Release Date and Subscription Cost!

[Tbone]

BioWare and LucasArts are pleased to announce that Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ will launch on December 20, 2011 in North America and on December 22, 2011 in the European Launch Territories! The announcement was first made by BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk during their keynote address at the 2011 Eurogamer Expo in London, England. Speaking to a packed room of press and fans alike, Dr. Muzyka acknowledged the weight of the moment and the patience of the fans.

“This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at LucasArts who have dedicated their lives to build this extraordinary game. We appreciate the patience from the millions of fans who have been waiting for the game’s release.”

Each copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic will come with 30 days of subscription time, after which you have the option to continue playing with one of the following monthly subscription fees:

1 Month Subscription: $14.99 (£8.99/€12.99)
3 Month Subscription: $13.99 per month (one-time charge of $41.97/£25.17/€35.97)
6 Month Subscription: $12.99 per month (one-time charge of $77.94/£46.14/€65.94)

Those who have pre-ordered the game and entered their pre-order code on StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com are eligible for Early Game Access. If you haven’t yet reserved your copy of the game, be sure to visit our Pre-Order page and secure your place in the Old Republic now!

We want to thank you for your continued passion, dedication and support. Though one part of this incredible journey is coming to an end, we are confident that you all share our excitement for this new beginning. Be sure to check back to StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com as well as our Twitter and Facebook pages for all the latest news and updates on Star Wars: The Old Republic.

[Subb]

Research hand in is on the 19th and I have an exam on the 20th. Nice; can download it on the 21st with my early access. Stoked!!

[Manic Velocity]

Well, looks like my family will have to celebrate christmas without me.

[Mavin]

Idk think it wasn't the best choice for a release date so close to christmas people will be traveling, getting ready for the holiday, finishing up school exams. I will plan to ignore my family and never leave the computer on that date but just saying lol

[CopperSol]

So I'm a little confused. Those of us that have early access will be able to play the game when it releases on 12-20-11? How is it "early" access if we just get access on the release date?

[Tbone]

They haven't announced the early access date yet. I always try and visit home for Xmas...ugh, gotta figure this out!

[Amarantus]

Yeah same here. The wifey wants to visit her family for Christmas and there is no way I can get out of that. Very brutal release date.

[Lithium]

I'm sure the Christmas thing was a thought-out strategic move for them. It will lessen the initial load because people will be out of town and unable to play. The downside is BioWare's staff will have to work over the holiday and probably get a nice bonus check in the following months.

[Tbone]

Guess I'm just gonna have to visit the family for Thanksgiving instead!

[Broin]

Well at least I know enough in advance that I can make sure I have nothing to do for a solid few weeks.

[Heironymus]

I'm sure the Christmas thing was a thought-out strategic move for them. It will lessen the initial load because people will be out of town and unable to play. The downside is BioWare's staff will have to work over the holiday and probably get a nice bonus check in the following months.

consider the fact that school is out two weeks for christmas and new year.. most adults take off a few days for x-mas as well.. granted a good bit are traveling which would indeed lighten the online download...

my concern is why did I preorder the regular version disc and get early access if I am going to have to download the game online to play early anyways.. or are preorders going to be fullfilled a few days early?

[Mharz]

I'm not sure what all the hub-bub is about Christmas.  We're getting early access which is probably 2-7 days headstart (best guess based on prior games and expectancy).  This translates to 7-12 days before Christmas which is probably plenty of time to grind a few levels out.  And when I say a few I mean a lot.  

Current estimates from what I've seen is 100-200 hours of gameplay.  I'm thinking 10 days, 10 hours a day.. and we'll see where that gets me.  If we have less time I'll make it up from there.  I'm sure I'll level an alt to enjoy the subtle story parts, but for now my goal is get to 50 ASAP and gear out to PvP and raid.  I'll be plotting more when the early access date comes out and of course in my typical fashion putting together a powerleveling team if anyone is interested.

Sleep now.

[Strod]

Count me in for the Power leveling.

Also is it just me but I pre-ordered from Amazon and it's still listed as a Jan 3 2012 release. I assume this will not matter since we will have early access?

[Tbone]

Regarding Early Access, Reid told me “No announcement yet. There’s still testing to do.” But it will be “More than a few days. More than a weekend.”

[Subb]

I'm gonna go against my usual self and not power grind. I want to enjoy the game and it's stories; may even just play most of it solo with a companion (albeit I'll team up for flashpoints and PvP and that)