Reddit mod hacks Star Wars Galaxies server

The Star Wars Galaxies Legends community server has reportedly been hacked. A Reddit moderator using the name levarrishawk allegedly employed AI tools to decrypt the server's custom game assets, according to a statement from the Legends development team posted on Discord and shared on the subreddit.

No player data or personal information was accessed in the breach. The development team stated that the hacker gained access to all of their custom content, including items and questlines. They also alleged he has offered these files to other community servers.

"We do know that he’s actively offered these files to other servers, and while we can’t confirm that he’s had any takers yet, if you start seeing Legends-exclusive content out in other worlds it was likely taken from us," the team's Discord post reads. They added they are "obviously bothered by this" but plan to stay focused on their project.

The Hacker's Motive

The hacker, who goes by Levarris and is a moderator for the Star Wars Galaxies subreddit, confirmed the details. His motivation stems from a dispute he claims goes back roughly fourteen years. Levarris alleges that individuals who later worked on the Legends server used a "honeypot" scheme to acquire developer tools originally from Sony Online Entertainment.

He claims these tools were then hoarded and not shared with the wider community of developers trying to revive the defunct MMO. "You don't get to protect and hoard from the greater community things built on stolen goods," Levarris wrote in his explanation.

Community Backlash

The subreddit's community largely condemned the hack. Many users expressed frustration that internal drama was impacting their ability to simply enjoy the game. One user, iceman2kx, commented, "I’m just trying to play around with a lightsaber after working 60 hours in a week."

Another user, BroReesta, was more direct. "A moderator of the Star Wars Galaxies subreddit has decided to actively harm the Star Wars Galaxies community at large. Cool. Cool and good," they wrote. The response indicates little sympathy for the hacker's primeval grudge, focusing instead on the damage done to a surviving piece of the game. For players tracking the health of such community projects, checking the standings of active servers can be crucial.

The incident highlights the fragile nature of fan-run servers for discontinued games. Security and internal conflicts remain persistent threats. While the Legends team asserts no player data was compromised, the theft of exclusive development assets could dilute the unique experience they've built, affecting its long-term stats and appeal. The team's final public statement emphasized moving forward: "There isn’t much we can do outside of being up front with all of you and staying focused on what makes Legends great."