How do you make sure that the largest BioWare/LucasArts game ever made happens on time, at the level of quality that people expect from BioWare? Various members of our team have said this in the press before, but I think that folks have generally thought we were being glib. Let me be clear. We aren’t kidding. Building Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ is essentially building Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic™ (KOTOR) 3 through KOTOR 10, and then shipping them all at once. There is as much story content here as in all BioWare games combined. As you might imagine, making sure this content all gets done, tested and tuned is a massive undertaking, and it requires the dedication and focus of everyone on the content team to make it all happen.
Our Content Team actually consists of many sub-teams: Writing, Worldbuilding, Scripting, Environmental Art, Combat Design, Combat Art (animations and f/x), Combat Programming, Gameplay Systems Design, UI Art, Gameplay Systems Programming, Audio and of course Quality Assurance. Each of these teams has a huge amount of work to get done, and they all need to coordinate on a per-planet basis. We are very committed to early playability and testing to make sure we are making a fun, complete game.
For instance, the planet of Korriban (home world of the Sith) went through the following process:
- First the Writing team researched every single detail about Korriban. Having the lead designer from KOTOR as our lead designer helped a great deal but there’s been plenty of fantastic fiction written about the planet since then and it’s important to our fiction teams that we are accurate and embrace the legacy of the great content creators that came before us.
- Reams of history and look & feel documents in hand, the Writing team then set out to create the basic stories and quests for the planet. This involved first a high level overview document that detailed exactly what was happening politically and socially on the planet, as well as what experience we wanted the Players to have and what Classes were going to be adventuring there.
- After the prep work came the real writing, rewriting, peer reviews and more rewriting until we knew Korriban was exactly what we wanted it to be. Good writing comes from rewriting and the same fearless commitment to quality over ego that the entire creation team has to have. Though we knew more changes would come later, we finally had something to start the rest of the process with.
- Next the Concept Art team painted concepts for all of the major areas and art assets for the planet. Every single piece of Korriban from the furniture to the interrogation rooms has to have a particular look and the Concept team worked tirelessly to make sure they had captured the essence of the Sith Empire and what their most sacred planet would feel like.
- While Concept was working the Scripting team hooked up the stories and quests in a basic, box test level, so that a first round of feedback could be assessed. Revisions were made for pacing and structure. Interactive storytelling is far more than dialogue writing and at each stage we have to reevaluate how the experience feels.
- Once we were happy with the test level scripting, the Worldbuilding team laid out a simple version of the planet in our game engine (basic look, proper layout and size), ran through the grey world to plan game flow and visual storytelling. Again there were many revisions and whole sections of Korriban that needed to be rearranged because they didn’t pass muster. Only then was it handed off to the Environmental Art team.
- The Environmental artists then took that simple grey planet and lovingly painted it, filled it with objects, created the terrain and brought it to life, finally lighting it to match the concept art exactly.
- Then came the Combat Systems team (design, art and programming) to build and test all of the character classes (abilities, combat effects, pathing, NPC behaviors, etc) that would be on Korriban and make sure they specifically played well on the planet that had been built. Spawns were moved, skills adjusted, to make the experience the best it could be.
- At the same time the Gameplay systems team (design, UI art and programming) built all of the complex RPG systems you would expect (looting, inventory, quest journals, maps, etc) that make it a complete game.
- Once everything was running as expected, the Audio team had to come in and add the sound effects and music that give Korriban its mood and style.
- And finally, the QA team had to play through the game at every single step and make sure it was all functioning as designed—despite all of the groups above tweaking with things constantly. That’s a huge job by itself.
All of this has to happen at essentially the same time, and it has to be done in a way such that a) nobody is stepping on anyone else’s toes and b) the end result is a complete, playable experience that we feel comfortable putting in front of people who weren’t working directly on the game. And did I mention that this is just one planet? We have multiple planets being worked on at any given time, so that we have a constant flow of testable content finishing up every few weeks for internal testing.
This is what my job entails. Luckily, it also means that I “have to” play the game a lot. I’m thrilled to be a part of a company with the legacy of quality that BioWare has. On top of that, to be working on a project that is the successor to KOTOR is like the icing on the cake.
Dallas Dickinson
Senior Content Producer
dallas dickinson | developer blog | senior content producer
COMMENTS
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All i can say is content. Being a wow player i have seen some people go through sleepless nights and in 2 weeks or less max out there level only to ask "where is there stuff to do?". Many a MMO has come and gone due to the fact that there was not enough diversity. Not enough places to visit, areas to explore, missions once you reach max level. I truly hope that the developers know this. Being a SW fan since I can remember I truly want this game to reach greatness. |
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All I can say is...wow.Stupendous.Insane even!This will be perhaps the best new MMOrpg game out there.I'm so happy I could dance- and get all the clones to join in too :P Keep up the good work Bioware and LucasArts. May the Force be with you..always. -El |
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We aren’t kidding. Building Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ is essentially building Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic™ (KOTOR) 3 through KOTOR 10, and then shipping them all at once. There is as much story content here as in all BioWare games combined. Man I like the sound of that! And wizz on consoles! Go play your HALO and Crysis, and leave TOR to the big boys. |
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couldn't of said it better myself! if i wanted to play an FPS i'd play an FPS, i for one like immersion i like to have a reason for killing NPC's.. i feel guilty for slaughtering NPC's i feel for their families back home. (strange i know but to me thats the sign of a EXCELLENT game because it makes you feel sad, i'm the same when i squah a fly i imagine the baby flies crying lol) |
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This developer blog in particular really caught my interest. I've always wanted to know how developers actually created a game. They start by researching, then scripting, followed by world layout, then the environment is "painted", and finally comes other stuff like UI, interactive gameplay, and finally music and dialog. Wow I'm impressed, Bioware. These guys did a great job with KOTOR 1, and after gaining experience from that, TOR ought to be a real treat. :) |
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I'd really like to see as much diversity as possible fromthis game... lightsaber techniques/hilt styles (design/single/double/dual weild)/blade colors/crystal variations/force powers/facial morphing... also, the ability to mix different clothing/armor, being able to put different shoulder pads on an outfit, or a different cloak, or boots... I'd like to be able to make a character that is unique, I'd hate to see someone else running around looking exactly like me... anyway, I'm liking what I'm seeing so far... it looks amazing |
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Working with Lucas Arts on any Star Wars project is always a huge undertaking. The amount of detail and teamwork needed is just staggering. I think we as players take companies like BioWare for granted to often and are quicker to point out flaws rather than compliment. As part of the gaming community i would personally like to thank everyone involved in SWTOR for their dedication and hard work in order to bring us one kick @#$! experience. |
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XD now I can stay in contact with my nerdy friends and parents without the boring myspace and phone! |
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I AM SOOO PSYCHED FOR THIS!Sounds soooo awesome! |
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Were not Nerds Werre Just Starwarz JuNkies. Trekkies Now theres sum Nerds :) |
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All of that work, it shows some commitment. I've been so excited for this ever since I saw the title. It looks amazing. I hope your using some of the content based off of SWG though. I like in SWG how there are combat classes, but there are also non combat classes for that different kind of gamer. ----- |
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This is what I like to call a team! People really must work toghether to achieve results here! |
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as a game design student? reading stuff like this makes me grin. can't wait to be in your position of keeping the whole thing running smoothly. Best of luck guys :) Simmonsj |
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amazing,maybe a character creation vid would be nice to see, for me that is everything, its my favorite part of online gaming but probably won't appear until every class is revealed looking forward to seeing how the soldier/trooper type class will play as well (kinda just guessing) but you guys are doing great and keep up the awesome work.0xxxxxx}=================> |
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I think like any good publicist, Bioware will leave the good bits until close to release date. Why give us all the juicy bits now? Make us wait until we cannot wait any longer. Remember how you felt when you first saw the new Star Wars teaser (ok maybe not the Phantom Menace) and then closer and closer the day came and the teasers became trailers and the trailers became webisodes...and then BAM! the movie! I know this game will be like Christmas day for most of us, let us enjoy the build up. |
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wow.. awesome.. i cant wait to be a part of something like that.. Keep up the awesome work guys!! |
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I'm definatly sure that this is what i wanna do now,im studying computer science (my first year) starting this october i just find it all fascinating(which coming from the type of character i am means like OH MY GOD I CAN FLY,something totally new :P),especially programming,for example like the teams you have mentioned before,i have the same question as a guy below,is it possible to be working under 2 teams at the same time?i.e AI art AND Q&A team how does it work exactly?Thanks in advance. p.s You guys are doing a great job keep at it,ill do my part in helping this game when it nears release ill spread the word both in real life and online i gotcha back Bioware you haven't let me down since i bought your first game so if this is as amazing as it seems even now in such an early stage ill do my part in rewarding you guys for all the hard work and devotion :) |
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Interesting....i hope one day i'll be able to work with you guys!!!! It will be a dream come true! BR:"Interessante... Eu espero um dia trabalhar com vocês!!!! Seria um sonho se tornando realidade! |
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Wow, That's a lot of work to make one game. I hope I can help out later on in the closed beta. Keep us informed and keep up the great work. We MMO fans need some fresh meat. WOW Sucks. I can't wait to play a game that keeps me striving to reach new heights. :D Signed: Keyson |
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I am not going to acked as if i now how hard or what it takes to work and lead as you do.I thak you for taking the time to to show what it takes to keep the ball rolling for that i hope you all can keep it up.Im loving that there will be so many places to go.( with out glich here and glich there) |
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So...they have a playable game... |
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Think this will be awesome ,playing AOC mostly now,and not so happy about it..exept the fatality moves,they awesome. |
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Absolutely brilliant, keep up the awesome work! This gives me a lot of patience; to know that it will come in due time and when it does, it's going to be a masterpiece. |
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A little late to this show, but a good read. Seems as if your hands are full. Thanks for the constant updates and like some others said makes sense why not to much has come out just yet a lot of fine tuning to be done. |
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Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait, can't wait, can't wait, can't wait... :) |
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Great read, can't wait for more updates. |
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i think this is a good example of why they haven't released the date yet they still have a lot of finishing work to do. i think they will give the release date out after they finish the dark horse comic series, in a few months |
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Great I can't wait for this game the more i hear the more i need to have this. |
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I Got to say I'm Thrilled When I played KoToR I was hooked and when KoToR2 was posted that it was in Dev I was waiting for KoToR3. Now u have read my Mind KoToR3 in a way has finally showed it's self alot later then I would have liked But who cares when u are giving me a endless ToR I have beaten KoToR 1&2 about 120 time's. Everytime u show us more I got to go play KoToR some more.I do fill bad for WoW and LoToR Because there losing me and prolly half my server the way I've be screaming about u guy's. But to tell u the truth I Know u have nv let me down with any Biowere Game and u won't start now.I'm happy for u I know u have alot on your plate But u get to Play ToR anytime u want.How Great is that? Gratz and The Sith Rule ;-) |
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I can't wait for more information about this game. KOTOR was a really big success, in my opinion. It is on my Best RPG Games list. |
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cant wait to see Dantooine and Telos and what they have gone threw! |
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Sweet. |
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Thanks for the update. I've always wondered what would be involved in bring a MMO world to life. My question is how long does it take to create a planet like Korriban. |
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Awesome. Sounds like Korriban is pretty well along, let us have a shot at it? =D |
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Awsome Post! Looks like great things are happening and I can't wait to start playing. |
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Not to be a nitpicker, but we all know what the "release date" estimates really are... wishful thinking. Honestly, BioWare aren't going to rush the release as long as the game has visible bugs. And there's no point denying that every software has bugs. That is also why all (or nearly all) MMOs go through a closed beta and open beta phases, to let the public test-drive the game and report errors. I sincerely doubt BioWare would skip the beta phase. Testing a MMO is a large thing and it would cost large sums of money to pay QA testers. So, I'd recommend waiting for the closed beta announcement before going all hype about GA release date :) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I will guess around oct-dec 2009,specialy around cristmas time i have noticed that game developers/companies like to get games out ;) heh. |
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Most regretfully, I'm coming into this Article rather late as my weekend thus far has been rather hectic. But, at long last, I was able to sit back and take in yet another in depth look into the vast and intricate machine that is Bioware's Development engine. Needless to say, it was well worth the time. Though I believe we all, as fans, look forward to the screen-shots and in motion video of the game, being given the opportunity to witness, as least in a text format, the process through which TOR is being painstakenly put together leaves me deeply appreciative. It is quite easy to wait in breathless anticipation for an MMO or other Game related project, and it is just as easy to nit-pick and complain when said title takes an extended development time which in turn often leads to fans essentially burning the development team in effigy. The primary reasons for the aforementioned burning has a great deal to do with most fans not really understanding just what it takes for an experience of TOR's scale to be made; out of sight, out of mind. Yet, with Articles such as the above put forth by SCP Dallas *****inson there can be no excuse for ignorance on the part of the fan base, either of the Star Wars or Bioware variety. Once again, I'm glad to see BW taking the time to do what is needed to keep us "in the loop." Well, as in the loop as we can be without throwing the secret doors completely open. To close, I found the Article incredibly engaging; a staggering reminder of just how incredible it is to bring something of this scope and magnitude to life. Though my time in Collage consisted of World History and other similar topics reading Articles such as this fill me with a deep sense of loss that my academic background did not stray more into the realm of the Game Developer. I suppose a few years of ITT Tech might remedy that...but, I digress. My thanks to Mr. *****inson for his look into the men and women that are burning the midnight oil to bring us our latest venture into the Age of the Old Republic. Well done. |
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every time i hear more news it drives me crazy that i dont have my hands on it yet. |
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Thank you for the walk through... :) |
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Sounds like a lot of work. Glad to know that the devs are so passionate about what they are doing. I'm sure it will have positive impact on the final product. Can't wait to hear some info about the combat system! |
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w00t! glad to see you guys are taking a lot of time to make the game very high quality, but in a strict, disciplined manner! Great way to keep us informed! Thanks! |
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Very well written and interesting blog. This blog has left me even more excited for TOR than I was before. |
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Good to know that so much care is being put into making this feel like Star Wars, though I don't know why we would ever assume otherwise with Bioware at the helm. |
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It just seems to get better and better! The anticipation in killing us, but we will wait for a well-built and polished game. |
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The more I read about this, the more I can't wait! Do you guys have a tentative guess at when it'll be out? Even if all you say is by this summer or fall or something. Don't rush anything though, I'd rather wait to play a great game than play a hastily made game. |
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I like how they put a lot of research in the game, and finding out about things from the already established fiction. I really look forward to seeing a lot of really interesting allusions!! |
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Interesting! Anyone else notice when they talked about korriban they said "to build and test all of the character classes (abilities, combat effects, pathing, NPC behaviors, etc) that would be on Korriban and make sure they specifically played well on the planet that had been built." So only selected classes would ever see korriban? this strongly supports a very linear game design. Korriban will not be an open would you can visit as any class and say... maybe pvp or something. Seems like its just a starting planet. |
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I concur, i am under the beliefe that korriban will be a sith starting planet. (God is dead. And no one cares. If there is a hell, ill see you there.) |
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This looks great, and I hope that we if we are force users can choose our fighting style, you know like Soresu, Vaapad, Makashi and Ataru and others. |
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I thought the announcement would be posted in the forum and not on a blog. Did shawn specify in anyway WHERE this announcment would be posted? |
AUTHOR
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SeanDahlberg |
| Other Posts | Date |
| Developer Blog: Creating the Bounty Hunter | 04.03.2009 |
| Developer Blog: Creating the Polluted World of Hutta | 03.06.2009 |
| Developer Blog: Mark How | 01.02.2009 |
| Developer Blog: Welcome to the Community | 10.21.2008 |
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