BioWare’s Stephen Reid has posted an update on the official forums on the delay between the local server availability and the late April implementation of free transfers. HIs response essentially mirrors that of the one Gabe Amatangelo gave us yesterday, but it’s still worth a read:
Hello everyone. I can absolutely understand the frustrations expressed here, and I appreciate that for the most part, you’re being constructive in your comments. Here’s a little more insight into the situation.
The character transfer system is being actively worked on by the development team. It’s a large, complex project, made more complicated by the Legacy System – and it has to work perfectly. As always, it is not the only task the team as a whole is undertaking, but it’s a priority. It has not been deliberately delayed, nor is it being ‘held back’ for any reason. As you know, the first stage of the system will be a one-off, optional transfer for those who are based in the regions defined in our FAQ. At some point after that, we’ll bring a more fully-featured character transfer system online for all to use.
I can understand the frustration of those of you who have been playing on the US servers and waiting for transfers. We know your enthusiasm and excitement for the game – you wouldn’t have taken the steps you did to get the game earlier than the official launch if you weren’t enthusiastic. We’re working as hard as we can to get the system in place. If we could have brought it online earlier, we would have. However, priorities post-launch had to be directed towards the game itself. The team’s been working flat-out to improve the game, including bug fixes and additional content.
When we announced our launch territories last year we knew many more fans were excited to play The Old Republic. That’s why we moved quickly to launch in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore, with more territories being lined up for future launches. Our primary focus when launching in any new territory has to be to reach more players. Ultimately, that’s best for the continuing success of the game. We want everyone who wishes to play on the new servers to be able to do so, hence character transfer being offered. With that said, in this case we felt it was important to get the game into the hands of new players as soon as possible. That, combined with our post-launch development priorities, meant that character transfer did not make our launch date for these territories.
The development team remains committed to delivering a robust character transfer system for all, with our first priority being for Asia-Pacific players. If we can bring the system to you earlier than expected, we will, but for now we’re aiming towards late April.
So it’s a call for patience folks – and there’s really not a lot of choices beside being patient, otherwise you’re going to have a frustrating seven or eight weeks…
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They gave us servers as they promised. Let them work out what they need in order not to stuff up the transfers. I personally think they have earned some patience from us now they have come through with the servers.
I agree with you Nickw. I personally am sick and tired of people bitching and moaning at every turn. Bioware is working harder than any developer I can remember in trying to appease us and all that considering all the roadblacks thrown in their way by EA etc. The game is in its infancy still and yet they’ve managed to keep most promises they’ve made. They deserve some patience from the player-base.
no sith can succumb to patience.Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Ok, so to me it reads “blah, blah, blah, we’re still screwing you over”.
At least it’s still going to happen and will give the newcomers a chance to experience the game without a whole lots of 50’s running around showing off. Not saying this would happen, but might happen.