At GamesCom 2011 in Cologne today Electronic Arts has said it will limit the initial sales of upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The unusual move is required to help ensure server stability, an EA spokesperson told GameInformer.

Sales will be limited both at retail and on digital platforms, said the EA rep. Once the servers have been scaled up to meet initial demand, the restraints on sales will then start to be lifted, ensuring a steady influx of new players that makes for a more enjoyable and stable launch for the game.

No cut-off points were exactly specified though, nor was EA keen to enter into discussion about the release date - which remains unknown.

We saw Star Wars: The Old Republic a few months ago and weren't very impressed, however.

Let us know your thoughts in the forums.

Check our GamesCom 2011 news hub for all the information from Cologne this year.

Here's a trailer for The Old Republic, though it doesn't seem very representative of the actual gameplay we've seen. Or maybe you think it is - take a look and let us know: