We’ve just received word that EB Games is now selling copies of Star Wars: The Old Republic in stores today across Australia.
After calling up a number of stores we’ve been told that copies of the game are available, but stock is limited. EB Games on George Street, Sydney had two copies come in this morning but informed us they “couldn’t hold them”.
According to the EB Games website, they are selling the game for $78.
Given that Star Wars: The Old Republic doesn’t have an official release date here in Australia (although Bioware has stated they are targetting March 1) we can only assume that EB Games is grey importing stock from Europe and selling them in store. This means that EB Games is selling copies of the game a full two months before the projected release date for the game here in Australia.
It seems as though EA, the local distributor for Star Wars: The Old Republic, is fully aware of the situation, but responded with a “no comment – as we are currently investigating the situation” when we spoke to them.
It’s a tricky one. Star Wars: The Old Republic is a huge release, and Bioware, as opposed to discouraging Australian users from importing copies, has actually encouraged it. It has assured Australian users they won’t be blocked from playing on US servers and even informed importers that they’ll be able to make the switch across to local servers when they’re set up.
It’s an interesting situation, and the first time in a while that such a big game release has been staggered so heavily across territories.
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