Star Wars Battlefront Not to Tie in to Episode VII

Since the announcement of the next Star Wars Battlefront game, many have been wondering if it will tie in to Episode VII and in what ways. We now have a new report Star Wars Underworld has this to say: Executive Vice President of EA Studios Patrick Soderlund recently spoke about how the game may or may not be connected the the upcoming film: “We’ve shown parts of the game to date. You know what were building is more rooted in the traditional Star Wars universe, not so much linked to the movie being made.” He continues, “We wanted to make a game that celebrates the history of Star Wars. We don’t have a particular tie to the movie, but obviously we would prefer to launch Battlefront sometime close to when the movie launches,” This is not a definite shut down of the idea but it looks like we won’t be seeing any maps, characters…

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Swtor-mined: Guild Conquests/Guild Flagships

SWTOR Miner is a bussy little bee these days. With the new patch comes tons and tones of new stuff to discover. Here the latest info he digged up about Gild Conquests/Guild Flagships. Now don’t go and get yourself banned by posting/dicussing any information mined by me on the Official SWTOR Forums. Guild Conquests/Guild Flagships Details Initial Purchase Cost: 50 million credits: 130 million credits plus Conquest items to fully unlock “Room” unlock costs: 5 million credits + Conquest items 16 unlockable rooms “Invading the planet will commit your guild’s flagship to compete on this planet’s leaderboard for this conquest event. If you place in the top spot, you will conquer the planet at the end of the event.” “You cannot invade a planet in the last 3 days of a conquest event. You must lock in your commitment beforehand.” You must possess a gold key to the guild flagship…

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SWTOR Manaan Flashpoint – first look

This post contains spoilers so you have been warned. Here are a bunch of screenshots and a short video of the new flashpoint planet. As of now, the planet is pretty empty, but we are also in the beginning stage of the beta test. Remember also to check out these this video made by mad sith assasin were he runs through the quest Forged Alliances Part 2 that comes with game update 2.9 and takes you to Manaan. Manaan area map:

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PTS 2.9 Build 1 – Patch Notes

The public test servers are not yet ready, but it is now possible to download the patch. Eric Musco posted an update on the official forums on what to expect. Below his forum post, we have added the patch notes. As you will notice this week from the patch notes, not all of 2.9 is on PTS yet. The reason is that we want to make sure as much testing as possible is concentrated on both personal and guild strongholds. Here is what is available this week on PTS: Tatooine Stronghold Nar Shaddaa Stronghold Dromund Kaas Stronghold Coruscant Stronghold *All Strongholds available for both personal and guild use Stronghold decorations (including things like Legacy Storage) Public Listings Depths of Manaan Flashpoint Next week we will be implementing the following features: Guild Flagships Guild Conquests Personal Conquests Conquest Leaderboards In preparation for next week we want to let you know what you will…

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Swtor-mined: 2.9 PTS Patch #1

Game update 2.9 will be playable on the public test servers this weekend, but the patch is already available for download. As always SWTOR_Miner have been bussy datamining the patch for us.  There’s a huge amount of changes. A lot of data will be missing and/or incorrect in these files. He will need to examine the new data structures and see exactly what’s changed and update the output. Remember you can  now follow him on Twitter, @swtor_miner. He have been pretty active on there of late. Here’s the raw changes: New/Changed/Removed Abilities New/Changed/Removed Achievements New/Changed/Removed Areas New/Changed/Removed Codex Entries New/Changed/Removed Collection Entries New/Changed/Removed Conversations New/Changed/Removed Gom_Fields New/Changed/Removed GOM_Items New/Changed/Removed Items New/Changed/Removed Cartel Market Entries New/Changed/Removed Npcs New/Changed/Removed Quests New/Changed/Removed Ships New/Changed/Removed String Tables New/Changed/Removed Talents New Loading Screen Images New Cartel Market/Collections Images Republic Guild Flagship Imperial Guild Flagship Manaan Flashpoint Manaan Flashpoint Surface “Lobby”

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J.J. Abrams Wants You

Here is a special message from J.J Abrams that you don’t want to miss. He’s made another fun video for us from the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, this time promoting the exciting fan-driven contest that is sponsored by “Force for Change”. He also reveals some fun and practical props and offers a great deal for hardcore Star wars fans.

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Timothy Zahn AMA has some interesting points on Canon and Lore

Reddit is known for its AMAs (ask me anything). These sessions can be fun and interesting, all depending on who is getting asked the questions. There was an interesting one recently with Timothy Zahn, Star Wars novelist and author of Blackcollar. While this AMA didn’t specifically address SWTOR, there were some very interesting points brought up, especially about story and lore and if you have not seen it yet, we suggest you head over and give it a read. Here are some snippets: Hey Mr. Zahn! HUGE fan of your work. A lot of my love for Star Wars stems from your work. But I have to ask, how do you feel about Lucasfilm declaring most expanded universe works (i.e. your works) as “non-canon”? I wasn’t going to address this topic. But since so many of you have asked: What the “non-canon” announcement by LFL means is that they aren’t…

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Developer Blogs: The Story of SWTOR, 2014

Lead Writer, for Star Wars: The old Republic, Charles Boyd has posted a new blog post over at the official SWTOR Website. This time he talks about the game’s story and what we can expect to see in the upcomming game updates. Aparretnly the first chapter of the next major storyline is currently available via the Assault on Tython and Korriban Incursion flashpoints. The first chapter in our next major storyline is already available: Forged Alliances, Part I. Comprised of two flashpoints, Assault on Tython and Korriban Incursion, Part I will introduce you to some key new allies as well as the central mystery of the content yet to come. While you can always jump straight into these flashpoints with Group Finder whenever you’re looking for some action, the best way to experience the storyline is to find A7-M1 on Vaiken Spacedock or T3-G2 on Carrick Station—they’ll point you toward…

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Can SWTOR Help You Land a Job?

Here’s an interesting topic to ponder. It’s one that I was discussing with some fellow gamer friends just a week or so ago. We were talking about how we are leadership members within our gaming community and how this experience translates to the “real world” and also how our real life experience helps us be better leaders in the games we play. It’s so common in gamers today but it’s not always a topic we hear people talk about. So leads us to another question: Can SWTOR help you land a job? We’ve heard of people putting World of Warcraft on their resumes. We’re not certain how that worked out for them but with how mainstream WoW has become, it’s not a surprise if it helped a bit if they were able to put the game-work connection in it. So why can’t SWTOR experience be the same? We believe it…

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SWTOR Patch 2.8.2 Notes

Patch notes for tomorrows update are now ready. Check it out below: 2.8.2 Patch Notes Highlights The Gray Secant has returned from its travels! Participate in the Relics of the Gree event from July 22nd 12:00 GMT to July 29th 12:00 GMT. Bounty Contract Week returns! The event runs from August 12th 12:00 GMT to August 19th 12:00 GMT. General The “Gen’Dai” Codex Entry is now obtainable by both Factions. Republic players are now able to obtain the “Sullustan” Codex Entry. Removed 6 Location and 1 Bestiary Codex entries that were erroneous and not obtainable through gameplay. System Messages are now moveable using the Interface Editor. The Camera Rotation Speed slider now correctly adjusts the speed from 0-100%. Ground textures no longer appear poorly when Texture Anisotropy is turned on if the computer’s graphics card cannot support the option. Cartel Market The Series 512 Cybernetic Torso now has the appropriate color scheme….

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Manaan INFO!

From the develop blog, we have some very interesting info about Manaan. The Shuuru Datalog details as follows: It is not a foolish endeavor to try and anticipate one’s future path, or even the path of an entire civilization. But it can be. If we do not first take stock of that which lies in our wake, we can never truly know how to negotiate the currents ahead. It is with this concern in mind that I indulge in this analysis of the ebb and flow of my dear home, Manaan. For a long time–longer than we have records for–the Infinite Empire ruled our world. They enslaved us until their eventual fall, and we Selkath vowed we would never be placed in servitude again. As offworld explorers eventually arrived on our world, they came to see our kolto as a vital resource in their contest for dominion over the galaxy….

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BioWare Chooses Who You Can Romance In Their Games- Here’s How

There’s been a lot of talk about romancing in BioWare games. This is nothing new. We’ve discussed the topic in SWTOR quite often. Did you know that there’s more to these romances than just writing and art- although they play a huge role in it. BioWare is speaking out on this very topic to tell us more about how they choose who you can romance in their games. There’s an official BioWare recording that explains it all. It’s audio only so we’ll cover some of the highlights for you. The just-under 50 minute audio is from the GaymerX2 convention and delivered by the writers of Dragon Age Inquisition. In the beginning they talk about the process: how they write the friendships and flirtations, the romantic relationships and what certain romantic partners might look like. They talk about how this affects attraction and how they work with the voice actors to…

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TOR TV: “Wrath” – Sith Warrior Trailer

OSWguild brings us an excellent video: “Wrath” – Sith Warrior Trailer. It’s a really dynamic, exciting trailer that will get you excited to want to see the entire series. Old fans of SWTOR might even feel inspired to come back and play again after watching this. OSWGuild say they are in this to have fun, so they want to make videos that are fun. We think they’ve more than hit the mark with this masterpiece. They say it took them about 15 hours total to create the trailer. They have many more videos on their channel so be sure to check it out after you watch the one below. The Empire has always been plagued with the Sith’s inability to work together, but the problem has been exacerbated since the disappearance of the Emperor. Tamarra will have to tread carefully as she works her way up the Sith ranks; although, her journey…

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SWTOR Earns $165 Million Last Year

According to research and data from SuperData, Star Wars: The Old Republic remains one of the top five subscription MMOs in the world, earning $165 million last year. The ambitious MMORPG started as a sub-based model but then later adjusted to a free-to-play game with paid options and this made all the difference in the world for EA in terms of earning potential. This figure includes subscriptions, expansion packs and microtransactions and it puts SWTOR in 4th place in the world for MMO earnings.  As you can see from the chart, WoW took first place with over $1 Billion in revenue, Lineage 1 took 2nd place with $253 million, TERA: Online took 3rd with $236 million. Some games to come in after SWTOR include LOTRO, EVE Online, Aion, Blade and Soul, Lineage 2, and RIFT. Since 2010, the MMO market has been changing and growing. The pay-to-play model is dying and the…

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Galactic Living Ep3 Livestream Q&A Notes

BioWare had another livestream yesterday, showing of gameupdate 2.9. This time Eric Musco and Courtney Woods showed how decorating will work. You can check it out below, but if you are more a reading type of person, Dulfy have put together the Q&A notes. These are readable below the video. Tomorrow the team will do a First Look Preview on Customizing a Dromund Kaas Skyrise Apartment with SWTOR Fansite OotiniCast. Q&A Rooms already exist inside a house but you cannot access them unless you unlock them first by interacting with the door of a specific room and pay the unlocking cost. Stronghold items that give you buffs? No items like that. Strongholds do give you rested XP. Fleet chat in strongholds or riot? Our current decision is still planetary chat. Can you become Kephess? Yes All strongholds have massive hooks to fit in ships. Some of them have roofs that…

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4v4 Ranked Warzone Guide

Ready for some 4v4 ranked Warzones? Before you head into a ranked match, you need to know something about what you’re doing. Most people take these ranked warzones more seriously and you don’t want to waste yours or anyone else’s time by not coming into it prepared. While nothing beats good, old-fashioned practice, taking the time to learn a little by reading and watching videos can help you get a jump start on the whole thing. Man1ac89x has a great video to help you learn more about 4×4 Warzones. Scroll down to see the video for yourself. You should also check out this (recently updated) sticky on the forums: PvP 101: HOW TO BECOME A CONTENDER This thread is THE ultimate guide to PvP. Check out the full Table of Contents to see what it contains: 1) Daillies, Commendations, and Valor Commendation Management 2) Gearing up for Warzones a. Level 1: PvE and Bolster…

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Legacy Storage Info

With the upcoming game update to Star Wars the old Republic – Galactic Strongholds, BioWare will be introducing new legacy storage. Eric Musco took some time yesterday, updating the community on the official SWTOR forums on what to expect: here is a C/P: Hey folks, I know there are a few questions surrounding Legacy storage and although I can’t answer everything here are some of the bigger answers: How do I get Legacy storage? You will get Legacy storage for free with the completion of the “Introduction to Strongholds Mission” upon acquiring your first Stronghold. Legacy storage will also be craftable and is possible to appear on the Cartel Market. (In both cases this means it would be available on the GTN for credits as well) If I add another Legacy storage to my Stronghold, does this add more storage space? It does not. Adding more Legacy storage “units” will…

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Should SWTOR Be More Like WoW?

Should SWTOR be more like WoW? If you ask the wrong person this question, you’re likely to get your head taken off. Seriously, some SWTOR fans are very anti-WoW. That being said, World of Warcraft has made it as long as it has in the industry because it is, in fact, doing something right. So maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to bash on the game. Are there things about World of Warcraft that SWTOR could use to improve? Possibly. While there are already similarities between SWTOR and WoW, it’s also very important to remember that SWTOR is SWTOR and WoW is WoW. If you want more WoW gameplay in SWTOR, then maybe you just need to go play WoW. That being said, there are some good points to be made about the success of WoW and how it could help Star Wars: The old Republic. Here are some things…

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What Does It Mean to Be a Gamer Today?

What does it mean to be a gamer today? This is not a simple question. Depending on who you ask, you are guaranteed to get a variety of answers. This is because people look at gaming differently. Most of us probably agree that if you play SWTOR, you are a “gamer”. But what if you play Pocket Frogs or Candy Crush? Is one more of a gamer than the other? Who gets to set the rules about which games make you a gamer and which ones do not? And let’s cast all of that aside for a few and talk about what it really means to be a gamer today. Does it even mean anything? With gaming as mainstream as it is today, it seems everyone does it. Your grandma, that two-year-old waiting for his lunch and playing with mom’s phone. Everyone is potentially a gamer, even if they don’t…

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Status Update on Hood Toggle

Eric Musco posted an update on the official forums yesterday regarding hood toggle. Eric replied to a user named Pingonaut who had the following question: It has been more than two years since the game launched, and that’s two years of players asking for a way to toggle the hoods on their outfits. In this Community Q&A from February 2012 we were told that the hood toggle likely be in the next major patch after Game Update 1.2. Delays are acceptable, this is not. He even goes so far as to say that the functionality will be available for our companions, as well. This means that the feature was being tested and worked on enough to where they could release such information. If there were problems or bugs with the hood toggle option that kept it from being released, why not tell us? Why just leave us in the dark,…

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Calling all guilds!

Hillary Nicole asking for your guild information on the official site. It’s unknown what she is up to yet, but I speculate that BioWare is restarting the guild program we had around when the game started. It might also have something to do with the guild ships coming with the next game update. Another guess would be potentially organizing live events, thus the request for an email. What do you guys think? Anyways. Below is the official announcement: Hey everyone, It’s about tiiiime I start collecting the contacts from guilds in SW:TOR. I guess this is a bit trickier, as I will need a tad bit more information from you all, so I set it up in a list-type format: Guild Name: Guild Leader(s): Primary Contact (email): Website (if any): Server: Faction: Guild Size: Focus (PvP, raiding, social, etc): Any Additional Info: Keep in mind that “not meeting requirements” is…

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Swtor considered 3rd best free 2 play game by WatchMojo.com

Mojo Games did a list of Top 10 free to play games (PC only). SWTOR was ranked 3rd on the list. We’re happy to see SWTOR still making Top lists like this. There are also some other great games on the list so if you have some free time, you may want to check them out as well (Planetside 2 and Team Fortress 2 being some of faves). Check out the full list for yourself and let us know your favorite – next to SWTOR, of course. Do you agree with the list or do you feel it’s missing something?

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