Haden Blackman goes into what players can expect now that the Force is growing in strength.

November 07, 2003 – Gamers that decided to get out and buy themselves a copy of Star Wars Galaxies have been waiting and waiting for the first Jedi to make an appearance in the game. As you may or may not know, while not every player will find their way to becoming a Jedi during the course of their experience in the Sony Online and LucasArts created universe, it certainly is possible. But that’s going to change pretty soon as the time is drawing nearer and nearer to when the first of Galaxies’ inhabitants will be taking that brave step forward into the realm of the Force.

Of course, whether we love it or hate it, play it or don’t play it, we’re all curious what the game will be doing with these galactic superpowers. Today, we have a big interview with Producer Haden Blackman all about the subject. There’s a lot of information here for those that are Jedi hopefuls as well as those that may have already realized that they are force sensitive. But as you’ll find out, it may be a little while before these Jedi will begin using their powers in the open. It’s a dangerous world in there and while Jedis are powerful, they also have a lot of very strong enemies to worry about.


So read on and start watching more carefully as you move around in Galaxies, you may start to see some people doing some unusual things.

IGNPC: Where do we stand with Jedi as characters? How much content is in place for players who are ready to try out Jedi characters?

Haden Blackman: As of Wednesday, November 5th, a handful of players are very close to unlocking their Force Sensitive character slots. Those players will immediately be allowed to create a Force Sensitive character who gains access to Jedi skill trees and Force powers, and the ability to build lightsabers. We’ve also added a Dark Jedi skill tree for players who want to explore the dark side. Moving forward, we’ll continue to work on other, Jedi-specific content, especially as the number of Jedi in-game increases.

IGNPC: The game launched almost six months ago. Is player progression towards the Jedi track following your timetable? When did you expect players would start to unlock these secrets?

Haden Blackman: We knew that it would take at least three months for the first players to unlock their Force Sensitive character slots, and that would in turn lead to a rush of speculation and revelations about the “secrets” to attaining Jedi status. However, when we reviewed the players’ progress at the three-month mark, we found that they were progressing towards Jedi more slowly that we would have liked. To help guide players in the right directions, we added Jedi and Sith Holocrons to the game, which give you some guidance by revealing one of the requirements for your character.

IGNPC: Now that some players are close to unlocking (or have unlocked) the Force Sensitive slot, do you expect the rate at which other characters unlock the slot will increase?

Haden Blackman: Probably, yes.

IGNPC: How individual are the paths to unlocking Jedi? Are they really different for every player or are there some shared needs that they all must meet?

Haden Blackman: The total set of requirements is different for every player, although some requirements overlap for some players. Players are already discovering this by using Jedi and Sith Holocrons.

IGNPC: What sorts of unique missions can Jedi undertake? Will they simply take on the regular player missions with these new skills or will they have Jedi-specific missions?

Haden Blackman: Because there will be so few Jedi initially, our philosophy was to allow players to play out the “Jedi in hiding” role, as seen in the original Star Wars. They can still experience all the current content, using their lightsabers and Force powers, and participate in PvP combat, but being a Jedi will be dangerous, given that the Emperor and Vader have dedicated themselves to killing all Force wielders. Eventually, as Jedi become more pervasive, we hope to add Jedi-specific missions and quests, for both light and dark Jedi.

IGNPC: Tell us about some of the other content geared specifically for Jedi.

Haden Blackman: Right now, we have added new loot to the game that’s useful to those who want to become Jedi or already have their Force Sensitive character. This loot includes the holocrons, along with special crystals that are used to make lightsabers. Like many of our crafting components, different crystals have different qualities. A lightsaber’s power and special qualities depend largely on the types of crystals being used. The crystals also determine the blade’s color. Over time, we’re planning to add special enemies for Jedi as well.

IGNPC: Assuming they don’t die, do Jedi advance at the same rate as the other professions? What sorts of abilities become available to the Jedi at the start, middle and end of their careers?

Haden Blackman: Jedi have their own skill trees with their own rate of advancement. We’re trying to stay true to the films by giving Force Sensitive characters Force powers of increasing strength, and allowing them to become more skilled with a lightsaber as they advance. When you’re just starting out, you have a solid collection of powers to help in defense and healing, with some minor offensive abilities. All Force Sensitive characters can build lightsabers from the outset. As players advance, they’ll gain the ability to create more powerful and more varied lightsabers, along with a host of new powers and special moves ranging from Force lightning to a lightsaber throw. As mentioned before, players can explore both the light and dark sides of the Force.

IGNPC: How will other players recognize Jedi in the game? What types of concerns will encourage Jedi to reveal or conceal their identity within the game?

Haden Blackman: Jedi will be recognize through their use of the Force and lightsabers, although we imagine that some Jedi will also don specific garb that harkens back to the movies. We expect that Jedi will use their powers and unique weapon for adventuring, completing quests, and during PvP.

IGNPC: On that topic, what sorts of faction standings will the Jedi need to be mindful of? Is there a separate reputation modifier for Jedi characters?

Haden Blackman: Jedi need to be mindful of where, around whom, and how often they use their powers. There is a separate “reputation” modifier for Jedi, which we call “visibility.” Jedi rack up more “visibility” every time they use their powers. The amount of visibility earned varies depending upon the character’s relationship to those around him. If a Rebel Jedi is using Force powers around Imperials, he’ll gain visibility more quickly. When visibility hits a certain mark, there’s a chance the Jedi will become a target for bounty hunter missions.

IGNPC: How can Jedi fit themselves into the Rebellion/Empire conflict? Is there such a thing as a Dark Jedi? How much leeway does the player have to determine their own character’s personality?

Haden Blackman: When a Jedi starts out, he is immediately aligned with the Rebel faction, the logic being that the Empire is hunting all Force users. So, Jedi are considered enemies to all Imperially-aligned characters. However, upon fulfilling all the requirements for Padawan, a Jedi can choose to become a Dark Jedi. At this point, his alignment shifts to the Imperials, allowing the player to attack Rebels and fight on PvP battlefields. We’re hoping this results in battles between Jedi of competing factions. Players can still determine their own personality – they do not need to actually fight alongside Rebels or Imperials, but they will be open to attack.

IGNPC: Since Jedi have their own philosophical creed, are Jedi characters restricted from taking certain actions? How do a player’s actions and attitudes influence their Jedi’s development?

Haden Blackman: At this point in the Star Wars timeline, the Jedi Order has been scattered. There is no Jedi Council any longer, and no one to uphold the Jedi creed or mandates. This gives us the freedom to allow Jedi characters to continue adventuring. We don’t restrict players from taking any actions, although we do assign Jedi to specific factions depending upon their path.

IGNPC: What kinds of in-game events or updates are you planning around the Jedi? Will you start leaking rumors within the game or will you rely on the players’ word of mouth to get the word out?

Haden Blackman: We’ve already told the community that a few players are close to achieving a Force Sensitive character, and we’ll continue to keep them updated. As soon as we have our first Jedi, we’ll announce it on the boards. We’re also planning some in-game messaging to get the word out. Eventually, we’d like to do in-game events involving Jedi, but we’re wary of setting these characters up for ambushes… Jedi are such an integral part of Star Wars, so we want non-Jedi players to see them on occasion, but we’re also sensitive to the continuity of the time period and the “safety” of the Jedi characters.

(Publicado por IGN)