Working for BioWare and on Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ specifically, stands as one of the proudest achievements of my career and my life. I’m actually still pinching myself, wondering how I got here. I’ll try to tell you the story, but to be honest; I have to think it was some act of divine intervention, because it still seems too good to be true.
Like a lot of you probably, I played every video game I could get my hands on as a kid, everything from Pong to Pitfall, and of course all the good early RPGs like Zork, Akalabeth, Ultima, … the list goes on. Somehow, I wound up taking a break from video games during my college years (I had to get some work done… if you can call it that). Fortunately, though, my escape from gaming turned out to simply be an extended hiatus. One day, after graduating from school and starting my career at CNN, I picked up a collection of the old Dungeons and Dragons-based gold box games for PC (Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Azure Bonds, etc.). I thought I’d enjoy playing through these classics once again in my spare time; I thought it would just be a casual pastime for my evenings. On one of the discs in that collection, though, I discovered the demo version of Baldur’s Gate. I think I played the demo for about ten minutes before rushing out to buy the game. I then retreated to my basement during every free moment for about a month, until I had played through Baldur’s Gate about two or three times. My gaming started back up full throttle after that. Eventually, I had to learn a little restraint, and spend a little more time with my family, but I stayed committed to my rediscovered favorite form of entertainment. Since then, I’ve played through every single BioWare game from start to finish as soon as I could get my hands on it. I played a lot of other games too, on both console and PC, but as a fan, BioWare never disappointed. I joined the BioWare community, and when Neverwinter Nights came out, I, along with thousands of others, picked up the toolset and started tinkering around to see what I could create on my own. At one point, even then, I considered applying to be a writer at BioWare Edmonton, but when I suggested this brilliant idea to my wife, she fixed me with a stare that was colder than a January in Alberta. I decided not to push it.
A few years later, as the War in Iraq entered its third year of dominating our news coverage at CNN, I started thinking about BioWare again. To apply to be a Writer at BioWare, all that’s required is that you submit a sample module, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to build a short piece and send it in to see what they might say. After a month of spending every evening writing dialogue and trying to understand scripting in C/C++, I finished my module and sent it in. Much to my surprise, I got a call two days later—they actually liked it! They still had about 6,000 suggested edits (that’s a BioWare tradition), but they told me they were opening up a studio in Austin, Texas, and would I be interested? Hmm. About four months later, I was the first Writer hired in under Principal Lead Writer Daniel Erickson. At that time, there were only about a dozen people working in the small temporary office, and we still weren’t even sure what game we’d be making, only that it would be a story-driven MMO. Just like all starting BioWare writers, I went through three months of training, and because the group was small, Daniel really had the time to mentor me, to show me what he had learned from writing on Dragon Age, and what he envisioned for the new project. It was a priceless education in the art of storytelling that I’ll never forget. I remember when I completed my training and became an official “Senior Writer”, I told the other writers who were still in training that it was better than graduating from college. Since then, I’ve heard many of them say the same thing.
What blew me away more than anything in those first few months was that this whole idea of story coming first… it wasn’t just talk. The storyline and narrative setting were the starting point of every discussion about design and even the conversations about art. Once we settled on Star Wars: The Old Republic, we started fleshing out the time period—we wrote timelines, faction summaries, visions for the planets we’d put in the game. It was a Star Wars: geek’s wildest dream! As we progressed, more writers joined the team, incredibly talented craftsmen, some were screenwriters, some were from pen-and-paper gaming, and some, like me, were really from totally different backgrounds. An amazing creative team formed, and some incredible stories were hashed out… and then rehashed out. The process for creating a narrative of BioWare standards is more thorough than you can possibly imagine. And that was before we even started writing dialogue! Talk about edits! The commitment to quality at BioWare and specifically on the writing team would blow your mind. And that commitment to quality only begins there. Just as the writing team has grown, and more than a dozen writers have now been involved, so have all the teams at BioWare Austin grown, and their passion and their commitment to quality is just as strong as it is on the writing team. When you play this game, you’ll experience the passion, and commitment we all have to making the best story-driven game in the world — Star Wars: The Old Republic will speak for itself.
For our initial news article this month, we chose to focus on “story”, because that really is one of the main ways in which Star Wars: The Old Republic stands out. We’re staking BioWare’s reputation on the story in this game, and that’s a both tremendous responsibility and a tremendous privilege. It’s something we’re taking very seriously at every level, and something I’m amazingly proud to say that I’m a part of.
Rob “Jedi Rob” Chestney
| Developer Blog: Welcome to the Community | 10.21.2008 | Developer Blog |
| Developer Blog: Writing Stories in the STAR WARS™ Universe | 12.05.2008 | Developer Blog |
developer blog | robert chestney | story
COMMENTS
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Hey Rob, |
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I like the blog rob, im glad you were able to get this job and would like to ask you how to get into the gaming scrit writing business, i have a passion for games and starwars as you do and im inspiring to do the same thing you do but i dont no what to take in college, email me at burnhammonty@yahoo.com please i would like some pointers if your willing to give. |
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thanks Rob for the blog but not to sound rood if you love writing so much and I git this from the too long blog then write the story and draw consept art for the game!!! |
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If you guys make the game fun even when you hit top level then im playing this thing till i die lol |
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This blog is a truly inspiring one. And that also says a lot about Jedi Rob. Even a simple blog he wrote is so good, what about the story he writes? Must be amazing. |
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wow i kinda like this guy! ive actually been writing some books and stuff recently. mabye youll be my inspiration for becoming a game writer person dude. too bad he propbably doesnt read this though. Im sure he'd appreciate the comments and all. |
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Wow, great blog. I respect the fact that Bioware for many years takes their time to put quality in a game such as the story. What would Star Wars be with out a story? Crazy and boring right? I've played many MMO's. A lot of them lack the story. When they lack the story. Game play is the next on the list for players to enjoy. When you lack in that. Well you have a major fail of a game. A game that people wanted to make $$$ off of. From what I've read and seen as far as videos go. I'm looking very forward in playing this game. Keep up the good work, Bioware. One more thing.... PLEASE please, don't balance the characters. One character WILL be powerful than the other. It's just the way it is. You can't satisfy everyone. You either like it or you don't. If you're trying to achieve that. You'll be taking away quality. |
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I'm very touched that you managed to pull yourself back to video games after collage. I'm in collage right now and i find myself playing video games less and less it is very disappointing to not be able to sit down and play a great game but i find a lack of great games out there for me to play. I'm looking foreword to this master piece that is going to be Star wars The old Republic. |
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I'm very glad to see that there are members of the SW:TOR team who still remember the magic of their first video games, who have a fan-of-video-games-background. Long before TOR comes out, the caliber of these guys is obvious. I'm excited. :) |
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Its great to see that much of the BioWare staff are people who have actually experienced different forms and careers of life, along with seeing gaming through the eyes of noraml gamers, instead of just the narrow minded view of some designers and producers ect. This helps to let us (the fans/gamers) know that they know what we want, and that those certain details make the difference and how much of a difference they make. BoiWare I salute you! |
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Sounds good, but i hope and pray that this game does not follow the path of world of warcraft and star wars galaxies in any way. I hate cookie cutter templates that force you to put skill points in skills that you are not going use,and like world of warcraft, the over sized weapons are to childish.Reminds me of the weapons in star wars legos. a game i may like if i were 6 years of age. I hope that we can fly our ships on planets and land them on the planets surface if the star ports are full or if we plan to land on a planet by stealth or if we are shot down and need to make an emergency landing on a near by planet. I also hope that we can land our ships on space stations and other star cruisers in space to do missions/quest in space or just to land on them to try and take them over.I hope that this game will go all the way with the star wars experience and not part of the way like most online games. Bioware, please do not give us a carbon copy of every online game out there! Give us something unique! Something that looks and feels like a real star wars game. Give us something unlike sony's S.W.G. There game looks like star wars, but does not feel like it where a jedi is but nothing a profession and is easy to kill. if Jedi in the movies were like the ones in S.W.G. The galaxy would still be in chaos and every other profession would save the galaxy and not the Jedi who are supposed to be the elite of the elite or they would not be the keepers of peace and justice! Give the character's real like skills that you would see in the movies not some generic garbage. Keep up the good work and i hope that i get the real Star wars experience and feel in S.W.T.O.R that S.W.G has failed to do because of there constant combat revamps. S.W.G pre-cu un-nerfed was the closest thing to getting right! |
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hey mr rob. thanks for your blog. it reminds me of how much i love to write. i love writing stories and i love gaming. ive never been one to play them on the computer. i prefer the consoles myself. how much training and schooling does one need to go through to be a game writer? bioware is one of my absolute favorite gaming companies. id love to join the ranks of bioware. id just like to find out how. please if possible message me on some ideas. thanx, |
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Mr. Chestney |
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Chal
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A very good read with lots of information for folks. A more detailed history on your education would have been better than what was provided, such as the mentors and true leaders (not gamers) that inspired you. Saying you went from gamer to what you have accomplished is the same as saying "I was born and ended up where i am today", it's simply misleading. To those wanting to gain what Mr. Chestney has done, being a "gamer" will not do it, Mr Chestney is the exception and golden egg winner in life, and just a bit lucky to get where he is. Hate to burst that bubble but that's reality. Intense, dedicated, education in business management(and not gaming business kiddies), being a real leader to groups of folks under him and dedication to goals and team ideals is what gets folks like Mr. Chestney noticed. Once he was in position to pursue his hobby in business form that is the time a dream becomes reality, working at something you truly love doing and getting paid for it. 10,000 more folks can try what he did and will fail. It's the right education, the experiance, the right time, a bit of luck, and you might accomplish what Mr. Chestney has done. Nice to see your dream came true Mr. C. :) |
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Wow, this is truly an inspirational blog entry. Congratulations on your success, Rob. It just goes to show you that anything is possible in life if you dare to give it a try. As for my anticipation regarding the game, there are no words to describe it--I simply can’t wait! However, I'm just hoping that the Jedi/Sith element will be balanced and not overshadow other aspects of the game (such as other classes). Star Wars is much more than just Jedi and Sith weaving lightsabers around. |
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This is rather inspirational, actually. I am hoping to accomplish something along these lines, myself. I've long entertained the idea of a game writer. I guess i should get off my butt soon. |
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Wow Rob you must be the luckiest guy in the world! I am in high school and looking at colleges and I think I want to pursue a career in video games. I would do anything to have an internship at you studio, but frankly its just too far away. Firaxis Games is right near my house though and I think I am going to try and get an internship there this summer, if I can even get on their radar screen. Wow, I am still amazed at your story. I really wish I could just get up and join the industry. I am considering a computer science major and maybe a minor/second major in graphic design so I can specifically go into video games. I am a huge Bioware, Lucas Arts, KOTOR, and Star Wars fan and I still think you are the luckiest man in the world to be able to work on a project such as this. After reading this story I have really found inspiration that it is possible to pursue your dreams and do what you love. Thanks again Rob for the inspiration. |
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EPIC! |
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I think that one of the advantages of operating and creating a game in the Star Wars universe is that there is a fan base that demands some sort of coherent storyline. What is happening has to somehow fit it. There has been a huge lack of manipulations on the 'WOW model' of MMORPG and an integrative storyline could be one of these. It will make or break this game. Hopefully make. |
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The huge Star Wars family appretiates the entire teams hard work. As for me Star Wars has been apart of my life for a long time. I remember seeing Return of the Jedi in theaters as a boy, I also collected the figures. Later I played SWG and when i moved on from it i always wanted to have another Star Wars MMO to look forward to in the future. Gaming is a big part of that same family and to keep the torch lit by creating this game really makes us happy. Not to mention KOTOR series is a blast too! So our thanks go out to you coming into work each day to develope this next phase in the Star Wars family history! |
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I'm really glad to see the story is taking precedence in this game like it has in every other bioware game. I really think this game is going to shake up the mmo industry. |
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I will definitely say that when it comes to the story, BioWare never disappoints! That's like half the reason that I play their games. You guys are awesome!!! |
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Of course, it goes without saying, I envy you and every fiber in your being. The best to you and to your health. |
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well i guess i should just break up with my girlfriend now.... good buy real life, hello star wars life........ |
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I can't express how much and how long I've been longing for this game! It's going to utterly and completely decimate my social life, but who cares? I will let it. I've never played an mmo, unless you count Guild Wars, which was enjoyable, but not very fulfilling (my opinion), but now I have no reason not to play one! I honestly can't wait to experience the Jedi/Sith training first hand, and what it feels like to get my first lightsaber! Ooohh-Weee! Thank you Mr. Chestney, as well as the entire Bioware team, and Lucasarts! You have made one gladly, overly, addicted Star Wars fan happier than I ever thought possible. Thank you for answering the call for revolutionary games! |
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With Bioware's track record for awesome games and indepth stories, I know this will be an awesome game. Most of the MMo's out there are seriously lacking in the story telling respect and due to that they become just the same thing over and over again your character becomes a clone. However add a story for your character and it breathes life into your avatar and makes the experience more fun. LucasArts has one of the most rich and amazing heroic stories I've ever had the pleasure to read. The whole universe sucks you in and its boundless so alot can happen in it, also so there is no shortage of material, since its set in a time where not a whole lot has been written about you pretty much have free rein Rob so I know your not gonna let us down. 'Good luck with everything' ~Peace is a lie, there is only passion~ |
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im 17 and since the age of 4 i have always had a passion for star wars. i still to date write stories about star wars and unexplored lore aswell as in relation with the movies and kotor 1 and 2. i am determined to one day work for lucasarts. congradulations lucasarts and bioware on what will no doubt be one of the best games possibly ever made. get intouch with me if lucasarts have any job positions open. i would be honoured to work for you ;) |
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Both previous KOTOR games have been outstanding and this one, if produced correctly, should be revolutionary.... even if it is online. Neverless, i can't wait until this game comes out haha |
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OMG!! I am thinking about amazing stories, I will be immersed on that game like the star of a film? For the first time it will be a game where we can feel sentiments? Not just "a game" but "a story game?" Im waiting for news :) this will be a "big hit" :) I feel the force I will "feel" that game? XD |
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Story driven content. If what Bioware means by story driven content is anything like what Blizzard has just accomplished with the first 50 quests of Wrath of the Lich King, I'm in. Never, never have I been so transfixed in an MMO as I have been in Wrath. And I had sworn myself off of WoW, having grown bored long ago. But Blizzard just made the first move in the 'story driven MMO' which only excites me more for the MMO genre and SWTOR. Can't wait to see what Bioware ha come up with. Great Blog Rob |
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It is apparent the story will reflect good and evil, love and hate. I think what would be neat is if the players could be a part of their own stories that would implement these factors. How great would it be to have a unique quest given to an indvidual or group in which that person/group could either overcome or fail. With that resulting outcome wouldn't it be great if that planet or region was affected by that one outcome untill another unique quest arose to change that outcome? Ah, who am I kidding you guys probably have way better ideas then this. I'm coming back from fantasy land and back into reality. Can't wait to see what you have planned. The greates part of any story is the struggle. We can't all be winners, but we can certainly try. |
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this game is gonna be uber cool. glad to know how intense the writting and story mode process is. if I get another mmo that has a history but no story or ability to full emerse into rp i will scream. and yes lots of race classes. in the table top. pen/paper version of sw. you have to be master like 5 prof before you even start to learn your jedi. which to me I understand for rules. and yes to all us gamers we don't want every other person in the game to be jedi. but then we might have every other person normal but on the same path so end results will still be the same. remember in this era jedi are alot more plentiful. I hope more powers than just push choke, etc.. now all I need is for bioware to team up with white wolf. and create a mmo for werewolves and vampires. or even just a regualr game. .. |
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its a lovely story and i really hope you guys pull it off.. its a shame that lucasarts are involved; which basically means a 'love' interest/story must be driven upon us which is the easy way out when righting a 'story' based, well anything!... BioWare, you must be strong! |
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Sounds like the background work is being put in so should make a great game. Looking forward to some loose ends being tied up from the KOTOR games. |
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You da' man Jedi Rob. Congrats on your accomplishments thus far and enjoy the journey! Make us one hell of a game! |
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Good to see things moving along in a positive direction. I am glad that bioware is concentrating alot on trying to get an EPIC story into an MMO as I think it has been a key thing missing in most MMO's that was essential for most single player RPG's. I mangled my way through more than a few old RPG's that were lacking in other areas of gameplay because I wnated to flesh out the story. Im looking forwarrd to seeing how this progresses further. |
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I must say that I CANNOT wait for this game. The idea of Bioware making an MMO is just mind blowing. Strong and interesting storytelling is one thing MMOs seriously lack, but I know you guys will create an amazing product because of your emphasis on story. In advance, I would just like to say thank you as I know I will be a long-time player of the game. |
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Sounds good, glad to hear things are going so well! I'm very excited for TOR but can't help wonder, will the story have an end, will it continue perpertually, or will it reach a point where the only way to move it forward is participating in endgame content and pvp? |
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Well, seeing as how things in the SW galaxy take years to happen at times, they won't have to worry about advancing the storyline too much once the game is released. |
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Rob. Thanks for the insight and the memories. Neverwinter was definately one of my favorites from Bioware and KOTOR rates as one of the best Star Wars gaming experiences ever in my book. I'm looking foward to seeing The Old Republic MMO and have high hopes for it. Hopefully you folks will give it the attention that SOE failed to give SWG and the KOTOR time period is one of the most open and exciting times in Star Wars lore to explore and play in. Good luck. |
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lets hope there is no end to the story and its continually updated with add ons. |
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Thank you for sharing, Jedi Rob. You say you are more then 12 writers. If any of them is blogging once, one after another week after weak followed up by programmers and artists, we will have lots of interesting stuff to read... hint... hint... |
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I wish to know if the story line sincornized with the events that appeared in the Star Wars Expended Universe; We will see anything about Ulic Quel Droma and the Sunrider chick? . . . |
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Great post man glad to see the staff is as excited as the rest of us ! |
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Thank you for being so candid with your experiences in early life, and your expectations for this MMO. If you take the passion you have for writing and apply it to SWtOR, I can say without a shred of doubt that this game will truly be amazing. |
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Jedi Rob, thanks for sharing your story. I'm truly inspired not just for the fact that this game is going to rcok but in my pursuit to enter the gaming industry. Rock on man! |
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Ahaha i played Baldur's many times too and i know what you're saying! |
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Thank you Jedi Rob! Give the dev's support gang..and they'll give us a game to remember! TOR!! Schwendo |
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Well Jedi Rob, i would like to start off by thanking you for taking the time to keep all us SW fans apprised of the direction that BioWare is taking this game. Ill admit that i never played SWG, I could never bring myself to try it after the negative things that were being said about. However, playing both of the KOTORs is pretty much a hobby of mine, and I have to say that the story in KOTOR 1 is fantastic, its the reason that I play them so much. So to hear that BioWare will be making this a story driven MMO is very good news indeed. If anyone could pull it off, its you guys. I have nothing but high expectations for SWTOR and cannot wait to get my hands on it. |
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I love the story driven games Bioware have developed. I hope to see storytelling elements like the ones we saw in Kotor and Mass effect, and if they could make a game engine with some lip synching for dialogues and body expressions for the NPCs, the game would truly came to life! So, Rob, good luck with your new job (and your wife, I hope she understands your other passions as we do). |
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RobChestney |
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