Sydney, Australia – Sept. 13, 2013 – Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, the award-winning MMO from BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), and LucasArts is continuing to grow since the addition of a Free-to-Play option last November, as new and returning players have been jumping into the definitive Star Wars™ online experience. And to make the game even more accessible, BioWare has just implemented BitRaider streaming to get players into the action faster with a dramatically smaller initial download. Players can look forward to many gameplay additions including Game Update 2.4: The Dread War coming out on October 2, which will introduce new 4v4 Player-vs-Player (PvP) Warzone Arenas into the game. And starting today, new and previous subscribers who join or re-join the fight as a subscriber, will automatically receive the game’s first Digital Expansion: Rise of the Hutt Cartel for free*.

“We are constantly looking to improve the gameplay experience in Star Wars: The Old Republic, finding fresh new ways for players to try it out while offering new, higher-level content to our existing community,” said Jeff Hickman, General Manager of BioWare Austin. “With the addition of the new BitRaider streaming download, the upcoming Game Update 2.4, which includes two new Operations and the launch of PvP Warzone Arenas, there’s never been a better time to join us.”

BioWare is continuing to grow the galaxy with updates to the game every eight weeks by adding high-value social, solo and group content. This past year, Game Updates have included the Digital Expansion: Rise of the Hutt Cartel which raised the level cap to 55 and included new story content and Hard Mode Flashpoints, dynamic in-game events and a new Guild Rewards Program. On October 2, Game Update 2.4: The Dread War will invite players to travel to Oricon in the epic finale to the Dread Masters’ twisted saga by braving two new Level 55 Operations: The Dread Fortress and The Dread Palace. To get the first official look at Game Update 2.4’s new PvP Warzone Arenas, tune into MMORPG.com’s Twitch.tv stream starting today at 11.30am AEST.

Also today, Star Wars: The Old Republic fans can now see the premier of the full live-action video teased in 2012! Visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/join-the-battle to watch the official Star Wars: The Old Republic “Join the Battle” live-action video and find out more information on the Join the Battle Rewards Program.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies. Players are immersed as they team up with friends online to fight in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, exploring a galaxy of vibrant planets, experiencing visceral Star Wars combat, all set to a sweeping musical score. Now, players can experience the complete storylines of the eight iconic Star Wars classes, all the way to Level 50 without having to pay a monthly fee. The Free-to-Play option complements the existing subscription offering, providing greater flexibility in how to experience Star Wars: The Old Republic.

For more information on Star Wars: The Old Republic and to start playing for free right now, visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/play-free. Stay connected and join the conversation by visiting the official Community Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages. For additional press assets, please visit www.ea-anz-press.com.

*Conditions and restrictions apply. See www.swtor.com/free for details.