SWTOR: Bioware’s Launch Plans

One of the things I’m concerned about is how Bioware plans to handle launch. The way I understand it, and anyone please correct me where I’m wrong, is that Bioware plans to limit or control the number of players that can log in at launch so they can manage the server traffic. I don’t know how the pre-orders fit into that plan as we are suppose to be allowed in early (though how early hasn’t been announced yet).

I understand why they want to control the traffic on launch. This game is one of the most highly anticipated MMOs, everyone will want to be able to log in on the first day, hundreds-of-thousands in the first hour. I remember when Aion started, the lag, the login queue, the crashes, it was brutal and Aion didn’t have nearly the following as SWTOR has. On the other hand, I know how upset players will be if they can’t get in right away on launch day. I’m really curious how Bioware plans to handle it.

The criticism will be harsh no matter what they do. Players who can’t get in will be complaining incessantly. If Bioware lets everyone in from the moment they stand the live servers up, then players will be complaining because of the latency and login queues. It’s probably a lose-lose for Bioware no matter what they try to do because gamers are some of the most impatient users.

The harshest criticism will come from people who haven’t a clue what its like to be involved with a major software release but are suddenly experts on the subject. I guarantee you that the developers, server administrators, and production support staff will have slept less than the obsessive gamers who will hit level cap within the first 3 days. As someone who has been involved with many software launches (some large, some small) I can tell you that the unexpected will happen. Murphy will make sure his influence is known. I admire Bioware for trying to create a smooth launch and I wish them luck because I hope it works.

I know we all paid for the game, and we pay monthly to play the game, but cut Bioware some slack during launch day and the first week. They want things to go smoothly just as much as the rest of us (if not more). Ripping on them because you aren’t allowed in right away, or because the lag is bad, or the server crashed or the million-and-one other things that could go wrong will not stop these things from happening nor will it expedite finding a solution.

Let them do their jobs because I assure you they will be losing years off their lives trying to get the software to launch and run smoothly right out of the gate and during the whole first week. Complaining only makes you sound impatient and ungrateful.

Cheers!