Avian Gamers Network

http://darthhater.com/2011/08/28/pax-pr ... live-blog/

8:33p PT - Reid takes stage; Bass splits room into Republic and Empire sections.

8:33p - Joking about Huttball. Erickson says Republic very sad in PvP currently in game testing.

8:35p - Introductions: Gabe Amatangelo, Corey Butler, Daniel Erickson, Stephen Reid, and Blaine Christine.

8:36p - Q: Force lightning for Dark side Republic players?

8:37p - DE: No chance.

8:37p - Q: Any aspects of game particularly challenging?

8:37p - A: It is hard building these things. Tons of content.

8:38p - Q: Why are lightsaber types restricted by class?

8:38p - GA: Class identity is very important.

8:39p - Q: Different color choices for lightsabers?

8:39p - DE: Yes. KoTOR influences on crafting system. Very exciting stuff to be announced later.

8:40p - Q: Do you plan to implement new mechanics over time based on popularity?

8:40p - BC: Gabe Amatangelo spins a wheel of chance *laughs*. As a live producer, it is my job to separate the real issues raised by the community.

8:41p - Q: Weekend beta testing, is it random or based on preorder?

8:41p - A: Panel tomorrow. Can't talk about it.

8:42p - Q: Trophies... can they be collected? Are there guild halls/capital ships?

8:43p - Q: After launch possibly. Wall of crazy.

8:44p - James Ohlen joins and is introduced.

8:44p - Q: Will we be able to upgrade, socket, or enchant items?

8:45p - DE: Just finished a big redo of items. Modding very exciting for people who want to keep base appearance. This was changed based on feedback.

8:46p - Q: Do we have an incentive for people to reroll?

8:46p - DE: A brand new story! (everyone laughs) There may be something to help you reroll... later.

8:46p - Q: If Force Lightning doesn't depend on morality, what does it?

8:46p - A: Something else.

8:47p - Q: Is there a dying system in game?

8:47p - A: No, you can color match, and that is it.

8:48p - Q: What features are you implementing for guilds?

8:48p - A: Basic features at ship, and advanced features marked as some of the most important post-launch items to work on.

8:49p - Q: Plan to keep gold selling under control?

8:50p - A: We have lots of things we're doing to catch gold farmers and deal with them. We don't want to hurt the economy.

8:52p - Q: How are we tracking things to balance crafting, raiding, different playstyles?

8:52p - A: Lots of internal metrics. Don't want a ton of nerfing going on.

8:53p - JO: Best gear comes from Operations. PvP gear nearly as good and better for PvP.

8:54p - DE: Crafing gives best entry level gear and multiple Best in Slot items.

8:54p - JO: Moddable gear is important. Level 10 robes could be as strong as Operations gear, but only if you use mods you get from Operations..

8:55p - Q: Faction changes?

8:55p - A: No. Interesting story... originally there was a third underworld faction (wall of crazy)!

8:56p - Q: Will Sith Warriors get lightning?

8:56p - DE: Not from making morality decisions. (lots of laughter)

8:57p - Q: Leveling; what will you spend most of your time on?

8:58p - JO: We hate the word grind. (applause) Class quests, world quests, heroic quests.
8:58p - DE: Unless you love grinding, in which case go right ahead.

8:59p - Q: How are you handling threat mechanics?

8:59p - GA: Pretty standard for MMOs. No special mods.

9:01p - Q: Can Sith Inquisitors be more "intellectually" evil?

9:01p - DE: There are rules to Light side. The Light side does not care about cheating, lying, can be a diplomat (Palpatine). You often get a dialogue option called "shock them." Others are more manipulative. Jedi don't go slaughter people. Jedi romance oath is important Dark side choice.

9:02p - Q: Changes in character appearance based on morality, like KoTOR?

9:02p - (lots of whispering between devs) A: Haven't developed. Wanted for ship. In later.

9:04p - Q: Will you change design decisions based on community reaction?

9:04p - DE: Remember Jedi Wizard? If community reaction is almost universal, we listen.

9:07p - Q: How are you going to balance companions? Are there neutral companions?

9:07p - DE: No crafting bonuses for companions. Dumb feature, we cut it. Don't want you shelving a companion so they can craft. Neutral companions? Kinda... it is a secret.

9:08p - Session ends.

thanks for the info. interesting stuff in bold.