The Drs. announced the release date at EuroGamer today!!!!   12/20/2011 is the magic day!  Also announced were subscription costs, which follows the normal pricing structure.

BioWare and LucasArts are pleased to announce that Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ will launch on December 20, 2011 in North America and on December 22, 2011 in the European Launch Territories! The announcement was first made by BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk during their keynote address at the 2011 Eurogamer Expo in London, England. Speaking to a packed room of press and fans alike, Dr. Muzyka acknowledged the weight of the moment and the patience of the fans.

“This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at LucasArts who have dedicated their lives to build this extraordinary game. We appreciate the patience from the millions of fans who have been waiting for the game’s release.”
Each copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic will come with 30 days of subscription time, after which you have the option to continue playing with one of the following monthly subscription fees:

1 Month Subscription: $14.99 (£8.99/€12.99)
3 Month Subscription: $13.99 per month (one-time charge of $41.97/£25.17/€35.97)
6 Month Subscription: $12.99 per month (one-time charge of $77.94/£46.14/€65.94)
Those who have pre-ordered the game and entered their pre-order code on StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com are eligible for Early Game Access. If you haven’t yet reserved your copy of the game, be sure to visit our Pre-Order page and secure your place in the Old Republic now!

We want to thank you for your continued passion, dedication and support. Though one part of this incredible journey is coming to an end, we are confident that you all share our excitement for this new beginning. Be sure to check back to StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com as well as our Twitter and Facebook pages for all the latest news and updates on Star Wars: The Old Republic.

 

Darth Hater scored an interview with Daniel while out at EuroGamer.  In keeping with the trend so far, the interview primarily answers questions about Companions..  Head over to Darth Hater to read the whole interview.. but, here’s a snippet that includes my favorite quote so far from EuroGamer;

Will players be able to fully advance the story line of all their companion characters, or will favoring one eventually make it unable to go through the full content of the others?

You’ll never actually block one. You might actually make one angry because of your attentions to another one, but that’s where the gift systems are really nice. So you can actually say, “Oh yeah, sorry I two timed you with that other person. But look! Presents!”

The interview also has the second best line out of EuroGamer:

“I am not Georg Zoeller”

All in all, a good read, with some nice tidbits about customization and a few tidbits about the AI.

Eurogamer Expo runs from September 22nd through the 25th, and BioWare has posted the details for their Meet & Greet!

Here’s the Copy/Pasta of Mr. Reid’s announcement from the forums:

Hello everyone!

I’m very happy to re-announce that we’re bring Star Wars: The Old Republic to Eurogamer Expo 2011. This show is near and dear to my (blackened, cold ;)) heart so I’m very happy we’ll be there.

As our news article on the show mentions, we’ll have The Old Republic available to play on the show floor for all four days of the Expo. We’ll be showing off all four of the Origin Worlds, as well as having PvP matches in the Alderaan and Huttball Warzones.

On Saturday 24th we’ll be returning to Gamerbase inside the London Trocadero (more specifically, inside HMV) for a meet ‘n’ greet. In attendance will be myself, Chris Collins and the one and only Daniel Erickson. This event is entirely free, you’ve just got to get yourself to the venue.

Unlike our previous Gamerbase event we will not be issuing invites to this meet ‘n’ greet, however due to fire regulations there is a limit to how many people will be allowed inside the venue. We’re told this is roughly 100 people at any time. Once we hit capacity we may conduct a ‘one in, one out’ policy, or we may clear the venue at some point to allow others in. We’ll judge that on the night based on attendance.

We’ll have the game playable on dozens of PCs, and will be limiting play time, but arrive a little earlier than 8pm kick-off if you want to get in first (ish). Please don’t camp the venue from 3pm or something. :)

Currently closing time for the event is midnight, although knowing London transport you might want to leave earlier than that. :)

As well as getting a chance to play the game, we’ll also do some Q&A with Daniel to give you an extra reason to come by.

Last but not least, we will be catering the event and alcohol will be included. Therefore unfortunately only those 18 or over will be admitted. Please bring appropriate ID as your age will need to be checked at the door.

So there you have it!  If you’re going to be in the London Area this weekend, hit up EuroGamer if you can, and also try and swing by the Meet and Greet!

If anyone gets some extra swag (like those cool Shirts/Hats that BioWare only gives out at shows)  I’d be happy to take it off your hands ;)