With Star Wars: The Old Republic maybe, possibly coming sometime later this year or earlier next year (or not?), it's not much of a surprise that LucasArts would consider winding down its last attempt at a massively multiplayer Star Wars. As of December 15, Star Wars: Galaxies will no longer exist.
"The shutdown of SWG is a very difficult decision, but SOE and LucasArts have mutually agreed that the end of 2011 is the appropriate time to end the game," said the companies in a statement.
Galaxies won't just flicker into the dark, though, with the promise of a "galaxy-ending in-game event" bringing about the conclusion of the adventure. I should start power leveling immediately.
I'm imagining a giant BioWare logo that, when touched, activates an in-game browser to pre-order The Old Republic. All (some) joking aside, apparently people are still playing Galaxies.
"We are extremely grateful to all of the SWG fans," continued the statement. "We have had the rare opportunity to host one of the most dedicated and passionate online gaming communities and we truly appreciate the support we’ve received from each and every one of you over the course of the past eight years."
Galaxies never managed to achieve its potential, with the game getting several makeovers in an attempt to make the game more palatable to the audience. Unfortunately, it just never clicked.