Community Relations Archive

My love for Star Wars is beyond comparison. From the long 16 year wait for the beginning of the prequel trilogy to the going on 3 year wait for Episode III to the long and tiring stages of SWG’s modifications.

From the day a friend told me, have you hear about a game they’re working on called Star Wars Galaxies almost 3 years ago, I thought holy crap, I will get to take a part in the Star Wars Universe!!!

As I got to know more about the game a question came to mind, it was the first thing that popped into my head. Why does this game have to be set in between EpIV and EpV? I could not possibly imagine myself being immersed into a world where I know I will have absolutely no participation in, a world where just in this real one we live I am just another number. Face boys and girls games are and have always been a way for us gamers to retreat from being a number. They allow us a chance to become leaders and heroes. A chance to become saviors and rulers. How exactly are we supposed to have our escape in a world where we already know who the heroes are, a world in which we already know what the fateful outcome will dictate.

I have said it since the moment I learned more about this game, especially its time frame. Star Wars Galaxies should be set after the Star Wars saga we all know and love. Why you ask? I mean sure you can be a part of the rebellion or an Imperial Storm trooper. And there’s always the thought of seeing Luke, Leia, Han and Chewy. And not to mention the intensive visits of scary Lord Vader rooting for his Imperial followers. That is quite fun and all but face it, if I wanted a tourist attraction I would go to Star Tours.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if we took place in this universe at a time when everything is uncertain? A time when we could decide the fate of the galaxy, be it you become a ruthless dictator that rallies up followers and tries to take over the galaxy. Freedom fighting soldiers that attempt to keep the peace. In the future even Jedi have a place in the solitude of the galaxy. There are is no Jedi purge, there is no Rebellion, there is no grand Sith Lord, and there is no Empire. It would be a game which the players make. Some will be heroes, others conquerors.

Just imagine it. No need to silly grinding requirements to become a Jedi in efforts of reducing the population. The possibility of those great figures we’ve come to know as Guild Leaders to rally up their clans in an effort to take over a galaxy. Or the same group trying to restore balance and peace from the tyranny of oppressors. Sure there can still be Emperors and Sith Lords but they will not be known to us as NPC’s they would be veteran players who have fought through ranks and have the charisma to become Leaders! This my friends, is a game I would play till my heart stops!

It would be a game where we are no longer numbers. Whether you choose to be a hero or a villain has always been our choice. But having the opportunity to take over the galaxy or defend it from those who would conquer it, now that’s content!

All of us keep hoping for the SWG team to add content to the game; however all we get are pointless theme parks that serve only as an interactive tourist attraction. This is not a game it is a glorified Wax Museum. A place where we are bound to be the little people, a mere number that does not count a statistic. We are the bystanders to a story greater than a game. A place were we are given impossible grinds to keep us interested instead of the opportunity to be an actual force that twists and affects how the galaxy revolves.

If we had a SWG game set in the events that unfold after the well known Star Wars saga these are some of the things I can see happening:

- Jedi would not be restricted, they would be a journey but not one that needs to be slowed or halted to avoid the mass population.

- The GCW effort could be handled to the point when Guilds can actually become strong enough to take over planets or even the entire galaxy.

- There would be no NPC Emperor yet there can be a player.

- The Sith may yet exist or even a new brand of Dark Sorcerous Jedi may arise, those who wish to extinguish life or take over the galaxy.

- WE would not be bound by the limitations of a storyline which we already know the outcome.

- Be it rebellion or empire these factions may still exist but not under the regime of Darth Siddious or Mon Mothma, or any other NPC which has virtually no interactive ability other than that of a brief cameo in player events.

- We would have actual live leaders who would lead heroes to defend the galaxy or mercenaries to take over the universe.

- Jedi would walk freely amongst us, and those who choose not to will still fulfill a role as elite freedom fighters or ultimate villains.

Imagine being a part of the new Jedi order and taking assignments to other worlds in an effort to rid the galaxy of evil. Imagine becoming a master mind criminal who will take over crime syndicates or spice dealing or even slave trading in a galactic sector. Imagine becoming an Elite soldier for the Republic army with troops at your command. Imagine seeking out the occult ways of the Sith and become the next supreme Villain with your cult or apprentices doing your bidding. Imagine uniting the villainous guilds of the galaxy in an effort to take over the Republic crushing the forces of good and ruling over all.

This is how I have always envisioned myself in the Star Wars universe. Not as a mere bystander watching as Lord Vader dishes out meaningless lines to gawking neo-bystanders. Or mindlessly grinding to become a profession which is meant to be elite yet you must remain in hiding so as not to loose all you have worked for. I do not believe a game should be a theme park experience. Tourist Attractions are fun and immersive but without the creativity and participation of those who attend them they become monotonous and boring.

We all crave content but in defense of the DEV’s we ask for the impossible. We are asking to have a more important roll in a world which already has its heroes, villains, rulers and defenders. We ask for ground breaking material that will keep us interested in a story line, for which we already know the ending.

It is the job of the Developers to keep players interested in the game. And to that extent they provide the necessity to take ages to try and become elite. We complain that we need content however, how can we have content if we already know what is going to happen. Why attempt to prolong our stay and growth in a time that has already passed. In a future which we already know will end in victory or defeat. Instead why not give us the environment and we will create the content. We will take over those worlds or swear a life long pledge to maintain order and justice. All we need is a push in the right direction. Who needs NPC characters with cameos when we can have our own new fresh heroes? Who needs the ultimate villain to come talk to a bunch of spectating role players, when your neighbor can rise and become the most tyrannical overlord of all?

We need a game where we are no longer spectators or tourists. Games are an escape. We need heroes or the possibility to become heroes. We need this because inside all of us we wish to become heroes or we wish to follow them. We want to become villains and rule all, or succumb to their power and follow their footsteps. We need a world in which we are no longer bound by the limitations of a story we all know so well. We need a universe, a timeline, a game, in which no one knows the outcome, where anyone can become a hero, a ruler, a leader, a follower, a pawn, a spy… We do not want to become numbers we want to become legends… And if we cannot be legends we would at least want the possibility to become them, or eventually follow them.

Message Edited by El-i-Dan on 04-29-2005 02:09 AM

A most incredible post. El-i-Dan, check your forum mail.