Summary
- Star Wars: The Old Republic is the longest active Star Wars game, with ongoing graphical modernization efforts.
- Executive Producer Keith Kanneg explained the necessity of upgrading graphics to maintain regular updates.
- Recent modernization updates focus on improving visual elements across different planets and character textures.
A new statement from the developers of MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic laid out the reasoning behind the game's ongoing graphical upgrade efforts. Star Wars: The Old Republic graphical modernization updates began in earnest some time ago and gradually delivered updates to the game's oldest areas.
Now well into its fourteenth year in operation, Star Wars: The Old Republic is easily the longest active Star Wars game around. Even before considering its online components, its single-player narrative storylines alone easily equal the playtime of several standard-length offline titles. The game itself has also maintained a moderate but loyal player base, which stuck with the game through thick and thin.
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But with the game getting up there in years, it makes sense to shed some light on the development team's plans to keep the game in good shape into the future. Executive Producer Keith Kanneg did just that in his latest letter to the Star Wars: The Old Republic community, which, among other topics, shed more light on the team's ongoing efforts to "modernize" the game's graphics. Responding to questions about the graphical modernization plan, Kanneg explained why such an initiative was necessary.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Devs Explain Why The Graphics Are Being Upgraded
In the letter, Kanneg praised the "incredible job" the development team has done with recent modernization updates. Over the last couple of years, Star Wars: The Old Republic has seen significant changes to the visuals on various planets, including the Hutt homeworld of Hutta, and planets from the game's earliest periods, like Tython, Korriban, and Hoth, where the most famous Star Wars ground battle occurred. According to Kanneg, modernization efforts are necessary as part of the need to "replace, extend, and refine" the technology which enables the team to continue delivering regular updates. Kanneg also mentioned the team's plans to continue modernization efforts, extending their effects to characters as well as environments. Update 7.6 saw improvements to character facial textures to make them look better under various in-game lighting conditions and in cutscenes.
Beyond graphical updates, Kanneg also discussed other topics in his letter, including the latest cosmetic upgrades made available to players. Game Update 7.6 brought a slew of new items based on the latest Star Wars TV series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. The in-game Cartel Market sells a set of cosmetic weapons and clothing options inspired by Skeleton Crew character Jod Na Nawood, as well as other cast members. Players who opted to subscribe to The Old Republic also received a free mount based on the speeder bike used by Fern and KB in the show.
Despite having faded in popularity from its launch era and even having Star Wars: The Old Republic development transferred from BioWare to Broadsword Online Games, the game keeps trucking along. Not even removal from "canonical" status by the Disney buyout has kept it from incorporating even the most recent Star Wars media into its array of inspirations.
WHERE TO PLAY
STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ is the only massively multiplayer online game with a Free-to-Play option that puts you at the center of your own story-driven STAR WARS™ saga. Play as a Jedi, a Sith, a Bounty Hunter, or as one of many other iconic STAR WARS roles and explore the galaxy far, far away over three thousand years before the classic films. With 6 narrative expansions, become the hero of your own STAR WARS adventure as you choose your path down the Light or Dark side of the Force™.
Create your legacy. Make meaningful choices throughout your journey and become the hero of your personal STAR WARS saga. The game includes an interactive storyline with cinematic dialogue and full voiceover for all in-game characters.
A growing world awaits. For more than 10 years, players have been able to live out their own STAR WARS stories. With the most recent Onslaught expansion, STAR WARS: The Old Republic continues to deliver ongoing content through regular updates.
