Bioware has announced this week that their Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO game will adopt a free-to-play feature starting next week on November 15th, 2015. So if you have fancied playing Star Wars: The Old Republic but didn’t want to spend the cash, your chance is nearly here.
Details of the Free-to-Play Model
Bioware explains: “If you’re a paying Subscriber at the launch of the Free-to-Play option on November 15th, you will be granted all of the Complimentary Cartel Coins currently listed on your Cartel Coin Ledger page, plus a one-time grant of 250 Complimentary Cartel Coins!” – “Additionally, we are extending the Rewards Program! All former subscribers who reactivate their subscription by the new date of December 20, 2012, at 11:59pm CST will be granted Complimentary Cartel Coins for their prior paid months up to November 15, 2012,”
The free-to-play model will allow players to experience much of the game’s content without a subscription. However, certain features and content will be restricted or require microtransactions. This model aims to attract a broader audience by lowering the barrier to entry while still providing incentives for players to spend money on in-game items and premium content.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The decision to transition to a free-to-play model is significant for both Bioware and the gaming community. For Bioware, it represents a strategic shift to increase player engagement and revenue. For players, it offers an opportunity to explore the rich, immersive world of Star Wars: The Old Republic without an upfront cost. This move is expected to rejuvenate the game’s player base, bringing in new players and potentially re-engaging former subscribers.
Last week, Star Wars fans everywhere were either amazed or shocked to hear that Disney would be acquiring Lucasfilm, with George Lucas parting with his entire empire. Disney was also quick to announce that a new Star Wars film trilogy is set to be released in 2015 with Star Wars Episode VII.
The acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney has far-reaching implications for the Star Wars franchise. With Disney’s resources and expertise in entertainment, fans can expect a revitalization of the Star Wars universe, including new films, TV series, and possibly even more video games. This acquisition could lead to cross-promotional opportunities between the new films and existing games like Star Wars: The Old Republic, further enhancing the game’s appeal.
In addition to the new film trilogy, Disney’s acquisition opens the door for expanded storytelling within the Star Wars universe. This could include spin-off films, animated series, and other media that explore different aspects of the Star Wars lore. For fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic, this means that the game’s narrative could potentially be influenced by new developments in the Star Wars canon, creating a more interconnected and dynamic experience.
Moreover, the free-to-play model aligns with broader trends in the gaming industry, where many developers are adopting similar approaches to attract and retain players. Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends have demonstrated the viability of free-to-play models, generating significant revenue through microtransactions and in-game purchases. By adopting this model, Star Wars: The Old Republic aims to remain competitive in an evolving market.
The transition of Star Wars: The Old Republic to a free-to-play model marks an exciting development for both the game and its community. With the added context of Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and the upcoming Star Wars film trilogy, the future looks bright for fans of the franchise. Whether you’re a long-time player or new to the game, November 15th, 2015, promises to be a significant date in the Star Wars gaming universe.
Source: Bioware
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