Here the Chat log from Stratics House of Commons Chat wich was yesterday night.

4 Questions about :
Heavy Weapons
Spy and Stealth Enhancements
Jedi Profession Changes

(@Brekkee) Good evening and welcome to another great Stratics House of Commons chat, tonight our guests are the developers of Star Wars Galaxies! The topic of discussion is Publish 27 – Heavy Weapons, Spy and Stealth Enhancements, and Jedi Profession Changes.
(@Brekkee) We'll start with a brief introduction from the developers, now would be a good time to send those questions
(@Helios_SOE) Hey everyone. Helios here. I'm currently working on Heavy Weapons and Stealth Stuff.
(@EJDev) Hiya all. This is EJDev, I am currently working on profession changes, specifically Jedi.
(@Suleman) Hello everyone. This is Suleman, I am a Associate Producer for SOE.
(@TH) And you all know me! Thunderheart - Community Guy



*redneckrebel* Will Jedi be able to use the new heavy weapons that is yet to come?
(@EJDev) At this time, everyone will have access to the new heavy weapons.


*Landrin* Strikes and Sweeps, What exactly will that entail? More variation on Jedi combat moves? Giving us the Pre-NGE animations back? Not mcuh info was given, and what was given was semi cryptic. Enlighten us please =)
(@EJDev) Basically, sweeps are being included as additional versatility for Jedi melee attacks. We're still looking at what animations will be included based on our fast-paced action.


*Pix_Intrepid* will the new 'ground fire' functionality be exclusive to heavy weapons, or all weapons, and what about specials? (I"m an officer, can I expect to be able to call an OS on a static ground target?)
(@Helios_SOE) The initial Heavy Weapons publish is basically a first pass of the new ground fire technologies. Eventually we want to migrate the technologies to specials, but it won't be with the initial publish.


*Gotep_Rilk_Naritus* There are a number of heavy weapons such as the Proton Rifle that have been disabled. Are these weapons going to be readded to the game as usable items, and if so are they going to be equipable to only a specific profession or everyone?
(@Helios_SOE) Yes, they will be re-enabled. The Proton Rifle is currently slated as a commando only rifle (not a heavy weapon).


*Velorian* i would like to know if you are implementing force jump in publish 27, or in later publishes
(@EJDev) Force jump is not a planned addition for Publish 27, or the near future.


*Red-Dwarf* Will the new heavy weapons be getting new stats? if yes will old ones be converted or will WS's need to stock up on components before the publish to re-stock vendors after it?
(@Helios_SOE) We're currently in the middle of playtesting the weapons and everything is still in flux. Considering that the weapons still have pre-NGE stats it is likely that they will get updated stats. Conversion is still up in the air, as no concrete decision has been made on the numbers as of yet.


*Memento* What happens when someone in stealth mode is hit by an ennemy area attack, such as artillery or gas?
(@Helios_SOE) Getting hit does not currently reveal you. Dying, however, does.


*Byke-SwgCraft* Have the devs decided which if any of the currently in game commando weapons will remain commando only with publish 27?
(@Helios_SOE) The tentative list gives commandos exclusive access to about half of the weapons we are releasing with the publish.


*Gotep_Rilk_Naritus* One of the old Jedi abilities was stealth, which would be a very good abiloty to have in some situations. Is there any chance of this abiloty comming back?
(@EJDev) With Pub.27, Jedi will receive Force Cloak, which is a *stationary* form of Stealth.


*Jabul_flurry* Are we still on track for a Jan 24th release for pub 27? There were rumors it was pushed back to mid Feb
(@TH) Pub 27 is not going to be published Jan24th. We pushed it back a little bit. We haven't announced the new date yet, but we'll let everyone know as soon as it's established!


*Red-Dwarf* Can the team reveal if any of the publish 27 heavy weapons will be for commando only? if so - how many approx?
(@Helios_SOE) No, I can't give you a detailed list, but I can tell you that we're shooting for about half of the weapons to be released to be commando only.


*BothanAvatar* Will melee speed (Jedi) be re-evaulated for balance issues? Non Melee (non Jedi) professions are nearly as effective using a melee weapon as a Jedi atm, will this be fixed?
(@EJDev) We're certainly looking at things to do to balance melee vs ranged (specifically Jedi). This is not something that will occur in Pub.27


*Kalesh* What are the new Jedi skills going to entital in the publish 27? Will this make Jedi much stronger? Will there be newer robes?
(@EJDev) The goal of the new enhancements for Jedi in pub.27 is to increase their PVE survivability and fun. We're currently taking a hard look at balance and playability of the new/revised abilities so that it does make them (Jedi) stronger, but not overpowered. There will not be new robes in Pub.27.


*Neak_Bloodfin* Question: " Getting hit does not currently reveal you. Dying, however, does." Does this mean that while stealthed you still can take damage?
(@Helios_SOE) Of course. Just because you can't be seen doesn't mean you're invincible.


*Nasedo* will Force Choke ever get a animations to root them and lift them up like vader does?
(@EJDev) That would definitely be a cool visual. At this time, we're focusing more on playability rather than visual touches. So no, not for Pub.27 or the near future.


*drahvhin* spies had steal re-enabled today but so far non of the bosses that have been tried have been able to get loot only credits is this working as intended?
(@Helios_SOE) As far as I know it is working as intended. Some bosses (such as HK47 for instance) cannot be stolen from, but the majority of them can be.


*Kalesh* What is this new Jedi mind Trick all about in Publish 27?
(@EJDev) The new Mind Trick line of abilities is primarily a PVE ability allowing the Jedi to fool an NPC/creature into forgetting their hate towards the Jedi. It also acts as a debuff to Strength and Precision on opposing player targets, as well as creatures and NPCs.


*Duragoth* With the addition of Heavey Weapons coming back into the game, will any new Heavy Weapons be making their apperiance(i.e. the underslung Carbine)?
(@Helios_SOE) Currently there are no new weapon models planned for the HW release.


*Anon9532* I think its time now to ask if Jedi will be able to dual wield lightsabers in the new future. Thank you!
(@EJDev) Not for Pub.27 or the near future.


*Goodbye-SWG* Can you please explaim a bit about the new Buffs jedi will recieve? Thx
(@EJDev) The self buffs that Jedi receive will either greatly increase the offense or defense of the Jedi (depending on the buff used). We're still refining exactly how these will function, but I am pretty excited with what we have.


*Heijiro* Hi. Will Elder Jedi have the possibility to equip their backpacks in combination with the Elder Robe ? Thx.
(@EJDev) No backpacks in conjunction with robes for Pub.27 or the near future.


*Red-Dwarf* Given no new weapon models will there be new weapons using the current models? (i.e. a lvl 80 craftable rocket launcher to compliment the lvl 56 one currently in-game)
(@Helios_SOE) There will likely not be any new craftable objects, but there may be some new loot items - depending on what we find during testing.


*[Valcyn]Mira* Currently, there is no hope of new Jedi ever being as strong as Elder Jedi due to the Elder Robes, etc (Master Jedi Robes are less protective than the Elder Robes).. Will there be any balancing here?
(@EJDev) Not for pub.27. Balance is an ongoing challenge. We'll certainly be evaluating the impact of Elder robes versus other equipment.


*Narf* will the 3 sabers, (1h, 2h, and polerarm saber), recive a change to their abilities? or will only their appearence differ?
(@EJDev) There are no "wield-syle-specific" abilities planned for pub.27 or the near future. Definitely food for thought.


*[Valcyn]Mira* Will there be new Crystals? New colours/elemental will add to the few we have now.
(@EJDev) Not for Pub.27, the focus is on actual ability enhancements for Jedi not new items.


*BothanAvatar* Is a fix coming that causes specials such as Smoke Bomb to fail to activate but the cooldown initiates regardless?
(@Helios_SOE) Yes. Publish 27 should fix that issue across all specials.


*Velorian* Will lightsaber block be implemented so that when in a duel with 2 people versing with lightsabers, they will actually be blocking moves and it will look more movie like, instead of senselessly whacking at eachother with tree branches.
(@EJDev) Not for pub.27 or the near future. We certainly desire to improve on any visuals that we feel need to be, but as with all things it is a matter of priority.


*Shinji^on* Are you going to add new hairstyles and clothes with pub 27?
(@Suleman) There are no plans to add any new hairstyles or clothing for Publish 27.


*Pix_Intrepid* has there been any discussion of any sort to make jedi more than just a combat proff? (to give them the roles of negotiators/peacekeepers, diplomats, etc)
(@EJDev) This is certainly something that any player can do via roleplaying at this time. We're not planning on specific non-combat gameplay for Jedi in pub.27 or the near future.


*Paxicon[CF]* Are there any crafting enhancements coming in P.27 at all? Anything for entertainers
(@Helios_SOE) Not that I'm aware of. No.


*yamood* With the removal of the Elder Jedi Lightsaber speed in the upcoming patch do you have plans on implementing anything new for the Elders to have some sort of offensive advantage?
(@EJDev) Not for Pub.27 or the near future.


*Narf* will saber block have the ability to reflect blaster bolts back at an oponent?
(@EJDev) Not for pub.27 or the very near future, but it is certainly something near and dear to the Jedi lore.


*QuantumArist* 2 questions, 1st- Will we have a 100% First Person Shooter ability to fire at anything now? 2nd- Have you considered allowing attacking with/from mounts in the future? (A la Planetside "lightning" controls)
(@Helios_SOE) Shotting without a target will be enabled for some heavy weapons in publish 27.
The flame thrower, for instance, will just need to be aimed in a direction (no target required). Non-heavy weapons will not have this ability. To answer your seond question: Yes, we have considered it.


*[Valcyn]Mira* Will Jedi be given an Area Attack?
(@EJDev) The sweeps (Jung Ma line of abilities) are point-blank area attacks. The Jedi aren't getting targeted area attacks for Pub.27 or the near future.


*FreeCH* Are there any plans to increase the Jedi's range of his lightsaber beyond the 5 meters we are currently limited to?
(@EJDev) Not with normal attacks. There is certainly the possibility that abilities could be added in the future (much like throwing Lightsabers exists now), but there are no plans for additional abilities of this type in Pub.27 or the near future.


*laglotus* Are you planning to make cypernetics wearable under clothes? Cloaks for example...
(@Suleman) We do not have any plans at this time to make cybernetics wearable under clothes.


*Narf* will the flame thower have a cone ability? or a line of sight ability?
(@Helios_SOE) Flame Thrower is a cone weapon. Line of sight will need to be made with each target that is to be damaged, but you don't have to be aiming at any specific target.


*Aurther* Can We get som of the Minor things Like the Sweeps in a hot fix sooner Rather then later?
(@EJDev) Our desire is to hold off on adding the new enhancements until we're comfortable with their level of polish and stability. Sorry, but we would rather release them with Pub.27 than risk rushing them with a hotfix.


*XKrisX{Kettemoor}* are there any plans to make jedi armor inate?
(@EJDev) Not for Pub.27 or the near future. Using the Stance lines of abilities post-pub.27 will improve their survivability.


*GhosttownRadiant* When will the Character Transfer Service be back in operation?
(@Suleman) We are happy to say that it is back up right now. It was a fast fix.


*GhosttownRadiant* Will Jedi be given iconic force abilities such as force push and improvement on saber block, and other abilities to better reflect the powerful jedi in the movies
(@EJDev) After Pub.27, we believe Jedi will be set for the near future on new abilities/enhancements/additions. I wouldn't rule out additional things in the coming publishes, but nothing is planned at this point.


*joleebindo* will the jedi buffs last longer now... rather than being used 5-7 times in one fight?
(@EJDev) I don't have a specific yes/no for this, but it is certainly something that is being looked at for Pub.27 with the revisions of the self buffs.


*Lantash* Are there any plans to add a 'saber block' key that will turn off all offensive and concetrate in blocking all incomming melee and ranged attacks? Being able to switch between the two quickly, ie left click for an attack, hold down right to block?
(@EJDev) The Saber Block ability that exists is what we're comfortable with for Pub.27 and the near future. However, we'll certainly be evaluating its functionality as part of Pub.27


*Gotep_Rilk_Naritus* has there been a fix where force run does NOT instigate combat like it does not?
(@EJDev) I am looking into that. It is not intended to function that way. It should not place you in combat.



(@Brekkee) That will wrap it up for tonight. I’d like to thank our guests from Star Wars Galaxies for coming! The log for tonight’s chat will be up shortly on http://swg.stratics.com.
Thank you all for joining us! You can join #StarWars to chat more about the game.