BioWare and EA announced today that Star Wars: The Old Republic will finally be going free-to-play this upcoming November. While it was announced at E3 this past June that the game would have a free-to-play option that would only last until level 15, this new free-to-play plan will give players access to all story content, and will be able to level up any character from all classes to the current level cap of 50. While there will still be some restricted content that only subscription based players will have access to, BioWare will be implementing a new in-game currency system called Cartel Coins, which players can use to purchase that content. Below is a breakdown BioWare gave of the two options players will now have to play The Old Republic:

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Subscription – A service designed for players who want unrestricted access to all the game features via ongoing subscription or by redeeming a Game Time Card. In addition to gaining access to all game content as our current subscribers do now, subscribers will receive ongoing monthly grants of Cartel Coins, the new virtual currency that will be introduced later this fall. Cartel Coins can be used to purchase valuable in-game items including customizable gear and convenience features that will enhance the game play experience.

Free-To-Play – The first 50 levels will be Free-to-Play, with restrictions on access to new content and advanced player features. Some restrictions can be “unlocked” with Cartel Coins.
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Along with this announcement, BioWare also says they plan on having more regular content updates starting this August, and that previous subscribers who now came back to the game, will be rewarded by receiving Cartel Coins to use in the game.

This is really some great news. As someone who doesn’t usually like to play MMORPG games, and has yet to try Star Wars: The Old Republic, this is the type of announcement that will definitely get me to play the game.