Star Wars MMO The Old Republic's Next Expansion Arrives in December

Electronic Arts and developer BioWare today announced that a new digital expansion for free-to-play PC MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic will launch on December 9. It's called Shadow of Revan, and it features new story-driven missions, an increased level cap of 60, more locations to explore, and new Flashpoints and Operations for high-level players.

Here's how BioWare sets up the story for The Old Republic's Shadow of Revan expansion, which will sell for $20 at launch.

"In Shadow of Revan, a long-hidden sect of extremists has emerged from the ongoing war between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. This group is led by Revan, the former hero of the Jedi Civil War. These fanatical 'Revanites' are gathering an army with an apocalyptic plan that will leave the Republic and the Empire in ashes. Players will prepare to face Revan and adventure alongside a host of intriguing characters, including Theron Shan, Lana Beniko, and Jakarro the Wookiee."

EA also announced a special preorder offer for The Old Republic subscribers. These players can preorder the expansion and receive a Class Experience Boost, entitling them to 12x experience gain through level 55. This offer is valid only through December 1.

Anyone who preorders Shadow of Revan by November 2 will receive access to the expansion one week early, an "exclusive" in-game Grand Statue of Revan, and a free copy of the game's first expansion, Rise of the Hutt Cartel. Preorder by December 1 and you'll get the Revan statue and access to Rise of the Hutt Cartel. Notably, The Old Republic subscribers automatically receive access to the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion.

The Old Republic launched in 2011 after its development reportedly cost $200 million. The game failed to attract a wide enough userbase to sustain its subscription-based model and switched to free-to-play just 11 months after release. However, the game appears to remain a major contributor for EA, as a recent report found that the game generated $165 million in 2013 alone.