HanDiego Update - What Have We Learned So Far? The Republic

Revan was not the only news at SDCC...

Apparently Revan was the not only big name at SDCC this year.  Drew's new book was going up against TOR itself....

And thankfully for those of that could not attend #SDCC one of the more popular pods has stepped in for us. The Republic on Gamebreak.tv did a special #SDCC show.   The show runs about 2 hours long and covers a ton of great information. 

Quick summary for those that don't have the time (just the big stuff):

September Beta.  It's coming!
This September they will allow select users to test the game on the weekends in the month of September.

Game Launch

• Sharding intro areas.  Beginning areas only to help control population in the beginning. Basically an attempt to instance off the beginning areas of the game to reduce lag. 
• Reduced number of pre-orders.  BioWare/EA trying to control or phase the game into production.  Trying to avoid slamming the servers on Day 1.  PRE-ORDERs - PLUG IN YOUR CODE ASAP.  Not based on just having a code but when did you enter your code.
• Target Release is Holiday 2011

Game Details

• 900+ Voice Actors used to make the game
• Companions - Skin color can be changed.  Weapons, Armor, outfits. 
• Companions - AI Management.  The ability to manage how your companions function very similar to DA2.  (apparently the only good thing to come out of DA2).
• Vehicles - Adding speeder bikes, land speeders, and other
• 19 confirmed worlds.  However only 17 can bee see on the holocron
• It will take 30 minutes to walk across Tatoonie.

Overall a ton of information from the guys at The Republic.

Fan Friday Gets Class Happy - Join the Fight

In an epic display of awesome BioWare rolls out "Join the Fight" from San Diego:

The movie covers all 8 classes and offers up a plucky line from each one.  In addition you can see some different armor and faces we have not seen before.  This quickly became one of my favorite hype movies from BioWare.

Standard BioWare PR line that we all love:

The uneasy peace established by the Treaty of Coruscant is broken and both the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire build their armies. As both sides prepare for open war, a new generation of heroes must rise up to meet the challenges of a volatile age, declaring their allegiances and fighting for what they believe in.

HanDiego Predictions

With BioWare putting so much effort into this weeks San Diego Comic Con we figured we should take the time to knock out some predictions for the event. 

Thanks DoctorDrake!

What We Could See from #HanDiego

1.  The date for when they plan to announce the release date:

Based on comments from BioWare staff they would first announce when they would announce the release date.  So it makes sense to prepare the fans at #SDCC. 

2.  Some additional companion information:

I would imagine that any play through they do would show off more of the companions in the game.  I would even venture to say we would see them use the Smuggler or Imperial Agent in their walk thoughts. 

3.  The Collector's edition packaging:

Well its probably not going to be a big surprise now.  When we started on this article we figured retail package information would surface at either SDCC or PAX.  With all the leaks going on it seems more ripe for prime time. 

4.  The Standard - New World walk-through.  Maybe one of the origin words:

This is a given.  It may or may not be an origin world. But it just makes more sense to do another play through.  The fans seem to really enjoy these! 

What Will Not See From #handiego

1.  Consular info as part of the big reveal:

Probably not.  It feels to me like this will be saved for a Friday Fan update. 

2.  A New Race:

I think we have seen all the races they have for the initial release of the game.  It could happen, but it   just seems like something they would have told everyone in the last 2-3 years. 

3. The Official Release Date:

As indicated above I believe they're saving this for PAX the following month.  Which would probably indicate a October/November release. 

San Diego Comic Con - BioWare Working Their Tale Off

BioWare is going all out for the upcoming San Diego Comic Con.  They have everything from panels, demo's, signings, and the very popular meet and get drunk.  Just in case you plan on following the news out of San Diego this week here is the BioWare schedule:

We’re thrilled about meeting the Star Wars: The Old Republic community next week in San Diego. In addition to our presence at Comic-Con, details of which you’ll find here, we also have a number of great events planned for BioWare Base at the Hilton Gaslamp. Here’s the current schedule for next week at BioWare Base:
Thursday, July 21st 12PM – 7PM: Operating hours for The Old Republic demos 4:30PM: The Old Republic signing session 7PM – 8PM: The Old Republic Panel and Q&A
Friday, July 22nd 12PM – 7PM: Operating hours for The Old Republic demos 4PM-5PM: The Old Republic Panel, Q&A, and signing session
Saturday, July 23rd 12PM - 7PM: Operating hours for The Old Republic demos 4PM-5PM: The Old Republic signing session 7PM-8PM: The Old Republic Panel and Q&A 7PM-10:30PM: Community Meet & Greet
Sunday, July 24th 12PM – 5:30PM: Operating hours for The Old Republic demos 3PM-4PM: The Old Republic Panel and Q&A
This schedule is subject to change, and any updates will be posted here as we approach Comic-Con. I hope you guys are as excited as we are to be in San Diego next week! See you soon!

Our advice would be to pay close attention to some of the popular TOR sites like DarthHater and TORWars starting on the 20th.  We will do our best to get the news out.

We do expect BioWare to have one big reveal.  Our prediction is when they will announce the release date.  And if you happen to be in San Diego attending we would love to hear from you! Have fun.

If you use twitter use the following searches for even faster information: #Handiego #SDCC