Well, we all knew it was coming but now it's official: BioWare and LucasArts have officially announced their new massive multiplayer online role-playing game, entitled Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Like the single-player Star Wars RPG series Knights of the Old Republic, the new MMO will be set thousands of years before the events of the film. However, the MMO will not start right where Knights of the Old Republic II left off - it will take place 300 years after. Might be disappointing to people who were hoping to see Darth Revan and the gang in-game but that does leave the door open for Knights of the Old Republic III someday, doesn't it?

You'll be able to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other characters. Letting players make morality decisions were a big part of the BioWare single-player games and Old Republic will continue that by allowing you to chart your own path toward the light and dark side of the Force. You'll also recruit NPC companions who will aid or betray you depending on your actions. BioWare is hoping to set the game apart from the MMO market by making it more story-driven and delivering a cinematic experience comparable to the KOTOR games. What, no womp rat pelt fetching?

The game has only been announced for the PC so far. No release date has been set and subscription details weren't revealed, either.