Star Wars: The Old Republic Getting New Expansion This Summer - Galactic Strongholds [VIDEO]

BioWare is having Star Wars: The Old Republic is taking a page out of another popular EA title, The Sims. The studio announced today that a new expansion is set to hit the MMORPG this summer in the form of Galactic Strongholds, which will offer players fully customizable apartments. Think "Cribs: A long time ago, in a galaxy far away."

If it sounds like yet another way for the developer to squeeze more money out of the free-to-play title, it's because it is. But it's also one way for the the chic and fabulous to compete sans lightsabres and blasters. The right decorative item will boost a player's Prestige score high enough to give boasting rights to the jedi knight with the most pimp pad in the galaxy.

It's more of a social expansion, as the expansion allows players to live on multiple planets and customize multiple Strongholds with hundreds of unique decorations. Friends can also be invited and transported to a player's Stronghold from any in-game location to socialize, and Guild Flagships will also be available at the expansion's launch as a place where members can meet, plan, and strategize for their next adventure.

BioWare and EA hope the expansion will get new players to join in, and is even offering special bonuses for players who subscribe by certain dates:

- Subscribers as of April 2nd will receive 500 Bonus Cartel Coins
- Subscribers as of May 4th will receive 1,000 Bonus Cartel Coins
- Subscribers as of May 11th will receive Early Access to Galactic Strongholds on June 24, Luxurious Nar Shaddaa Stronghold with three additional rooms unlocked (Value: 1,500,000 Credits), Stronghold Label: "Galactic Stronghold," and "The Illustrious" as a Character Title
- Subscribers beginning June 24th will receive the same as the above, as will Preferred Status Players beginning July 29

Check out the trailer below for a peek at what sort of items are coming with the expansion.