Star Wars: The Old Republic Release Date Confirmed, Pre-Orders Get Early Access

LucasArts and EA this morning confirmed the release date for perhaps the most anticipated MMO in years, Star Wars: The Old Republic. The companies also outlined some early-access details for those who pre-order the game. So, when will we all get our hands on BioWare’s Star Wars MMO? December 20, 2011, just in time for some long gaming sessions over the holiday break. It will ship in Europe on December 22.

You can pre-order it from Amazon using this link: Star Wars: The Old Republic. That’s a great way to avoid the holiday retail rush and have it delivered right to your door.

More importantly, though, all players who pre-order will receive a redemption code that will unlock Early Game Access, granting them access to the game before December 20, 2011 in North America and before December 22, 2011 in Europe. Pre-order quantities are limited and Early Game Access will only be available to those who pre-order the game and redeem their code before the game’s official release. Early Game Access codes will be awarded in the order in which they’re received, so make sure you pre-order it ASAP if you want to ensure that you get in early. Again, here’s the Amazon pre-order link: Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The Old Republic is an MMO with epic quests spread across iconic worlds in the Star Wars galaxy such as Tatooine, Alderaan, Hoth and more. Each of the game’s eight primary classes will enjoy their own unique trilogy of storylines, all of which are fully voiced with a sweeping musical score.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, when the Star Wars galaxy is in the midst of a cold war. Players will be asked to join forces with either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire and choose one of eight iconic Star Wars characters: Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Bounty Hunter, Imperial Agent, Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior. Every player’s story will unfold based on meaningful choices made throughout the game, enabling them to become the hero of their own personal Star Wars saga. Along their journey, players will encounter companion characters with whom they can build and break meaningful relationships as they fight by their side. Players will explore a vibrant galaxy, engage in heroic battles, and experience visceral Star Wars combat.

Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play through subscribing at either $14.99 per month, $41.97 for 3 months ($13.99 per month) or $77.94 for six months ($12.99 per month).