Ive heard rumors and speculation that when Star Wars The Old Republic comes out that Lucas Arts will pull the plug on Star Wars Galaxies, why would they have 2 Star Wars games running? Whats everyones view on that or has anyone heard anything else about it?

I dont know if they will pull the plug or even if they can do it. What i know is that someone should put that game out of its misery already....

Plus, i dont think any real Star Wars fan likes the course they took and carry on taking with SWG, so yes, the already small SWG community is going to loose almost everyone to TOR and SOE will have probably no other choice other than pull the plug.

Time will tell

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

This! 

This is exactly how I see it going down. IF LA can pull the plug, it would probably be wise for them to do so. If they can't, it boils down to if SoE can still make $ on what is left of SWG players.

My gut tells me SoE will try to be stubborn though, even if there's nobody playing...they've never cared for the players they had after all, they've always been more interested in those they didn't have.

Will be interesting to see, that's for sure ;)

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

I'm honestly thinking that a major shake-up is coming to SoE, and some games may simply be removed in a re-organization of their business model.

But that's just a hunch and not based on anything specific.

SOE has already demonstrated that they are willing to leave a game running without any developers dedicated to updating it.  If their contract with lucas arts allowes it, I have no doubt soe would scale their costs down to nothing more that the electricity to run the servers in order to avoid shutting the game down.  SOE games have an amazing ability to avoid closure beyond what other companies are willing to endure with their games. 

If TOR really sucks, there is always the chance that people who held out for a new star wars game return to swg.  I'm not sure it will have the ability to retain those players, but there is the off chance it brings more players to the game than there are now.

Smed already planted the seed that SWG could sunset if TOR has a negative impact to what subs they have left.

It depends on how successful TOR is.  If it does as well as hoped and draws enough of the current swg players away, then swg will most likely close.  I know soe has a record of keeping games with low subs on life support via Station pass (Planetside, Vanguard) but they've recently decided to close Matrix Online so no game is safe.  Like swg, MXO is an IP not owned by soe and much of the reason for shutting it down had to do with the licensing agree for the IP so the same thing could very well happen to swg if LA decides to end its agreement with soe.  Plus, soe has 2 new games coming out soon, The Agency and DCU, and they may want to make some room for them on Station pass.

Star Wars Galaxies support to continue

LucasArts executive Tom Nichols has confirmed there will be continuing support for Star Wars Galaxies - even though new MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic is on the way.

Nichols was speaking at the recent press event for Star Wars: The Old Republic, currently being developed by BioWare. "We have many other features planned to support Star Wars Galaxies," he told Eurogamer. "We see no reason why the two games can't exist together."

Star Wars Galaxies was published by Sony Online Entertainment in 2003. SOE faced heavy criticism after releasing an update that made major changes to the game, much to the irritation of many players. According to Nichols, LucasArts will work hard to ensure the same mistakes are not made twice.

"We've learned how important it is to listen to your community and act on that feedback," he said.

"We also realised what players expect from an online Star Wars game - they expect to be that iconic Star Wars hero as soon as possible. They don't want to play for hundreds of hours just to become a Jedi."

Which is why, in Star Wars: The Old Republic, you'll be able to start out right at the beginning as a fully-fledged Jedi. Or a Sith, or as a member of one of the other character classes in the game, which they're "not talking about today".
 

Originally posted by TUX426

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

 

This! 

This is exactly how I see it going down. IF LA can pull the plug, it would probably be wise for them to do so. If they can't, it boils down to if SoE can still make $ on what is left of SWG players.

My gut tells me SoE will try to be stubborn though, even if there's nobody playing...they've never cared for the players they had after all, they've always been more interested in those they didn't have.

Will be interesting to see, that's for sure ;)

yeah, its sad. always worried about the the players they dont have, and not worried about keeping the ones they do/did have. that is why it is the way it is, right now. sad state of affairs. imo, i think it SHOULD be shut down, but that doesnt mean they will, lol. SOE is known to be a stubborn bunch.

Originally posted by djnexus

Ive heard rumors and speculation that when Star Wars The Old Republic comes out that Lucas Arts will pull the plug on Star Wars Galaxies, why would they have 2 Star Wars games running? Whats everyones view on that or has anyone heard anything else about it?

Hmm.  It will definitely be tough on SOE and SWG, I think.  I guess the real question is, 'Is there enough room in the MMORPG market for two Star Wars MMOs?'  I don't see this as being very practical, in my opinion, especially since SWG has alienated so much of their player-base already.

When the apples were made, the creator did not remove the oranges. The only common thing between both games is Lucas Arts. Aside of that, one is a Star Wars game, the other is not. I think Anarchy Online is more Star Wars than Star Wars Galaxies, so players of SWG will not be affected, since they are not interested in a Star Wars MMO anyway. So, don't worry. :)

They shoulda pulled the plug a long time ago imho.

Originally posted by Suvroc

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

 

I'm honestly thinking that a major shake-up is coming to SoE, and some games may simply be removed in a re-organization of their business model.

But that's just a hunch and not based on anything specific.

Think they already shook the tree over at SOE and LA,  Smeds take on gaming    kotaku.com/368247/soe-boss-says-no-pc-gaming-is-not-dead       As long as thier still making money on SWG they will not close it down.    

But heres something people have been talking about, LA might be remaking Xwing or Tie fighter.   Totally fun games back in the day hope they remake Tie Fighter that was my favorite.   g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/697997/LucasArts-Teasing-X-Wing-Tie-Fighter-Announcement.html

Originally posted by djnexus

Ive heard rumors and speculation that when Star Wars The Old Republic comes out that Lucas Arts will pull the plug on Star Wars Galaxies, why would they have 2 Star Wars games running? Whats everyones view on that or has anyone heard anything else about it?

same here i play eq2 and i love it ,lol ifound a book yesterday ,im a winged evil thingy and with that book i become a pixie

you would have laughed so hard yesterday i was teasing this ganker by hiding he knew i was around but couldnt see me at first 

he wass going around and around when he saw me ,he completly stopped probably adjusted cam .he probably was like wtf .i laughed so hard i died wasnt paying attention lol was very nice.i ll have fun in this game not the newest bha who cares about new hell i betaed aion and it was just a look good game.not enough for me to have fun 

Originally posted by BullseyeArc1

Originally posted by Suvroc

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

 

I'm honestly thinking that a major shake-up is coming to SoE, and some games may simply be removed in a re-organization of their business model.

But that's just a hunch and not based on anything specific.

 

Think they already shook the tree over at SOE and LA,  Smeds take on gaming    kotaku.com/368247/soe-boss-says-no-pc-gaming-is-not-dead       As long as thier still making money on SWG they will not close it down.    

But heres something people have been talking about, LA might be remaking Xwing or Tie fighter.   Totally fun games back in the day hope they remake Tie Fighter that was my favorite.   g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/697997/LucasArts-Teasing-X-Wing-Tie-Fighter-Announcement.html

Well, the way I was thinking about it is this. If you're calling the shots for SCE would you be satisfied with the performance of your games under The Station? I wouldn't as the whole things feels bloated and stagnant to me.

The kotaku link you provided simply quotes Smed as saying that PC gaming isn't dead. But I think he's looking at it from the perspective of cross-platform publishing (I.e. PS3 and PC games). Do you think Smed would release a game that's PC based only these days? Take a look at the section from a Sony press release...

        SAN DIEGO, CA & TOKYO, JAPAN (March 13, 2008) — In a strategic move to closely align itself with the strong growth of the worldwide online gaming market, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) will report to Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, SCEI, effective April 1, 2008. The new structure is designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through SOE’s strong online gaming expertise.

“I am excited to be able to work with SOE even more closely, as online games and services become a more integral part of the PS3 entertainment experience,” Hirai said. “This new structure will allow us to take full advantage of the extensive breadth of expertise of the two companies and increase our range of exciting entertainment offerings to our consumers.”
 

I believe this to mean that any PC games, at least in SCE's eyes, will simply be riding the coat tails of any PS3 release. Therefore SoE's current PC only titles represent the old method of thinking, and are (in my opinion) likely seen as expendable.

I'd bet that TOR will have way more subs then $WG.

Originally posted by BadgerSmaker

Star Wars Galaxies support to continue

LucasArts executive Tom Nichols has confirmed there will be continuing support for Star Wars Galaxies - even though new MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic is on the way.

Nichols was speaking at the recent press event for Star Wars: The Old Republic, currently being developed by BioWare. "We have many other features planned to support Star Wars Galaxies," he told Eurogamer. "We see no reason why the two games can't exist together."

Star Wars Galaxies was published by Sony Online Entertainment in 2003. SOE faced heavy criticism after releasing an update that made major changes to the game, much to the irritation of many players. According to Nichols, LucasArts will work hard to ensure the same mistakes are not made twice.

"We've learned how important it is to listen to your community and act on that feedback," he said.

"We also realised what players expect from an online Star Wars game - they expect to be that iconic Star Wars hero as soon as possible. They don't want to play for hundreds of hours just to become a Jedi."

Which is why, in Star Wars: The Old Republic, you'll be able to start out right at the beginning as a fully-fledged Jedi. Or a Sith, or as a member of one of the other character classes in the game, which they're "not talking about today".
 

I would imagine there is still a contract in effect and I seriously doubt Tom could say something to the effect that SWG might close soon.  That could expose LA to some serious legal issues.

I'm not saying that the game is going to shut down, but there was no other possible response that Tom Nichlos could give to that question. 

However, I don't think anyone can argue that SWG is seriously under performing for a licensed Star Wars product and an MMO at that.  

Originally posted by Daffid011

Originally posted by BadgerSmaker

Star Wars Galaxies support to continue

LucasArts executive Tom Nichols has confirmed there will be continuing support for Star Wars Galaxies - even though new MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic is on the way.

Nichols was speaking at the recent press event for Star Wars: The Old Republic, currently being developed by BioWare. "We have many other features planned to support Star Wars Galaxies," he told Eurogamer. "We see no reason why the two games can't exist together."

Star Wars Galaxies was published by Sony Online Entertainment in 2003. SOE faced heavy criticism after releasing an update that made major changes to the game, much to the irritation of many players. According to Nichols, LucasArts will work hard to ensure the same mistakes are not made twice.

"We've learned how important it is to listen to your community and act on that feedback," he said.

"We also realised what players expect from an online Star Wars game - they expect to be that iconic Star Wars hero as soon as possible. They don't want to play for hundreds of hours just to become a Jedi."

Which is why, in Star Wars: The Old Republic, you'll be able to start out right at the beginning as a fully-fledged Jedi. Or a Sith, or as a member of one of the other character classes in the game, which they're "not talking about today".
 

 

I would imagine there is still a contract in effect and I seriously doubt Tom could say something to the effect that SWG might close soon.  That could expose LA to some serious legal issues.

 

I'm not saying that the game is going to shut down, but there was no other possible response that Tom Nichlos could give to that question.  

Sure there is...  He could give the same exact response that Smedley gave...

http://www.massively.com/2008/10/27/soe-responds-to-the-announcement-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/

"John Smedley: I think since there was no date announced with the game, it's safe to assume it will be released far enough in the future that is not any immediate issue for Galaxies players. We do not know when that game is going to launch, I don't believe they know when that game is going to launch. For the foreseeable future, Galaxies is quite safe. How long that is, I think has more to do with how and when that game comes along.

At some point we'll make a decision about when and if to sunset Galaxies, but as of right now we don't have any plans to do that."

The plug was pulled the day they released the NGE/CU...

Originally posted by BadgerSmaker

Star Wars Galaxies support to continue

LucasArts executive Tom Nichols has confirmed there will be continuing support for Star Wars Galaxies - even though new MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic is on the way.

Nichols was speaking at the recent press event for Star Wars: The Old Republic, currently being developed by BioWare. "We have many other features planned to support Star Wars Galaxies," he told Eurogamer. "We see no reason why the two games can't exist together."

Star Wars Galaxies was published by Sony Online Entertainment in 2003. SOE faced heavy criticism after releasing an update that made major changes to the game, much to the irritation of many players. According to Nichols, LucasArts will work hard to ensure the same mistakes are not made twice.

"We've learned how important it is to listen to your community and act on that feedback," he said.

"We also realised what players expect from an online Star Wars game - they expect to be that iconic Star Wars hero as soon as possible. They don't want to play for hundreds of hours just to become a Jedi."

Which is why, in Star Wars: The Old Republic, you'll be able to start out right at the beginning as a fully-fledged Jedi. Or a Sith, or as a member of one of the other character classes in the game, which they're "not talking about today".
 

Wow... They haven't learned anything at all have they? That's the same line used to push the NGE... Simply amazing.

Originally posted by Antarious 

Sure there is...  He could give the same exact response that Smedley gave...

 

http://www.massively.com/2008/10/27/soe-responds-to-the-announcement-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/

 

"John Smedley: I think since there was no date announced with the game, it's safe to assume it will be released far enough in the future that is not any immediate issue for Galaxies players. We do not know when that game is going to launch, I don't believe they know when that game is going to launch. For the foreseeable future, Galaxies is quite safe. How long that is, I think has more to do with how and when that game comes along.

At some point we'll make a decision about when and if to sunset Galaxies, but as of right now we don't have any plans to do that."

 

 

SOE is paying LA for the licensing rights and very dependant on LA actions/support.  If LA can out and stated they had plans to close SWG or terminate the license in a few years, it opens them to possible legal issues.  SOE could claim LA was deliberate in their attempts to destroy SWG to boost sales of TOR.  Maybe that lucas arts comments caused a damage in their ability to attract or operate the game.  Just look what is happening with Turbine/Atari right now over dungeons and dragons online.  Just imagine what would happen if that article said "we do not plan to support SWG when TOR releases" or wven worse "we plan to terminate the SWG license when TOR release".  Just think about that for a moment.  

I am familiar with what Smedley said, but I don't think that comment exposes SOE to any legal actions from LA. 

Originally posted by Daffid011

Originally posted by Antarious 

Sure there is...  He could give the same exact response that Smedley gave...

 

http://www.massively.com/2008/10/27/soe-responds-to-the-announcement-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/

 

"John Smedley: I think since there was no date announced with the game, it's safe to assume it will be released far enough in the future that is not any immediate issue for Galaxies players. We do not know when that game is going to launch, I don't believe they know when that game is going to launch. For the foreseeable future, Galaxies is quite safe. How long that is, I think has more to do with how and when that game comes along.

At some point we'll make a decision about when and if to sunset Galaxies, but as of right now we don't have any plans to do that."

 

 

 

SOE is paying LA for the licensing rights and very dependant on LA actions/support.  If LA can out and stated they had plans to close SWG or terminate the license in a few years, it opens them to possible legal issues.  SOE could claim LA was deliberate in their attempts to destroy SWG to boost sales of TOR.  Maybe that lucas arts comments caused a damage in their ability to attract or operate the game.  Just look what is happening with Turbine/Atari right now over dungeons and dragons online.  Just imagine what would happen if that article said "we do not plan to support SWG when TOR releases" or wven worse "we plan to terminate the SWG license when TOR release".  Just think about that for a moment.  

I am familiar with what Smedley said, but I don't think that comment exposes SOE to any legal actions from LA. 

 

Well there is one way to save SWG ........ and i hate to say it .......... Classic Servers

Also looking at TOR it does seems to be a very different game to SWG so maybe there can be 2 ...... who knows

Originally posted by dhayes68

Well SOE wouldn't pull the plug just because there is another SW game out there. Though Lucas might, not sure of the level of contractual control LA has.

You could break it down into a flowchart:

1. Does Lucas Arts have the control to shut down SWG just because they want to? Y/N?  If yes, it gets closed. If not go to number 2.

2. After TOR launches, does SWG maintain enough subs to be profitable: Y/N? If yes SWG stays open, if not it gets closed.

The only vagueness would come from just maybe SOE would love to have an excuse to shutdown SWG just because of all the bad press its generated for them over time.

Taking all that into account, I'd be surprised if SWG is open a year after TOR launches, if TOR is more than moderately successful.

 

 

 

My gut reaction would be to say "This!".

Hard to say without knowing the language of the $OE/LA contract.  When does it expire, or does it expire, period?  Is there language that allows LA to pull the plug at anytime without cause, or do they need to show cause, like Ewoks with fairy wings and undead stormtroopers?  I would think if LA had their way, they have SWG shutdown before TOR launches to ensure anyone needing a SW fix would at least try TOR and boost initial box sales.

$OE has shown they will pull the plug themselves if a game isn't turning a profit.  Does their contract allow them to, or does it need to be a mutual decision?  Maybe SOE is trying to get LA to pull the plug.

I can't see SWG surviving unless they launch classic servers or unless TOR is a total flop.

Originally posted by Daffid011

Originally posted by Antarious 

Sure there is...  He could give the same exact response that Smedley gave...

 

http://www.massively.com/2008/10/27/soe-responds-to-the-announcement-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/

 

"John Smedley: I think since there was no date announced with the game, it's safe to assume it will be released far enough in the future that is not any immediate issue for Galaxies players. We do not know when that game is going to launch, I don't believe they know when that game is going to launch. For the foreseeable future, Galaxies is quite safe. How long that is, I think has more to do with how and when that game comes along.

At some point we'll make a decision about when and if to sunset Galaxies, but as of right now we don't have any plans to do that."

 

 

 

SOE is paying LA for the licensing rights and very dependant on LA actions/support.  If LA can out and stated they had plans to close SWG or terminate the license in a few years, it opens them to possible legal issues.  SOE could claim LA was deliberate in their attempts to destroy SWG to boost sales of TOR.  Maybe that lucas arts comments caused a damage in their ability to attract or operate the game.  Just look what is happening with Turbine/Atari right now over dungeons and dragons online.  Just imagine what would happen if that article said "we do not plan to support SWG when TOR releases" or wven worse "we plan to terminate the SWG license when TOR release".  Just think about that for a moment.  

I am familiar with what Smedley said, but I don't think that comment exposes SOE to any legal actions from LA. 

 

That somehow totally bypasses what I said and what Smedley said...

He could in fact refer people to smedley's own words.. thus LA is saying nothing...

and its pretty obvious that SWG will continue to run until there are not enough players and then it will close... that's just common sense.  Why would LEC have any plans to kill SWG regardless... as you say they are being paid a license fee from SOE...

So they are making money regardless so obviously LEC has no plans to close down SWG... SOE obviously as Smedley stated.. might when the time comes.