BioWare Has No Plans for Console SW: TOR

John Funk

U.N. Owen Was Him?
Dec 20, 2005
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BioWare Has No Plans for Console SW: TOR



It's official: If you want to play BioWare's highly-anticipated Star Wars: The Old Republic, you're going to have to get a gaming PC.

If you've been closely following information about the extremely-anticipated Star Wars MMOG in the works at BioWare, then you might have gotten excited when VG247 posted an internal release list [http://www.vg247.com/2010/03/26/game-retail-list-outs-james-bond-racing-new-vegas-and-cod7-for-october-more/#more-87405] from UK retailer GAME last week. Why would you be excited? Well, said release list listed Star Wars: The Old Republic under "Xbox 360," leading some to believe that console owners would get their chance to adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Unfortunately, it looks like you might have gotten your hopes up for nothing - BioWare has squashed that rumor in its tracks. "As to why The Old Republic is on that list, we have no idea but to allay any confusion, we should not be on there," said the game's community manager Sean Dahlberg.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic is currently being developed for the PC using the Microsoft Windows operating system. While we recognize that there are other operating systems and platforms available for games today, our development is specific to the personal computer using the Windows operating system at this time."

It's not surprising, really - with several exceptions like the planned Xbox 360 version of Champions Online last week [http://www.amazon.com/Final-Fantasy-XI-Ultimate-Collection-Pc/dp/B002SQNGX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1278952738&sr=1-1] and all.

However, Dahlberg's statement also seems to indicate that there is no Mac OS version of the game currently being planned. If true, that could be potentially problematic for BioWare - as one particularly insightful (and handsome) columnist once argued [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/view-from-the-road/7043-View-From-the-Road-Five-Reasons-Why-The-Old-Republic-Can-t-Touch-WoW.2], MMOGs are social games, and people want to play with their friends. Even if only two people out of a group of ten play WoW on Macs, the other eight aren't very likely to switch if their two buddies can't switch either.

But that's not the focus here, and I'm getting off topic. Anyway, this just confirms what most of us probably already suspected: If you're looking forward to SW:TOR, you better be saving up for a gaming PC, son!

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Sevre

Old Hands
Apr 6, 2009
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This...isn't surprising.

MMOGs really only work on the PC, but hold on Funk! There's no need for a gaming PC! MMOGs are designed to run on low spec to mid range PCs, with Aion being the black sheep! I doubt TOR will be much different so as long as you have any decent rig I'm sure you'll be able to run it.
 

GonzoGamer

New member
Apr 9, 2008
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That's weird that they would do that considering the last two games in the series were console hits. Then again, how many monthly fees can they lay on 360 owners?

When that really cool trailer came out (was that last year's e3?) weren't they saying this would be a 360 exclusive?
 

Howlingwolf214

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Dec 28, 2008
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Ah well. I have a special place in my heart for the PC, so this doesn't put me off much.

(I wasn't planning to get it anyway, but yeah.)
 

comadorcrack

The Master of Speilingz
Mar 19, 2009
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Don't know if I care.
As much as I adore KoToR I maintain my idea that no game is worth a subscription.

Mostly cos I'm skint tho
 

Sebenko

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Dec 23, 2008
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Random Argument Man said:
No plans for a Mac version ?!?!

I'm sad now...
Boot camp? dual boot? I'm sure there's a way. Hey, you have better chances than trying to get a PS3 game working on a 360.

And a PC exclusive, perhaps? by a modern, large gaming company? unpossible! Hey, if it is, I'll buy two. [small]ok, I won't, but Ill definitely buy one. unless you re-release it a couple of years later with an awesome box, I might. Or do subscription fees. I never liked them.[/small]
If anyone can make an MMO with a story that feels like you're important, it's bioware.
 

Random Argument Man

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May 21, 2008
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Sebenko said:
Random Argument Man said:
No plans for a Mac version ?!?!

I'm sad now...
Boot camp? dual boot? I'm sure there's a way. Hey, you have better chances than trying to get a PS3 game working on a 360.

And a PC exclusive, perhaps? by a modern, large gaming company? unpossible! Hey, if it is, I'll buy two. [small]ok, I won't, but Ill definitely buy one. unless you re-release it a couple of years later with an awesome box, I might. Or do subscription fees. I never liked them.[/small]
If anyone can make an MMO with a story that feels like you're important, it's bioware.
My little macbook can't handle games anyway. I'll try to get a powerhouse Imac and install boot camp...

Although, I'm a student and I'm poor. It may take a long while.
 

Project .hack

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Feb 11, 2009
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psrdirector said:
Project .hack said:
I'm kind of glad in a way it became an MMO, but monthly subscriptions hurts us.
what do you mean became? Tor has always been an MMO since it was first announced.
Sorry should have worded it better, I meant in the sense of it becoming an MMO instead of another console game like most people thought it would become after the second KOTOR, before it being an MMO was announced.
 

Jared

The British Paladin
Jul 14, 2009
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I suppose for MMO its acceptable. They have always worked better on PC's

Means they should be able to keep it epic, awesome for years to come without console limitations!
 

Therumancer

Citation Needed
Nov 28, 2007
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Pretty much all promises to release an MMORPG on consoles have failed epically. I am still waiting to see if Free Realms pulls it off (despite not being a great game).

I don't think Bioware ever made this promise though.

I just hope my PC can handle it when it comes out, I shouldn't have a problem (my computer isn't that bad) but you never know.
 

CheckD3

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Dec 9, 2009
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If ST:TOR wanted to be revolutionary and sell more, they'd add a console version to their list. KoToR worked fine on the systems, why can't TOR?