14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Online Entertainment and LucasArts have officially announced that the Star Wars Galaxies massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will be shutting down in December.
Star Wars fans were treated with a unique online experience back in 2003, when Sony, through its Online Entertainment division, partnered with LucasArts, and delivered one of the first themed MMORPG, with Star Wars Galaxies.
Now, after many years, in which other, more popular online games appeared, including World of Warcraft, Sony has announced that it will be taking the game's servers offline, thus shutting down online play and trading card game support completely.
"We are extremely grateful to all of the SWG fans. We have had the rare opportunity to host one of the most dedicated and passionate online gaming communities and we truly appreciate the support we've received from each and every one of you over the course of the past eight years," said an official statement on the company's website.
The closure of Star Wars Galaxies will make the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic title the single online game set in the franchise created by George Lucas many years ago.
Sony does have some special things planned for Galaxies until its end, on December 15, including special gifts and virtual items as well as a themed in-game even before its closure.
"In recognition of your incredible loyalty, we are extending special Fan Appreciation offers to the current SWG community. We also plan to go out with a bang with a galaxy-ending in-game event in December and hope to see you all there," said SOE.
BioWare is currently working hard on putting the finishing touches on the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, which is set to appear probably later this year, although a delay until 2012 isn't out of the question, at least according to its publisher, Electronic Arts.