Let me preface this post by saying the following:
This is the only post I will make on these forums.
No, I will not disclose who my employer is.
No, i will not disclose who my sources are.
No, I will not answer IMs via this site.
You can chose to believe it, or not to believe it. I only bring you the facts as I know them.
I am pleased to advise that during the first business quarter of 2007, Sony Online Enterntainment, working in conjunction with BioWare / Pandemic Studios, will open what is commonly refered to as "Pre-CU" or "Classic" servers for subscribers to Star Wars: Galaxies. The "Pre-CU"/"Classic" (hereafter referred to as PreCU) will contain the original beginner / adventure planets, as well as the first expansion, Jump To Lightspeed. Additional expansions will be introduced in "classic" format, with a target of one per business quarter. The reason for this is that each expansion world and its content must be converted to PreCU format.
The initial release version of these PreCU servers will be just prior to release of the Combat Upgrade publish.
Anticipated FAQ:
What is SOE's role in the BioWare/Pandemic partnership of SW:G?
SOE will act as publishers of SW:G, BioWare/Pandemic will control development of SW:G.
How will we access these servers?
These servers will be accessible via your launchpad.
Will my existing characters be available?
There will be *no* free character transfers. Current character transfer pricing remains in effect. Please see the official forums for pricing.
Jedi?
Jedi - This will be a touchy subject for all, so let me be clear: CL90 "Elder" Jedi will be given 250 skill points to "spend" as they wish in any of the 5 disciplines. Elder Jedi who are *not* CL90 will be given a set amount of skill points based upon their CL at time of transfer. Jedi created after the NGE (this includes players that used the respec device, or NPC) will received 50 percent as many skill points as "Elder" Jedi, basis their CL. For clarity, please see the following:
CL90 Elder Jedi = 250 points for allocation
CL90 PostNGE Jedi = 125 points for allocation
CL45 Elder Jedi = 125 points for allocation
CL45 Post-NGE release Jedi = 63 points for allocation
What servers will be utilized? Will there be rollbacks of specific Galaxy servers?
Initially, the unused Japanese servers will be utilized. These servers have been transplanted to the US, undergone a significant hardware upgrade, and will be load tested at the beginning of the new year, after the holidays. Depending on many factors, additional PreCU servers will be considered as the need arises.
Look for more information in the coming weeks via the offical Star Wars: Galaxies website.
God I hope its true..
