Old news … Star Wars Galaxies is closing on December 15th.
I remember discussing the game with friends when it first launched. Some didn’t believe it could work – how could every player be the Jedi. For me, SWG wasn’t about being Luke, or Han. It was about engaging in the Star Wars universe. It let me play one of the myriad nameless characters behind the main characters. You might not think so, but I enjoyed playing the role of moisture farmer from Tatooine.
For me, and many others, SWG was everything we were looking for in a game. “Sandbox” is the usual term thrown about. I like the term “worldy” better: SWG had all the elements to support a social simulation. Players depended upon one another for resources, crafted equipment and support. Skill limits made groups matter, beyond simple cumulative DPS. Players banded together to support guilds and grow towns into cities. The limit of one character per account reinforced relationships.
Let’s not ignore the innovations and uncommon game elements. Macros, camping, automated resource harvesting, surveying, individual vendors, dancing, droids, the pet system and the ultimate crafting system.
I fondly remember Humbaba hunts in the Agrilat Crystal Swamp, organizing and betting on Kaadu races, selling meds in Coronet, helping to build the city of Nar Emiki, dancing in the Blue Hummer, fog-machines, hunting anything avian, great role-play events and a million other things.
Mostly I remember the friends I made or played with in SWG: Age, Nards, Kix, Emide, Eicer, Aiyphat, Rhinokeet, Cael and others. SWG is where I met this blog’s co-author, Tachevert, a friendship that has lasted going on eight years now.
Today I recovered my Station Access accounts. I’m sure the old city of Nar Emiki is gone. I’m not sure what possessions I will have left. But, I’m going to resub for the final few months. I’ll have one last hurrah and a farewell to fond memories.
By Nards July 15, 2011 - 1:17 am
hmm, I’ve been thinking of re-subbing since I heard the announcement. I may just join you in-game.
By Tuebit July 15, 2011 - 10:58 am
Nards!
According to this, “If you are an active subscriber in good standing as of September 15, 2011, then you can play for free for the final months. Players wishing to play through the end of the game and participate in the galaxy-ending event planned for the last week of live service in December will need to re-activate or join the game on or before September 15th. No new or reactivated accounts will be accepted after September 15, 2011.”
Hope to see you in a galaxy far far away.
Anyone else?
By Tachevert July 15, 2011 - 1:48 pm
I keep thinking about it. I’m not sure yet… might be better to let it lie. But I’ve got a couple of months to decide.
By Tuebit July 15, 2011 - 2:03 pm
I’m certainly not expecting it to be what it was in the glory days (for one thing, my stuff is gone). As the saying goes, “You can’t walk in the same water twice.”
But they’ve (supposedly) re-introduced many of the things I liked about the original game and added some others interesting aspects as well.
By Nards July 16, 2011 - 11:10 am
hmm, it’s weird. I re-installed the game, and it’s letting me play w/o re-subbing. Must be a free weekend?
By Tuebit July 16, 2011 - 11:36 am
Check your account. For some unknown reason, I had a 45 day account resumption in there. Maybe you do too.