Main content
Games Shop

Bioware looking at F2P for SWTOR

Bioware looking at F2P for SWTOR
Posted 12:34pm 18/06/12 by: limimi
3 Comments | 0 Faves
When Star Wars: The Old Republic first launched, Bioware were keen to make sure people knew they had no plans to go Free-to-Play in the near future. Free-to-Play isn't ruled out entirely however, with new information coming forth from Bioware's Lead designer Emmanuel Lusinchi. In an interview with Games TM, Lusinchi discussed the 400,000 drop in subscription numbers, explaining:

“The MMO market is very dynamic and we need to be dynamic as well. Unless people are happy with what they have, they are constantly demanding updates, new modes and situations. So we are looking at free-to-play but I can’t tell you in much detail. We have to be flexible and adapt to what is going on.”


Of course, that's not quite the final nail in the coffin for the subscription model and EA's Frank Gibeau said as much when he discussed SWTOR with GamesIndustry International, explaining that people shouldn't expect any changes just yet:

"We're going to be in the business from a long term standpoint so absolutely we're going to embrace free access, free trial, ultimately some day we can move in and embrace that model. It's all a matter of timing and thinking things through. We have a great business right now and we're not looking to make any abrupt changes."


I gave up SWTOR after two months, although the recent updates apparently add in some pretty enjoyable stuff. What do you think, are you still playing it or have you given up too? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments on this Article
Mon 18 Jun 12, 2:14pm
Banf
Posted: Mon 18 Jun 12, 2:14pm

With games like Rift and now GW2 setting the benchmark why would anyone go for stock standard... Just look at the diversity of mmo genres gamers have and mostly f2p.

Mon 18 Jun 12, 3:44pm
Bazroon
Posted: Mon 18 Jun 12, 3:44pm

how does gw2 set standard without being released yet?

I havent given up on trying it one day, but I suspect it's similar to every other mmo gameplay wise: Grind grind grind so you can use centermeter perfect teamwork to bring down a big boss, when you're really just there to hang out and achieve somethng with friends. That's why so many players end up going back to their original mmo (if you keep playing one at all) - it's where they've got the most history.

It's seems a shame that this concept with great potential is on the way out already. Lotro didn't feel like midde-earth at all (though a couple of the early maps were really good) and I doubt swtor feels like a galaxy far, far away. If your goona make an rpg based on a pop-culture setting, the game should be built around the world, not the other way around. It feels like a blatant co-opt and cheapens the whole thing.

Dont copy and compete like virtually all game producers do, create something original that really utilises new technology. Or just re-create an old method that is currently under-utilised (like NWN - so many options in playing and always finding new ways to pwn other players). Enough with the cookie cutter gameplay!

Yeah, so anyway.... I'm not at all surprised swtor has gone f2p. Hopefully gw2 brings something new to the table.

Post Your Comment

BigPond GameArena Members must log in to comment on news articles. Not a member? Join now.
 
News Extras
Let the News come to you...
Subscribe to our RSS feeds

News Updates Straight to your inbox...
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Know something we don't...
Submit a news story
Facebook Activity
News Archive
Jump to a Month:
BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 17 May 2013
BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 17 May 2013 PCPS3Wii
Posted: 15 May 13 | 0 downloads | 156.5MB

BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 10 May 2013
BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 10 May 2013 PCPS3Wii
Posted: 09 May 13 | 0 downloads | 178.7MB

BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 03 May 2013
BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 03 May 2013 PCPS3Wii
Posted: 03 May 13 | 0 downloads | 146.4MB

BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 26 April 2013
BigPond GameArena Weekly Update 26 April 2013 PCPS3Wii
Posted: 26 Apr 13 | 0 downloads | 178MB

Advertisement
Feedback Form