Star Wars: Galaxies signing off Dec. 15

When LucasArts formally announced Star Wars: The Old Republic in October 2008, it said its already-extant massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Star Wars: Galaxies, would continue. However, with the former game confirmed for launch later this year, the elder MMORPG's number is finally up.

According to a statement on the official website for Star Wars: Galaxies, the game's last day of operation will be December 15, 2011. The shutdown will include both the main game and its ancillary card-trading titles, according to Galaxies' operator, Sony Online Entertainment.

"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," the companies said in a statement. "We are extremely grateful to all of the SWG fans. 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."

Star Wars: Galaxies launched in July 2003 to warm reviews. However, the game came under criticism from players in 2005 following some unpopular "New Game Enhancements," forcing SOE to backtrack from the changes. In September 2009, the game reflected a drop in its subscriber base by reducing its number of servers by nearly half.

For more on Star Wars: Galaxies, read GameSpot's review of the game.