The Old Republic turns 10 with new updates and no sign of slowing down
By Ben Winnell
First launching in December of 2011, the massive multiplayer online game Star Wars: The Old Republic is still churning out content and offering players new experiences even after a whole decade has passed.
Few MMO’s last this long. Those that do often have to make concessions due to falling popularity. This game, however, seems to be an exception. Along with another major graphics overhaul is a series of in-game celebrations, some of which will last all the way through to January 2023.
The full list of timed celebrations include:
- Life Day – December 14, 2021 to January 11, 2022
- Anniversary Event – December 14, 2021 to January 2023
- Double XP event starts December 20 to January 4, 2022
- Cartel Market Sales – December 20, 2021 to January 3, 2022
- 75% off all Collection Unlocks – December 20, 2021 to December 27, 2021
- 50% off all Armor Sets, 50% off Character Slots and 50% off all Mounts and Stronghold Decorations – December 27, 2021 to January 3, 2022
As we can see, the world of The Old Republic remains in full swing despite being seven expansions deep with an eighth, titled Legacy of the Sith, due to drop on February 15, 2022.
A saga 4000 years in the making…
Creating any game as big as The Old Republic (or SWTOR) presents a major challenge, both in terms of the technical and financial. SWTOR is reportedly one of the most expensive games ever developed, but its longevity has yielded positive financial results with profits exceeding $1 billion US dollars and showing no indication of slowing down, even with the abandonment of the standard subscription model in favor of the current hybrid system.
It is also important to note that SWTOR remains the sole survivor of the 2014 canon reset after Lucasfilm’s acquisition by Disney. While the game still takes place in the old “Legends” canon, it remains the only such property to continually receive story updates that do not take place in the “Canon” universe. A testament to the longevity of the game and the dedication of its fans.
A spiritual successor to the hugely popular RPG Knights of the Old Republic, the MMO will undoubtably get a boost in popularity with the announcement of a remake of the classic game, set in the same era.
Few games last as long as this. So, will we be celebrating 20 years of The Old Republic some day in the future? Only time will tell.
Will you be taking part in the SWTOR celebrations? Let us know in the comments below! For all things Star Wars, check out Dork Side of the Force!