Well, like some relationships that come to an end after a glorious many years, the Pay 2 Play business model for MMO’s is heading in the same unfortunate direction. The Pay 2 Play MMO’s that have reigned at the... Read More »... Read More»

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter believes that despite the decline in Electronic Arts stock that the company outlook remains good. EA's stock has been cut in half since November. However since the announcement that MMO Star Wars: The Old Repu... Read More»

Despite the (arguably erroneous) gloom over Star Wars: The Old Republic’s imminent free-to-play conversion, industry analyst firm Wedbush Morgan is still backing EA strongly – and believes the MMORPG’s best days are before it. In a note issued to investors, Wedbush’s Michael Pachter said EA is still a safe bet, and had particularly glowing prediction ... Read More»

Today's episode of The Destructoid Show is brought to you by a flock of magical falcons who carried it here in a net woven out of gossamer spider-silk. Okay, not really. I just wanted to write something interesting. Sega released... Read More»

Bioware announced yesterday that their Star Wars MMORPG will have a free-to-play option this fall.  The game will also go on sale for $14.99 this month.  All current and former subscribers will receive  a certain amount of “cartel coins” to spend... Read More »... Read More»

On EA's investors conference call, EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau admits that BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic's subscription base has fallen beneath one million and that the publisher has been "disappointed" with the game&... Read More»

The ESA has released a handy list of “essential facts” about the US games industry, including some startling demographic revelations. One of the most interesting snippets is that the average age of a gamer is 30, but there’s a pretty even split across age groups, with 32% under 18, 31% between 18 and 35, and ... Read More»

The Everything Burrito may not be entirely edible, but it's definitely the most perfect thing in existence. Today, Allistair Pinsof knows what made Rainbow Six 3 so special, the Destructoid Live panel returns for PAX Prime agains... Read More»

Electronic Arts and Take-Two today announced preliminary financial results for their first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012. According to the reports, Battlefield 3 Premium Service has managed to sell over 1.3M subscriptions, whereas Max Payne 3 has sold over 3M … Continue reading →... Read More»

BioWare announced today that it will be expanding the story-driven, massively multiplayer online game Star Wars: The Old Republic by adding a new Free-to-Play option this Fall. This option will give players access to each of the eight iconic Star … Continue reading →... Read More»

In revealing its Q1 fiscal year 2013 financial results, Electronic Arts shared a few highlights. While the big news of the day is clearly that Star Wars: The Old Republic will adopt a free-to-play model, there's a few other interest... Read More»

There’s been a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of paid subscribers for Star Wars: The Old Republic suddenly cried out in rage and were silenced. It appears that EA has finally bent to the demands of the online market, as BioWare and LucasArts’ popular MMO will officially be free-to-play this fall— although subscriptions won’t ... Read More»

We all knew it was coming, we just weren’t sure when. Until now. While many people predicted this move months ago, after it began bleeding players only months after its release, Bioware have confirmed today that their MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be adopting a Free To Play model this fall.   Starting this fall (no specific date announced with this release) players will have two options when playing SWTOR: Subscription – A premium level service designed for players who want unrestricted access to all the game features via ongoing subscription or by redeeming a Game Time Card. In addition to gaining access to all game content as our current subscribers do now, Premium Players will receive ongoing monthly grants of Cartel Coins**, the new virtual currency that will be introduced later this fall. Cartel Coins can be used to purchase valuable items including customizable gear and convenience features that will enhance the game play experience. Free-to-Play –The first 50 levels will be free-to-play, with some restrictions on access to new content and advanced player features. Some restrictions can be “unlocked” with Cartel Coins. This model will commence this fall with the release of a retail version of the game that will sell for $14.99 and include one month of the Subscription option above. Bioware also noted that they aren’t, by any means, giving up on the title and will in fact be offering more content updates than they do now. “Current and former players will also find additional benefits as part of this program. BioWare will be increasing the frequency of game content updates, with the first of many new releases coming in August. In addition, current subscribers will receive Cartel Coin grants and qualify for access to special in-game items. Even former players who re-activate now will qualify for special benefits.” Bioware said in their press release today. I had a chance to try out Star Wars: The Old Republic on one of their free weekends and I enjoyed playing up to Level 14, but now I think I may have to go all the way. What about you, will you give SWTOR a shot when it goes Free to Play... Read More»

EA has officially set The Old Republic on a course toward free to play.While this year's E3 wasn't necessarily the most memorable of shows, a few moments still stand out in my mind. One such image is that of BioWare's Dr. Ray Muzyka solemnly walking ou... Read More»

EA and BioWare announced today that it will be expanding Star Wars: The Old Republic by adding a new free-to-play option this fall. This option will give players access to each of the eight character classes and storylines up to level 50, with certain restrictions. Unlimited game access, including new higher-level game content and new ... Read More»