Yes, that's true... but, it doesn't show you the number if you hover over an option, for instance. My point is that it's nice to be able to look back and forth between a couple options to see which you like better. Currently, there is no way to easily do that. As an example, if I'm choosing a hairstyle and I want to compare option #11 and #23, I have to guess where those numbers are along that slider line. It seems like just having the number pop up when hovering over an option would be an easy way to make that insanely easier.

I noticed there was a reference to character customization in the OP and I just wanted to throw my hat into that ring, since I've been harping on that topic as evidenced by my weekly question about upgrading/updating the character creation options in the now defunct weekly Q&A. For instance: - Sliders instead of static choices (i.e., body type/size, facial proportions, etc.) - A way to easily reference choices in a list (Instead of guessing "Is this notch 13? Damn, that was 15... ok, here's 13 and I was comparing it to 23, which was over... um... crap, nope... hmm, ok here it is and then 13 was right... DAMN IT!") - Separating jewelry/tattoos from facial shapes/choices (Maybe I want one type of facial accessory, but not with the only facial choice it's available with) (I hope this qualifies as a paper cut instead of a walloping with a stack of papers.)

I was trying to remember if there had been some sort of post about this, but couldn't remember any specifically either. But, I think I remember it being mentioned somewhere... probably by another forumite. Either way, it makes sense that there would be some dependency on character models and being able to render them efficiently enough for an MMO. Regardless, as I mentioned before, it's not impossible to make the character creation more robust while still allowing the engine to do its job.

Crap... this probably should've been in the "Suggestion Box" sub-forum. Totally missed it. :facepalm: If a Mod would like to move it there, I'd be more than happy to go along for the ride.

Hey! I remember seeing you around those threads! (It may have a little to do with yer forum avatar. )

Well, you see, everything I do is blessed by bacon... so, this thread is bacon flavored which automatically makes it better and more relevant than any other thread about this topic. (Also known as, I didn't remember seeing one and was a slacker and didn't look to see if there was one.) (Also also known as, old threads that're resurrected can end up ignored as a "necro") Yes, I do know that the cutscenes depend on character models and the easier that database is to manage, the better the game will flow. This is an understandable limitation, but not insurmountable.

I've spent the entire run of Community Q&A asking about the character creation process (every week, without fail), why it is how it is, and if/when it may be improved upon. Since the Q&A is now discontinued and I never got a response, I've started this thread for us to discuss what we'd like to see improved and hopefully to be heard by the devs about it. To start with, it seems to me that the options for creating a character are noticeably lacking, especially when compared to just about any other major MMO. Beyond that, the SWTOR game itself is great and seems to have had a lot of thought put into scenery and ongoing attention being paid to individual customization (color crystals, adaptable gear, etc.)... unfortunately, the creation process doesn't stack up to the rest of the game. (My wife was going to try out SWTOR, until she saw the character creation and was completely turned off by it.) Some of my wishlist items: - Sliders instead of static choices (i.e., body type/size, facial proportions, etc.) - A way to easily reference choices in a list (Instead of guessing "Is this notch 13? Damn, that was 15... ok, here's 13 and I was comparing it to 23, which was over... um... crap, nope... hmm, ok here it is and then 13 was right... DAMN IT!") - Separating jewelry/tattoos from facial shapes/choices (Maybe I want one type of facial accessory, but not with the only facial choice it's available with) Bonus: - Voice selection (Even if it's from a short list made entirely of pitch-shifted versions of the current voices) So, what about you guys? What changes or additions would you like to see? What would make it more intriguing for new players to subscribe? Does any of this matter to you in the first place?

Yes, regardless of a playable species being included, I would definitely buy a Lifetime sub. Of course, I also have a bad habit of signing up for whatever the longest sub period is (like 6 months for TOR) on auto-renew then never cancelling in time before it charges me again. So, for me, I'd end up saving money in the long run. Not to mention, I get to play so little that it'll take me a couple years just to hit the level cap anyway. But a playable species sure would sweeten the deal. (I'd hope that species could be purchased separately by non-Lifetimes.) I think a better perk would be a couple character slots... per server would be nice, but I'd expect it to be something like 4 slots that you could spread out however you like.

Is it in the realm of possibility that we could ever see an update/remodel of the character creation process that would include better choices for physique, options to adjust facial proportions, better identification of choices (hover cursor for # of option instead of guessing which "notch" you're looking for), separating jewelry/facial markings from face options, etc.?

What decisions and/or limitations went into designing/using a character creation process that is lacking in the more granular options that are common to most MMORPGs... and is there a chance we'll see those options explored in the future?

Were there design limits that lead to offering the character creation process as we have it now? And will it ever be updated to be comparable to most other MMOs, seeing as how the attachment to one's character has a lot to do with the time they want to spend playing the game... not to mention wanting to buy the game to begin with? (For instance, an impressive character creation system is one of the first things that many people, including myself, look for in a new game.)

Would the design decisions which went into the character creation process prevent the devs from going back and upgrading the way that works, or is it possible we'll see the character creation upgraded to be on par with most other MMOs (such as Star Trek, APB, Second Life, City of Heroes, Guild Wars 2, etc.)? (I mean really, in the great Wars vs. Trek debate, can we really live with giving them such a huge one-up over SWTOR?!? )

(Snipped to use the points I wanted and bolded where I wanted to focus more.) You make some great points here!! That first bolded point is a great summary for how the character creation leaves me feeling. It's like being handed a box of 50 Legos of only 3 colors and being told "You can make anything you want!" I have to agree that SWTOR would be about a 4 on the customization scale, especially when compared to something like APB or Second Life (or City of Heroes or... *GASP* ...Star Trek. I mean, really... we're gonna let STAR TREK beat STAR WARS in something?!?!? I'd love to SWTOR bring it up to a 6 or 7, but I dream about it being a 10. The voice pitch thing would be awesome too... I remember that being a sticking point for some people early on.

Will there ever be an update to the character creator... such as more granular options for body sizes/physiques, separating adornments from facial features/textures or a better way to go between options (instead of "I think it was this notch")?

While the idea of "Barber Shops" has been discussed, I'm specifically interested in whether the character creation process itself would possibly be updated in the future. For instance, "slider" body types/physiques/faces instead of choosing between pre-made static builds? And should we expect to see such an update accompany Barber Shops being implemented in the game?