BioWare confirms December 20 launch for Star Wars: The Old Republic

by Steven Mostyn - Sep 28 2011, 10:59

Good news for Star Wars fans everywhere who were considering giving up on massively multiplayer PC epic The Old Republic: renowned developer BioWare has finally revealed when the online experience will slash its way onto retail shelves.

Although seemingly in development since the dawn of time, Star Wars: The Old Republic will officially launch in the United States on Thursday, December 20. European gamers will be able to get their eager paws on it two days later.

In an effort to assure expectant Star Wars fans that The Old Republic will run well from the outset—unlike the majority of massively multiplayer platforms—BioWare has indicated that the game is currently undergoing rigorous testing.

“We’re planning and testing, and the key thing for us is that we’ll verify we can do it before we do it,” commented studio co-founder Greg Zeschuk during the recent Eurogamer Expo. “So fans don’t need to worry that we’re going to flip the switch for the first time.” 

In related news, BioWare has also revealed the online subscription prices players will need to invest after shelling out for the game itself and once their initial free 30-day trial period expires.

Those wishing to continue playing will be expected to pay 8.99 GBP per month, 25 GBP for three months, or 46 GBP for six months of access—which keeps the game’s pricing structure more or less in line with the likes of World of WarCraft.

Beyond the obvious focus garnered by BioWare’s announcement, other games enjoying the spotlight during Eurogamer’s four-day event included FIFA 12, Battlefield 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

It’s worth noting that as one expansive online Star Wars universe is born, another dies. Moreover, previous Star Wars online multiplayer epic Galaxies will officially close on December 15.

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