Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that it is in discussions to shift the development of BioWare’s free-to-play MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic to a third party. This move is so that the studio can concentrate on their upcoming games, Mass Effect and Dragon Age, according to a report by IGN. It states that the publisher is currently considering moving The Old Republic’s development to Broadsword Online Games, whose CEO is Rob Denton, a former BioWare VP and co-founder of Mythic Entertainment. Broadsword is renowned for being a specialist when it comes to delivering online, community-driven experiences. Currently, they are working on Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot, as well as this Star Wars title. The report claims that EA has already signed a letter of intent with Broadsword, and development could be finalised by the end of the month.

EA confirmed plans to talk with Broadsword, stating that it had signed a letter of intent with the studio. After 12 years since its launch, Star Wars: The Old Republic remains a success, and it continues to draw in both a dedicated and passionate community. EA said that it is so delighted with the team’s work and that the future of both the game and the community continue to be brilliant. The deal’s primary objective is to help promote and extend the game and its players’ opportunities.

According to the report, almost half of BioWare’s core team responsible for developing The Old Republic will move to Broadsword. It has also been stated that those that remain at EA may find other roles in the company, but they may also face the prospect of redundancy.