Questions for the Director of Star Wars Uprising

Daniel Erickson has a reputation for reaching out to the community, especially when it comes to games he works on. This is something I really like, especially with my background in gaming and game writing. It’s nice to see directors, developers and game writers/editors who care about what the community thinks. It’s nice to see them taking the time to invest in their community and listen to their concerns, answer their questions and just open that dialogue. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make a player a lifelong fan because you’re showing that you actually care about them. With that said, Daniel Erickson is offering up the opportunity to pick his brain about Star Wars Uprising. In case you missed it on the forums, here’s the post: “Hey Folks, Got questions? I’ll do my best to answer them or find the expert that can. All posts will be read. Well intended…

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An Open Letter to the Creators of the SWTOR Cartel Packs

Hyperspace Beacon has a few things to say to BioWare. Actually, they have a bit of a bone to pick with the SWTOR team. And he’s not alone in this one. There are many people out there who agree, as the comment section will show and I have to say that while I am a fan of the game and have been since the beginning, he makes very valid points on this one. There are some seriously annoying flaws with Cartel Packs and while this isn’t the first time it’s been said, the points are presented rather well. So what’s the beef? Well, here’s part of it: “I am disappointed by the execution of the latest cartel packs on many, many levels. It was difficult enough for me to accept these lottery boxes in the first place. It concerns me that the best looking and most desired items in the…

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SWTOR: Changes to the Cartel Market — Tuesday March 1 – 2016

Here are the weekly cartel market items on sale for the week of March 1 – March 7  2016 . Items No Longer Available Helpful links MEDITATION CHAMBER Price Change Old Price New Price Percent Change Normal Price Helpful links UNLOCK: ADDITIONAL QUICKBAR 50 200 +300% 200 STRONGHOLD UTILITY DECORATION BUNDLE 509 1018 +100% 1018 MEDICAL PROBES 40 400 +900% 400 APPEARANCE OPTIONS: WHITE EYES 25 100 +300% 100 VALIANT JEDI ARMOR SET 1200 600 –50% 1140 CATHAR WARSTAFF 400 250 –38% 325 SPECIES UNLOCK: CATHAR 600 150 –75% 525 LEGACY UNLOCK: CHISS 600 150 –75% 450 IVORY MOUSE HORRANTH 240 24 –90% 240

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Players Salute Latest Star Wars Battlefront Update… Or Not

Players are not happy with the latest update to Star Wars Battlefront and they are letting DICE know about it. One sarcastic post on Reddit highlights  the issues well, with dry humor and snark, but this is not the only shout-out to DICE that this update blows. Some of the major complaints: players hate the new map nerfs and buffs don’t make sense DICE ignored many player requests/ report bugs still issues with the music/sound controls and the list goes on While it’s common for a new game to have issues and for any game to experience problems after an update, big or small, the real issue the community seems to have with DICE is the lack of communication and the fact that it seems they are not listening to their audience at all. When you ask players to spend such a large amount of money on a game, then…

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TOR TV: The Imperial Army 47th I.E.F. Recruitment Video

I just love when players get creative with videos surrounding the game. I also love it when players get creative with their recruiting techniques. I think one reason for this is that I have been in charge of recruiting in many games and communities in which I played a serious role. In my WoW guild, I handled recruiting, as well as when my WoW guild moved to SWTOR. I also handled recruiting in a ranked/leadership position for a TF2 community I was part of for some time. I know all about the unique challenges that can come with recruiting. I know how hard it is when you want to encourage recruiting without spam, how hard it is to find the right people suited to your community or guild, how challenging it can be to find new, creative ways of advertising that you are accepting members and showing the benefits of…

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Twi’leks in SWTOR and Rebels Have Something in Common

Twi’leks are a loved race in all of Star Wars. Did you know that they actually have something interesting in common in Star Wars Rebels and SWTOR? They share a voice actress. Vanessa Marshall voices Hera in Rebels and Alauni in SWTOR. Catherine Taber voices Numa in Rebels and Vette in SWTOR. Also, if Taber’s voice sounds familiar, it’s because she was also Padme in The Clone Wars.  She was also the voice of Mission Tao in KOTOR. See here:p View post on imgur.com As you can see, the voice actors of Star Wars games are a close knit group. There are definitely cross overs and not just with Twi’leks. But this was a happy little coincidence that we just had to bring to your attention (if you didn’t already notice). One thing that many Star Wars fans love is knowing the people behind the characters and behind the voices. It really…

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Star Wars Game Almost Had Luke Skywalker’s and Han Solo’s Sons Face Off

The world of Star Wars canon is a rich a busy one at all times apparently, as there are always people plotting and scheming, looking for various ways to further the stories of the characters and their offspring, thus creating opportunities for more games, movie episodes and generally: more Star Wars action. Some of the ideas these people come up with are questionable at best while others border on the genius: it has recently been revealed that at one point  few years ago, there were plans for an original trilogy game which would’ve featured a storyline quite reminiscent of the Star Wars: the Force Awakens storyline, had it come to fruition. The first clue about the existence of the said project was dropped by a book which focused on the history of LucasArts. In that book, there were a few logos featured for potential Star Wars games, one of them…

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The Academy Ep 3 Tells Us How Hardmode Flashpoints and Operations Work

Swtorista has a new episode of The Academy out for your viewing. This is the third video in the series that is a part of her being a guest on Ootinicast’s weekly podcast. It’s all about roles and ops and will cover all the basics you need to know about doing these group events in SWTOR. It’s simple and straightforward and it contains all the basics you need to know. In the interest of keeping it short, she doesn’t go fully into details of everything but it’s definitely a great foundation. “I want to do a hardmode flashpoint or operation. How do they work?”” The Academy is a series focused on the basics of SWTOR. If you want to listen to more, tune in to Ootinicast’s latest episodes. She says the next video will be about class and which one you should play. And next they will be recording one…

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SWTOR – The Biggest Comeback in PC Gaming History?

Some of you who have been around with us since the very beginning (pre-launch even) will know that SWTOR today and SWTOR then are like two different games. Sure, the premise and many of the elements are there, but it’s different in a variety of ways, all of which we think are for the better. This is just one more way that BioWare shows they listen to the players and also that they want to make great games that people truly enjoy. If something isn’t working, you tweak it until it does. They don’t just abandon their projects like many will do. BioWare really came a long way with SWTOR and we’re very glad it’s still with us today and we’re happy to have been with it since the beginning. PC Gamer is calling it one of the biggest comebacks in PC gaming history. Here’s a snippet of a piece…

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SWTOR Odessen Warzone Mechanics explanation

BioWare have posted a short explanation about the Odessen warzone. Apparently there have been a lot of confusion about the mechanics of it. Odessen Warzone Mechanics | 02.26.2016, 08:52 PM Hey folks, We have seen quite a few questions around some of the mechanics in the Odessen Warzone. Here are some points of clarification. Control Points Spawning At the start of the match 2 control points spawn at random Control Points last for one round, a round lasts for 75 seconds The amount of Control Points active increases as more rounds occur There are 8 rounds in total (though a team can win before the 8th round starts) Round 1,2,3: Two Control Points active Round 4,5,6: Three Control Points active Round 7,8: Four Control Points active After Round 1 Battle Mods spawn, Battle Mods have different impacts on points depending on which Mod you have. Capping a Control Point Control Points…

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XCOM 2 – MOD ARMORY #2

Could XCOM 2 be a better game than Star Wars Battlefront? Some people definitely think so. In an opinion piece for htxt, one gamer says why he thinks it is. First, he gives us some background into XCOM 2. “XCOM 2 is the story of a group of rebels (XCOM) fighting against an oppressive regime (ADVENT). You get to control and lead a ragtag group of heroes using jerry-rigged weapons and technology to defeat the better armed and armoured bad guys. Oh, and there’s aliens.” And then he says what he thinks about Star Wars Battlefront: “Okay, hear me out. Star Wars: Battlefront is both a terrible Star Wars experience and a terrible videogame in general. Does it look like Star Wars? Hell yes, it’s eye-wateringly beautiful. And the sound assets? Absolutely superb. But it doesn’t feel like Star Wars. It wears the façade of the franchise like a slick doppelgänger. Imagine…

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(SPOILER) Companion Conversation Leaked

Companions add a big element to SWTOR and since before launch, this has been something that set this game apart from others. While there has been much arguing over the companions and certain features they should or should not have, most everyone who has played the game will agree that the companions can be a lot of fun. With this we get the companion dialogue, which is true to BioWare story fashion, and always interesting. Something else that has been talked about since before launch is the ability to romance companions and while that has also not been without controversy, it creates an interesting dynamic to the game. The conversations between you and your companions are also full of fun. Companion conversation for Lana Beniko was leaked. Please be warned that the rest of this post will contain spoilers. ***SPOILERS*** Breaking up is hard to do. Or is it? In…

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Choosing the Best Online Casinos

Since we can’t play live casinos in SWTOR and Disney took away our Star Wars slots, it looks like fans will just have to go elsewhere to get their online gambling fix. While we don’t have any Star Wars themes (as of yet, unless Disney changes their mind), there are still many great casino games to enjoy. Now you can enjoy these games in the comfort and privacy of your own home and it doesn’t matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection. You don’t have to get dressed up, wear anything special, spend money on expensive food or drinks, or any of that. You can just relax with the games you love and go at your own pace. Of the best Australian online casino for real money, you can find many in Australia. This country has come a long way when it comes to offering great…

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Clarification on Megaservers in SWTOR

There have been talk about new mega servers in SWTOR for a while, and with 4.3 PTS Patch Notes, the forum went wild. Eric Musco was quick to dispel the megaservers rumors though: Check it out: Megaservers | 02.25.2016, 09:56 PM Quote: Originally Posted by Joesixxpack They’re coming. http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=873570 Hey folks, By the term “Megaservers” I presume you think we are collapsing multiple servers together into “megaservers.” Especially with many of the quality of life features you highlighted. These changes were only designed to allow friends to play together, regardless of their personal playstyle. Now someone who wants to play on a PvP server can play on the same server as their friends who don’t want to. Hope that clears up any confusion. -eric

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Game Update 4.3 PTS Patch Notes

As we told you yesterday, SWTOR 4.3 PTS is now online. Below are the patch notes. This patch includes a new warzone, arena, and new instancing within servers. Check it out: Highlights New Warzone: Odessen Proving Ground! Train with other mixed-faction Alliance teams by vying for control of multiple capture points in this new Odessen-based Warzone! Use power ups to turn the battle in your favor! (PTS Note: Only Odessen Proving Ground and Rishi Cove Arena are available in the PvP Queue). New Warzone Arena: Rishi Cove Arena! This new Warzone Arena hosts 4v4 Deathmatches in both Ranked and Unranked queues. (PTS Note: Only Odessen Proving Ground and Rishi Cove Arena are available in the PvP Queue). New Gameplay Focus Areas! Both PvP and PvE instances are now available on any server, allowing friends who prefer any gameplay type to play together on the same server. Players can toggle their focus…

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The Correct Way to Give Out Unique Codes for SWTOR

If you have unique codes for SWTOR that you want to give out to others, great! You’re a fantastic person and we all appreciate you for it. That said, here is a word of caution: you may not want to post those unique codes openly. If you simply post them on a forum or website, they are most likely going to be bot-mined, which means no real humans are going to get your codes and be able to play an enjoy. Instead, bot accounts will use them for gold farming/selling and other exploits. If you want normal, real people to get the codes, you’re going to have to give them out directly. Does that sound like a lot of work? Well don’t worry because it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ideas for giving out your unique codes for SWTOR: Host a contest and give the winners the codes…

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SWTOR 4.3 PTS online today

Tait Watson just informed the community that BioWare are working to bring the 4.3 PTS online today. Expect servers to be up around 11AM CST Game Update 4.3 PTS | 02.25.2016, 09:10 AM Hey everyone! I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that we are going to be working to bring the 4.3 PTS online today. We are aiming for around 11AM CST, but that could change depending on a few different variables. Right now, I don’t imagine it will change. Character Copy is currently offline, but will be available once the PTS is. Keep an eye on the PTS Forums, as any further news and updates will go there. Thanks, and see you out there! -Tait Character Transfers are now available!

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STAR WARS Knightmare – Old Republic Fan Film

Before Malachor 5’s destruction. One Jedi must understand the dark side’s hold over the planet… Intrigued? We are so we’ll be following this little project for an Old Republic fan film and we hope you’re follow along as well. This is a project from Star Wars fan and filmmaker, Patrick Johnson. The indie filmmaker has made several short films over the past five years and his latest inspiration has us excited too. Here is the plot: “This story set in the Star Wars universe, 10 years before the rise of REVAN and MALAK during the MANDALORIAN WARS. A story that revolves around the beloved setting of the OLD REPUBLIC in the STAR WARS EXPANDED UNIVERSE. On the planet of Malachor 5, (Before its destruction years later.) a team of mercenaries of a republic operation runs into a problem with their team’s captain; now having slipped into a mysterious COMA. A Jedi from…

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New Side Project In Case You’re Bored in SWTOR

Every now and then we come across something that just really gets your giggles going. This is one of those types of posts. User djcecil2 posted to Reddit about how he had found a new side hobby in SWTOR, complete with pictures. Of dead players… See for yourself: I’ve found a new side hobby while playing the game. Taking pictures of dead people. It’s really quite hilarious! More than one commenter noted the dead faces’ resemblance to “O faces” which will probably lead you down a path of NSFW imagery and links. But honestly, it is pretty funny. How many times have you seen a dead player in a hilarious position? Sometimes it’s just the way the corpse falls and other times it can be an actual glitch in the game, like a body falling partly through the scenery, but it always makes for some laughs. I know this is such a…

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SWTOR Livestream Updates

SWTOR Community Manager Eric Musco, just made an update about changes coming to BioWares Livestreams. Apparently the users over at the official Star Wars: The old Republic Forums, don’t like the story Livestream hosted by Charles Boyd. There for team is shutting it down and will try to do a vblog that will be hosted on youtube instead. Check out the full story below: Livestream Updates | 02.24.2016, 01:16 PM Hey folks, Thanks to all of you who have posted feedback on our Livestreams. Based on your feedback we have some changes planned. The monthly Producer Livestreams, scheduled the second Thursday of each month have been well received as we are able to address community concerns and offer information into what is coming – so that is going to continue in its current form. The Story Livestream hosted by Charles Boyd, offers insight into the upcoming story chapters. Unfortunately, this…

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What To Do with a Star Wars Hater

So you’ve got that one friend, the one who says he “just doesn’t get” what all the fuss is about. “What’s so great about Star Wars?”, he says. Or maybe he goes one step further into actual Hater Mode and starts bashing on the films or the franchise. There’s likely a friend like this in ever group (unless you’ve already purged your group of this traitor). So what can you do about? Sure, it’s okay to accept one another’s differences. We know that not everyone will like the same things and not everyone will love Star Wars as much as you might (although we cannot imagine why). Differences in people make the world go round and that is something to be celebrated. However, if you’re dealing with a friend or family member who just doesn’t “get” your Star Wars obsession, it might be time for an intervention. You can try…

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Trying Online Casinos with Free Spins

Online gaming is hot right now. It’s at a peak as people from all ages and backgrounds enjoy a variety of games. Just like we love to talk about Star Wars games here on the site, and things related to SWTOR, Bioware, or sometimes just MMOs or games in general, we also see the topic of online casinos come up from time to time. One reason is the connection between popularity of online video games and online casino games. Online gambling is also super hot right now. For many, it’s just another form of online gaming. For others, it’s a way to get their gambling fix when they can’t make it out to a real life casino. The virtual casino gives them the experience they want, or the chance to play different types of games, all from the comfort of their own homes. And the sheer volume of games and…

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The ‘Star Wars’ Fan Film Awards Are Back

It’s that time again – you can can make your own Star Wars short for fun and earn a profit from it. How cool would that be? The Star Wars Fan Film Awards are officially back and you have the chance to win one of seven $250 prize packs and you can get your short film posted online for the world to see. What do you have to do to win? Well, it all starts with making your own short film and being sure you follow all the rules. Submissions will be judged on filmmaking (or animation) talent, storytelling, character design and development, acting and voiceover talent, originality and entertainment value. There are many different great categories that winners will be chosen from so you can do the style of your choice and really make it your best. Here’s all the important info you need to know: STAR WARS FAN FILM…

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SWTOR: Changes to the Cartel Market — Tuesday February 23 – 2016

Here are the weekly cartel market items on sale for the week of February 23 – March 1  2016 . New Items Price Helpful links MEDITATION CHAMBER 1200 Price Change Old Price New Price Percent Change Normal Price Helpful links APPEARANCE OPTION: UNDERCUT 50 100 +100% 75 ADDITIONAL CHARACTER SLOT 300 600 +100% 600 DATA ENTRY 240 480 +100% 480 THERMAL RETENTION ARMOR SET 120 1200 +900% 1200 GOING PLACES BASIC BUNDLE 250 375 +50% 375 UNLOCK: ADDITIONAL QUICKBAR 200 50 –75% 200 STRONGHOLD UTILITY DECORATION BUNDLE 1018 509 –50% MEDICAL PROBES 400 40 –90% 400 APPEARANCE OPTIONS: WHITE EYES 100 25 –75% 100

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