Smuggler revamp overview

[Syban]

The smuggler revamp is still scheduled for "post space." In the mean time, I've been working on a smuggler revamp design proposal. I wrote a similar document prior to the Chef revamp. The goal is to identify and define a series of key changes to the profession that will enhance the game's fun factor. When I have a draft that I like, I spend time discussing the ideas with other designers and integrating the suggestions that I like. Once the final document is complete, I get approval to have it scheduled. I break down how long each section will take and create a personal schedule for implementation.

The documents tend to be somewhat more ambitious than the final implementation. There are a couple reasons for that. 1) I might find out that something was easier than expected and I have time to add something extra. 2) I might find out that something isn't technically workable and I need to replace it with something else.

I draw a lot of my design from player feedback. I've read the "Smugglers in SWG History" threads. I've read the "Smuggler Revamp Community Vision" document. I also read other misc threads on the profession (as well as PMs, external discussions of the profession, and so forth). Not all the ideas for the profession are inspired by the community, but community interaction is important.

So with that long introduction, it's time to start discussing some of the details of the revamp. Remember, I cannot give any dates on when the revamp will happen. We are going to be working out details well advance of the implementation date. We should avoid getting too detailed...talking about specific numbers, recipes, or system details isn't necessary at this point. We want to identify and categorize the goals for a revamp.

First, let's set overall goals for the profession revamp:

1. The first goal of the revamp is make all of smuggler fun.

2. The second goal of the revamp is to make smuggler more thematic.

These are very much the same goals the Chef revamp had. First, we want the profession to be more fun and offer smugglers lots of options and interactivity. Second, we want the profession to feel more like what a smuggler is all about.

The second step is to realize that we do not need a consensus to accept a feature for the revamp. Not all smugglers will agree to everything in the revamp document. Just saying you don't like something isn't sufficient grounds to kill an idea! Explain why you don't like it. Think about and describe how you think the game would change as a feature is implemented. The best thing you can do as a smuggler (or aspiring designer) is to be clear, concise, and creative.

I have several areas defined in my design document. They are:

1. Contraband Rules

2. Smuggling Missions

3. Underworld Skills

4. Spice Crafting

5. Slicing

6. Dirty Fighting

7. Player Casinos

8. Option: Sidekick

Over the next few weeks, we'll discuss each of these areas and try to work out a common plan for smuggler that addresses as many of these areas as possible. I'll create seperate threads for each section and introduce discussions over time. I have a lot of responsibilities in my day to day work, so if I post everything today, I'd be hard pressed to keep up with the discussion.

So keep your eyes open for "Revamp Discussion" posts.

Brandon Reinhart / GreenMarine

SOE Designer, Star Wars Galaxies

You can leave your feedback for the devs here!

GreenMarine returned with this:

Dirty Fighting is on the list. We'll get to a specific thread sometime in the future. In general, I want to disassociate "smuggler" from pistols & pistoleer. Smugglers should have combat skills (being a smuggler is dangerous), but should be able to pick what kind of combat skills to use. The profession should not favor pistols, just because Han Solo was a pistol man.

(Sidekicks? DON'T ANYONE GET ANY IDEAS ABOUT SYBAN! )