EA is reportedly in talks to move the development of Star Wars: The Old Republic from BioWare to third-party developer, Broadsword Online Games. The popular massively multiplayer online game was released in 2011 and has maintained a dedicated and enthusiastic community. However, BioWare’s parent company, EA, is now exploring ways to give the game and its team the best opportunity to grow and evolve.
Broadsword Online Games
Broadsword Online Games is a boutique studio specializing in delivering online, community-driven experiences. The studio was founded by former developers from Mythic Entertainment, an EA subsidiary that closed in 2014. Broadsword took over ongoing operations of Mythic’s MMO, Dark Age Of Camelot, and is also now the studio maintaining genre stalwart Ultima Online.
Developers and Layoffs
According to IGN, around 70-80 developers continue to work on Star Wars: The Old Republic at EA, and roughly half of them are expected to move to Broadsword. Those who don’t make the move may face layoffs. EA has confirmed that conversations about the move are taking place and emphasized that their goal is to do what is best for the game and its players.
The Future of Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic was initially an uncomfortable marriage between BioWare’s storytelling and the systems design expected of a post-World Of Warcraft MMO. However, the game eventually found its footing in expansions by leaning into the former. Despite being released a decade ago, it remains a popular game with a dedicated and passionate community. EA has confirmed that the future of the game and its community continues to be very bright.
EA is in talks to move the development of Star Wars: The Old Republic from BioWare to Broadsword Online Games. Broadsword is a boutique studio specializing in delivering online, community-driven experiences and is maintaining other successful MMOs. Around half of the developers working on Star Wars: The Old Republic may be expected to move to Broadsword, and those who don’t may face layoffs. Despite being released in 2011, the game continues to grow its dedicated community and the future of the game and its community remains bright. EA has emphasized that their goal is to do what is best for the game and its players.
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