Sony has announced that its Star Wars Galaxies online game servers will be permanently closing on December 15th, 2011. But not due to the lack of players as you might think, but due to its contract to run the Star Wars game running out in 2012.
Players with current active Star Wars Galaxies accounts will be given full access to several other games from Sony’s line-up from October 15 to December 31 for free.
Star Wars fans will also soon be able to play BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is scheduled for release towards the end of this year or early in 2012.
The Legacy of Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies, launched in 2003, has been a beloved MMORPG for many fans of the Star Wars universe. The game allowed players to immerse themselves in the expansive Star Wars galaxy, offering a wide range of professions, from bounty hunters to entertainers. The game was known for its complex crafting system and player-driven economy, which set it apart from other MMORPGs of its time. Over the years, it has built a dedicated community of players who have invested countless hours into exploring its vast worlds and engaging in epic space battles.
The decision to close the servers was not taken lightly. In an interview with Sony Online Entertainment boss John Smedley, he mentioned that the combination of the contract finishing and the imminent arrival of a separate Star Wars game made it “feel like it’s the right time for the game to end.” This marks the end of an era for many players who have fond memories of their adventures in Star Wars Galaxies.
Transition to Star Wars: The Old Republic
Unlike traditional MMOs, classes in The Old Republic are not limited to the typical archetypes like healer, tank, melee DPS, ranged, etc., and will support on-the-fly customization that will allow any class to fill any role within a party, making it easier to find groups to play in. This flexibility is expected to attract a wide range of players, from casual gamers to hardcore Star Wars enthusiasts.
BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic promises to bring a new level of storytelling and immersion to the MMORPG genre. Set thousands of years before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy, the game will explore the ancient conflict between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. Players will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique storyline and moral choices that will impact the game’s world.
The anticipation for The Old Republic is high, with many fans eagerly awaiting its release. The game is expected to feature fully voiced characters, cinematic dialogues, and a rich narrative that will draw players into the Star Wars universe like never before. Additionally, the game will include large-scale PvP battles, space combat, and a robust crafting system, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
In an interview with Sony Online Entertainment boss John Smedley said the combination of the contract finishing and the imminent arrival of a separate Star Wars game made it “feel like it’s the right time for the game to end”.
The closure of Star Wars Galaxies marks a significant moment in the history of Star Wars gaming. While it is always sad to see a beloved game come to an end, the future looks bright with the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Fans can look forward to new adventures, epic battles, and the chance to shape their own destiny in a galaxy far, far away.
Source: BBC
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