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Storytelling In Star Wars: The Old Republic

Perhaps you’re like us. You know The Old Republic is coming, and it sounds like it could be pretty exciting. The massively multiplayer mindset behind World of Warcraft wedded to the choices and story components of a BioWare RPG – not a bad mix. But how will the company that brought us Mass Effect and Dragon Age accomplish such a task? We wondered the same thing, so we tracked down Daniel Erickson, lead principal writer on The Old Republic, and quizzed him on the game’s approach to storytelling, characters, and plot. We came out of the conversation with a deeper understanding of all things story in the Old Republic. Read ahead to learn new details on the complex morality system and multiplayer role-playing conversations of the game. Then dive into the game's comprehensive backstory to learn the intricacies of the its fiction. And, finally, meet the central characters of The Old Republic months before you’ll see them in the game.

First up: Writing one of the biggest games ever

Email the author Matt Miller, or follow on Game Informer.

Comments
  • Ugh.. Now I have to turn my Mac into a Windows computer.

  • The morality system is ingenious. For example, if you wanted to play the Republic side but all your friends are going Sith, not a problem: you can play Sith and make "good" decisions. The flexibility and variance in play style is remarkable. I'm eagerly anticipating this game!

  • What I want and i think all all KOTOR fans want would be something to show what happened to Revan if it did I would buy this game instantly

  • BEST STAR WARS GAME EVER!....no thats understating it....BEST GAME EVER.

  • This is a really good and informative article. I am really excited and am looking forward to The Old Republic a whole lot. I'm a huge Star Wars fan but I'm not fully familiar with the MMO or RPG genre. I think this game is a great idea and it could possibly bring me into this genre. The whole game in itself is seeming very intriguing, full, awesome, and...well, how a Star Wars game should be.

    I do know that BioWare has made very highly acclaimed games and I'm sure they won't mess this game up but one thing that I read in this article that I am very curious and worried about is an romantic companion. Erickson said, "Story gamers are going to take out their companion that they love. They’re going to take out the companion that they’ve building up affection with, unlocking new content, maybe they’re in a romance."

    I don't get it. How could this Star Wars game have a romantic factor in it? I don't want to see a Dragon Age/Mass Effect romantic attachment in this game. The Star Wars universe is not about that type of story/universe at all. There is romance in Star Wars but from what I have heard and seen from BioWare in their games, I hope they don't push it into something that Star Wars is not.

    Overall, I can't wait for this game!
  • this game looks epic, as was that video. cant wait!!

  • I miss Pre-NGE Star Wars Galaxies. I'm glad they took this series out of the hands of Sony Online Entertainment.

  • star wars is so deep and kick ass ( i mean totally kick ass). i really hope this game ends up taking (at least) some of WoW's thunder...it has been way too long since something decent came out

  • It's going to take GameInformer a year from this game's release to give a full and accurate review of this game. Haha
  • god i wished i had a pc.

  • I don't know much expanded universe stuff, but what is the deal with the Sith Empire using Clone/Storm Trooper armor for their foot soldiers, and the Vader like outfit that Malgus is wearing? I guess what I'm asking is, did Darth Sideous find know about these designs, and decided to bring them back into the future when he took over or what?

  • Really looking forward to this game! Great article. Thank you, Mr. Miller.

  • I've never played a MMO before, but this may become my fist. Very interesting with several questions like "whos the thousand-year-old-sith?" Darth Sideous. lol probly not. Revan? Malak (if he's alive, i couldnt interpret some of this quite well)? or some random guy? and as for that romantic part, does that include having an R2D2 girlfriend?

  • Looks like the mmo to end mmos

  • Revan is still alive. I know it.

  • *** the only thing missing is Darth Bane ;( lol but he'd just kill everybody so I guess It's good he's not here lol

  • Looks awesome, like StarCraft II in MMORPG form.

    The story telling and the "verba non acta" way of doing things certainly sounds interesting, plus the individual storylines and what not.

    I'll probably be a Soldier class, and then maybe a Sith Inquisitor.

  • This looks good

  • Anybody else feeling overwhelmed by all of this? I mean I'm looking forward to trying out this game but...whooaaa O_O

  • Now I am more interested in the game. I got to go upgrade my crappy computer to play it and it should be worth it.

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