There could literally be 0 players and the game would continue into the new year. They decided a year ago that this would be the "new beta". Their objective is to get the game running and in good condition by Christmas, for the "re-launch". If they don't bring back the numbers after that, I would imagine by next Summer it will be gone (or F2P), what have you.

Speculation, but pretty sure I'm accurate. So please, drops in subscribers? Nobody cares, especially S-E.