Electronic Arts (EA) and Lucasfilm Ltd had forged an updated global publishing agreement for Star Wars: The Old Republic, a massively multiplayer online video game.

The new agreement will see certain responsibilities designated to LucasArts, shift to EA for efficent centralisation of publishing, marketing and distribution in 2011.

Lucasfilm will continue serving as a key partner, collaborating on design and marketing, and as a licensor of the property.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is designed to redefine the MMO category by introducing BioWare's signature storytelling and rich, emotional human performances to the genre. Financial terms were not disclosed. It is one of the most highly-anticipated video games of 2011, winning over 60 awards at industry trade shows around the world including the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles and Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force.