EA and Bioware have released details on the 1st digital expansion for the newly free-to-play Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO. Rise of the Hutt Cartel. Those who are SWTOR subscribers will be able to download the content for a reduced rate of $9.99 while those who have jumped on since the game went FTP will have access for $19.99.
The expansion will take players to Makeb where they will take on the powerful Hutt Cartel. In doing so players will meet all-new allies and enemies while also uncovering the powerful technology this world has to offer. Those who download will have access to 5 new story driven missions that are sure to expand upon this already huge universe and a brand new level cap of 55.
Bioware is showing that they intend to keep producing content for the game as long as fans are willing to keep playing it. While this MMO did not have what it took to dethrone World of Warcraft the team still believe it has the ability to thrive within the growing free-to-play community.
To pre-order the content that is set to be available in the Spring of 2013 players can do so at the SWTOR site. While it remains to be seen how much content the team is going to produce for their 1st foray into the MMO world it would behoove those who want to keep playing to download the content and encourage their guild-mates to do the same.
We know our fans want to keep experiencing the classic Star Wars storylines they love, and that’s what we’re delivering with the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion, said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer at BioWare Austin. The planet Makeb is shaping up to be one of our most breathtakingly beautiful settings and the clash with the Hutt Cartel is epic and exciting. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. We have a lot more surprises in store for our fans next year!
Paid expansions and updates in a free-to-play game is a big no for me. I’ll definitely be staying away from SWTOR.