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SOE calls time on Star Wars Galaxies

Plug to be pulled on 15th December.

Long-running MMO Star Wars Galaxies goes dark on 15th December, publisher Sony Online Entertainment has announced.

A post on the game's official site explains that “SOE and LucasArts have mutually agreed that the end of 2011 is the appropriate time” to bring the game to a close.

Just in time for the arrival of Star Wars: The Old Republic perhaps?

“We are extremely grateful to all of the SWG fans," read the announcement. "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.”

Prior to the full 15th December shutdown, 12, 6 and 3-month subscription packs will be turned off today while the TCG store is also now closed for business.

As of 15th September, the MMO and its trading card game will no longer available for sale or subscription and no new or reactivated accounts will be accepted. Billing will then be turned off on 15th October.

However, there's still some fun to be had before it shuffles off to the great MMO graveyard in the sky - SOE is planning a “galaxy-ending in-game event”.

“We're going to end with a bang and we want the final chapter of the galaxy to be written in part by the dedicated and passionate SWG community. Details will be announced at a later date.”

SOE is also offering all those with active subscriptions a free two month trial of any of the following between 15th October and 31st December: Free Realms, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, EverQuest, EverQuest II and DC Universe Online.

Full details of how to sign up are on the SWG website.

While it never really built up much momentum, it's not had a bad run. It originally launched back in 2003 scoring a healthy 7/10 in Eurogamer's Star Wars Galaxies review.