SW:TOR Gets Firm Release Date, Subscription Pricing

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BioWare and LucasArts announced over the weekend that Star Wars: The Old Republic will arrive in time to be included on Santa's list.

While we haven't seen anything official from EA and BioWare here in the States, EA France revealed during the Eurogamer Expo in London over the weekend that Star Wars: The Old Republic will launch in North America on December 20 and in Europe on December 22.

"This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at LucasArts who have dedicated their lives to building this extraordinary game," said Bioware co-founder Ray Muzyka. "We appreciate the patience from the millions of fans who have been waiting for the game's release."

The announcement also revealed three subscription payment methods for the upcoming MMOG: €12.99/$14.99 for a single month, €35.97/$41.97 for three months or €65.94/$77.94 for a full half-year subscription. And as with most MMOGs, access to the game will be free for the first thirty days. Those who pre-ordered the game will get exclusive in-game content and early access although the exact date for the sneak-peek is currently unknown.

As previously reported, Star Wars: The Old Republic will arrive in limited quantities and in three editions: Standard ($60), the Digital Deluxe Edition ($80) and the Collector's Edition ($150). Here's more on each:

Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector's Edition

The Collector's Edition includes a host of virtual in-game and physical items for the ultimate Star Wars fan. Physical items include a Darth Malgus Statue from Gentle Giant, the journal of Jedi Master Gnost Dural from Chronicle Books, The Music of The Old Republic soundtrack, a security key and a map of the in-game Star Wars galaxy. Virtual items include a Flare Gun, Training Droid, personal HoloDancer, HoloCam, the STAP vehicle and access to the Collector's Store, an in-game store with new in-game items exclusively for owners of the Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition will also include 30 days of game time and has an MSRP of $149.99 (USD) at participating retailers.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Digital Deluxe Edition

The Digital Deluxe Edition has an MSRP of $79.99 (USD) and includes 30 days of game time and five virtual items, including the Flare Gun, Training Droid, personal HoloDancer, HoloCam and the STAP vehicle.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Standard Edition

The base edition of the game is available at retailers and online for an MSRP of $59.99 (USD) and includes 30 days of game time.

We'll post the official North American press release here if it goes live today, so stay tuned.

Kevin Parrish
39 Comments Comment from the forums
  • davewolfgang
    What do you mean??!? I got my email (In Texas, which last I checked was part of the US - until we boot ya'll out...:-p ) Saturday morning directly from the SWTOR website.

    The released the news worldwide.
    Reply
  • species8472
    Why are collectors editions always so damned overpriced?

    We'll see if Bioware can pull a rabbit out of its hat with this game. I smell EA's stench all over it!
    Reply
  • Hellbound
    Its great this news finally made it here. But I'm curious why news is routinely posted 48hrs+ after the actual release? Bioware announced the release day on Saturday, Sept 24.
    Reply
  • species8472Why are collectors editions always so damned overpriced? We'll see if Bioware can pull a rabbit out of its hat with this game. I smell EA's stench all over it!Because there are idiots who buy them = profit.
    Reply
  • Hellbound
    gnookergiBecause there are idiots who buy them = profit.
    A buddy of mine wanted to buy a CE from Origins the other day, but they were sold out..
    Reply
  • killerclick
    I'm commenting just to say I don't care about MMOs. Call me when you release KOTOR 3.
    Reply
  • clonazepam
    davewolfgangWhat do you mean??!? I got my email (In Texas, which last I checked was part of the US - until we boot ya'll out...:-p ) Saturday morning directly from the SWTOR website. The released the news worldwide.
    I got my e-mail on Friday :P from Best Buy, where I pre-ordered the collector's edition. Let's hope this is the end all be all mmo that lives forever! hah

    gnookergiBecause there are idiots who buy them = profit.
    Hey that's not very nice. :P I consider myself lucky to have left Everquest in 2004, and never got sucked into WoW... when if you do the math, saved me a ton of money :D

    You are correct in that it is excessive for what is going to amount to a collection of 1s and 0s. I like it and have always been happy to support Bioware (and even more, Black Isle Studios, if any of those guys are still around) since Baldur's Gate, Tales of the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate II Shadows of Amn, and Throne of Bhaal.
    Reply
  • spectrewind
    Here comes another "subscription" game. ...sigh...
    Too bad. I was thinking of buying. Not now...
    Reply
  • kyee7k
    spectrewindHere comes another "subscription" game. ...sigh...Too bad. I was thinking of buying. Not now...Wait 1-2 years--most, if not all games will be free-to-play by then.
    Reply
  • clonazepam
    spectrewindHere comes another "subscription" game. ...sigh...Too bad. I was thinking of buying. Not now...
    Hi. My name is spectrewind. I was thinking about buying this game. It's based on Star Wars, probably one of the highest grossing, money making IPs of all time, if not thee highest. I expected to play it for free, and not pay monthly for what will probably be the greatest thing since sliced bread (of mmo's). I know there's a lot of back end support needed like customer service, game masters available to help and resolve in-game issues, and run events. I figured they were all volunteers. It's too bad I would have to pay for what should be good and timely service.
    Reply