Oct 30, 2008

SWTOR's Art Director weighs in on the Old Republic's look - Massively



SWTOR's Art Director weighs in on the Old Republic's look - Massively



The announcement of Star Wars: The Old Republic raised more questions than it answered, but we've slowly gotten a better sense of the game's shape over the last week. Ten Ton Hammer adds to this picture with their own coverage from the event, chatting with the game's Art Director Jeff Dobson about how the SWTOR look has shaped up. Dobson's talk, like much over the information out of last week, deals primarily with the high-level concepts BioWare is dealing with in this stage of development.

Dobson reaffirms the company's commitment to making the game work - and look good - on as many PCs as possible. Said the Director, "It's much more important that I can play my MMO on my bad ass desktop machine and my old clunky machine and my laptop. I think that's really important, because gamers should be able to play on any of their computers." Check out the full interview at Tent Ton Hammer for more on that, plus character customization hints and background on those oversized lightsabers.



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Everything we know about Star Wars: The Old Republic - Massivelys



Everything we know about Star Wars: The Old Republic - Massivelys





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The full Old Republic announcement event in video format - Massively



The full Old Republic announcement event in video format - Massively



"The Videogaming247 site has a fantastic piece of footage up for your viewing enjoyment today: the full Star Wars: The Old Republic announcement event. Check it out to watch BioWare's Ray and Greg introduce SWTOR to the audience of press people at the LucasArts campus. To be honest if you've been following our coverage here on Massively you've already seen most of this in our The Old Republic Unveiled series. "



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SOE responds to the announcement of Star Wars: The Old Republic - Massively



SOE responds to the announcement of Star Wars: The Old Republic - Massively



"Last week's announcement of Star Wars: The Old Republic has a lot of players of a completely different game thinking out loud to themselves. Star Wars Galaxies, the much-troubled SOE title still very much in operation, has a tight-knit and passionate playerbase. They have lots of questions, and every right to understand what's coming down the pipe for them now that The Old Republic has been unveiled. We were curious ourselves, and got in touch with SOE CEO John Smedley to talk about what BioWare's announcement means for the Star Wars Galaxies title."



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Oct 27, 2008

Exclusive SWTOR Art Interview - Tweaking the Lightsabers | Ten Ton Hammer



Exclusive SWTOR Art Interview - Tweaking the Lightsabers | Ten Ton Hammer



Lightsabers look REALLY big in the screenshots...

We're actually still tweaking that. That said, we do want the weapons to feel just a little bit oversized. We're always trying to think about that "show off" factor. We definitely don't want to make them too small and miss out on that show-off factor.

For those that are concerned about the screenshots, I think the lightsabers look bigger in those pictures than they actually are. But without a doubt we want to have that "oversized" weapon feel in the game for the guns and the lightsabers both. By making the weapons a little bit oversized, it makes you feel cool to have that giant gun in your hands.

However, I do think the size needs a bit of tweaking from what you see in the screenshots.



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Original source : http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/47423...

Oct 25, 2008

IGN: Command Prompt Podcast, Episode 22



IGN: Command Prompt Podcast, Episode 22



US, October 22, 2008 - Yes, we're aware that we're a day late with the podcast this week. That's because the industry's worst kept secret was officially announced yesterday, and Steve had the scoop on it. A couple of weeks ago, he flew out to BioWare Austin to get the very first look at Star Wars: The Old Republic, and we kicked off three days of coverage on Tuesday. As you'd imagine, we talk a lot about Star Wars, and we answer a lot of reader questions about what we do and do not know.



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Gamespot video feature : Star Wars: The Old Republic Revealed

After years of secrecy, LucasArts opens the book on its ambitious second MMORPG; BioWare's Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk explain why it's a bigger project than all their previous projects combined.

Oct 23, 2008

The Old Republic Unveiled: Overview, space combat, and Star Wars Galaxies - Massively



The Old Republic Unveiled: Overview, space combat, and Star Wars Galaxies - Massively





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GameSpy: LucasArts Press Conference



GameSpy: LucasArts Press Conference



LucasArts and BioWare summon the press to announce ... what ?
By GameSpy Staff | Oct. 21, 2008



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Post-announcement article

Massively - Oct 23rd 2008 :
The Old Republic Unveiled: Overview, space combat, and Star Wars Galaxies
Quote : "Massively and the Joystiq network had a man on the ground at Tuesday's unveiling of Star Wars: The Old Republic. We sorted the chaff from the wheat, and now we are prepared to offer up to you a series of post outlining everything there is to know about BioWare's newest game. To start with, we have a high level overview to kick us off. Join us below the cut to get some insider information on why BioWare is making the game, the four pillars of BioWare storytelling, what little they can tell us about space combat and vehicles, and .. perhaps most interesting ... an affirmation of LucasArts's commitment to Star Wars Galaxies. "

GameSpy - Oct 21st 2008 :
LucasArts Press Conference
Quote : "We're currently sitting in the large theater at LucasArts' Bay Area studios, where we've been promised the announcement of a game that's been rumored for a long time. Being developed by BioWare, we've long expected a new title in the Knights of the Old Republic universe, but exactly what form it will take... we're about to find out."

Tentonhammer.com -
Exclusive SWTOR Design Q&A - Lightsabers, The Force, and Space Combat
Quote:
What kind of level cap do you have in mind?

James Ohlen: We are going to have a level based system, and we are going to have a level cap, When we know what that is we'll share it with you.

Gordon Walton: There are a lot of thing that we aren't going to be able to share with you simply because they're still in development. BioWare games go through a lot of iteration before we ever settle on something.

We'd rather give you real information than blow smoke up your....whatever. When we share something with the community, we've played through that part of the game enough that we're confident that it's going to be in the final game.

We're really, really committed to no overhyping the game.

Rich Vogel: It's BioWare and it's Star Wars. Overhyping the game could be very easily done. We want to make sure we meet the expectations of the game.

Oct 22, 2008

Star Wars - The Old Republic : official press release

LUCASARTS AND BIOWARE
REVEAL STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC

OCTOBER 21, SAN FRANCISCO – LucasArts and BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the development of Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, a story-driven massively multiplayer online PC game set in the timeframe of the Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ franchise. Star Wars: The Old Republic, being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, represents an innovative approach to interactive entertainment, featuring immersive storytelling, dynamic combat and intelligent companion characters.

In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will befriend courageous companions who will fight at their side or possibly betray them, based on the players’ actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges using dynamic Star Wars combat.

"Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the most critically acclaimed Star Wars game in LucasArts history and a preeminent example of our company’s interactive storytelling heritage," said Darrell Rodriguez, President of LucasArts. "For a long time, we’ve long wanted to return to the franchise in a grand way, and we felt that the best setting for it was an online world that would allow millions of people to participate in the experience together. We knew that the developer capable of working with us to deliver an engrossing story with a fully-realized online world was BioWare."

"Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and General Manager/CEO of BioWare and General Manager/Vice President of Electronic Arts Inc., "In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story. At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a AAA massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, Star Wars: The Old Republic is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe."

Added Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder and Vice President Development Operations, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts Inc., "Star Wars: The Old Republic is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, a timeframe that is completely unexplored in the lore. BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game’s story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."

Additional details on Star Wars: The Old Republic features, gameplay and release date will be announced at a later time. For more information about Star Wars: The Old Republic and to sign up for future product updates, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.

###

About LucasArts
LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems, computers and the Internet. Based in San Francisco, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.

About BioWare
BioWare develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is hard at work on the epic fantasy RPG, Dragon Age™: Origins. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by the world’s leading electronic entertainment publisher, Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

LucasArts, the LucasArts logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © 2008 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


Source : http://www.swtor.com

Oct 20, 2008

Bioware launches swtor.bioware.com

The new Star Wars MMO should be officialy announced tomorrow by Bioware and LucasArts.

The name of the game should be Star Wars - The Old Republic, as suggested by the address of the website recently opened by Bioware, swtor.bioware.com (which is currently a blank page, but should not remain long).

Oct 7, 2008

"The wait is over" : LucasArts and Bioware to unveil mystery project October 21

From a GameSpy article : KotOR MMO Announcement Soon?
GameSpy received an upcoming media invitation today from LucasArts and BioWare which is more than likely going to be the official unveiling of the long-rumored Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic-based MMORPG. Back in July, EA's CEO John Riccitiello confirmed that both companies were working on an MMO title based on the successful Knights of the Old Republic franchise.

The invite flyer can be seen below, stating, "The Wait is OVER" on the front and "the official unveiling of the game that's been rumored about for years" on the back.



GameSpy will certainly be in attendance, so keep October 21 in the back of your minds and remember to come back to get the full scoop on this not-so-mysterious mega announcement.

Oct 3, 2008

Star Wars KOTOR MMO announced soon !

From a CVG article :
KOTOR MMO to be revealed soon
Friday 3-Oct-2008 4:41 PM
BioWare's online Star Wars game to be unveiled in a matter of weeks

BioWare's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic MMO game is set to be 'officially' unveiled later this month, CVG has learnt.

The long-awaited online Star Wars - perhaps the games industry's worst kept secret - is being developed by BioWare Austin, which has been tinkering away behind the scenes on the title for over two years.

Officially the company hasn't admitted to any sort of Star Wars link with its MMO, but EA boss John Riccitiello let slip earlier this year that the RPG developer was in fact working on the online KOTOR, claiming that it is "quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry."

But it looks like the game won't (officially at least) be a secret for long. LucasArts and BioWare look set to lift the lid on a KOTOR MMO within the next 30 days.

Backing up all this is the strongest confirmation yet (other than EA's boss saying it's in the works, of course) from UK newspaper, The Daily Star, of all places.

A column that appeared last Saturday reports that the rag is soon off to San Francisco to "file an exclusive report on the game", after stating that BioWare is working on "a MMO of Knights of the Old Republic".

Look for more in the coming weeks then.