NEWS & UPDATES

News & Updates > Press Release
First Press Release


LUCASARTS AND BIOWARE
REVEAL STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC

OCTOBER 21, SAN FRANCISCO – LucasArts and BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the development of Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, a story-driven massively multiplayer online PC game set in the timeframe of the Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ franchise. Star Wars: The Old Republic, being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, represents an innovative approach to interactive entertainment, featuring immersive storytelling, dynamic combat and intelligent companion characters.

In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will befriend courageous companions who will fight at their side or possibly betray them, based on the players’ actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges using dynamic Star Wars combat.

"Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the most critically acclaimed Star Wars game in LucasArts history and a preeminent example of our company’s interactive storytelling heritage," said Darrell Rodriguez, President of LucasArts. "For a long time, we’ve long wanted to return to the franchise in a grand way, and we felt that the best setting for it was an online world that would allow millions of people to participate in the experience together. We knew that the developer capable of working with us to deliver an engrossing story with a fully-realized online world was BioWare."

"Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and General Manager/CEO of BioWare and General Manager/Vice President of Electronic Arts Inc., "In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story. At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a AAA massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, Star Wars: The Old Republic is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe."

Added Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder and Vice President Development Operations, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts Inc., "Star Wars: The Old Republic is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, a timeframe that is completely unexplored in the lore. BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game’s story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."

Additional details on Star Wars: The Old Republic features, gameplay and release date will be announced at a later time. For more information about Star Wars: The Old Republic and to sign up for future product updates, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.

###

About LucasArts
LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems, computers and the Internet. Based in San Francisco, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.

About BioWare
BioWare develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is hard at work on the epic fantasy RPG, Dragon Age™: Origins. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by the world’s leading electronic entertainment publisher, Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

LucasArts, the LucasArts logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © 2008 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Tags
Press Release | announcement | official | press release

COMMENTS

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 21:47

Was reading way furthure up and read the $ charges if there will be. i kinda like the other ideas that other MMO's have come up with that Bio might consider. Not sure if this was already mentioned so bare with me here.

EVE for example. you can pay 15$ a month, or you can pay i think it's 60 million in-game credits for a month of game play. i like that idea. props EVE.

Lord of the Rings online has a deal. you pay i think it's 200 or 250$ and you never have to pay again. Also a really good deal. would save you a lot of $ if you plan on playing for a long time.

I personally would love to see the use of in-game $ to purchase playing time. stuff like that will get the players out of just pushing buttons and killing stuff and getting into the economy portion of the game. not sure how the game is setup just yet. but there will be stuff to sell and stuff that will be needed.

Those are my thoughts anyway. just thought i'd share them :D

May the force be with you.

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 21:23

They need to make it for xbox 360 or PS3 becuase nobobdy likes PC games they are laggy and hard to control they should make it for 360 and PS3

 
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 06:28

360 and PS3? are you joking.... Only reason you think PC games are laggy is because your PC cannot handle it, I play on a laptop that does not lag on ANY game I play, and most of them are on high settings, which look a lot better than any 360 or PS3

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 00:41

i would like to see this game like guild wars(without monthly fees) but thats probally just wishful thinking. Ill still probally play with a monthly fee though, but one can always hope...

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 20:24

hopely the will when they bring this game out you can pay with game prepaid cards so its more accessible for more players

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 03:21

Hey! this is AOD. (Army of Divinity)
We are devoted to holding the peace in the republic and squash those who try to fight it!
We accept anyone who is respectful and mature! There will be a Jedi Council, A Council of Diplomacy, A council of War, and A council of Foreign trade.

We have a moral code!

Peace is Power,
Power is Control,
Control is Safety,
Safety is Silence,
Silence is The eye of the storm!

All councel members will be forum moderator

The forum website it [url]http://armyofdivinity.lefora.com/forum/[/url]

(when there is more than 20 people) i will make a Guild Website. Those first 20 people will also have a spot on the Council they choose!

If you would like to join please fill this out in a PM to 'Junchaos' or 'KitsuiKoutek'

CHARACTER NAME:

AFFILIATION & ALIGNMENT:

SERVER TYPE:

RP (Y/N):

ACTIVITIES:

AGE GROUP:

TIME ZONE:

MMO EXP:

GUILD EXPECTATIONS:

OTHER:

DESIRED CLASS:

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 02:45

Wow has had its time its time for a new age in the gaming world. Star Wars all the way. The Jedi have gotten fat and lazy over the last 300 years its time for the Sith clean up crew!!!!!!!!!

Sun, 06/28/2009 - 06:33

One word...Computer. Bioware or any gaming company is not going to put a mmorpg like SWTOR on console. It just simply has too many elements. Nothing against consoles, I have a PS3 and XBOX 360 but I just dont think they would be capable of running a game this . Correct me if I am wrong.

Sun, 06/28/2009 - 01:20

I am a person concerned about money and subscription fees (if any) so here are my thoughts of the subject.

I used to Play WoW, where they had many payment plans ( like 2 months for 30$ etc.), so if Swtor does cost money to play, hopefully it is set up like that, for people who can't really pull the money out of no where, especially in this economy, where not many people can afford buying new equipment, or buying maps, or just paying money to experience better gameplay like we have seen in RuneScape, hopefully they will have various methods of payment so people can enjoy this game, and not have to worry about going bankrupt every couple of days....

just my thoughts

-KKYTDHH

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 06:34

I had a subscription that was 68 bucks every 6months sounds a lot cheaper then thirty every 2. Subscribing is always going to be cheaper in the end.

Sun, 06/28/2009 - 00:07

when are we going to find out when this comes out? i wanna play already

 
Mon, 06/29/2009 - 18:54

it will be a while before this comes out

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 21:56

I WANNA PLAY

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 02:55

when are we going to find out when this comes out? i want to play it already. it sounds awesome and really fun

 
oxyton
Sat, 06/27/2009 - 18:05

man i cant find the release date n e where. i wunt to play this game!!

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 23:12

wow i cant wait for this game to come out it sound pretty fun. does anyone know when it is supposed to come out?

Wed, 06/24/2009 - 20:31

Hey I dunno if this has been fully answered or not but is this only for PC? if so they are goin to miss out on alot of business. I am an XBOX only player and my computer isn't fast enough to play games on and there is no way I am goin to go buy a new Computer to play this game. but I want to soo BAD!

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 22:47

Man well this game is going to be
So sick! I always thought of an
Mmorpg for star wars! Is any1 here living
In las vegas?????

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 22:47

Man well this game is going to be
So sick! I always thought of an
Mmorpg for star wars! Is any1 here living
In las vegas?????

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 22:47

Man well this game is going to be
So sick! I always thought of an
Mmorpg for star wars! Is any1 here living
In las vegas?????

Wed, 06/24/2009 - 01:40

When does this come out? I quit SWG after the update

 
Wed, 06/24/2009 - 18:40

dont get to eager to play this, it comes out in early 2010 they said.

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 21:47

ok i guess i have to say this. for those of u ***** about role player's pleas DO NOT purchase this game. this game is basically born for people who like to role play in the starwar's universe.why the ***** do you think it is ONLINE? so that people can interact and as close as they can get that "starwars experience" and pleas don't say "do u have a life" 80% when some one asks that it means that their life suck's (and yes i just made that scale up =p). yes i do have what u refer to as a "life" i am in college taking law enforcement. as i said for those of you who hate roll player's DON'T NOT get the game because its gonna be full of them.

p.s: your mom.

 
Craigsteavens
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 09:00

how do you have a life if you're going to college for law enforcement?

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 23:42

know one thinks its online thinks its online you *****

 
Thu, 06/25/2009 - 07:54

Ok ok, to role-play or not to role-play that is the question.

First off, the failure of some MMO's is the fact they haven't created role-play specific servers.

Second, the failure of some role-players is the fact they have not created characters on role-play specific servers when they were available.

Most people could give a crap if you role-play or not, but if you have a server available that is designated just for you, don't go polluting the game experience for those that choose not to.

Sure some people just aren't mature enough, but those that are should at least try to keep the peace.

ps: to Shadowexe:

First, if you are in college, then you should realize that "Don't Not" is a double negative which would mean DO.

Second, if you are in college, I would hope that you would be mature enough to not use profanity in a public forum.

Last, I hope you do well, but personally if you are taking law enforcement and you use something like "Yo Mama" in a public forum, I think you might want to choose another field.

btw - If you do a little research, even in a game like WoW, the RP community is by far the smallest portion of the gaming population. Not that they don't deserve recognition, they do, but to tell people not to buy the game because it's an MMO and it is meant for role-play is way off base. The largest population of most MMO's is probably the standard PvP community.

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 21:40

.

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 18:02

I personally cant wait to flame broil some Jedi. I do have a few questions, how does the Vs. work, what are the races, and are there levels and armor you unlock or what?

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 16:29

Hey there everybody. I think we all need to calm down and think about some basic things here. Hopecrest is right, consoles for now just can't support an mmo, so we shouldn't get our hopes up for a 360/PS3 edition of this game. And we should all really expect mmo's to have a monthly fee by now. Sure Runescape and some other games are free to play, but they are very low grade. WoW may not be the best game ever, but it beats the crap out of Runescape because Blizzard has the cash from user fees to add content to the game and maintain it. And we can all trust in Bioware to want to make this game the greatest of it's time, so in all likeliness there will definitely be a monthly fee

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 14:08

yes role playing can indeed be fun but It might be better to create a role playing forum or save it for the game. Also to all you people who hate role players guess what, the point of an online game is to connect with other people and to live in an alias NOT to be your normal self that's why its an online game NOT real life. So if you want to play the game as your normal self and have no sense of imagination then that's fine because your paying to do so BUT remember that other people are also paying to play (or are going to) so let them have some fun because that's what a game is all about. Basically Live and let Live. (just for clarification im not saying you don't have an imagination im saying your not choosing to use it, im not trying to insult any body)

Tue, 06/23/2009 - 00:53

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN THIS GAME COMES OUT? it sounds awesome and i want to play it already.if anyone knows when it comes out then please tell me.

 
Tue, 06/23/2009 - 05:48

early 2010 i believe

DarthRaxxus
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 19:11

man... i was hoping this would be for the Xbox 360 as well...

 
Mon, 06/29/2009 - 04:37

i hope it comes out sooner... like- maby 2009.

Mon, 06/22/2009 - 17:51

When this thing gonna come out!!! i wanna play it already!!!

Mon, 06/22/2009 - 07:33

this is not cool, is this game gonna be for the 360 or not? because kotor 1 and 2 did the best on the game system not on the pc tho i here it was beter i would not like to pay monthly for something like this even if it was a dollar. thats the only reason i dont play SWG i love this game franchise but this is to much.

Mon, 06/22/2009 - 02:50

i didnt say i didnt like kotor 1 and 2 its awesome but dont buy an online game if you dont want to play online and secondly that post is fake im pretty sure a developer saying its gonna be 15 dollars a month means that its going to be 15 dollars a month...

 
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 22:15

its just for the pc :( they announced at E3.

Sun, 06/21/2009 - 21:10

Ok we really dont need peopel to make fun of other people ok some us us reall like star wars and the KOTOR games its there right to do with it what they wish no matter how much you disagree and 2ed of all i can give you the post where it said it was micro transaction now keep your bad comments to yourself plz

 
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 02:53

and btw dont take offence i wasnt "making fun" of you im just saying that an online game is built to play online to make it more fun.

Sun, 06/21/2009 - 20:27

OMG please research before you comment. The game is 15 dollars a month one of the devs let that slip at E3. Now theres no way to play an online game offline UNLESS you hack it which ive seen done but if ure gonna play this game to be completely anti-social then your straight up wierd, DarthCracker. ...and Kidflash i dont know how in the world your playing wow but runescape is not better than it. Runescape is like mario compared to gears of war or something that ridiculous. It was original but its done...its over deal with it. More people play wow than runescape and it costs 10 bucks more.

Sun, 06/21/2009 - 12:35

Dark_Crusader i herd the same thing man just like runescape ull have to pay to gte alll the good stuff

 
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 01:18

perhaps, but I used to Play WoW, where they had many payment plans ( like 2 months for 30$ etc.), so if Swtor does cost money to play, hopefully it is set up like that, for people who can't really pull the money out of no where, especially in this economy, where not many people can afford buying new equipment, or buying maps, or just paying money to experience better gameplay like we have seen in RuneScape, hopefully they will have various methods of payment so people can enjoy this game, and not have to worry about going bankrupt every couple of days....

just my thoughts

-KKYTDHH

Sun, 06/21/2009 - 12:34

i wonder what the lv cap will be

Sat, 06/20/2009 - 00:10

Ok guys you might hate me for this but I herd the TOR is gona be Microtransaction Based there is said to be no monely fee but there might be pay as you go thing put into it idk if you pay for more weopns or armor or just asseorys or new maps areas or there gona do a free and member mode its just what i herd.

Fri, 06/19/2009 - 17:13

i hope they make this game available for offline play, for those who dont want to have idiots running around and would rather play the way intended...

Fri, 06/19/2009 - 02:38

Aside from the fact that i am completely confused, i hope that they will have an attribute system and character customization like they used to have in runescape and in Star Wars:Knights of the old Republic I + II. And i think you will have to buy it in a store or something. If that's the case they need to keep the price relatively cheap because WoW is pricey but still rocks!! I also wonder how they will fit story in with multiplayer... it just doesn't seam like to fuse right now... i am confused about this still though but it does look cool and interesting and i really hope it will be a little like runescape for the multiplayer thing and stuff. I think i have talked long enough =)

 
KidFlash
Sun, 06/21/2009 - 16:32

Runescape is the best game of its kind.... WOW is great for the first few months then gets really boring and I highly doubt you will have to pay for a premium status since your buying this game in stores .

 
Fri, 06/19/2009 - 03:00

firstly runescape sucks and i dont know how they r going to integrate story but bioware is AMAZING so i believe they can do an awesome job.

Thu, 06/18/2009 - 23:21

will there be any old charaters from the original games or will there just be plain new ones because carth from the first one was pretty cool bastila i dont know.I wonder if they will have the same lightsaber crystals as the first kotor or 2nd.

Bioware LucasArts Rating Pending Privacy Policy