Whenever there are rumors of a release date, I have to take them with a grain of salt. And, obviously, for good reason. Someone could say “release date” and fans are all over it. I know I get that way whenever I hear the inkling of a release date.

According to some reports, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be released right around Christmas. That would be its last chance to get it released by 2011 which, according to my friend who was at PAX, was the answer he got from one of the producers.

Paul Darrow was one of the voice actors that BioWare used for the numerous different NPCs in the game. He’s known for his work in Blake’s 7. About a year ago, he finished up voicing one of the NPC guides for the Sith warrior.

Paul said that he was privy to sensitive information including the anticipated release date. According to him, BioWare plans to release Star Wars: The Old Republic at Christmas.

If that really is the case, they’ve got a lot of work to make sure that they get the game released in time because, let’s be honest, they haven’t even had an open beta yet; unless, of course, they’ve been testing hardcore with a secret group of people.

I know that BioWare has some announcements to make in San Diego, so that may be their way of announcing beta. If they announce beta now, it’ll be perfect for a Christmas launch.

Are you wishing for a white–I mean–a Star Wars Christmas?