LucasArts & SOE Issue Galaxies Statements Posted By Mike on July 16, 2011
While nothing short of saving the game will satisfy loyal fans of the soon-to-shut-down Star Wars Galaxies, Sony Online Entertainment and LucasArts both issued statements this week regarding the closure.
First off, here's what SOE had to say via GamePro.com:
"The decision to shut down SWG is first and foremost a business decision mutually agreed upon between SOE and LucasArts, and is not a decision that we approached lightly or without very serious thought and examination. The free-to-play scenario was included as part of our research into alternative business models for the game; however, it could not be implemented. We’ve grown with the players throughout the years and shutting down the game is certainly not an ideal situation for us, but necessary regardless.
We thank our loyal players for their dedication to SWG over the past eight years. They are an integral part of what has made this game such a success from both a gameplay and community perspective. An MMO game like SWG is truly made by its community and while we’re sad to see the game come to an end, we’re happy that it was supported and played by thousands of dedicated fans who each and every day made the in-game experience one of friendship, teamwork and exploration."
And here's the LucasArts statement, also from Gamepro.com:
"The decision to shut down the game has not been an easy one. SOE and LucasArts investigated every option to keep the game open, including taking it to a free to pay model. However, that model just isn't financially viable. Changing the business model for an experience like Star Wars Galaxies takes a major investment and overhauling of the existing infrastructure of the game. We're unfortunately at a point in our life cycle where a change of this magnitude is just not possible. The harsh reality is that we've reached a point where the game is no longer a sustainable business. None of us wanted to see this point, but we're extremely proud of the last eight years of the game and the community that has supported it.
We have a lot planned between now and December and we want to make sure that from now until then, we send off Star Wars Galaxies in a style befitting such a great game. We'll be right there in the game with everyone else, counting down until the end, making sure we connect with all the friends we've made over the past eight years. It may be bittersweet, it may feel like it's happening before it should, but we have approximately five months remaining where we can all enjoy the game together. We sincerely hope the community will join us."
Again, none of this will necessarily make disapointed gamers happy, but at least there looks to be some fun on the horizon between now and December.
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