Merchandise and Almost E3

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3 for short, each year is a bit like Christmas for gamers. It is one week during which most game publishers and developers show what they've been working on, all vying for the attention of the public. It is a week of unveiled secrets, flashy trailers, new gameplay footage and further details. It's always a very exciting time (in my opinion) even for those who can't attend as the gaming news sites are literally flooded with articles and videos coming out of E3. And with it starting again next week it's almost here.

Last year BioWare attended E3 as well with Star Wars: The Old Republic. We got the "Deceived" cinematic trailer first show during EA's press conference and I still feel that it's probably the best cinematic trailer I've ever seen. The HoloNet was also first revealed during E3 last year. And various journalists got to see a gameplay demo (behind closed doors) giving rise to a lot of "impressions" articles on that. Besides that there were also a lot of interviews with a variety of BioWare staff about The Old Republic, giving even more articles. A lot of sites also like to give out 'awards' for E3 attendees ("Best of Show", "Best Trailer", "Best MMO", etc) and The Old Republic came away with a lot of them. You can find all of it in the wrap up I posted after the event was over.

And now with this year's E3 right around the corner BioWare posted the following message:

In conjunction with the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles we will be publishing a special edition Fan Friday. As we release new exciting information about Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, we’ll be updating this article daily to share the big announcements with you. So be sure to check back often so you don’t miss anything.

Sneak Peek on Gametrailers TV
		Just can’t wait for E3 to get here? Well, you’re in luck! GameTrailers TV will be airing a special pre-E3 edition on Friday, June 11th. During the show, there will be a Behind the Scenes segment where you’ll get a sneak peek at our next cinematic trailer! Check your local listing for air time.

It certainly sounds like they're gearing up for a spectacular showing during E3, with promises of a new cinematic trailer and enough new information to warrant a post on it every day. According to the countdown on the official website it's set to start Monday the 14^th of June at 4pm PST... which just happens to be two hours after the start of EA's press conference (note that the countdown on EA's E3 site is two hours ahead of the SWTOR one). This makes a lot of sense since these conferences usually last about two hours... and just as last year I'd expect the SWTOR trailer to be shown at the very end of the conference. As soon as the conference is over things should go up on the site.

Next to the new cinematic trailer I also expect that we might get some hands-on reports from journalists; last year they only watched but I expect them to get a chance to play this year. And of course more interviews and other articles, as well as possibly some more awards. Maybe we'll even get more game system information and perhaps a surprise or two. They just started with going into advanced classes so more details on those for one or two base classes wouldn't surprise me at all. And neither would the reveal of more player species. And maybe, just maybe, they'll reveal when they're planning to go into closed beta. Either way, it looks like an interesting week ahead.

That's not the only update BioWare put up though; they also put up the following news:

Limited Edition Shae Vizla Statue by Gentle Giant!

Statue is work in progress. Final product may vary.

You were first introduced to this brutal Bounty Hunter as she joined the Sith fleet in an ambitious assault during the Sacking of Coruscant. Known as Shae Vizla, she is commonly employed by the Empire for large risky undertakings.

Now captured in a beautifully detailed statue designed by Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., Shae Vizla will be a great addition to any Star Wars™ collection. Priced at $79.99, this extraordinary limited edition piece is now available for pre-order.

Order yours now and be sure to use coupon code TORDEAL during checkout for a special 15% discount reserved for the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ community!

Choose Your Allegiance

Tensions signal a war is coming. When that day comes, neutrality will not be an option. Everyone will be forced to choose an allegiance. Show your unwavering loyalty for the Sith Empire or the Galactic Republic by wearing one of these eye-catching shirts.

The Old Republic allegiance symbol shirts are available in black with a white distressed symbol on the front and the Star Wars: The Old Republic logo on the back. These are regularly priced at $16.99, but use coupon code TORDEAL during checkout for a special 15% discount!

Choose wisely; will you support the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire?

The Old Republic Messenger Bag

Whether you’re traveling across the galaxy or just across town, you need a sturdy bag for carrying your inventory.

This classic messenger bag is priced at $34.99, and is a great way to show your love for The Old Republic. Buy yours now and make sure to enter code TORDEAL during checkout for a special 15% discount!

All of these products are available for purchase at the Star Wars Shop. For general inquiries about Star Wars Shop, click here. For customer service inquiries, click here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

About Gentle Giant, Ltd. Gentle Giant Ltd. designs, develops, and manufactures three-dimensional representations of beloved characters from a variety of franchise properties with worldwide name recognition.

© Copyright 2010, Gentle Giant Studios, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I'll file the merchandise under "news" for now; if they come out with more in the future I might put it under a new label.