Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic bringing HK-51 into the game as a companion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/star-wars-the-old-republic-bringing-hk-51-into-the-game-as-a-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/star-wars-the-old-republic-bringing-hk-51-into-the-game-as-a-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/star-wars-the-old-republic-bringing-hk-51-into-the-game-as-a-co/#comments Star Wars The Old Republic joined by HK51
Ever since Star Wars: The Old Republic was announced, it was a sure thing that we'd see the Hunter Killer assassin droids in the game, and indeed Bioware has released a teaser trailer announcing the appearance of HK-51, a few models down the line from everyone's favorite meatbag-loathing machine, HK-47.

Presumably, the droid will appear in the game as a player companion, though how he'll be unlocked for characters isn't yet apparent. The trailer mentions an ancient ice base where
"scores" of "the most dangerous machines in the galaxy" exist, so there will likely be a bit of story and questing to go through to find this model and use it.

And let us be clear: You had better go get that droid, meatbag.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic bringing HK-51 into the game as a companion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassindroidhk-51hunter-killermeatbagpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 17 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic's 1.3 update arrives today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/star-wars-the-old-republics-1-3-update-arrives-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/star-wars-the-old-republics-1-3-update-arrives-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/star-wars-the-old-republics-1-3-update-arrives-today/#comments Star Wars The Old Republic gets 13 update in maintenance tonightStar Wars: The Old Republic's patch 1.3 has been in the news for a while, but the wait for it is finally over. After extended maintenance on the game from midnight to 4am PDT last night, the "Allies" update is up now.

Those new features include the Group Finder tool, which is something that SW:TOR players have been seeking since launch. There's also the Legacy System, for players with more than one character, and Adaptive Gear, which is armor that can be modded in combat for other abilities. If you've been out of the game for lack of one of these features, now's the time to jump back in.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic's 1.3 update arrives today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliesfindergroup-finderpatchpatchespcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicswtorThe-Old-RepublicupdateTue, 26 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic getting free-to-play update to level 15, new content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/star-wars-the-old-republic-getting-free-to-play-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/star-wars-the-old-republic-getting-free-to-play-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/star-wars-the-old-republic-getting-free-to-play-update/#comments Star Wars The Old Republic getting freetoplay update to level 15Star Wars: The Old Republic will be free-to-play through level 15 with an update hitting in July, BioWare announced at EA's E3 press conference. The update also introduces a new world, Makeb, and additional companions.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic getting free-to-play update to level 15, new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaree3-2012EApcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/#comments ImageEA has put Star Wars: The Old Republic on sale for Star Wars Day, which is today, May the fourth (as in, "be with you" -- geddit?). Bioware's massively multiplayer Jedi simulator has been discounted from from $59.99 to $34.44 for the standard edition, or $44.44 for the digital deluxe edition, which includes some in-game digital goodies.

The sale lasts until Sunday, May 6. If you need it longer than that, you should have had more midichlorians, people.

JoystiqSWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeammorpgold-republicpcsaleStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare: SWTOR subscriber numbers have remained steady]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/#comments ImageBioWare claims subscriptions for the pricey Star Wars: The Old Republic haven't dropped, merely that concurrent users at peak times have declined. Speaking to PC Gamer, BioWare lead writer Daniel Erickson noted the change in player behavior and that server mergers are coming, but not a priority.

The response comes following a report by Cowen and Company analyst Doug Creutz, who believes SWTOR subscribers peaked at 1.7 million in February, and estimates the population will be around 1.25 million by March of 2013 in the game's current state.

"Nothing is off the table when it comes to making sure our communities are strong and active on each server," Erickson told PC Gamer.

Nothing? Hmm, let's talk about that subscription fee then...

JoystiqBioWare: SWTOR subscriber numbers have remained steady originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarepcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA not bowing to 'political harassment' over LGBT inclusion in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/#comments EA's executives, board of directors and creative leads have been inundated with "several thousand" letters protesting the inclusion of same-sex relationships in BioWare titles, reports GamesIndustry International. In addition to threatening a boycott of EA titles, most of the letters received allege that EA was pressured into including non-heterosexual relationship options in its games by LGBT groups, with the expressed purpose of exposing children to LGBT ideas.

"Every one of EA's games includes ESRB content descriptors so it's hard to believe anyone is surprised by the content. This isn't about protecting children, it's about political harassment," VP of corporate communications Jeff Brown said in a statement to GamesIndustry.

The letter-writing campaign is believed to be the work of the Florida Family Association and the Family Research Council. The Florida Family Association's recent call to arms over Star Wars: The Old Republic claims that LGBT groups are "demanding that the makers of Star Wars video games add LGBT characters for kids to select as their character when playing the games." Meanwhile, the Family Research Council maintains that "the biggest threat to the empire may be homosexual activists."

JoystiqEA not bowing to 'political harassment' over LGBT inclusion in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAFamily-Research-CouncilFlorida-Family-AssociationLGBTmass-effect-3Star-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/#comments

Turns out Star Wars: The Old Republic's 1.2 update wasn't just large enough for a trailer, but for an entire making-of video as well. Watch the BioWare team discuss the importance of family, leaving a legacy and adoption. Or something.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredev-diaryLegacyLucasArtsmaking-ofStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic is free to play this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-free-to-play-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-free-to-play-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-free-to-play-this-weekend/#comments Your frugality has paid off: Star Wars: The Old Republic is free to play this weekend. Starting on Thursday at 12:01am CT, you'll be able to create a new character and play up to level 15, and have access to Origin World, Capital World, the Fleet, all Warzones, and your character's first Flashpoint. No trading with other characters, though.

The free weekend comes to a close on Monday at 2am CT, at which point BioWare and EA will freeze your character in carbonite. If you decide you want to purchase the game, you may resume that character.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic is free to play this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeafree-weekendmmopcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-Republicweekend-passTue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for a trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/this-is-the-star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-video-youre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/this-is-the-star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-video-youre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/this-is-the-star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-video-youre/#comments
Well, this seems like bad news for the Novare Coast real estate market.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for a trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealegacymmopcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-Republicupdate-1.2Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon lightning deals include Army Corps of Hell, Old Republic savings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/amazon-lightning-deals-include-army-corps-of-hell-old-republic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/amazon-lightning-deals-include-army-corps-of-hell-old-republic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/amazon-lightning-deals-include-army-corps-of-hell-old-republic/#comments Amazon is once again filling its "Gold Box" with game-themed "Lightning Deals," two things that don't sound like they'd go together at all.

In practice, however, it means you can get The Old Republic for $40 all day, and a series of other deals throughout the day, hints for which can be found after the break. Right now, through 11am EST (or until supply runs out), you can get Army Corps of Hell for $30.

Outside of the Lightning Deals, you can also save on a large assortment of PC download games -- including the new Darkness II for $25.

Continue reading Amazon lightning deals include Army Corps of Hell, Old Republic savings

JoystiqAmazon lightning deals include Army Corps of Hell, Old Republic savings originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonarmy-corps-of-helldeal-of-the-daylightning-dealsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicvitawiixboxTue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare lead writer Drew Karpyshyn leaves BioWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bioware-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-leaves-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bioware-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-leaves-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bioware-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-leaves-bioware/#commentsBeyond his brief stint in 2000 as a Jeopardy contestant, BioWare lead writer Drew Karpyshyn has spent the last 12 years of his life serving as a story lead on various BioWare franchises. From heading up writing on Jade Empire to creating the world of Mass Effect, Karpyshyn has shaped arguably the most important aspect of BioWare's legacy in the game industry -- its stories. And now, after finishing up work on his latest project, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Karpyshyn is taking his leave.

"I'm leaving to focus more time and energy on my novels and other non-video game related projects," Karpyshyn wrote in a blog post on his personal site. Though he won't say where he's going just yet (if anywhere), he promised continued work on an upcoming SWTOR companion novel (like his work on the Mass Effect books).

To help assuage concerns about BioWare's writing post-Karpyshyn, he points out that, "The story and dialog in any BioWare game is the result of an entire team of writers working together, and I often felt I received an excessive amount of the credit for the games we created." He cites Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age 2 as proof that "BioWare can get along just fine without me." And though he apologizes to those who will miss his work in the gaming world, he promises that he'll finally put the finishing on his own "original fantasy series," should you wish to keep up with his fantastical worlds.

JoystiqBioWare lead writer Drew Karpyshyn leaves BioWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austindrew-karpyshyneaea-biowareelectronic-artsgoodbyeleavingquittingStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Star Wars sticking around for 10 more years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/#comments Lucasfilm has renewed its licensing deal with the Lego Group for 10 more years, meaning if you have a kid right now he can grow up with a guaranteed supply of Lego Star Wars video games and toys. If you don't have a kid any time soon, look at this as an opportunity to delay growing up for another decade.

Lego is currently developing products based on Star Wars: The Old Republic, and will be following up its most recent Lego Star Wars video game, The Clone Wars, some time during the next 10 years, we'd guess. The Lego Star Wars series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide since its launch in 2005.

JoystiqLego Star Wars sticking around for 10 more years originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsLEGOLego-Star-Warslego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warslucasfilmmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicwiixboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Morality systems have become role-playing. Or at least, a significant amount of people have come to believe this. To take one example, this review of The Old Republic is premised on the concept that BioWare's style of moral choices are effective character-building mechanics. It's a fine review, but it's one that I can't agree with because I find the model of game morality used in The Old Republic and many other role-playing games ineffective at creating a moral system.

In order for a moral choice to have weight, it needs to have two components. First, meaningful choices have to cause the player to lose something in order to gain power. Something has to change, or be expected to change, within the game in order for the decision to matter. In Mass Effect, at one point in the game, you have to choose which of two party members to rescue - the other dies. Or, in Fallout: New Vegas, working with Caesar's Legion turns the New California Republic into an enemy, and vice versa.

Second, a moral choice has to be a difficult choice. The old adage "If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do it" applies here. This is where games usually fail. They can do it with little choices, like with stealing even when you won't get caught in New Vegas. Take the owned items and you'll lose karma, which might be a small hit compared to the benefits of a new weapon. Alternately, in some games, honorable characters will simply refuse payment for quests, forcing money to be acquired by other means.

Continue reading Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games

JoystiqDark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndragon-age-originsfallout-new-vegasmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic warps into more than 2 million households, 1.7 million active daily]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/swtor-sales-feb-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/swtor-sales-feb-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/swtor-sales-feb-2012/#comments It looks like Star Wars: The Old Republic is off to a decent start, with EA today touting sales topping 2 million copies since launch, 1.7 million of which are reported as "active daily users." According to CEO John Riccitiello, those sales helped to bolster the company's third quarter financials for fiscal 2012 above those of the previous year, alongside major launches like Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 helping to pick up the slack.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic is developing a committed community of players," Riccitiello boasted in a press release today, ahead of EA's financial earnings call where we'll likely learn more. Unfortunately, we can't snicker in the faces of any analysts on this one because they kinda sat on both sides of the fence ahead of the game's launch this past winter. So, uh, congrats folks, you were sorta right ... we guess.

Update: EA's chief finances man Eric Brown pointed out during the call that "over 40 percent" of Star Wars: The Old Republic's sales were through Origin, which services like NPD aren't able to track.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic warps into more than 2 million households, 1.7 million active daily originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsjohn-riccitiellopcsalesStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR receives AbleGamers' Accessible Mainstream GOTY award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/swtor-receives-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-goty-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/swtor-receives-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-goty-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/swtor-receives-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-goty-award/#comments The AbleGamers Foundation, an organization focused on providing disabled peoples with information and technology that allows them to more easily enjoy video games, has awarded Star Wars: The Old Republic its 2011 Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year Award for launching with "colorblind friendly options, full subtitles, and control options to let those with mobility impairments play the game as easy as possible."

"BioWare did a wonderful job including a large number of options right at launch with the promise of including more as soon as possible," said AbleGamers Foundation president Mark Barlet. "It's very rare to see a game of this caliber initially released with so many accessibility options." The Old Republic is actually BioWare's second title to receive this award; Dragon Age: Origins was dubbed Accessible Mainstream GOTY 2009.

JoystiqSWTOR receives AbleGamers' Accessible Mainstream GOTY award originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ablegamersablegamers-foundationAccessible-Mainstream-game-of-the-year-awardawardbiowareGOTYpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 21 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeschuk: Coordinating on SWTOR 'like teaching elephants to do ballet']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/zeschuk-coordinating-on-swtor-like-teaching-elephants-to-do-ba/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/zeschuk-coordinating-on-swtor-like-teaching-elephants-to-do-ba/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/zeschuk-coordinating-on-swtor-like-teaching-elephants-to-do-ba/#comments Sith happens.The LA Times has put together a rather lengthy retrospective on the development of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Among the bullet points that we've seen before -- SWTOR has a lot of voice acting, it's a huge gamble for EA, etc. -- are a few noteworthy bits.

Chief among these may be how difficult it was to coordinate the many, many elements of SWTOR that were outsourced worldwide, everywhere from China to Russia to California and, of course, BioWare's cozy Canadian homestead. According to BioWare founder Greg Zeschuk, "coordinating it all is like teaching elephants to do ballet."

Another interesting note: the stories for each of the eight classes were inspired by different films. The smuggler, whose story involves his ship being stolen, follows in the footsteps of the John Carpenter classic, Big Trouble in Little China. You know what old Jack Burton says about lightsabers, right?

JoystiqZeschuk: Coordinating on SWTOR 'like teaching elephants to do ballet' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic performance fears are overblown, says analyst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/star-wars-the-old-republic-performance-fears-are-overblown-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/star-wars-the-old-republic-performance-fears-are-overblown-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/star-wars-the-old-republic-performance-fears-are-overblown-say/#comments While Electronic Arts has seen its stock price dropping since the (somewhat rocky) launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, at least one firm believes investor concerns are "overdone," reports Gamasutra. A new report from Macquarie Securities suggests that the concerns about SWTOR's sales numbers have risen largely from outside "speculation" (you mean like this?), as EA has yet to officially divulge the game's performance so far.

Furthermore, while SWTOR's NPD performance was poor during launch -- it failed to break into December's top ten -- Macquarie's Ben Schacter thinks that the majority of copies were likely sold digitally via EA's Origin service, something the NPD doesn't track. He predicts that the game may have sold as many as 1.5 million copies, which seems reasonable given its initial player base. It's important to note, however, that SWTOR's true success will only be measured by how many players actually maintain their subscriptions -- especially now that players actually can cancel their accounts.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic performance fears are overblown, says analyst originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysteaelectronic-artspcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR getting Guild Banks because BioWare is listening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/swtor-getting-guild-banks-because-bioware-is-listening/#comments

Game director James Ohlen describes the changes coming to Star Wars: The Old Republic, one of which is guild banks for the thousands of guilds still playing. BioWare is also focusing on PvP, warzones, and convincing people that SWTOR is a good game.

JoystiqSWTOR getting Guild Banks because BioWare is listening originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAguild-banksLucasArtspcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic wins Guinness award for most voice acting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/#comments Star Wars: The Old Republic might not have picked up too many "Game of the Year" awards in 2011 (due mostly to the fact that it was out for about 10 days when the year ended), but that hasn't stopped EA from getting some awards declared for the game anyway.

First, the company declared its own title the "fastest-growing subscription MMO" around, and now it's worked with the Guinness Book of World Records to declare SW:TOR the "Largest Entertainment Voice Over Project" of all time. The 2012 Gamers' Edition of the famous world record publication has a whole guide to Star Wars video games over the years, and also heralds BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic as the best game with Jedis ever made.

True, KotOR is great, and the MMO has over 200,000 lines of quest dialogue spoken by a couple hundred voice actors, so Guinness hasn't missed its mark. But it sure seems like EA's fishing a little far out in the bay for compliments on this one. How about giving us a call when the game is ready to win the Guinness award for most polished Mac release, guys?

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic wins Guinness award for most voice acting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbiowareeaelectronic-artsguinnesspcprStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 07 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/#comments LittleBigPlanet 2
How fitting that for my last contribution to Joystiq's Game of the Year list, I should learn the bitter sting of having my number one choice not breach the Top 10. LittleBigPlanet 2 improved upon the original -- already one of my favorite games of all time -- in every conceivable way, offering one of the most user-friendly, charming UGC systems in gaming history. There is nothing I've thought of that LBP2 wasn't able to create, and that includes a level about interstellar poultry abduction.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2011call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3child-of-edendance-central-2fruit-ninja-kinectiosipadiphonekinectlittlebigplanet-2microsoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3star-wars-the-old-republicsuper-stickman-golfThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-Sworduncharted-3-drakes-deceptionwiixboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Ireland is a 'kind of sister studio' to BioWare Austin, offering various levels of support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/#comments BioWare's Austin studio had some assistance in developing Star Wars: The Old Republic, which co-founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka have described in the past as a collaboration between BioWare Austin, Edmonton, and Mythic. As it turns out, BioWare Ireland is yet another crucial component of The Old Republic's development harem, assisting the game with "multiple dimensions of support," from quality assurance to localization to networking. And that may not be all that the Ireland studio will be up to in the coming years.

"That's where it is right now," Zeschuk told me, before he noted that "over time, we'll see." For now, the Galway-based office is primarily focused on making sure SW:TOR servers aren't crashing and players aren't furious. "It's really a reflection of how important we value the service," Muzyka added. "The commitment as a premium service subscription game is to support it with high quality service every step of the way." BioWare apparently thought that commitment serious enough to bring on approximately 400 new employees to man its Ireland location.

And with initial subscriber numbers still on the rise, it looks like that commitment will pay off, at least in the short term. In the long run, however ... well, let's just say it won't be shocking to see the Ireland studio transform into something more than strictly support.

JoystiqBioWare Ireland is a 'kind of sister studio' to BioWare Austin, offering various levels of support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-irelandcustomer-serviceeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukpcquality-assuranceray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/#comments EA has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic has assembled more than a million registered players in its first week officially live, earning it the self-granted title of "fastest growing subscription MMO in history."

A million players is a solid milestone, but EA and BioWare still have some parsecs to travel to make SW:TOR a resounding success: The beta test, don't forget, was able to pick up twice as many players than are currently registered. EA's management expects at least two million players to call the game successful at all, according to previous reports.

EA says that players have logged in more than 28 million game hours (no word on how many hours spent waiting in login queues, of course), and in that time have created 3.8 million characters, split about evenly across Jedi and Sith. More than 2 billion NPCs have been killed in the eight days since launch as well, which is quite the virtual genocide. You can check out the official stats and announcement below.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmilllionmmopcplayersprofitstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ease the pain of server queue times with this Old Republic rap song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ease-the-pain-of-server-queue-times-with-this-old-republic-rap-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ease-the-pain-of-server-queue-times-with-this-old-republic-rap-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ease-the-pain-of-server-queue-times-with-this-old-republic-rap-s/#comments
Since there's a good chance you can't actually play Star Wars: The Old Republic right now - or even log into the website, for that matter - why not listen to this sweet hip hop track based on the game's theme music? You can head over to artist Richie Branson's site for a free download.

JoystiqEase the pain of server queue times with this Old Republic rap song originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic launch doc recounts years of development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-doc-recounts-years-of-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-doc-recounts-years-of-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-doc-recounts-years-of-develop/#comments
This week, Star Wars: The Old Republic finally launches after years of development -- and it's those years that are the focus of this eight minute launch documentary. Believe it or not, in eight minutes you can pretty much cover every aspect of a major MMO launch.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic launch doc recounts years of development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmmopcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 21 Dec 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/#comments With eight (eight!) studios around the globe as of the end of 2011, BioWare label heads Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk have kind of a lot going on at any given time. When I spoke with them earlier this week at Times Square's NASDAQ building, though, they were remarkably calm after ringing the financial institution's opening bell (surrounded by and emblazoned in Star Wars accoutrement), and launching the six-years-in-development Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Beyond the aforementioned accomplishments, the doctors' division of EA has been rapidly expanding -- over just the last six months, BioWare has added a Sacramento office, a San Francisco office, and an Ireland office, to say nothing of "BioWare Victory," the studio heading up Command & Conquer: Generals 2. That's a whole lot of people (501 - 1000, approximately, according to LinkedIn)! How do two guys that started out with eight people in a studio apartment manage that kind of expansion without diluting the original values they began with?

BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka offered an explanation by way of example:
"You're seeing how we're doing that in The Old Republic. We're merging story in in a really seamless way. It doesn't feel tacked on or added, it's actually there from the ground floor. It's actually adding to the experience and increasing that emotional engagement, which, you go back to our vision, that's what it's all about. Building that emotional engagement."
The concept of "emotional engagement" was one that both Muzyka and his long-time business partner Dr. Greg Zeschuk touched on repeatedly during the interview. Muzyka called it a "pillar" of the label's vision, but also emphasized that story -- BioWare's traditional method for engaging players on an emotional level -- isn't the only way to evoke an emotional response from players.

Continue reading BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively

JoystiqBioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-labeleaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukmmonasdaqnew-york-citynycpcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic a big risk for EA, say analysts, everyone else on Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-a-big-risk-for-ea-say-analysts-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-a-big-risk-for-ea-say-analysts-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/star-wars-the-old-republic-a-big-risk-for-ea-say-analysts-eve/#comments SWTOR It's no secret that EA has a lot riding on the success of Star Wars: The Old Republic. What is a secret, however, is just how big a risk the recently launched MMO poses for the company. As reported by Reuters, Robert W. Baird & Co analyst Colin Sebastian believes that EA may have sunk more than $300 million into the development of The Old Republic. Others estimate somewhere between $100 million and $300 million but, either way, it's a hefty investment to lose if Sith fever doesn't catch on - not to mention the loss of expected monthly subscription fees.

EA revealed in February this year that its Old Republic business would be profitable at 500,000 subscribers and at least one analyst, Sterne Agee's Arvind Bhatia, believes the game should handily reach that quota. Bhatia expects the game to sell 3 million copies and lasso 1.5 million subscribers by the end of the year. Should The Old Republic fail, Bhatia believes EA's 2012 earnings could be reduced by up to 20 percent.

It's also worth pointing out that one analyst, Cowen & Company's Doug Creutz, believes The Old Republic may have already hit the 1.5 million player mark. Of course, the best way to learn of the MMO's success is simply to crack open your window, because you can bet that EA will be shouting it from the hills the moment The Old Republic starts turning a profit.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic a big risk for EA, say analysts, everyone else on Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 21 Dec 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Show - Star Wars: The Old Republic roundtable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/the-joystiq-show-star-wars-the-old-republic-roundtable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/the-joystiq-show-star-wars-the-old-republic-roundtable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/the-joystiq-show-star-wars-the-old-republic-roundtable/#commentsFiled under:

SWTOR
Star Wars: The Old Republic is now available. We've been playing it for weeks, but when it comes to MMOs that just isn't enough time for a review. Even with more time, reviewing MMOs is a tricky prospect, and that's where this roundtable comes in.

Part 1 (1:00) - Star Wars: The Old Republic

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Host: Richard Mitchell (@SenseiRAM)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Production Coordinator: Richard Mitchell
Music: Star Wars

View the full guest list and stream the show after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show - Star Wars: The Old Republic roundtable

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show - Star Wars: The Old Republic roundtable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastjoystiq-showpodcastsstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 20 Dec 2011 15:58:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show - Star Wars: The Old Republic roundtableJoystiq56:00podcasts<![CDATA[BioWare looking into Star Wars: The Old Republic server queues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/#comments If you're tired of being denied in your attempts to boldly go where no man has gone before in Star Wars: The Old Republic, take heart! BioWare has done the Vulcan mind-meld with you, heard your distress and is trying to figure how where they need to jam more dilithium crystals to solve the problem.

"While we can't promise that there won't ever be queues, we can promise you that we are taking this matter seriously and constantly reviewing them to make sure that they are manageable and reasonable," said Jeff Hickman, executive producer of live services.

Sounds like BioWare is concerned, though not necessarily able to make a sweeping fix. In other words, they're givin' it all she's got, captain!

JoystiqBioWare looking into Star Wars: The Old Republic server queues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsjeff-hickmanpcserversstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 19 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies says goodbye as Star Wars: The Old Republic launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/#comments
Star Wars Galaxies came to a close last night. There can be only one Star Wars MMO on the block, and that's now Star Wars: The Old Republic. That doesn't mean Galaxies didn't go out in style -- we tracked down a pair of end-game videos on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.

Finally, there's also a sappy letter from Star Wars Galaxies' last remaining producer. It's been a crazy eight years, hasn't it? Here's to hoping The Old Republic has as long a run.

[Note: Embedding on the second video has been disabled, so you'll need to click here to watch it.]

JoystiqStar Wars Galaxies says goodbye as Star Wars: The Old Republic launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmopcsoestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-galaxies-endgamestar-wars-the-old-republicFri, 16 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/#comments It's time to put your regimented dragon-killing schedule on hold for a while, replacing it completely with an all new Jedi-killing routine -- early access for Star Wars: The Old Republic opens up today. If you pre-ordered the game through a traditional retailer or virtually through Origin, you'll be able to hop into the game today; assuming you're lucky enough to be a part of one of the waves of entrants BioWare is letting in, periodically, until the game's official December 20 launch.

The game can't allow everyone in all at once, probably because it would crush the servers like the windpipe of a Death Star insubordinate. Persistence should win you your prize, though. Well, persistence, and a pre-order code, and a monthly subscription.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareearly-accessmmommorpgonlinepcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/#comments Ryan Langley is a level designer at Halfbrick Studios, so he's used to putting secret rewards in hard-to-find places, but in this case he found one. He discovered that both LucasArts and BioWare have filed for a classification in the Australian government for a computer game called Paper, Scissors, Stone. Unfortunately, we have no idea what that is at all.

The classification does mention that it's related to "science fiction themes" and that the game will have "online content." When you combine that with the fact that both LucasArts and BioWare are listed on the mark (along with publisher EA), it's possible that, even despite the M rating for mature audiences, this could have something to do with the upcoming The Old Republic MMO. A standalone minigame of some kind? That's just a guess, but yes please on that.

At any rate, we'll probably hear about this one soon. In the meantime, you might want to start practicing your hand signals.

JoystiqPaper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarehalfbrick-studiosioslucasartsminigamestar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublictitletwitterWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic's Jedi Consular progression tree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-old-republics-jedi-consular-progression-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-old-republics-jedi-consular-progression-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/the-old-republics-jedi-consular-progression-tree/#comments
With under a month to go before BioWare employees working on Star Wars: The Old Republic lose out on holiday relaxation, here's a Jedi Consular progression trailer.

JoystiqThe Old Republic's Jedi Consular progression tree originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareeaelectronic-artslucasartsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 29 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: SWTOR better for Lucas than EA, Skylanders could sell out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/kotick-swtor-better-for-lucas-than-ea-skylanders-could-sell-ou/#comments

Next month, Electronic Arts will release its second title this year meant to undermine the hearty foundations of cross-industry rival Activision. Last month Battlefield 3 went "above and beyond the call" - though notably didn't go above and beyond Modern Warfare 3's sales numbers or Xbox Live rankings - and next comes The Old Republic, which hopes to provide lapsing World of Warcraft subscribers with a Star Wars-flavored MMO-ternative.

"Lucas is going to be the principal beneficiary of the success of Star Wars," Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said at the Reuters Media Summit, referring to EA publishing partner (and more importantly Star Wars license owner!) LucasArts. "We've been in business with Lucas for a long time and the economics will always accrue to the benefit of Lucas, so I don't really understand how the economics work for Electronic Arts."

Earlier this year, EA said half a million subscribers would be all it needed to make the immense investment in The Old Republic a profitable one. With more than 1.1 million players abandoning Azeroth between March and November of this year, EA won't have a hard time hitting that minimum, but longevity is the true sign of a successful MMO and something that WoW has in spades.

While analysts and investors worry about Activision's lack of diversity in its portfolio, Kotick points out that Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure has outperformed expectations and the game's superpowered figurines run the risk of selling out. "(Skylanders) are in high demand," Kotick said. "Retailers across the board are concerned that they will be out of inventory well before Christmas." But can't Santa just make more?

[Image credit: Flickr user yum9me]

JoystiqKotick: SWTOR better for Lucas than EA, Skylanders could sell out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobby-kotickmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylandersskylanders-spyros-adventurestar-wars-the-old-republicwiixboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic unboxed by the Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-unboxed-by-the-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-unboxed-by-the-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-unboxed-by-the-force/#comments
WoW may be the big announcement today -- and Diablo 3 the big special edition news -- but EA would like to remind you about another huge MMO coming out, and another special edition. In this video, the collector's edition unboxes itself. It's actually a bit creepy.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic unboxed by the Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecollectors-editionpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicunboxingSat, 22 Oct 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic launch moved up to Dec. 20 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-moved-up-to-dec-20-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-moved-up-to-dec-20-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-moved-up-to-dec-20-in-europe/#comments Star Wars: The Old Republic will now launch simultaneously in Europe and North America on December 20. The news comes from BioWare community manager Stephen Reid who just hosted a Star Wars panel at New York Comic Con with the new date.

Europe was originally expected to wait an agonizing extra couple of days while North American players showed off their pretty new lightsabers. It would seem staffing EA's customer service center in Ireland is moving along smoothly.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic launch moved up to Dec. 20 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsnyccnycc-2011pcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 14 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More SWTOR 'Beta Test Weekend' invites sent out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/more-swtor-beta-test-weekend-invites-sent-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/more-swtor-beta-test-weekend-invites-sent-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/more-swtor-beta-test-weekend-invites-sent-out/#comments Beta test, you must. That disturbance in the Force you feel isn't an exploding planet, it's a horde of Star Wars fans rushing to their computers to see if they've made it into the Star Wars: The Old Republic beta. BioWare has announced that the second SWTOR "Beta Testing Weekend" will begin on October 7 and run through October 11.

Invites for this weekend have already been sent, and new testers have been pulled from the US, Canada and European launch countries. In other words, Sith and Republic hopefuls may want to check their inboxes.

Anyone feeling left out can sign up for future beta tests right here.

JoystiqMore SWTOR 'Beta Test Weekend' invites sent out originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbiowareeaelectronic-artspcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/#comments Following up its tax incentive-fueled studio opening in Austin, Texas, EA this morning revealed the opening of a new customer service center in business friendly Galway, Ireland. When fully staffed, "BioWare Ireland" will task approximately 400 employees with making this year's big BioWare release go as smoothly as possible, employing customer service agents primarily. Star Wars: The Old Republic is set to launch December 20 in North America, and December 22 in Europe, so the service center is opening just in time for business.

During a speech at the grand opening, BioWare co-head Ray Muzyka called out to potential employees across all parts of Europe to join BioWare's Ireland team. "We've got a solid base of people here already in Galway ... we're looking for more. From Ireland ... from the rest of Europe to support our German and French customers ... from all over the world. We want you to join us here at BioWare Ireland." Muzyka was no doubt trying to fill out the studio's current staff of 200, which is expected to double at full capacity.

BioWare's Galway service center marks the first installation the company will operate outside of North America.

Joystiq'BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-irelandcustomer-serviceeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgalwaygreg-zeschukirelandmmopcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic launching Dec. 20, starts at $15 per month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-launching-dec-20-starts-at-15-per/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-launching-dec-20-starts-at-15-per/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-launching-dec-20-starts-at-15-per/#comments Taste the rainbow After many galactic ages, Electronic Arts has finally announced a release date for Star Wars: The Old Republic, and it's not too far, far away. The long-awaited MMO will officially launch later this year on December 20 in North America and on December 22 in Europe.

In addition to the release date, the game's pricing structure has also been revealed. The subscription options should look very familiar to World of Warcraft vets. After the free month that comes with the game, plans start at $15 for a single month, $42 for three months or $78 for six months. Oh, and if you want early access, there's still time to pre-order, of course.

Thankfully, there's also still time to come up with an excuse for skipping out on your family's holiday plans.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic launching Dec. 20, starts at $15 per month originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectrocutionmmopcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 24 Sep 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic 'Smuggler' trailer shows us the class we'll be playing as]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/the-old-republic-smuggler-trailer-shows-us-the-class-well-be/#comments
We're sorry to break the news to such honorable professions as Jedi, Bounty Hunter and Trooper in such a public forum, but we will not be playing as you when Star Wars: The Old Republic launches. We will be playing as a Smuggler, because the trailer above makes that class seem hot like fire.

JoystiqThe Old Republic 'Smuggler' trailer shows us the class we'll be playing as originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmmommorpgpcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 12 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 preorders over 1.25 million already, beating Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlefield-3-preorders-over-1-25-million-already-beating-bad-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlefield-3-preorders-over-1-25-million-already-beating-bad-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlefield-3-preorders-over-1-25-million-already-beating-bad-c/#comments EA's Battlefield 3 preorders number more than 1.25 million already. EA's CFO Eric Brown announced at the Citi 2011 Tech Conference today that Battlefield 3 has already racked up 1.25 million pre-orders, putting it "well ahead" of the previous Battlefield title, Bad Company 2, at the same time leading up to launch. Over ten times more, in fact.

That game sold 2.3 million copies in the first month of release, and has sold over 9 million copies according to the most recent financial reports. Presumably, Battlefield 3 is on track to do even better than that. Brown said that EA expects to make full use of "the advantage of a two-and-a-half week early launch window versus our competitor," Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Brown also spoke about pre-orders for EA's other big release this fall, Star Wars: The Old Republic, though declined to provide actual numbers. Star Wars: The Old Republic will have a smaller marketing budget than Battlefield 3 at launch, and EA expects to support it over a longer length of time. Brown said that SW:TOR would have "a different spend curve," -- so far, that demand "is tracking consistent with our expectations."

JoystiqBattlefield 3 preorders over 1.25 million already, beating Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-bad-company-2citi-tech-conferencecompetitiondemandeaeric-brownmicrosoftpcplaystationpreordersps3star-wars-the-old-republicxboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 20:45:00 EST