StarWarsMMO.net Exclusive Community Interview
By Inyri on November 20th, 2008
It seems clear that, despite the variety of players interviewed, there are still some similarities and correlations between their responses. However on several questions there are distinct differences of opinion which can most likely be attributed to the broad differences between the four target games. The answers the StarWarsMMO.net staff received generally followed expected patterns, with a few exceptions.
We were surprised to see that payment did not seem to be an issue for any of our interviewees, including the Knights of the Old Republic player who has never played a subscription-based game. We were also surprised to see that our Knights of the Old Republic player was in favor of open-world play rather than instanced play, as our Guild Wars player was.
It might also be important to note that there were two references, specifically, to the current art style. The Star Wars Galaxies player noted that he did not want to see cartoony graphics, which may perhaps be commentary on the current direction the art style seems to be headed. None of the other players seemed to take great issue with it, although there was mention of the fairly oversized lightsaber hilts seen in several screenshots. The StarWarsMMO.net team feels certain that this will be addressed in time.
With regards to character customization, responses were broad. As far as class choices are concerned, in addition to the Jedi and Sith options our players seemed as though they would be satsfied if at least the basic classes from the Knights of the Old Republic series and Star Wars Galaxies are included. While Star Wars Galaxies is certainly not as popular today as it was in its heyday, BioWare would be wise to use its predecessor to understand how to format a good Star Wars MMO — and where one might go wrong with it.
When we asked our players what races they would like to see in the game we were expecting responses such as Zabrak, Twi’lek, Rodian, or perhaps maybe some of the species seen in the prequel trilogy such as the Kel Dor or the Togruta. What we got was four different players with no corresponding answers. Nautolans, Chiss, Arkanians, Falleen, Zeltrons, Gammorreans — and we are thankful for our KotOR player who suggested Twi’lek, Cathar, Duros, and of course Humans! These responses suggest that BioWare will need to expand on the playable species from Star Wars Galaxies and include a greater variety to choose from. As for the StarWarsMMO.net staff, we would be happy to play as a Human smuggler. We may not be creative, but we’re happy to stick to the classics!
One of the few things BioWare has promised thus far is a great story, something the company is well known for. Our players seemed split on what was more important for this upcoming game: story or gameplay. It seems clear that gameplay is important for any massively online game, however there are a variety of currently released titles that have already cornered that market, such as World of Warcraft or Lord of the Rings Online. To turn the market on its head BioWare will need to make good on their promise and include something that those games don’t have: a fantastic story integrated into a high quality MMO. With so many popular games already released it should only be a matter of finding and including which features works best, and which features players like best, and then finding a way to work the plot into it.
Looks like a good gauge of interested fans and their opinions on TOR. I think the expectations outlined here are pretty indicative of how most people feel right now, so I think Bioware would do well to pay attention to them and use them to shape the game’s development, especially early on.
Great job!
Yeah I agree, especially on areas where all 4 players generally agree on a question.
Thanks for reading, guys, and make sure to give thanks to our four interviewed players! They were kind to take some time out from their busy schedules to talk with us as we hope that SW:TOR turns out well for them (and for all of you!).
If you liked the interview be sure to digg it on digg.com.
Well, that wasn’t one-sided.
What makes it one sided?
To be honest, I find the interview kinda filtered. I for one, am extremely disappointed of the second “purely marketing” decision when it comes to KotOR.
1. Rushing an utterly incomplete KotOR II
2. Making KotOR an MMO? – This IMO is cheap as hell. Great idea…
All in one I dropped by, because I got excited that KotOR is coming back, but now I know I won’t waste a further minute on it… MMO :S
Hi Vlad,
I’m sorry that you think the interview was filtered. I suppose you could say it was in the sense that our objective was to interview the game’s future player base, which just happens to be people who would probably enjoy the game.
It doesn’t make sense for us to interview folks who are anti-BioWare, anti-MMO, anti-KotOR, etc, because they would not be objective with their interview answers and it would result in a poor, negative-feeling interview.
I hope that clears up your concern. I also hope that you might stay objective yourself until more information is available about the game. I am not a big fan of MMO’s myself, but I am getting the distinct impression this will not just be another WoW or EverQuest clone.
So hang in there for a bit before you write it off completely. You might (and will hopefully) be surprised!
I would LOVE this to become a reality
Inyri, you have absolutelly no idea how pro KotOR/Bioware I am. On the other hand I believe this MMO move to be a huge slap in the face of the KotOR fans. I have played these games countless times and enjoyed it.
I do believe you have chosen only pro MMO guys to interview. Or did you fail to notice the negative uproar when the MMO was announced?
I’m aware of the negative feelings. I was among those that was not really pleased with the choice to go with the MMO. But I did not come here to complain, but rather watch the progress hopefully.
The point of the interview was to pick three people who were experienced MMO players (so, by nature, they would be pro-MMO, otherwise they wouldn’t be playing) and one player who had never played an MMO.
I would not say our fourth player is pro-MMO, because she has never experienced them so can’t really have formulated an opinion one way or the other. I would say, judging from her answers, she is open-minded.
I hope that clarifies the purpose of this interview. We really wanted some in-depth opinions and not just four pages of people ranting about how disappointed they were. If I wanted to read that I would hop on over to the forums, where you can find plenty of threads on that topic.
luckskie walker
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cool
this game is very very short and it isn`t reality the stormtrooper his head is defoormed & isn’t a real planet’s…..
abc
Can you be a Sith or Jedi and wield a lightsaber right away?
Anyone know the answer to that yet???
Anyone?????????
Don’t ignore me.
No one is ignoring you, this article is fairly old so I doubt many people are coming back to check it. Anyways, you will be able to start immediately as a Jedi or Sith, presumably with a lightsaber.