Bioware, the developer of Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), has recently announced that they will be cancelling the R4 NiM operation mode and implementing balance changes for PowerTechs. The cancellation of R4 NiM has been a disappointment for many hardcore raiders, but it was not unexpected due to the lack of R4 content in the last live stream.

• Bioware Cancels R4 NiM in Response to Backlash
• Balance Changes for PowerTechs

↖ Bioware Cancels R4 NiM in Response to Backlash

The cancellation was officially announced on the forums by Bioware in response to the backlash received during a developer live stream where viewers were banned for spamming the chat. Some players may have received unjustified bans, and Bioware has stated that they may unban them, but it is up to their discretion.

The cancellation of R4 NiM may leave hardcore raiders with limited end-game content options, but Bioware has stated that they are working on new content for future updates.

↖ Balance Changes for PowerTechs

In addition to the cancellation of R4 NiM, Bioware has implemented balance changes for PowerTechs. The nerfs announced by Shabbir, who stated that the PT tactical on PTS was too powerful and that it affected the power budget too much. The new change makes it so that it does not affect rail shots and energy bursts anymore, which will prevent crazy bursts and 60k rare shots.

However, some players are concerned that the new tactical may not be better than simply running the overwhelming offence, which is currently the go-to for PvE. The previous nerf for the PT tactical on PTS did not buff energy burst by 20, which was expected, but it did buff all the other abilities, including rail shield, by 20. It led to a nice DPS buff for AP, but this new change may lead to players not using the new tactical.

Players will need to test the new tactical on PTS to see how it performs in actual gameplay, but if it doesn't work as intended, it may go the same way as a powered detonator, which was changed prior to release and now resets rocket punch.

Conclusion:

The cancellation of R4 NiM may be a disappointment for hardcore raiders, but Bioware has stated that they are working on new content for future updates. The balance changes for PowerTechs may have an impact on gameplay, but players will need to test the new tactical on PTS to see how it performs in actual gameplay. As always, Bioware will continue to work on improving and balancing the game for the enjoyment of all players.