When Bioware opened applications for testers for its much anticipated Star Wars MMO many tentatively hoped that a 2010 release was on the cards. We even included it on our list of the ten most exciting PC games of 2010.

Alas, publisher EA has revealed that it most definitely will not be out this year, and a spring 2011 launch is more likely, but still not guaranteed.

EA CEO John Riccitiello had this to say at a recent EA conference call:

“One key driver is going to be the launch date of our major MMO. As it stands today, the game is making great progress towards a Spring 2011 launch. But given the volatility of this particular sector and the fact that we haven’t yet provided a specific launch date, at least for now, we’re excluding the revenue, or will be excluding the revenue, from our FY11 plans.”

Incidentally, EA did not actually mention the Star Wars MMO by name, but it stands to reason that it is referring to The Old Republic due to the fact that EA does not have any other “major MMOs” still without release dates.