So, Fan Friday. It seems that Bioware decided to split the “Developer Corner” out of the Fan Friday and give it its own thing, called “Studio Insider””. Last time we got a look at the work the development team was doing on Flesh Raiders, and this time we get to experience Coruscant. Read the full article here We are excited about sharing new work-in-progress art, special screenshots, animations, and other insights from the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ team. In this Studio Insider, World Designer Eric Young walks us through the process of building the city world of Coruscant. Also, we have picked some questions to answer in the Community Q&A section! Designing Coruscant They call me Eric Young. I’ve been a World Designer at BioWare for almost four years now; my job is to design the layout of planets, place buildings and mold terrain into mountains, valleys and roads. I work from the…
friday update
Friday Update: Closer Look at Crew Skills
Game Systems Designer Patrick Malott talks about the Crew Skill system and reveals another crafting skill (though the systems page hasn’t been updated yet): Armstech. Here’s the blog: Introduction I’m Patrick Malott. I’ve worked as a Game Systems Designer on various titles over the years, but what we’re working on here at BioWare Austin is my dream project: Star Wars™: The Old Republic™. In my current role, designing and building out the Crew Skills system is one of the biggest projects I’m involved in. As a passionate multiplayer online gamer myself, I know that crafting is a critical part of the experience for many of you, and I’m dedicated to making sure you enjoy the way it works in The Old Republic. In this blog, I want to shed some light on the design decisions we’re making with Crew Skills… and I might just drop a few new specifics on the Armstech crafting…
Friday Update: Goodbye old Wizard… Hello Sage
The Jedi Wizard has officially been renamed. Here’s the official news: A few weeks ago, we asked the community to help us rename the Jedi Wizard advanced class. Thousands of votes and many posts full of lively debate later, the polls have closed, and we have a clear winner! Without further ado: The new name for the Jedi Wizard is… Jedi Sage! Thanks to everyone who participated in the voting process. Your feedback is always important to us, so please join us on the forums and let us know what you think about the game. – The Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ team For anyone who’s been following the official poll(s) (even if just looking at them once since they were posted) it shouldn’t come as a surprise that “Jedi Sage” came out the winner. Even so I’m glad that we’re rid of the “Wizard” name and will enjoy playing…
Friday Update: New Inhabitants on the HoloNet
BioWare added five new entries to the “Inhabitants” section of the HoloNet; two creatures, a humanoid species, and two droids. Here is the official news: Details on five new galactic inhabitants are now available on the HoloNet! Read up on the dangerous Terentatek and Vine Cat – you don’t want to go up against these creatures unprepared. Also, find information on the legacy of the red-skinned Sith Pureblood, descendants of the original Sith species. And don’t forget about the droids! You’ll find data about the M3-M1 Medical Droid and the S3-F5 Inclement Condition Probe. The galaxy is full of fascinating occupants, so make sure to check the Inhabitants holorecords frequently for new updates! Because it might be a bit tricky to find the new entries among the ones that were already there, let me list the links to the new entries here: Terentatek Vine Cat Sith Pureblood M3-M1 Medical…
Friday Update: Flesh Raiders, and Fan Friday
Yes! It’s Friday again, and that means two things: Weekend with lot’s of beer and more news from Star Wars: The Old Republic. This time we get the monthly “The Studio Insider” wich gives us a glimpse of what it takes to produce a multi-million dollar MMO. In this issue of the Studio Insider, concept Artist Diego Almazan shares another step-by-step demonstration of the creation of the Flesh Raider, from base sketch to fully tricked-out creature. When starting a concept, it’s important to get as much information as possible to help make the creature or object fit best in its place in the game. For this concept in particular, I was excited to take on the task of creating an alternate Flesh Raider which would fit alongside the current set. After gathering and studying art work and other assets related to the Flesh Raider, I started off with a base…
Friday Update: Warzones, and (voting for) a new name for the Jedi Wizard.
Warzones, crafting and (voting for) a new name for the Jedi Wizard. That’s what BioWare has for us today. This week was EA’s annual winter showcase in London, during which they revealed details on warzones in The Old Republic as well as details on crafting. With the warzones BioWare released a new video showing some PvP; here is the official news: We’ll be offering more insight into how Warzones work in the near future, but for now, we hope this video will give you a good sense of the Warzone experience in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™! Also, be sure to check the screenshot section to see how this battle is heating up. Next to all that BioWare is showing that it’s listening to the community. After the massive outcry over the “Jedi Wizard” advanced class name they’ve now selected three names (plus “Jedi Wizard”) for the community to vote on, saying that the winning…
EA Winter Showcase: Big Update Tomorrow?
Electronic Arts and Bioware are back in Europe again with the yearly EA Winter Showcase. The last time we saw the Star Wars: The Old Republic team on this site of the Atlantic, was way back in May this year. Last night, BioWare’s community team took to the social networks to tease fans about “juicy” new information: We’re in Europe where we’ll be announcing new details about The Old Republic™! Stay tuned to http://www.swtor.com/ this Friday for juicy details. Is this announcement directly linked to Europe? Will they announce European testing – wich we all over here desperately are waiting for? Maby.. Details on Crafting and for many, pvp are yet to be revealed also. What they got for us time will tell, but since we normally get updates each Friday, and they’re making a special callout for this one, we hope that it might be something special.
Friday Update: Imperial Agent Details!
It’s time for BioWare’s regular Friday update on the Star Wars: The Old Republic site, and this one’s pretty massive. BioWare took pity on the many fans who have been clamoring for gameplay information and released an All Imperial Agent Extravaganza including a new class gameplay video: The update gives a little more detail on the Agent’s advanced classes: Healing skills are confirmed for the Operative just as his specialization on close-range combat. In contrast to the Sniper, who’s more into stealth and ranged combat. He frequently makes use of his long range blaster rifle, although it seems that one needs “extensive training” to make use of this weapon. Combining the expertise of multiple disciplines, Operatives adapt to any environment and any circumstance to ensure the Empire’s agenda is achieved. Whether emerging from stealth to ambush and eliminate enemies in close-range combat or using advanced medical technologies to keep colleagues in…
Daniel Erickson on Sith Pureblood
Daniel Erickson made another post on the official forums, giving a bit more explanation on the meaning of “Pureblood” in “Sith Pureblood”: Quote: Originally Posted by Hawnk So… if the Sith species was extinct during the first KOTOR (or so says the loading screen that I just saw) then how are they justifying Sith Pureblood as a playable race in SWTOR? Hey folks, Happy to clarify. In the time of KOTOR, the Republic believed all of the original Sith Empire had been destroyed. Those who had not been killed were chased far into deep space where nobody had ever returned from. Thus Revan’s surprise when coming upon them and his dedication to going back to stop the threat when his memory returned. That said, the Sith “Pureblood” in SWTOR are anything but pure Sith (from a species point of view). The name is a vanity. In the last 1000 years…
Ilum: Dark Plans for Power?
Today’s official update is a planet reveal. And a surprising one (to me anyway) at that. After Hoth already having been revealed I’m surprised to see another ice planet. But regardless, BioWare revealed that they have included the ice planet<span< a=””> class=”Apple-style-span” style=”color: #cccccc; font-family: ‘Trebuchet MS’, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;”> Ilum in the game. Here is the official news: </span<> With the final outcome of the war between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic still undecided, the icy planet Ilum sits squarely in the cross-hairs. The crystals that grow here in abundance are the source of incredible power and possibility. Jedi and Sith alike have long sought them for their Lightsabers, but the ramifications may go much deeper. Recently the Empire launched a major assault against the Jedi on Ilum, destroyed the Order’s sanctuaries, and initiated an ambitious operation of unknown intent. With its forces already spread thin, the Republic…
SW:TOR’s new Smuggler Secrets
Admittedly, it looks like the team over at BioWare really want to give you the option to be Han Solo, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just, please, for our sake and yours, think of a unique name to call your own. Partying with a “San Holo” or “Pan Solo,” or even “Haan Sulu” will probably give even the most die-hard fan a headache. Anyway, while we posted a great PAX Smuggler Trailer that came out a few days ago, it seems like the SW:TOR team will not be satisfied until all of their fans are drooling at the possibilities of this dashing class. Thus, in their latest class reveal, BioWare has some more neat information for Smuggler fans around the galaxy. First up, if you want to play a Smuggler with a little pizazz, they suggest that maybe you take a peek over at the ultra-dextrous Twi’leks, known…
SWTOR Friday Update: Highlight on Corellia
This week’s Star Wars: The Old Republic update takes a closer look at the planet of Corellia. As a pivotal part of the Republic’s strength, the planet may be a consistent target for the Imperial struggle for dominance. Home to some of the Republic’s most influential leaders, the notoriously independent world of Corellia is of critical strategic significance. It’s been a symbol of personal and economic freedom since the Republic’s earliest days, and it’s become the center of all the Republic’s industry and enterprise. Despite long-standing evidence of corruption in Corellian government, the citizens have always been staunchly loyal to the Republic. Losing contact with the planet and receiving images of destruction has caused grave concern in the Senate for what may be happening on the ground in Corellia’s capital. Read more on Corellia via the updated Holonet. While you are checking that out, also be sure to catch the…
pax update 1
As you all know, PAX is currently in full swing and BioWare is there as well showing of Star Wars: The old Repulbic . And website Ask A Jedi has the first details. In particular they had a Q&A session with Senior Producer Blaine Christine and Lead Writer Daniel Erickson and posted a few highlights from that (with the full interview to follow later): They’ve definitely heard the “feedback” on the Jedi Wizard. My take is that there is more info coming in this regard. Companions aren’t going to make players gods above those who choose to play without them, but also players won’t necessarily be able to “spec” their character to make up for lost companion stats, if they choose to play without one. Advanced Class choice has been relegated to “still in development” – meaning, very much on the fence as if it will be permanent or not….
Friday Update: Space Combat again
Another friday, another dev post from the team over at BioWare! This week, BioWare decided to focus (yet again)on their interesting addition of Space Combat to their highly anticipated Star Wars MMO: Star Wars: The Old Republic. You can follow the link to their uploaded video, which showcases some impressive cinematics and game play of ships blowing up other ships, although for fans who are craving some free-wheeling exploration, it does seem like these are more “guided” missions than just blasting out into the middle of space (and really, that’s a lot of work to do!). In the dev post, the team notes that there will be faction-based missions involving “epic space battles,” with the core focus on space combat. Those flight scenarios look pretty darn nice! Blast your way through asteroid fields, enemy fighters, and a variety of other obstacles as you encounter fast-paced Space Combat missions in Star…