars” games have been around for decades, but the Old Republic provides the most extensive opportunity to become your own Jedi…
Author: Lisa Clark
ALERT: Major GAME BREAKING Bug. Don’t let this happen to you
Another game bug has been reported on Reddit and so far, it doesn’t seem to be repaired yet although multiple reports say that BioWare is aware of the issue. This Reddit user calls it a “game breaking bug” and essentially, this is the best way to describe it. If it happens to you, then your toon will be stuck, unable to continue in the game until there is a fix. It has been reported/discussed on the official forums also. The Reddit poster explains: After completing some space dailies today, I found that I had 5 pending quests and could not send my companions out on missions. My inventory wasn’t full at all when I was doing the missions, so the fact that they ended up as pending mystifies me. While still on the ship, I tried clicking on the pending quest icon to redeem the rewards, but NOTHING happens. No…
Physical copies of Star Wars: The Old Republic sold out on Origin
The big day is here – the launch date of Star Wars: The Old Republic and the popularity of the game is at an all-time high. It’s easily the hottest PC game of 2011, or at least of the holiday season. Examiner reports that on Electronic Arts’ Origin store has sold out of the physical copies of the game prior to its release on December 20th and that they do not plan to take backorders. EA reports the sellouts due to “overwhelming response” and the game is listed as “Temporarily Unavailable” on the website. They also said, “This will be running out of stock across the map and Origin will be the first place to get additional inventory once available.” The electronic version of the game is still available on Origin at this time. Standard editions were also still showing available on Amazon, GameStop and Best Buy websites. With Christmas…
Maintenance Window Update: SWTOR Servers Down December 19th
Oh noes! You cannot access your SWTOR server! Can’t get on the forums, either? You’re not alone. Remember those maintenance windows I told you about last week? Well, we are officially in Maintenance Window #2 right now. This update will last until 12am GMT and officially ends the pre-launch period. Stephen Reid tweets (as he heads off to the Austin launch party): “#SWTOR servers will be back up at 11PM CST (9PM PST / 12AM EST / 5AM GMT / 6AM CET).” Reminder: Maintenance Window #2 Date: Evening of December 19th (CST) Time: 6PM CST (4PM PST/7PM EST/12AM GMT/1AM CET) All game servers and SWTOR.com will be offline during this period. This maintenance is expected to complete before 11PM CST, and will mark the end of Early Game Access for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™. So… what are you going to do while the servers are down? UPDATE: all servers…
The Old Republic already has over 1 million players – analyst
Are you in SWTOR early access? If so, you could be part of 1.5 million gamers who are already experiencing what SWTOR has to offer. Pre-order customers like yours truly have been enjoying the early access offered by BioWare which served as a great incentive for people to lay down some cold hard cash on the game before it’s official launch. While the big day is not until tomorrow, reports say that 1.5 million people could already be in the game. We have been getting in by “waves” of people at a time, in the order in which our pre-order codes were put in after purchase. While this was intended to ease the access and spreadout login queues, there have still been some long queues for access, especially throughout the weekend. At its worst point on Saturday night, it took me two hours to get into the server that my…
Old Republic will ‘live or die’ on future content Says BioWare
BioWare recently admits to what most of us have already beensaying- SWTOR will live or die based on the future content. Because they knowthis, they also have a very “aggressive” plan to develop their future content. Theyunderstand the importance of their post-launch content and will be putting agreat deal into ensuring gamers get just what they paid for and what theyexpect. BioWarediscusses their “aggressive plans” for post-launch and senior writer AlexFreed says, “I can’t talk about specifics for post-release content. I cansay yes, there are many people working on that content – MMOs live or die basedon adding new content, refining old systems, adding new ones – all of that.”” He clarifies that they are not doing a single-player gamewhere you just put it out on the market and then you’re happy that it’s outthere. Instead, they want to continuously offer more through the game, addressplayer concerns and keep an…
SWTOR Servers: Choose Your Server with TorStatus.Net
Have you been dealing with long SWTOR queues? The server my guild was auto-assigned to sports about an hour queue during peak hours and weekends. In the morning and the middle of the day, I have no problem getting right on but at peak times, you better pray you don’ t get booted or you’re waiting to get back in. However, we found a really neat tool to help you choose your server based on population and what you want. Some players like a nice cozy server with a low pop where they can feel like they have the in-game version of Cheers where “everybody knows your name.” Other players want a mid-to-high pop server where there is always someone to do something with, no matter what time of day you’re playing. There are advantages to each side and it really depends on what you want from your server. TorStatus.net…
First Level 50s in the United States Emerge
Still days before the official launch of SWTOR, we hear reports of people reach max level already. There are a few level 25+ in my guild already and they all have jobs and/or families and other responsibilities. At least a couple of them will reach 50 easily before December 20th. Jaxon reports on the forums early this morning: “Anyone beat this time? 2:10am CST 12/17/2011 Ding 50 Jaxon Server: Hedarr Soongh Republic Commando Some replies commented that he was not actually the first to 50, with one saying, “There is a level 50 on Lord Adraas (an RP server beat you!) that was max’d before this.” Either way, it’s safe to say Jaxon was probably in the top 10 to reach 50 in the United States. This does bring up a good point, however, as we read the comments and we see that some “haters” just don’t care much for…
Star Wars Galaxies Obituary: SWG is Dead
Star Wars Galaxies MMORPG 26 June 2003 – 15 December 2011 After more than eight long years (live playtime), it’s time to say goodbye to Star Wars Galaxies. The MMORPG from a galaxy far, far away is officially dead. But it wouldn’t go out without one last big bang from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). SWG held a series of farewell events to help say goodbye to the MMO once and for all. While it seems it is being forced into an early grave by bigger and better things (SWTOR anyone?) this does not mean that SWG will go quietly into that dark night. Let’s take a look back on SWG, according to Wikipedia: “Star Wars Galaxies (abbv. SWG) was a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts. Its servers shut down on December 15, 2011.” And more facts: On 27 August…
Pictures from SWTOR Paris Launch Party
If you were not in Paris for the SWTOR launch party, you can at least feel a little bit like you were by checking out these awesome photos from the launch party. There were droids and storm troopers and guest speakers and more! Details of the Paris Launch Party: Virgin Megastore Champs-Élysées 52 avenue Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris With Emmanuel Lusinchi, Technical Design Director. See all of the photos here. Other launch events: Austin, TX- UPCOMING Monday, Dec. 19th at 10pm CST – Tuesday, Dec. 20th at 1am CST Best Buy – South Austin 4970 Us Hwy. 290 W South Town Square Austin, TX 78735 With Studio Creative Director James Ohlen and Executive Producer Rich Vogel, as well as other members of the Star Wars: The Old Republic team. London Wednesday 14th December 9pm – Thursday 15th December 100 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1LL With Alex Freed – Senior Writer…
Warning on SWTOR Bans
What will get you banned from SWTOR? That’s a great question as we ease into the pre-launch and the eventual December 20th launch of the game. Some players are finding out that the ban-hammer just might be more sensitive than we thought. It seems that there are some things that are auto-flagged as bannable offenses and many of them are integrated into the chat. This user on Reddit warns other players that the ban-o-meter is pretty sensitive in SWTOR right now (which might not be a bad thing, really): “i was having a conversation in hutta about Aion, and the terrible time we had with RMT and botters. I said (and got an email verifying it) “i just hope we don’t see aion-style spammers ala ‘W W W . B U Y T H I S’ its annoying!” got an email saying I was permabanned for “Harassment – Advertising (mass…
SWTOR Security Key Vendor Items Available
As if you needed one more reason to invest in the SWTOR Security Key device or app and keep your account safe, there are awesome vendor items available as added incentive to those who get the security key devices. Yesterday I told you how the Mobile Security Key app is available for iOS devices. This means you can get that extra bit of security for your SWTOR account right on your phone or other device. But what I didn’t know then (before I had tried it myself) is that it comes with a bonus when you use it. it grants you access to an in-game Security Key vendor who gives you certain digital items you cannot get without it. You will find this NPC vendor in Carrick Station or Vaiken Spacedock (depending on your faction) and he’s found in the inner circle near one of the cargo hold pods. There…
SWTOR Stats: Start Choosing Republic- Imbalance in the Force
Uh-oh! It seems there is an imbalance in the force, my friends. Or rather an imbalance in the factions of SWTOR. Over on Taugrim.com, they provide some stats into the game and the faction choices that are being made on PvP servers so far. This is especially interesting to me since my guild is on a PvP server. The overall stats show 137,732 players have gone Empire and only 66,586 have gone Republic. This means that the Empire has 2.1 times the total population. That is a significant difference for sure. This is based on stats from the entire world population. Here is a snippet of the post that discusses this: Let’s take a look at faction and class data mined from the Pre-Launch Guild Program (PLGP): http://swtorprogress.com/members.php. This not a comprehensive set of data, but it is statistically significant set of data: 450k players, or ~30% of the predicted…
Upcoming SWTOR Maintenance Windows Announced – Tuesdays You Get Fresh Air
If you’re wondering just when the game will be unplayable and servers down for maintenance so you can go outside and see a bit of that thing called sunshine, then you’re in luck. The upcoming SWTOR maintenance windows have now been announced. Tuesday is the big day. So whatever it is that you do when you’re not playing SWTOR, this will be the day to get it done. An Official Community Blog post was made in regards to the upcoming maintenance windows that will help you know what to expect in the very near future. Tuesday is the big day and will most likely be the weekly reset day for the game but in addition to this, there will be some other times that maintenance will take place. Here is the listing of maintenance windows that are coming up: Maintenance Window #1 Date: Early hours of Friday, December 16th (CST)…
SWTOR Pre-Launch Waves Daily Update Thread: 8 Waves Today
Are you still waiting for your pre-launch email? At least one went out already today and Senior Online Community Manager Stephen Reid is updating everyone on the status on today’s SWTOR Pre-Launch Waves Daily Update Thread on the official forums. His original post this morning: “Morning everyone! We’re starting to send out more invites for today. Here’s the good news: overnight we decided to send out more invites than we had originally planned. However, we’ll be spacing those invites out, which means we’ll have more ‘waves’ than the previous four-per-day. We are inviting more people today than we did during yesterday. I’ll update this thread as we send invites. As a reminder, we’re also updating our official Twitter accounts (@SWTOR, @SWTOR_FR and @SWTOR_DE) with the invites as they sent; that’ll be more up-to-the-minute than this post. For anyone who’s not yet been invited, remember to have the email address no-reply@bioware.swtor.com…
Mobile Authenticator for iDevices Now Available!
Attention iPhone and iPod users, you now have an option for an additional layer of protection for your SWTOR account and who doesn’t want that when the game is as popular as it already seems to be? Nothing is more frustrating that putting a lot of time and money into a game and having your account hacked. The authenticator gives you that extra layer of security so you can worry less about someone else being able to get into your account. But if you already use an iDevice, it makes it easier to keep your authenticator right on your device instead of having to keep up with that little keychain thingy. “Keep your Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ account protected with the official Star Wars: The Old Republic Mobile Security Key app for your iPhone and iPod Touch! The Star Wars: The Old Republic Mobile Security Key app is an…
Some More Statistics on Where You are in the SWTOR Pre-Launch List
Yesterday we brought you some info about pre-launch order status and how to tell where you are in the list. We commented that it was based on incomplete data but it was pretty much the only thing out there. Well, now we have some more stats for you- also likely incomplete but what the heck? You have nothing better to do while you’re waiting to get in anyway, right? This Reddit poster says: “Based on the responses in jscoppe’s Early Access Tracking Thread (take 2), I’ve created a graph to show the distribution of preorder registration and Early Access acceptance.” The stats are designed to help you get an idea of where you stand on the list and when you might be able to get your invite for early access to the game- something that everyone who preordered and is not in yet is waiting to find out. …
Warning! Cannot be Unseen: Francis Awaits SWTOR Access
It’s day two of pre-launch for SWTOR and while several waves have gone out already, not everyone who preordered has gotten in yet. In fact, a great number of players still have not gotten into the game and some are not too happy about that at all. If you’re feeling bummed out as you wait for your early access, here’s someone who can relate. Francis called in sick for work, prepped his lightsabers and probably stocked up on loads of gamer snackages as he awaited the early access he was “guaranteed” to get on day 1 of the pre-launch. See what happens as he waits to get in… But be warned: once you’ve seen this, it cannot be unseen. Watch at your own risk (don’t say we didn’t warn you!) Francis is Upset about No Early Access to Star Wars the Old Republic
748 Pages of Rage- Why You Are Not in the SWTOR Pre-Launch Yet
If you’re still anxiously awaiting your chance to get into the pre-launch Early Entry experience, you are not alone. Two of my friends who pre-ordered on the day the game was available for order got in on the first wave of the first day. A few other friends made it in later the same day and some others got in today but lots of people I talk to are still waiting. If you’re feeling like a straggler, don’t worry; your time is still coming. For some people, this isn’t good enough. There are some very angry SWTOR fans who shelled out a great deal of cash up front to be able to get into the game as quickly as possible and some are mad they are not in yet. We were told by community staff that we would receive daily updates as each wave goes out until all pre-launch waves…
Early Access Developer Chat with Best Buy
Best Buy is trying to connect with gamers more than ever before and SWTOR might bring them that opportunity. The big box electronics retailer is trying to outdo smaller operations and specialty stores like GameStop for some time now. Fans of SWTOR had a great opportunity today, thanks to Best Buy. To help celebrate the beginning of Early Game Access, Best Buy hosted a developer chat with Game Director James Ohlen, Writing Director Daniel Erickson and also Lead End-game Designer Gabe Amatangelo. It all happened at 7pm Austin time on the Best Buy site. If you missed it, the transcript is now available to help you catch up on the details. Here is a snippet: Guest-197: What is your deployment schedule for future content? Gaming-BBY: >>James: We’re going to have a regularly cadence with our content updates, but we’re not going into specifics. Updates will include Flashpoints, Operations, Warzones, Solo Content,…
When Will You Get SWTOR Early Access Invite?
Yesterday was the big day for a good number of excited SWTOR fans. For others, the time has nearly arrived but they must wait just a bit longer to find out when they will get their early access to the game because the early access invites are coming in waves, as Stephen Reid explains. Senior Online Community Manager Stephen Reid posted on the official forums (which are back up, by the way) about how the waves of invites for SWTOR will go out. Basically, it will work in the order in which your preorders went in (and were registered with the code). The first people to register their preorder copies will be the first people to gain access to the game. You are ordered according to when you input the preorder code, not when you actually preordered the game so unfortunately, if you were one of those first people to…
BioWare Staff Show SWTOR Dedication
How do you show dedication to something you really care about or something that has made a big impact on your life? For some of us, a little bit of body ink is just the thing to keep those memories strong and also to show off to others something that has meant so much to us. Some key members of the BioWare team have the same thinking about SWTOR and launch day is indeed a very special day for them as well. Dr. Greg Zeschuk (@DoktorZee) and Cory Butler’s (@BlazeofCory) have a permanent reminder of SWTOR and their role in the game- or rather the impact has had on their lives. The two showed off SWTOR-inspired tats via their Twitter feeds recently. BioWare’s Dr. Greg tweets: “SWTOR Launch Tattoo (and Launch Beard)… for reals.” Live Producer Cory Butlet tweets: “SWTOR launch tattoo!” That is dedication right there, am I right?…
BioWare’s James Ohlen on SWTOR’s launch and beyond
ZAM Editor-in-Chief Chris “Pwyff” Tom spoke to SWTOR Game Director James Ohlen about launch day preparations, legacy system updates, SWTOR’s short-term development plans, and much more and they have brought us this fun interview so we all can share in the news and excitement. We’re getting closer to the days of Early Game Access, many of us are looking for ways to contain our excitement and find something to occupy us until we get in the game for ourselves. Interviews like this are one way to do that and it won’t be long now until we can say “see you in game!” ZAM asked James Ohlen if he was nervous about the big launch day. His reply? Not at all! It’s been six years of working on MMORPGs down here in Austin, so it’s been a big part of my life. Biggest I’ve ever worked on! SWTOR is definitely BioWare’s…
SWTOR List of Slash Commands and Emotes for In-Game
With prelaunch coming, what better time than now to come across this list of slash commands and emotes for in-game SWTOR? Slash Commands: Assuming they are still accurate when the servers go live (which we cannot guarantee at this time), here are some slash commands you can use in-game: Numbers like /0 /1 /2 /3 will represent chat channels /coverbar /date /dismiss /dnd /duel /e /emote /flag /follow /friend /gabdicate /gdisband /general /ginvite /gkick /gquit /gremove /group /grp /guild /hideui /inspect /invite /lag /logout /me /nameplates See the complete list for more slash commands. If you are a veteran MMORPGer, you will probably be familiar with many of these already so a good policy is just to test slash commands you know to have worked in other games in the system of SWTOR and see if they work for you. Chances are, they probably will (if nothing changes on launch)….