Within the next few hours Penny Arcade Expo, one of the biggest gaming conventions in the North America is about to begin. It is a very big convention for all the Star Wars: The Old Republic fans because, traditionally, it is the place where big reveals happen. Last year we got some gameplay footage and all attendees of the SWTOR panel got a copy of Knights of the Old Republic game. This year we’ll be having the first hands on event in the North America and all the PAX visitors will get what is called the SWTOR virus that can only be cured by more “gameplaytimis”. Some gamers will be lucky enough to get the elusive “betainvitis”, but for all of you out there that lack any of these rare and expensive medicine, we bring you the last of our gameplay videos we shot at this year’s GamesCom. This is the longest video we have and it features gameplay from most of the classes. You can see some cool Inquisitor action where he one shots some enemies with force lightning (at around 1:50). Present are also cutscenes and some more combat.

We’ll continue to monitor all the information pouring in from PAX and we’ll keep you updated with the most important news and footage. For now I would like to draw your attention to Jedi Archive Online, that have their man Lordhammer, from Guild Umbra, on the spot. They have the first images from PAX available here. Also covering the event are Darth Hater and ToroCast.

Above video shows what was happening at the Star Wars The Old republic booth at this year’s GamesCom. This is the first time the general public was able to get some hands on with the game. We were able to capture some of the atmosphere there during the press only day (that is why there are not that many people). You can also see some of the people still playing, and then there is a change of gamers (every 15 minutes a new group was showed in). We will be releasing more of these in the coming days.

“The Art and Writing of The Old Republic” panel was held during Star Wars Celebration V convention on Friday and Saturday. Drew Karpyshyn (Principal Writer, BioWare), Hall Hood (Senior Writer, BioWare), Arnie Jorgensen (Lead Concept Artist, BioWare) and Clint Young (Senior Concept Artist (Environments), BioWare) discussed what goes into creating the art and story in Star Wars: The Old Republic. There is a summary article on what was talked about at the panel at starwars.com. There are not that many new things revealed, but there is a great piece of art that was made during the panel by Clint and you can see that above (click on the thumbnail to make it bigger). Darth hater also covered both events with live blogging and you can read their Friday and Saturday coverage.

One very cool thing that happened at the convention, and not related to SWTOR, is the announcement of the original trilogy coming out on Blu Ray and it will include some of the deleted scenes. One such scene was showed during he announcement and its an epic one. It shows Luke Skywalker building his lightsaber while Darth Vader tries to push him to the dark side. True fans were ecstatic (and I am too I must admit). You can see the scene below:

Today marks the beginning of another convention dedicated entirely to Star Wars – Celebration V. It is being held in ‘Lando, Florida from August 12-15. There will be George Lucas and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Mark Hammil (Luke Skywalker) himself will be appearing as well. Darth Vader, on the other hand, seems to have been slain by the corporate forces and will not be permitted on the premises. The Old Republic, being Star Wars themed and all, will make its appearance as well. Darth Sean Dahlberg posted about it on the official forums and here’s the excerpt:

Check out The Art and Writing of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ panel on Friday, August 13th from 2PM to 3PM, and Saturday, August 14th from 4PM to 5PM at the Digital Stage (Valencia A). Drew Karpyshyn (Principal Writer, BioWare), Hall Hood (Senior Writer, BioWare), Arnie Jorgensen (Lead Concept Artist, BioWare) and Clint Young (Senior Concept Artist (Environments), BioWare) will be discussing what goes into creating the art and story in Star Wars: The Old Republic, the upcoming story-driven massively-multiplayer online role-playing game in development by BioWare and LucasArts.

As an added bonus, Clint and Arnie will be creating an entirely original piece of concept art live during the panel, giving attendees a rare and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Don’t miss your chance to hear first-hand from the developers!

Also, to relax from all the craziness, we’re putting together a community event to celebrate our love of Star Wars with you. Meet The Old Republic developers Friday, August 13th and Saturday, August 14th from 5PM to 7PM at the Hoth Bar inside the convention center!

Friday 13^th is the SWTOR panel day. Hope none of them are superstitious.