Darth Hater

Today brings us a three part Friday update for Star Wars: the Old Republic. The first part is a Fan Friday, complete with some great fan-created-art, concept art detailing capital ships and environments, and new wallpapers from the "Return" cinematic, as well as brand new weapon-themed forum icons.

The second part is a video of highlights from Eurogamer Expo, featuring some Darth Hater staff as well as documentation of the announcement of the release date and of course a number of fan reactions to playing the game.

The third section of today's update is an unboxing of the Collector's Edition, which goes through the box and shows all of the items that will be in it, as well as some animations of the in-game items and footage of the elusive Collector's Edition store. No footage of what's actually for sale yet, sadly.

Join us after the jump to see what else is in store!

UPDATE: Video embeds available after the jump.
UPDATE 2: DevTracker posts added to page 2.

This week's Star Wars: The Old Republic Friday Update is a Fan Friday. Included in the update are two new polls, new wallpapers, and new Aurebesh forum phrases. Even though not part of the update, BioWare announced GamesCom details as well. GamesCom runs from August 18 and ends on August 21 in Cologne, Germany. New information and reveals will come out of the event and fans lucky enough to attend GamesCom will be able to get hands on with the Alderaan PVP Warzone and Origin Worlds. GamesCom attendees will also get to see demonstrations of a small amount of the recently announced Eternity Vault Operation.

As always, Darth Hater will be at GamesCom bringing you the news and reveals straight from the show floor. Look for our coverage starting next week.

Official DevTracker posts follow the jump.

This week's Star Wars: The Old Republic Friday Update starts out with new polls. First up is "What did you enjoy most from our E3 coverage?," and next is "What is your favorite piece of extended universe content relating to The Old Republic?" We've also got a Fan Friday, featuring a neat new selection of UI-themed icons, new concept art, and of course some great fan art. Fan site Ask A Jedi receives the light in this week's Fan Site Spotlight, and answers some questions from BioWare.

Coupled with the update was an article on the awards that Star Wars: The Old Republic won at this year's E3. Unfortunately, this year we were unable to don our elaborate post-it note Best Game at E3 award but that award still stands for this year's attendance.

Last but certainly not least, we hear from Ian Ryan, one of Star Wars: The Old Republic's writing team, about what the writing team is doing for this final stage of the game's development. The official DevTracker posts follow the jump. The media gallery below contains all of the images from this week's update.

This week's Star Wars: The Old Republic Friday Update is a Fan Friday. Senior Community Coordinator Allison Berryman posted two new polls: Which companion character are you looking forward to meeting most? and What is your favorite area of the HoloNet?

Kelzak, Nick of Time and SteveTwo's fan art, new avatars and new icons round out Fan Friday. BioWare also included new concept art for Hutta. BioWare featured SWTOR-Life in this week's Fan Site Spotlight. BioWare announced their schedule of events for the next convention season. Check it out on their Events page.

Also in this week's Friday Update, Audio Designer Scott Morton guides us through the process of creating the perfect mix of music and sound effects to complement the combat experience, from the initial conceptualization to the final implementation. Check out the Studio Insider for more details. Additionally, BioWare created a new thread for community members to submit questions for the next Q&A. The topic of next month's Q&A is sound and music in the Old Republic.

Lastly, BioWare provided a new video from last month's Fan Site Summit.

Official DevTracker posts follow the jump.

This week's Star Wars: The Old Republic Friday Update is a Fan Friday. The usual new set of forum avatars, fan art, concept art, polls, and a Studio Insider with World Designer Jesse Sky on Cinematic Animation are contained in it. As always, you can find our media gallery of the concept art below and the Official DevTracker post after the jump.

This month BioWare is also looking for Community Questions on Classes for their Community Q&A. If you think you have what it takes to pose a question to the BioWare staff on classes, hit the jump for the guidelines from the Official DevTracker post.

Today's update is a Fan Friday, which of course brings with it a Studio Insider: an in-depth look at Concept Artist Diego Almazan's creation of a Sith Temple. The Fan Friday includes some new concept art scenes that look to include pieces from Alderaan, Taris, Voss, Nar Shaddaa, and Hutta; a selection of new emoticons, and some new creature avatars. Fan site Mos Eisley Radio got the spotlight shone on them, and the chance to answer some questions from BioWare.

The Community Q&A thread to go along with the Fan Friday is focused on Flashpoints, which should mean plenty of answers about TOR's answers to dungeons coming down the pipe in a few weeks. Head on over to the official thread and ask the devs some of those burning and insightful questions you have!

As usual for a Fan Friday, there's a couple of new polls up on the forums. The first is Where do you spend most of your time on the forums, and the second is Which Flashpoint are you most interested in so far?

As we mentioned on Tuesday, Gordon Walton, BioWare Austin's co-Studio General Manager, has left BioWare. Stephen Reid stepped in to the forums to talk about Walton's recent departure--or more accurately, to pass along Gordon's own words about his departure. Stephen reports that "Gordon's a great guy and left us on great terms, we thought we'd give him one last right of reply." His quote, along with lots of juicy tidbits from the Studio Insider, available after the jump. You can also find our Media Gallery of the update below.

It's another Fan Friday this week for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Forum member Greighson's Sith-themed propaganda posters act as a throwback to World War II. User Crypticgrrl created portraits of several characters, including a Twi'lek dancing girl. Kharmis wrote a fan fiction about the Republic Troopers. Also, the forums added new smilies and avatars. For more interaction, participate in the two new polls: Whats your favorite part of being in a guild? and What Fan Site is your favorite to regularly visit? Also included in this week's update is a new Studio Insider with Senior Concept Artist Ryan Dening and Senior Environment Artist Christopher Reeves on Starship Creation and a Community Q&A with Senior Producer Blaine Christine.

In addition, BioWare officially announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will be present at PAX East in March.

BioWare also released concept art of Dromund Kass, Tatooine, and Belsavis.


UPDATE: Stephen Reid revealed in a conversation post the amount of classes in each faction that can fulfill a healing role increased from two to three:

Stephen Reid
BioWare Austin's policy on info release (which is not, in case you were wondering, a cast iron, legally binding, break-this-rule-and-you're-getting-fired sort of thing*) is to not talk about aspects of the game until we're ready to talk about them. Generally that means when they are, to some degree, finished - but, game development is a constant process and things change.

For instance, until this week, like most of you, I understood that two Advanced Classes (for Republic and Empire) would be able to act as healers. Thanks to the Game Testing program and numerous other factors, Georg Zoeller and his team upped the number to three on each side. They did that because ultimately they felt it was better for the game.

DevTracker posts continue after the jump.

This week's Friday Update brings a Fan Friday and a Studio Insider. The Fan Friday features a good selection of avatars, wallpaper, emoticons, and other goodies, while the Studio Insider goes into depth about the design of Coruscant.

The second Community Q & A thread also opened, and once again questions are open, so feel free to head over and ask the developers about whatever parts of The Old Republic you want to hear about. With the opening of the second Q & A thread, the first one has closed, and some of those questions have been answered in the Community Q & A section of today's Studio Insider. More than a few hot button issues were answered in the Q & A, most notably one on PVE and PVP servers. DevTracker posts after the jump.

Star Wars: The Old Republic debuted a new Friday Update feature today titled Studio Insider and demonstrates systematic concept art creation from Diego Almazan of a Flesh Raider and a Community Q&A section. BioWare's Daniel Erickson answers questions about group questing mechanics, helmet toggle options, Advanced Class roles, and returning to origin planets. If you would like to ask the developers a question and possibly be featured in a future update, BioWare is soliciting participation from the community to post their questions in a thread dedicated to the function.

The update also included this month's Fan Friday, and includes artwork by Yssta, lightsaber graphics from WovenKash, paintings from Xanfel, fan fiction, emoticons, wallpapers, costumes and avatars. Community members also showcased their Halloween costumes, and new polls are available.

Read the Friday Update forum posts from Joanne Laroche after the jump.

This week's update is a Fan Friday:

Joanne Laroche
Welcome to another exciting Fan Friday where we shine the spotlight on creative accomplishments from The Old Republic community, as well as share a behind-the-scenes look in the Developer Corner. We also have new avatars and smilies, and don't forget to vote in the polls we posted up!

Along with the Fan Friday is a new Awards page:

Joanne Laroche
We are honored by the many awards Star Wars: The Old Republic has earned from the press and media, and were committed to continuing to push for the highest quality gaming experience. We want to thank our fans and the media for their support and recognition. Your partnership is critical to making this project a success.

Creating a game that people enjoy is important to us, so were putting up the Star Wars: The Old Republic Awards page to share with everyone all the great attention the game has received!

Last but not least are three new Biographies that include Keeper, Bouris Ulgo, and Diab Duin. Aurebesh Translation after the jump along with a discussion on the details therein.

This week's Friday Update kicks off with Designing the Light Side:

Guided by the Light Side of the Force, the Jedi are the ultimate defenders of peace, justice, and the Galactic Republic. The developers of Star Wars: The Old Republic are taking great care to ensure that Players can experience the classical Jedi fantasy represented in the films by such iconic characters as Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, and Yoda.

At the same time, choice is at the heart of The Old Republic and Players can also explore many other ways they can take their Jedi characters. Whether that means walking the path of the Dark Side like Anakin Skywalker or simply adopting a unique combination of fighting styles, a variety of options will be available.

Watch Developer Dispatch: Designing the Light Side, and learn about the process involved in creating the Jedi classes for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

As well as Designing the Light Side there is a Fan Friday which includes Fan Art, Avatars, Developer Corner, and new polls.

For those looking for a Dissection of the new Smuggler video, we have one available. On another note, earlier this morning we posted our 'General Information Learned' from PAX Prime 2010 which rounds out the last of our PAX related content. It contains a plethora of information about Star Wars: The Old Republic from the PAX Prime 2010 demo that fans should find interesting.

Working dissection of the Designing the Light Side video after the jump.

Last Updated: September 17 @ 12:56 PM EST

This week's friday update is a Fan Friday which includes some nice screens of Cathars, new avatars, new polls, and fan art from the Star Wars: The Old Republic community:

Take a look at the incredible creations were spotlighting from the Star Wars The Old Republic Community and check out the Developer Corner to see new content the team wants to share with you!

[Read more]

More after the jump.

In regards to the delay of this week's update, we sympathize with Sean Dahlberg of BioWare regarding post-E3 travel:

Sorry, we had a very early flight and had to leave the hotel at 4:30am this morning. I'm getting a few things together and then we'll post our final wrap up for this Fan Friday that shows a little of the War Zones, Chiss Imperial Agent, and Twi'lek Smuggler.

Two new screenshots of a male Twi'lek Smuggler and a female Chiss Imperial Agent are on the official site, while the rest are the War Zone shots that were part of the E3 press package. Also, we were treated to the latest issue of Blood of The Empire.

In our own Hater version of Fan Friday, a reader submitted their recreation of the Deceived trailer that we had to share with you:



Lots of yellow text after the jump...

As previewed yesterday, BioWare's Sean Dahlberg announced Hoth as the thirteenth playable planet for Star Wars: The Old Republic:

Along time ago in a galaxy far away...

Thirty years ago to the day, Star Wars: Episode IV The Empire Strikes Back opened in movie theaters, forever changing the cinematic landscape. Bursting with action-packed battles, fast paced dialogue, and characters faced with complex choices, the echoes of this landmark film are still felt today. From toys, to fashion, to punk rock, its influence is everywhere. The Empire Strikes Back has not only changed how we relate to our favorite movies, but has made a lasting contribution to our very culture.

To commemorate this monumental continuation of the Star Wars story, we are proud to reveal the ice world of Hoth -- the latest explorable planet in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Access the HoloNet to learn more about the pivotal battles in the history of Hoth -- and to understand why both the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire are interested in the planet. Check out this video to see Hoth's brutal blizzards and unique wildlife. Don't forget to visit the Media Section for never-before-seen screenshots, wallpaper, and concept art showing this barren, desolate landscape.

Plus, the third issue of Blood of the Empire webcomic is available, which contains a first glimpse of the Emperor (or possibly something else):

The third issue of Blood of the Empire chronicles two formidable confrontations--one between Teneb Kel and his former master, Lord Calypho, and another between Teneb Kel and the Dark Council! And what plans do the Emperor and his mysterious apprentice have in store for Teneb? The mission to determine the future of the galaxy begins here.

Check out the latest issue of Blood of the Empire now!

UPDATE: A late Fan Friday was added to this week's update. It includes the usual community artwork, as well as the Bounty Hunter screenshots from the recent European press event. This week's Developer Corner is a short dialogue video showing the depth-of-field effect in action. There are also a few new avatars to choose from on the official forums.

Welcome to Fan Friday! Today we're giving you a look at some inspiring creations from the Star Wars: The Old Republic community and sharing an inside look at some work-in-progress content from the Development Team.

In addition, we'll be following up on the Electronic Arts European Press Showcase held in London last week, as well as releasing the latest series of official polls and avatars.

Aurebesh translations for Hoth's HoloNet page after the jump.

BioWare offered a really packed Friday Update this week, and included several announcements. First up, they announced the premiere issue of Blood of the Empire, the new webcomic:

The first issue of Blood of the Empire takes us to a galaxy engaged in war. The Sith Empire strikes blow after blow against a Republic reeling from the return of its ancient enemies, and the Jedi scramble to defend their holdings. But Imperial victory is far from certain...

Teneb Kel, a fiercely clever young man apprenticed as a Sith, is selected by his masters for a secret mission--a mission concerning the Emperor himself and a threat to the Dark Lords thousand-year plan. Doomed if he fails, expendable if he succeeds, Teneb must unravel the schemes at work around him if he is to seize control of his destiny and alter the course of history.

Check out the first issue written by Alexander Freed, illustrated by Dave Ross, inked by Mark McKenna, colored by Michael Atiyeh, and lettered by Michael Heisler!


And the latest Video Documentary, Combat in The Old Republic, is now available on the official site:

Whether you dream of beating the odds with just your luck and a blaster, or imagine restoring order to the galaxy with Force powers and a Lightsaber, you'll have your chance in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Weve talked a lot about how The Old Republic is innovating on storytelling in MMOs, and now we want to share with you how combat in The Old Republic will deliver a new level of excitement for fans. Check out our latest Video Documentary that focuses on Combat to get an inside look at how were bringing dynamic Star Wars action to life in Star Wars: The Old Republic!

Watch Combat in The Old Republic now!

BioWare's Sean Dahlberg was also busy putting up some new polls on the official site, and announced a Fan Friday. This one included a ton of fan-created art, new forum avatars, a Developer Corner featuring a screenshot of a taxi and a video of Belsavis(?) focusing on environmental design with ZOMG WATER EFFECTS:

We're kicking off this Fan Friday by featuring some outstanding work by various members of the Star Wars: The Old Republic community. We also have some great stuff to show off in the Developer Corner, along with new polls and avatars! Make sure to catch it all!

More after the jump.

This week's update is a Fan Friday. As Sean Sean Dahlberg said:

In this Fan Friday, we are highlighting various items from the Star Wars: The Old Republic community, dishing out exciting content from the Development Team, following up on GDC 2010, and confirming our presence at this years E3.

If you're looking for more opportunities to voice your opinion, you'll be interested in the new polls we posted up. Also, we added new avatars to the forums, so try them out.


The Developer Corner section includes is an amazing video of the Sith Inquisitor showing off some of his lightning abilities with booming sound effects.

Also included is some fan art by Hazaz and some by Daennika, some fan fiction by terminalpleasure, a Sith History Guide for Noobies by Danik_Kreldin, a few new pictures of customizable female faces, new avatars, new polls, and a wrap-up on GDC 2010.

In addition to Fan Friday, Daniel Erickson posted a few comments on the official forums this week. Details on his posts after the jump.

Sean Dahlberg posted today's update:

Welcome to another exciting Fan Friday where we shine the spotlight on talented members of Star Wars: The Old Republic community and share some gems from the Development Team.

This week, we also want to present you with the official Star Wars: The Old Republic Fan Site Kit We know you've been waiting for this, and we think you'll be impressed.

Be sure to see it all, plus check out the new avatars, and don't forget to vote in the latest series of polls

http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20100219_001

Included in this Fan Friday are a talented community artist, an awesome Trooper animation of the ability 'Full Auto', a 3d model image of a in-engine Rancor, a Fan Site Kit, new avatars, and four new polls. Seems like this Friday has plenty of stuff for the community to enjoy.

For today's update, BioWare returned to Fan Friday for the first time in quite awhile. Along with that, we also received a Developer Corner and a new issue of the Threat of Peace webcomic.

Fan Friday/Developer Corner.

Threat of Peace.

Devtracker so you can find all the Polls Sean made.

Go check out the work from the fan community and let the Developers know what your opinion in the polls. The Developer Corner has a nice video of a shield generator located on Balmorra and a brief look at some facial customization in the form of battle scars. You can also read the next Threat of Peace to continue the story leading up to the game and check out a few new class avatars for use on the official forums.

This week's update is the Threat of Peace #13 webcomic and Fan Friday.

[Link] to the Threat of Peace #13
[Link] to the Fan Friday post

Today is Fan Friday. The devs at Bioware have chosen Ria Starchild, Merio's World, and the Insurrection RP to be highlighted this week. If you have not seen them check them out and if you made any of them good job. I for one cant draw at all.

Bioware will also be at Gamescom and Pax. You can also change your Avatar if you dont like your old options.