It’s been a long time. Like many others I dove head-first into Star Wars: The Old Republic, gorging myself on the superb storytelling and fantastic voice acting. After hitting level cap I was hungry for more, with the ‘Interlude’ splash-screen promising just that. But while further content updates have added new areas such as Section X and new quests like those for HK-51, the central storyline has been paused.

That wait is now over, with Rise of the Hutt Cartel being the first digital expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic. With all-new voice acting and a new planet to explore, it’s a compelling reminder of everything that’s fantastic about BioWare’s MMO. Throw in a raised level cap, new endgame Operation and new achievement system, and there’s a lot to be excited about.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is just a couple of weeks away from head start for Rise of the Hutt Cartel, its first expansion and most important update since going free-to-play in November. With those who qualify able to play the expansion from April 9 (April 14 is the release date for non-qualifying players), I sat down with Bruce Maclean, Producer of SWTOR, to talk about the new content as its launch approaches.

The official launch of Rise of the Hutt Cartel can now be confirmed as April 14. Well, actually April 9 for all those plucky Star Wars: The Old Republic players who qualify for head start.

Last week, I traveled to Austin, Texas to take part in a special press event at the BioWare studio that breathes life into SWTOR. The event focused on Update 2.0 (currently on the game’s public test servers) and, more specifically, the new expansion. For those who are unaware of what Rise of the Hutt Cartel entails, take a look at the video below to get a clearer idea.

Earlier this week the team behind Star Wars: The Old Republic announced a simple, yet significant change to how users will be able to log in to their accounts. Instead of using your associated Email address to log into the game or their official website, players will soon be asked to use their Display Name instead.The change will be fully implemented on April 2nd, however players can begin using their Display Names to log in to the game and website immediately if they choose to do so.

Good news everyone! 

Wait. That's the wrong space meme. 

I sense a disturbance in the Force. 

There we go, that's more like it!

News of the next content update for Star Wars: The Old Republic has been traveling around the galaxy for some time, and we now have word that Game Update 1.7: Return of the Gree will be landing at the spaceport this Tuesday.

UPDATE: For a sneak peek of what will be unleashed on February 12, check out the new official video below.

It's time for more updates to The Old Republic! This week is all about the galaxy, as Galactic Reputation, the Galactic War effort, and heroism become centerstage. Galactic Rep is grindable by any character, as it's tied to your Legacy and not your individual characters. Subscribers, as usual, get the nice perks of +50% to their earned reputation, and the more rep you earn, the more you gain titles that signify your achievements. 

Julian "Mirai" Williams

New screenshots, a "First Look" video and new pre-ordr details on Rise of the Hutt Cartel, SWTOR's Digital Expansion have been released today.

The glossy new glimpses of Makeb are featured in the screenshots, depicting some of the environment where the fight between the Empire, Republic and the Hutt Cartel will unfold.

For anyone around 50 or so, The Old Republic has a new bucket of content upcoming. Among them, the Western Ice Shelf in Ilum has a new starship, leftover from the ancient Gree, full of gear, tech, armor, and a mysterious new opponent.

If a new Event isn't your flavor, Galactic Reputation has been added to TOR. Working for the Gree or Voss, and the Republic or the Empire, adds reputation that is tied to your Legacy. So yes, reputation grinding has been introduced, but honestly can you say you wouldn't like a few more 'things to work for' in TOR? 

Julian "Mirai" Williams

It looks like BioWare isn't fooling around this year. Barely a day into 2013, Star Wars: The Old Republic executive producer Jeff Hickman took to the blog yesterday to deliver his second state of the game message, and what a message it was.

The galaxy has been abuzz with excitement since BioWare announced "Rise of the Hutt Cartel" earlier this week. While the announcement created excitement, it also left members of both the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire with questions.