Introduction and Context

Hello again, my fellow forumites. It's been nearly a year since I started my Community Desire for Species poll, and as I promised, now that Cathar have hit the live servers I thought I'd give a little commentary to the results and process of that thread. I may continue to update it, but this commentary concerns its current state only. Also, please forgive the self-important titling - my vision isn't the greatest, so just as I post in a different colour to better pick out posts that are replying to me directly, I've stuck my forum name into the titles of both of these threads so I can pick it out of a list more quickly.

The Criteria

Firstly, I'd like to reiterate the three prerequisite qualities that I was looking for before I dubbed them "plausible." In order for a species to be considered likely for implementation, that species must have:

1. An Average Humanoid Body Plan: Subsequent species need to be able to utilize the existing body types: at least one (ie. Trandoshans and body type 3), but the more, the better (ie. virtually every species that made the Humanoid category). If the entire aesthetic gear system needs to be rethought for a single species, if new assets need to be created, it is unreasonable to expect that species to be implemented over species that are far less intensive and would require less upkeep.
    
    
   
2. The Ability of the Entire Species to Speak Basic Fluently: It goes without saying (but I'm going to say it, anyway) that SW:TOR is a story-based, fully voiced MMO. That is the strength of this entry into the genre, that is what sets it apart from its competitors. It is unreasonable to expect BioWare to not play to this strength when considering additional species. Likewise, just because there was that one member of the species that had a speech impediment or a utilized a vocabulator, it doesn't mean that the species speaks Basic as a whole.
    
    
   
3. A Lack of Contradiction With the Established Rules of the Star Wars Universe: Forthcoming species need to be in agreement with the established rules of the universe - both in-universe and otherwise. For example, if Jawas or Tusken Raiders were introduced into the galaxy-at-large en masse, this would contradict the rules established for the species - they are tied to a specific planet. Although a few individuals may make their way offworld, the players cannot be the exception to the rule - the species selected to be playable need to exemplify the any general example of the species they belong to.
    
   

The Results

As I was running the poll, I kept an overall Top Five running of plausible selections. For the purposes of this post, I'll expand that list to a Top Ten and furthermore, a Top Thirty of all votes combined. Overall, votes were cast for 103 species.

Top Ten Plausible Species

1. Togruta
   
2. Nautolan
   
3. Kel Dor
   
4. Rodian
   
5. Mon Calamari
   
6. Kaleesh
   
7. Zeltron
   
8. Bothan
   
9. Devaronian
   
10. Weequay
    

Top Thirty Overall

1. Togruta
   
2. Nautolan
   
3. Kel Dor
   
4. Voss
   
5. Wookiee
   
6. Jawa
   
7. Trandoshan
   
8. Rodian
   
9. Droid
   
10. Mon Calamari
    
11. Kaleesh
    
12. Zeltron
    
13. Bothan
    
14. Devaronian
    
15. Ithorian
    
16. Weequay
    
17. Selkath
    
18. Echani
    
19. Yoda's species
    
20. Ewok
    
21. Falleen
    
22. Chagrian
    
23. Gamorrean
    
24. Duros
    
25. Selonian
    
26. Sullustan
    
27. Shistavanen
    
28. Nikto
    
29. Gormak
    
30. Gand
    

The Difficulties

Secondly, I'm going to go through a few of the problems that we've encountered, naming those problems aptly after a species that best exemplifies the issue, followed by a recommendation detailing a possible solution or workaround for these obstacles.

The Togruta

The Issue: This particular species highlights a problem that was mentioned by BioWare a few months ago: clipping. Twi'lek have had pretty negative feedback since their implementation because of this, and it has made BioWare hesitant to include species with "extraneous biology" that may interfere with the existing models for the bodies. Because of this, even with overwhelming popularity, BioWare remains hesitant to implement these types of species because of the inevitable backlash that will stem from the clipping issues.

Recommendation: Well, most obviously, fix the clipping. But since the selection of engine seems to mean that clipping issues aren't going away anytime soon, if ever, I'll offer a secondary response - one that was even endorsed by BioWare on multiple occasions. Go to the community, tell them up front that if these species are implemented there are going to be clipping issues, and ask them if they're willing to deal with those niggling issues if it means that can play as these species. Get the community involved, have them take on the responsibility, and the reaction to clipping issues will be far less negative. There is a demand here, and a fear of backlash shouldn't hold them back.

The Voss

The Issue: Voss exemplify a species that is incredibly popular with players, one that speaks Basic fluently, and could easily utilize existing character creation assets. There's only one problem - if they were to me implemented in the same way that Cathar were, they would violate the lore pretty badly and set up quite a few awkward situations for new players. It doesn't make sense for a Voss to make what is essentially first contact with the Voss, nor does it make sense for that Voss to attempt to bring that species into the greater galaxy when he is already a member of that species that is already participating in the greater galaxy. The demand for them obviously comes from players who have experienced the content involving that species - without that context, however, they would make little sense to new players.

Recommendation: Quite simple, actually - add a Legacy level requirement to the unlock that cannot be subverted with extra Cartel Coins. Maybe even add an achievement requirement, signifying that the player has recruited this species into their Legacy by completing the planetary questlines. Reneging on my requirement three a little, a species that is a little problematic with the lore can be added without issue as long as their addition is contextualized in-game, firstly.

The Wookiee

The Issue: Another hugely popular species, but it violates every single rule for plausibly fitting into the established framework. They would require entirely new character creation assets, they would completely void the fully-voiced nature of the player character, and their status as a freaking Wookiee would be oddly overlooked by those NPCs that the player interacts with. (I would also add the "No more Wookiee Jedi rule, but who knows how that is holding up with Disney's recent acquisition?)

Recommendation: These kinds of species are obviously important to players. Vitas did something I liked here when he recommended that some species are better suited to be companions rather than player characters (although I am generally more uptight and less idealistic when looking at plausibility). My solution would be three-fold: Firstly, keep these species in mind when adding additional companions. Secondly, allow players to use a companion of a different class if they've unlocked that species for their legacy. Once Bowdaar swears to serve my legacy on my Smuggler, and Blizz on my Bounty Hunter, they should be able to be used by my Sith Warrior who is also a part of that legacy. Thirdly, expand the customization options for these species. If we'll never be able to play as them, at least acknowledge our desire by allowing them to follow us around on our adventures, no matter our character.

The Shistavanen

The Issue: There are quite a few species in the Star Wars universe that have been, shall we say, less-than-reliably depicted in a consistent manner. Shistavanen exemplify this - we've seen them depicted as barely-bipedal wolves, as some guy in a bad Wolfman mask, and everything in between. Some of these depictions lend themselves well to a new playable species, some of them don't.

Recommendation: Pull a Cathar and err on the side of "humanoid." If a species has been depicted in a manner that would lend itself well to existing character creation assets, use that depiction and run with it. It's better that we have access to these species at all than to leave them out because people might not like the chosen manifestation. Like The Togruta, this is also something that should be discussed with the community.

The Zeltron

The Issue: They're just pink humans. I've sure everyone has seen the old complaint that has been around since the playable species roster was first made public knowledge: "We just have humans, green humans, red humans, blue humans, blind humans, spiked humans, cybernetic humans, tattooed bald humans and tentacle-hair humans." While many near-humans species are popular, and I know that the following statement is pretty subjective, I believe that to implement a new species as another recoloured human is a wasted opportunity.

Recommendation: Expand the creation options for humans (as many of the "species" being suggested are indeed humans, just of a different culture, such as Echani and Kiffar), and/or create a generalized "near-human" species. The latter would pretty much take all of the existing options that are already present for humans, but add a simple and important slider: "Near-human features." Examples of things included on this slider could include Zeltron pink, Kiffar tattoos, Anzati tentacles and more. Keeping them on the same slider ensures that players are unable to "mix and match" to create their own unique species - every option on that slider could be a different species, present in canon, and since they're so similar to baseline humans, that is the only distinction needed.

The Kel Dor - Bonus

The Issue: This particular response is intended more for the community than it is for BioWare, themselves. The issue being the so-called "romance" issue. Players have often discredited species such as Kel Dor and Rodians because BioWare said that species that you can't imagine in a romance won't be considered. As I've pointed out many times, that particular statement was also discredited the day after it was made. Read here:

The "romance" issue is a problem created by the community, but I admit that BioWare may have to address it as well to put it to rest for good.

Recommendation: As stated above, BioWare should simply revisit this issue to clarify their stance. While not an obstacle to implementing a playable species, it is definitely an obstacle to any discussion on the subject when these kinds of species are mentioned.

The Advice

Lastly, I'd just like to offer my brief opinion on where I think BioWare should go from here. Not dictating terms, but just what I believe would be a logical course of action given my experience with this process.

Examine the Top Species Carefully

It is nothing but good news for BioWare that the top three overall species are also the top three most plausible choices. The desire for these species is obvious, and so is their suitability for SW:TOR. Verify my results independently if you feel the need to, but I feel that the community has spoken very strongly about the next few species that should be occupying this particular facet of development for the near future.

Involve the Community

The community has made it very clear what they want. BioWare needs to be forthcoming with exactly what players are going to get, and ask them about things that the development team might be unsure of. Is clipping unavoidable for Nautolans? Would Kel Dor need to have permanent voice modulation? Should Mon Cal wear have the ability to show their gloves or not? We cannot wait to express our opinions to you, for good or (as you know too well) for ill. Just know that there will always be people that are unsatisfied - going ahead and engaging the community anyway has two benefits: firstly, you can defend your decision as one made by the community itself, and secondly, by not engaging with us, you are punishing many people because of a vocal few. Allow collaboration in this process.

Act Fast

I doubt that there are any players or developers out there that are satisfied with the amount of time it took to get Cathar on to live servers. As it was the first time a species was being added, however, I think the majority of the community is understanding - the kinks in the process needed to be worked out, and the conversion to the free-to-play model was probably more than a little disruptive. However, if the next species has a turnaround time of another year, I'm thinking that the community is going to be far less understanding and far less optimistic regarding the entire process of adding more playable species. But either way, refer back to my first piece of advice - be open with your players. If things are taking longer than anticipated, tell us. The worst way you can tell us about a delay is by letting that delay happen. If you can't be punctual, at least be transparent.

Don't Forget About the Core Game

I alluded to this a little when I was addressing The Voss problem - remember that the Cartel Market isn't the only avenue of progress in SW:TOR. From the Legacy system to PvP level to achievements to crafting, there are dozens of other ways that you can engage the community with this process. Playable species can also be used as a reward for enjoying various facets of the game and a justification for more-offbeat choices, even if they are ultimately unlocked with one's wallet.

Take Risks Eventually

BioWare has already started with a very cautious approach - Cathar are iconic to the era and to BioWare itself, they are a popular species, and they avoided the technical challenges that would have been an issue with species with more "exotic" biology. This was a very good choice. And I encourage BioWare to stick to this formula for a little while, but making sure they test the water in different ways with each passing species. Eventually, though, take the leap with something more unusual - see how people react to a choice that doesn't utilize existing assets, such as Droids or Ithorians. See if people can actually tolerate listening to Huttese during the leveling experience. Test your boundaries. Again, I wouldn't expect to see this kind of experimentation until new species are routine and a well-worn path. But I do hope to see it, at some point. There are a lot of great species out there that don't necessarily fit the mold provided by the game - don't be afraid to break that mold, eventually.

In Conclusion

Firstly, thanks to everyone that made it through the entire post. I realize it's quite long, but I hope I formatted and phrased everything well enough to make the read tolerable. Secondly, thanks to everyone who participated in my poll, whether it be simply casting a vote or participating in discussion and debate until the wee hours of the morning. Every one of you made this an enjoyable process over the past year, and I cannot express my gratitude for the continued support I received enough. The future is looking pretty bright for our area of interest, and I hope that I was able to provide a little direction with my efforts - again, direction that is entirely owing to the feedback I received from the community.

Thanks again to everyone who participated previously, and I hope to see your takes on the results in the following posts. Faces new and old, let's see what you have to say.

Thanks for this Cel!

Totally agree with your "Near-Human" idea for Zeltron/Kiffar/etc. races. Also, obviously agree with your thoughts on the Voss - maybe it could be tied to the Voss Reputation, but more realistically I think the unlock would just need a big ol' "Warning: Use of this Race while leveling will result in serious storyline inconsistencies."

Of the 10 Plausibles you ended up with, the only one I personally wouldn't jump at the chance to buy it the Weequay. Anecdotally, it seems Cathar are selling well, so hopefully we'll see some of these races in soon!

(Random thought: has there ever been a female Nautolan in the lore?)

I totally skipped on Voss reputation, as well - if not a Cartel Market unlock, the actual species would make for a pretty killer reward for maxing that reputation out. Maybe even just trigger a little quest with a Mystic indicating to your character that some of the younger Voss are looking to follow the now-legendary figure that you are out into the greater galaxy, once the reputation bar is full.

Also, interestingly, the first concept for a Nautolan was a female Sith they were considering for the prequel films. While Kit Fisto was the ultimate result of that, there exists quite a few female Nautolans in canon, including SW:TOR.

A very good post. Read the whole thing easy to read and to the point. I really hope they add Kel'dor and other species (even if I suspect I will never see a playable Gran) I really hope that the Dev's and the comunity team read and listen to this. The fact that someone has put this much thought anf time into a post really means the least they should do is acknowledge it has been read.

I would love to see Kel'dor added and I ma sure the two other species above them would be just as loved by fans of those species. The only point I would add as these will be Cartel Market species and while I would be very happy if updare 2.3 had a single line "Added Kel'dor to Cartel market" some people wouldn't dont try to add them as a game update just add them as a Cartel market update or as part of a larger update not as as a game update on there own.

Thank you for this well thought out post! We've all had things that we've disagreed with or disliked in this game, but it's posts such as this that open up the community and promote transparency, and the possibility for positive change in the future. Thanks man!

(Waiting for the Nautolans!)

I'm still waiting for these ones:

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/2ba643fe-3981-413b-88a7-1394fd47e0fa/d1oda7r-ce0bfa6f-c06b-48a8-8e49-3b2b1d90f471.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzJiYTY0M2ZlLTM5ODEtNDEzYi04OGE3LTEzOTRmZDQ3ZTBmYVwvZDFvZGE3ci1jZTBiZmE2Zi1jMDZiLTQ4YTgtOGU0OS0zYjJiMWQ5MGY0NzEuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.j4485zA9fkwGk8vQ4h3WvHIsVO7YYDuwGtEBxT75Lso

Bioware, I woul pay TONS of money to be able to play as one of them.

I want back my Ithorian bounty hunter and their awesome armors : http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111017134505/starwars/images/d/d7/Ithorian_Sentinel_armor.jpg

Brilliant post, very well thought out! I adore the idea of "near human" species options. I can think of a few I'd love to play as, but I bet adding another "colorful human" would really tick off a lot of players (especially if it took another year).

Also, with the Voss, might I add additional concerns?

1. Body type. The Voss, from what I've seen, seem to have a body type that is not available to players, that is tall like BT3 but slim like BT2. I am not sure how Bioware would handle that, but they seem extremely reluctant to add an additional body type for players, and it would be very odd to have a planet full of Voss NPC's that were taller and thinner than any Voss PC could be.

2. Romance, flirting, and marriage. Voss undergo a change after undertaking a ritual when they get married -- before that, they simply do not experience romantic or sexual feelings. With Companion marriages, I suppose that would be ok if you assume all PC Voss got married prior to the story, and if the Voss consider it ok to be married to more than one person? But that could get awkward fast, if the male Smuggler romancing Akaavi and Risha is any indication. xD

In no particular order:

Like I have said before, if they could find a way to make Nautolan head tentacles into different styles, like hair styles, it would be amazing.

I was hoping the same - Nautolan tentacles have generally been depicted as bound and unmoving, unless that individual is underwater. They're not like the lekku we see on Twi'leks. The same can be said for Togruta - there are a few styles out there, but they're all stiff.

I'm still waiting for these ones:

 

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/2ba643fe-3981-413b-88a7-1394fd47e0fa/d1oda7r-ce0bfa6f-c06b-48a8-8e49-3b2b1d90f471.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzJiYTY0M2ZlLTM5ODEtNDEzYi04OGE3LTEzOTRmZDQ3ZTBmYVwvZDFvZGE3ci1jZTBiZmE2Zi1jMDZiLTQ4YTgtOGU0OS0zYjJiMWQ5MGY0NzEuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.j4485zA9fkwGk8vQ4h3WvHIsVO7YYDuwGtEBxT75Lso

 

Bioware, I woul pay TONS of money to be able to play as one of them.

 

I want back my Ithorian bounty hunter and their awesome armors : http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111017134505/starwars/images/d/d7/Ithorian_Sentinel_armor.jpg

I wouldn't expect one soon, but I do hope to see them, eventually. There's been a lot of demand for species that originated in the prequels, and it would be nice to see a little love for the species that made us buy into the universe in the first place.

Thank you for this well thought out post! We've all had things that we've disagreed with or disliked in this game, but it's posts such as this that open up the community and promote transparency, and the possibility for positive change in the future. Thanks man!

 

(Waiting for the Nautolans!)

Excellent post, OP. You've done a masterful job gathering and conveying the species subject! I hope Bioware takes your thread to heart.

Thank you for the kind words, guys. Here's hoping that something comes from this.

A very good post. Read the whole thing easy to read and to the point. I really hope they add Kel'dor and other species (even if I suspect I will never see a playable Gran) I really hope that the Dev's and the comunity team read and listen to this. The fact that someone has put this much thought anf time into a post really means the least they should do is acknowledge it has been read.

 

I would love to see Kel'dor added and I ma sure the two other species above them would be just as loved by fans of those species. The only point I would add as these will be Cartel Market species and while I would be very happy if updare 2.3 had a single line "Added Kel'dor to Cartel market" some people wouldn't dont try to add them as a game update just add them as a Cartel market update or as part of a larger update not as as a game update on there own.

Thanks for your support over the past year, Izorii. You definitely helped to keep that thread alive, and its success was in no small part due to you. And here's hoping that we get Kel Dor pretty soon - I make no secret of the fact that they're my absolute favourite.

Brilliant post, very well thought out! I adore the idea of "near human" species options. I can think of a few I'd love to play as, but I bet adding another "colorful human" would really tick off a lot of players (especially if it took another year).

 

Also, with the Voss, might I add additional concerns?

 

1. Body type. The Voss, from what I've seen, seem to have a body type that is not available to players, that is tall like BT3 but slim like BT2. I am not sure how Bioware would handle that, but they seem extremely reluctant to add an additional body type for players, and it would be very odd to have a planet full of Voss NPC's that were taller and thinner than any Voss PC could be.

 

2. Romance, flirting, and marriage. Voss undergo a change after undertaking a ritual when they get married -- before that, they simply do not experience romantic or sexual feelings. With Companion marriages, I suppose that would be ok if you assume all PC Voss got married prior to the story, and if the Voss consider it ok to be married to more than one person? But that could get awkward fast, if the male Smuggler romancing Akaavi and Risha is any indication. xD

1. Perhaps they simply scaled up body type 1 to give them a slighter, more-alien build during our interactions. I don't see this as a problem, however - they don't necessarily need to appear exactly as they do as a playable species as they do as NPCs.

2. This is precisely why it wouldn't make sense for players to unlock species with problems such as these at the outset - the new player experience will be diminished when they actually encounter members of their own species who are acting in a manner contrary to how the player has been acting for the past 40 levels. This is, however, how they could work as a Legacy/Reputation unlock. If a player is aware of the context, if they are well-versed in the relevant content, they are informed enough to make the choice knowing that they'll have to suspend their disbelief during the class/planetary stories.

That being said, I think it was Amber that mentioned Voss explicitly as a species that wouldn't work, in no small part due to the issues they raise. All I'm trying to convey is that species with relatively minor lore issues, that can be believably justified as playable (Voss already are through the planetary quests to gain their allegiance), there are ways to make them playable without ruining the experience for new players.

"Pull a Cathar"

I think we should make this an official phrase. And also, great work! I'm looking forward to seeing Bioware's next step in this process. I think the best thing they can do is COMMUNICATE. I know the community would be happy to contribute, and much more understanding if the devs emphasized communication with the player base while going through the process of developing a new playable species.

If a player is aware of the context, if they are well-versed in the relevant content, they are informed enough to make the choice knowing that they'll have to suspend their disbelief during the class/planetary stories.

I see your points about the Voss! I think this right here is a great way for developers to look at possible issues that certain playable species might raise, extending to visual issues as well.

Actually, the fact that they have added long hair that clearly clips -- with the clipping prominently featured in a preview video -- gives me hope that they are starting to see the merits of this line of thinking, aka "informed choices". I have not seen one complaint about hair clipping, but I have seen quite a few characters with the new long hair and a lot of people seem very happy to have it. So maybe this is them testing the waters to see how much clipping players will tolerate. And believe me, that long hair for the females? Oh, does it ever clip, it is all over the shoulders like Nautolan head tentacles would be. But I, and many others, obviously don't care -- it is all about cost (clipping issues) vs benefit (the look you want). ^^

I see your points about the Voss! I think this right here is a great way for developers to look at possible issues that certain playable species might raise, extending to visual issues as well.

 

Actually, the fact that they have added long hair that clearly clips -- with the clipping prominently featured in a preview video -- gives me hope that they are starting to see the merits of this line of thinking, aka "informed choices". I have not seen one complaint about hair clipping, but I have seen quite a few characters with the new long hair and a lot of people seem very happy to have it. So maybe this is them testing the waters to see how much clipping players will tolerate. And believe me, that long hair for the females? Oh, does it ever clip, it is all over the shoulders like Nautolan head tentacles would be. But I, and many others, obviously don't care -- it is all about cost (clipping issues) vs benefit (the look you want). ^^

Exactly. I've seen TONS of female characters on the fleet with that hairstyle, and no one seems to care that it clips. I know I don't. I like that they're taking risks.

A lot of people I've seen have been thinking the same thing - that the forward d****** Qui-gon hair, specifically, is seeing how people react to clipping in that particular area which would hint at a particular species that has a little "exotic biology" in that very same area.

Granted, that might be reading into a little much. At the very least, they're testing player toleration for clipping.

In no particular order:

 

I was hoping the same - Nautolan tentacles have generally been depicted as bound and unmoving, unless that individual is underwater. They're not like the lekku we see on Twi'leks. The same can be said for Togruta - there are a few styles out there, but they're all stiff.

I have definitely seen depictions of the tentacles that are more flowing, not stiff. They don't have to move around a much in the game, though, just be bound in different ways to make it interesting.

A lot of people I've seen have been thinking the same thing - that the forward d****** Qui-gon hair, specifically, is seeing how people react to clipping in that particular area which would hint at a particular species that has a little "exotic biology" in that very same area.

 

Granted, that might be reading into a little much. At the very least, they're testing player toleration for clipping.

I prefer to have the long hair option, regardless of clipping. I would like it if they could figure out how to fix it so it doesn't clip. But I'll put up with the clipping if that's what it takes!

I'm still waiting for these ones:

 

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/2ba643fe-3981-413b-88a7-1394fd47e0fa/d1oda7r-ce0bfa6f-c06b-48a8-8e49-3b2b1d90f471.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzJiYTY0M2ZlLTM5ODEtNDEzYi04OGE3LTEzOTRmZDQ3ZTBmYVwvZDFvZGE3ci1jZTBiZmE2Zi1jMDZiLTQ4YTgtOGU0OS0zYjJiMWQ5MGY0NzEuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.j4485zA9fkwGk8vQ4h3WvHIsVO7YYDuwGtEBxT75Lso

 

Bioware, I woul pay TONS of money to be able to play as one of them.

 

I want back my Ithorian bounty hunter and their awesome armors : http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111017134505/starwars/images/d/d7/Ithorian_Sentinel_armor.jpg

I'm with you on that:i_angel:

I have definitely seen depictions of the tentacles that are more flowing, not stiff. They don't have to move around a much in the game, though, just be bound in different ways to make it interesting.

 

I prefer to have the long hair option, regardless of clipping. I would like it if they could figure out how to fix it so it doesn't clip. But I'll put up with the clipping if that's what it takes!

And that's precisely what I hope and suspect BioWare is doing - seeing if we'll put up with clipping if it means an increase in customization options, including new species.

I'm with you on that:i_angel:

Glad to see you pop in, Dzan!

A lot of people I've seen have been thinking the same thing - that the forward d****** Qui-gon hair, specifically, is seeing how people react to clipping in that particular area which would hint at a particular species that has a little "exotic biology" in that very same area.

 

Granted, that might be reading into a little much. At the very least, they're testing player toleration for clipping.

*cough*togruta*cough*

Though, like you said, it could be reading a bit too much into it.

I heard it mentioned that one of the developers at the Dallas Meet & Greet let it slip that they're going to be looking very closely at the forums to see what direction they should go in for the next species.

We can only hope so. I just hope they add multiple new species. If they added the top 3 choices then I think most people would be happy yes someone will always want a Jawa or a Hutt or a specific species but the top 3 would *** more alien species which even if they are not my first choice would make me happy. Now I dont know why Cathar took a year to come out but I would have thought a new spcies could be added in a number of weeks not months its not like they had to re do conversations or quests or anything other than the graphics.

We can only hope so. I just hope they add multiple new species. If they added the top 3 choices then I think most people would be happy yes someone will always want a Jawa or a Hutt or a specific species but the top 3 would *** more alien species which even if they are not my first choice would make me happy. Now I dont know why Cathar took a year to come out but I would have thought a new spcies could be added in a number of weeks not months its not like they had to re do conversations or quests or anything other than the graphics.

Personally, I would idealistically like to see a new species every two patches - so once every three months. And that's best-case scenario. My brother is in graphic design, and having following his work, I'm pretty confident in saying that art assets, particularly ones meant to interact with each other, are a lot more time consuming that voiceovers and quest design.

In any case, I think we can agree that a year is too long, simply because there is so much demand for a variety of new species, most of which would never see the light of day on a cycle that long.

Glad to see you pop in, Dzan!

Thanks,mate.I really enjoing reading your posts and also supporting them,so keep the good work and have fun inside the game:i_smile:

Also like Izorii's thoughts of the spieces subject.

P:S:Hope we will get future spieces faster than cathar.

P:P:S: Strange things, i am really not cathar fan, but i like how Bioware make them and i am enjoing leveling up my 2 Cathars so far:tran_tongue: