Bioware & EA have (finally) announced the date on which Star Wars: The Old Republic will go free-to-play. With the relatively unsuccessful launch of SW:ToR in December, this news has been expected by the general MMO community for… roughly six months. The model for SW:ToR will be changing sometime in November 2012.
Matthew Bromgerg, the general manager of Bioware Austin, was quoted in this announcement as stating:
Players want flexibility and choice. The subscription-only model presented a major barrier for a lot of people who wanted to become part of The Old Republic universe.
Unfortunately, this kind of PR statement isn’t enough to stem the tides of “SW:TOR IS DYING” articles that are bound to be popping up all over the interwebz for the next couple weeks. Now, although the game is clearly not raking in cash the way that its competitors might be, it’s still not “dying” by any means. When a game developer decides that it’s time to transfer their paid-subscription-based game to a F2P model, they are making a business decision to make it an easier decision for players to get into their game, regardless of what kind of press it’s received.
Much like LotRO, the game will be switching to a hybrid F2P game, meaning the subscription model will still be implemented for players that feel the game is worth the $15.00/Mo sub fee, and these players will be treated as VIPs with an allowance of currency to spend in the online store. On the other side, players that would rather not pay a sub fee are able to download the full game, as well as play up to the level cap of 50 absolutely for free.
“Which way should I play?”
Well, there is really no definitive answer. If you’re currently playing and love the current content and want to supply Bioware with funds to continue releasing content for you to experience, then by all means, continue business as usual. On the bright side, you’ll be able to receive extra phat lootz via the cash shop that those using the F2P model will have to pay separately for.
If you love the game, but you don’t quite think you’re getting your money’s worth, then you’ll be able to remove your sub fee and still receive new content no different than paid accounts. Should you choose to, you’re also able to purchase the items found in the cash shop to help you out with leveling or farming or what-have-you.
Possibly the only good news that can be derived from this situation is that players who have never played SW:ToR are finally able to jump into the game with no worries about buyers’ remorse or feeling that they’ve wasted money should they end up not enjoying it.