Star Wars: The Old Republic storyline secrets teased by lead writer

Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer Hall Hood has teased information about the future narrative arc for the free-to-play MMO.

Speaking to Massively, Hood stated the game's transition from subscription-based game to its new free-to-play model will not change how the writing team approaches story in the game, adding "if anything, The Old Republic's transition to a free-to-play game will create more opportunities to advance the epic story arcs and interesting characters we introduced when the game first launched."

According to Hood, the next installment of the Old Republic story features the Hutt Cartel who previously stood on the sidelines during the war between the Sith Empire and the Republic.

"That is all about to change, and the fallout from the Hutts' actions will have long-term consequences for the entire galaxy," he says. "The Dread Masters aren't finished yet, either. They're about to unleash something terrible that only the galaxy's most powerful defenders have any hope of stopping."

Hood also teases the appearance of "The Shroud" which will rear its head later on in the game's narrative; However, whether this is a faction or an individual has yet to be detailed. BioWare also intends to move the storyline past the end of the MMO's third chapter in which classes were offered various choices leading to different end-games.

"The design team never introduces a story branch that it doesn't have plans to pay off. In The Old Republic, the only constant is change - and players will see their fortunes changing based on their own actions and the constantly shifting state of the galaxy," said Hood.

"Anyone who has ever enjoyed a good espionage thriller knows that staying out of the spy game is never easy. The galaxy will always be in danger, and old friends and new foes will always do something that draws out even the most reluctant Agent for a new mission."

Star Wars: The Old Republic launched as a subscription-based MMO in December 2011. The game is playable for free here.