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EA Confirms Development and Operation Shift of Star Wars: The Old Republic to Broadsword Online Games
After running for almost 12 years, the popular MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic, will undergo a significant studio change as BioWare hands over the game’s operation and development to Broadsword Online Games, a third-party studio founded by an ex-BioWare executive.
EA, the game’s publisher, assures that BioWare’s shift in focus will allow them to put their energy towards the anticipated Mass Effect and Dragon Age games. Meanwhile, EA aims to give Star Wars: The Old Republic and its team the opportunity to grow and evolve under the guidance of Broadsword Online Games.
The Background of BioWare’s Decision
Star Wars: The Old Republic has been in operation since its launch in 2011, allowing players to play iconic roles in the Star Wars universe. It was initially successful but eventually struggled to maintain its player base. BioWare had to resort to making the game free-to-play and dropping regular content updates. The latest expansion, Legacy of Sith, was released last year.
EA’s Statement on the Shift and Expectations
According to EA, Star Wars: The Old Republic continues to have a dedicated and passionate community that continues to grow. With the game and the team’s future looking bright, EA seeks to help the game and its community continue to evolve by moving it over to Broadsword Online Games. Roughly 70-80 people currently work on Star Wars: The Old Republic, with over half expected to move over to Broadsword. The other half will either look for positions in EA or potentially face layoffs.
The Future of Knights of the Old Republic Remake
As for the much-anticipated Knights of the Old Republic remake, Aspyr Media was in charge of its development until recently. Saber Interactive’s Eastern European studio took over the project after previous partners Sony and Lucasfilm were not satisfied with the finalized internal demo showcase. After firing two top employees from Aspyr last year, the project was put on hold and handed over to the new studio. Aspyr was responsible for creating the original 2003 version of KOTOR.
FAQ
1. Who developed Star Wars: The Old Republic?
BioWare, a company under Electronic Arts, was responsible for developing Star Wars: The Old Republic.
2. Why is Star Wars: The Old Republic shifting studios?
EA confirmed that BioWare is shifting its focus to the development of Mass Effect and Dragon Age games, and they chose to move Star Wars: The Old Republic to Broadsword Online Games to give it a chance to grow and evolve.
3. What is the future of Star Wars: The Old Republic?
EA and Broadsword Online Games plan to continue developing and managing Star Wars: The Old Republic, with over half of the game’s staff expected to move to Broadsword. The other half will look for positions elsewhere in EA or potentially be laid off.
4. Who is in charge of the Knights of the Old Republic remake?
Saber Interactive’s Eastern European studio took over the project from Aspyr Media after Sony and Lucasfilm were not satisfied with the ‘finalized’ internal demo showcase. Aspyr was responsible for creating the original 2003 version of KOTOR.
Conclusion
The shift of development and operation of Star Wars: The Old Republic from BioWare to Broadsword Online Games indicates a bright future for the game and its dedicated community. EA hopes to hone the game’s potential under the guidance of a boutique studio that specializes in delivering online, community-driven experiences.
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