SWTOR is among the most popular MMO's on PC

SW:TOR is popular, no doubt. My worry is that EA, as they've shown in the past, will not settle for anything other than a WoW killer, which is an impossible task for any team (even Blizzard). SW:TOR is an incredible success that isn't receiving recognition from its own publisher, and that lack of faith may turn itself into a self-fulfilling prophecy if SW:TOR doesn't receive EA's full confidence again.

Can you elaborate on your statement? How does the game not receive EA's full confidence? Can you point to any specific examples?

This is an accurate picture of EA, however, the game DOES appear to be back in the company's favour now. It recieves continuous mentions in quaterly fiscal reports and was present at Gamescom press conference. So whatever happened, the numbers must be at least good enough for EA now. And honestly, it would be stupid to 'pull the plug' no with upcoming SIX Star Wars movies from 2015 till the end of the decade. Interest in brand will be at all time high, it will basically be free promotion for the game

I really hope that GSH will be the benchmark of things to come. I can't believe how well integrated into the main activities of the game it actually is. This, of course, in complete contrast to GSF, which feels like it was litterally developed by an outsourced software team and, aside from some placeables in the world, feels completely seperate from the main game.

Bioware also made a HUGE score with the new shipment of cartel packs. It was wise to introduce a seperata item roll in the packs for decorations only, instead of the item supplanting an item roll like the GSF gas cannisters which weren't even selling for 5 credits. The decorations still haven't lost momentum on the GTN. This in spite of the many, many packs now being opened for the decorations alone, if the cost of everything else from the packs is to be believed. Armor sets, mounts, crystals and weapons have never been so low for previous packs. Whomever it was that made the call to lower the price of a pack to 210 CC deserves a pat on the shoulder. It's far, far better to sell 1000 packs for 210 than it is selling 100 packs for 320.

Future's looking good, real good. Let's hope 3.0 continues the trend and delivers in spades.

The Cartel Market itself is the most evident and flagrant example. The staff turnover rate, as well. But I can recall certain instances going all the way back to beta wherein EA pushed for certain mechanics or philosophies not because they were best for the game, but because Blizzard had them.

For example, the entire concept of "visual progression" of our characters as we levelled and raided was pushed heavily. The modding system (which was even more expansive than it is now), was completely gutted to the point that it was pretty much useless (meanwhile, WoW itself was working on their transmog system). I'd say we have about 80% of the functionality we once had, but the dying system nearly brings it up to par (although I would still love to use my Sith Sword fully-modded).

Another is the inclusion of the rush no-story flashpoints. SW:TOR developers thought of flashpoints of something more-rare and rather important, whereas EA looked to WoW and saw that you should be able to be running them at any level. This isn't exactly a bad decision, but it definitely distracted from other areas of development.

However, recently, the development team (as different as it is from those who launched the game) seems to have quite a bit of creative freedom. That being said, they're virtually silent as far as communication with the playerbase goes. I'm not sure if this should be worrisome or encouraging. Less involvement with EA generally means a more unique product in line with the expectations of this playerbase rather than that of WoW's. But it may also mean that they're looking for the Next Big Thing, and allow SW:TOR to go the way of WAR (the MMO EA gutted to make SW:TOR).

Many things that you pointed out have nothing to do with "no confidence votes" from EA.

Many are conscious design decisions, many of which were made to make the game appeal to a larger market. I am still waiting on evidence that EA isn't giving this game full confidence and backing.

I don't think you understand what you are saying. You are using terms and you don't actually know what they mean.

And you are being deliberately inflammatory rather than actually discussing the content of the post, providing no room for legitimate discussion. Have a good day.

I am not being inflammatory. I stated that you don't actually know what you are talking about because, from your statements, you provided no evidence to back up your claim.

You simply pointed out design decisions that were made by the Bioware team that you didn't like. Most, if not all, of your points are simply design decisions they made to appeal to a larger market.

I want to see hard evidence that EA has no confidence in this product. If anything, EA has been pointing out the success, per the last investment report. We have seen consistent updates leading to the supposed news of 3.0.

Again, what hard evidence can you provide that shows EA has no confidence in this product?

Don't misread me - I highly doubt the rug will be pulled out from under BioWare for a good, long time. That being said, while I would not contend that the game is on "life support" or some other such nonsense, I do not believe that it is receiving the attention (and resources) from EA to maintain a steady stream of quality content - attention it would be receiving if it had lived up to the impossible goals that EA had for the game. Goals that their meddling actively hindered, in hindsight.

Arkerus, I think you know that no such hard evidence exists. However, it is pretty clear that EA promotes the games it feels are doing well, and at one point SWTOR was not likely in it's favorite corner.

However, it looks like that has likely changed.

It is really just speculation by almost anyone that posts this sort of thing.