Feel free to move this where it needs if Im not on the appropriate thread. I have noticed quite a few issues with the game, not to mention the slow diminish in server populations. I might be able to help clarify some issues and suggest a few things that might help you all out. Note, I have followed bioware for a long time, and love your games, but you are fresh to the mmo world and I hope u take some of these suggestions to heart. You will more then likely see a bunch of kids trolling this post, so be aware of this when you read what may follow my post. Some people just enjoy trying to make others miserable.
Now I know u are struggling with the many bugs that still plague the game, for the most part, its the the main cause of so many leaving swtor in ur early stages. I am certain these will come to a end soon enough, but the resolve bug in pvp, and some of ur quest bugs I would suggest being a main focus of repair. These two bugs freeze progression in both pvp and pve aspects of your game.
I also note that, though your story lines are great, u offer a linear game. We go along a preset path planet to planet just grinding quests, to end up on illum pvping, and doing the same heroics till we are top geared, and left with nothing to do but play alts.
Might I suggest you add some fluff and free roam. In fluff, I mean add some games and social stuff outside the pve and pvp quests. Such as Pazak, give us points, and prizes. Stuff that wouldnt really effect the players stats or anything, just give us some incentive to play. Have us play against others, add them and some other games for mere fun and challenge to play with other players to add a social aspect to the game.
I would also suggest giving us the ability to buy property. You can arrange this like a instance located on various planets where we can buy a home, and decorate it. You can also have quests, and hidden items to which we could piece together hard to get items for pure decoration. It gives players something else to occupy their time when either frustrated with the usual quests or pvp aspects of the game.
Add some free roam aspect, places to explore, and side stuff for amusement within the enviroment to which we could react. Both on planets and in space. A free roam space travel, to where we could taxi people, as well as explore various areas and run into space combat with full control of our ships would be nice.
Id also suggest stylist to be placed at the capitals, so that people can change their appearances even after their creation, give people some more choices with them, and colors for hair and so forth. Can cost credits, as to build somewhat of a economy as well as give us some unique qualities to our characters to which u can add throughout the game without completely rewriting stuff.
Id also like to see ship customizations, mostly cosmetic, doesnt have to be a new gun or look, can be as simple as a paint job with maybe a decal for unique flare.
I would also like to add, some side things like dances, or playing instruments in cantinas could be fun. Side skills with no real purpose but socializing. Be fun to hang out in a cantina playing some classic star wars tunes and chatting while my companions are off on crew skills.
The small things make a huge difference, and the quicker u set it up, the more people I can see sticking around, or even adding to the already thriving population. As great as each story is, not everyone in the game is interested in playing every class to 50, some wish to stick with one main, and still have things to do. MMO's are all about the social aspects, and the fluff is key in creating a thriving community.
Might I also add, u could use some in game gms, people who actualy address each player in game. These notes and having to run to forum just to get a genaric responce does little to inspire trust in the services rendered. Despite my many spelling errors (to dang sleepy to address them as is), I hope u see the reasoning behind these words. I can assure you, if looked into, and done properly, it will only ensure a long future for ur mmo. You have to evolve with the community and the game, Find a balance of where to hold ur ground, and change for the betterment of all. And thats all I got. Have any more to add, feel free.
