Is the Force fading? It feels like the magic that once defined Star Wars gaming has gone dormant, leaving fans yearning for the glory days of LucasArts. From soaring through the skies in Rogue Squadron to shaping the galaxy's destiny in Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), these games were legendary. But the recent output? It's left many wondering: what happened to that spark?
Let's rewind. Lucasfilm Games, a phoenix risen from the ashes of the iconic LucasArts, re-entered the gaming arena in 2021 after a near decade-long absence. Think of LucasArts, originally founded in 1982, as the premier publisher for all things Star Wars in the gaming world. Sure, they dabbled in other Lucasfilm properties like Indiana Jones, but Star Wars was their heart and soul, and undoubtedly their biggest influence on the industry. They brought us genre-defining titans like Rogue Squadron, the Jedi Knight series, The Force Unleashed, and of course, the groundbreaking Knights of the Old Republic I and II. These weren't just games; they were experiences.
LucasArts was more than just a bastion of the gaming industry; it was the industry for many. But in 2013, the unthinkable happened: the studio was shuttered. The primary driver was Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, leading to mass layoffs and the cancellation of numerous promising projects. Disney/Lucasfilm (we'll use these interchangeably from now on) then made a decision that still stings for many fans: they granted Electronic Arts (EA) exclusive rights to publish Star Wars games under a multi-year licensing agreement. Yes, you read that right. They handed the keys to one of the richest and most beloved franchises in entertainment to arguably the most controversial video game publisher. This decision, as you can imagine, was not universally praised.
The new era of Star Wars games began in November 2015 with a reboot of the classic Star Wars Battlefront. Visually stunning and technically impressive, it was undeniably beautiful. But...it felt empty. It restricted itself to a limited number of planets, game modes, and focused on a single era. The most glaring omission? A single-player campaign. Battlefront II (2017) attempted to address this, including a compelling, albeit short, two-part campaign spanning all three eras of the franchise. It maintained the high visual and technical standards of its predecessor. But here's where it gets controversial... Any goodwill generated was almost immediately destroyed by the introduction of egregious microtransactions and a "loot box" system that felt like gambling. While these were eventually removed in later updates, the damage was done. This sparked intense debate about the role of monetization in AAA gaming, a conversation that continues to this day.
Hope flickered back in 2019 with Respawn Entertainment's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Its gripping story, compelling characters, and engaging Souls-like gameplay surprised and delighted fans. It was a smash hit, leading to a sequel, Jedi Survivor, in 2023, continuing the adventures of Cal Kestis and his crew. A third installment was announced shortly after Survivor's release, keeping fans invested in the series and the franchise as a whole. 2020 also saw the release of Star Wars: Squadrons, a smaller-scale but well-received title focusing on two teams of ace pilots from the Rebellion and Empire. It resonated particularly well with fans of flight simulators.
Unfortunately, that's where the winning streak largely ends. In the past decade, only seven AAA Star Wars games have been released, with mixed results. Battlefront I felt limited and uninspired. Battlefront II, as mentioned, was plagued by controversy and received shortened post-release support. Squadrons, while a success, had a limited player base and post-launch support. The same can be said with Outlaws which was released to lukewarm reception and an equally short post launch support. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022) was successful for its massive open-world exploration, but it's arguably more of a Lego game than a truly immersive Star Wars experience. The Jedi games have been the only consistent bright spot.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond the inconsistent track record, there's a worrying lack of concrete information about future Star Wars games. We know a third Jedi installment is coming, concluding Cal Kestis's story. But beyond that? Uncertainty reigns. Several highly anticipated projects have been announced with impressive trailers, only to be met with near-total silence. Take the Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) remake, announced at Sony's State of Play in 2020. For those unfamiliar, KOTOR was a groundbreaking RPG released in 2003. Its revolutionary graphics, gameplay, mechanics, and compelling story by Drew Karpyshyn made it a Game of the Year winner. It's considered not just a Star Wars classic, but one of the greatest video games ever made, spawning an equally impressive sequel. The remake has since switched developers, been reportedly halted and restarted, and is generally shrouded in mystery. Official updates have been virtually non-existent, other than confirming that it is, technically, not cancelled.
Star Wars Eclipse has even less information available. Unveiled in 2020 with a visually stunning teaser trailer, it promised a wide array of species and landscapes, hinting at diverse gameplay possibilities. Developed by Quantic Dream (known for Detroit: Become Human), Eclipse is set during the High Republic era, an unexplored period intended to be expanded upon through a multi-media project. Despite the initial excitement, the game has also been met with radio silence.
It's understandable that modern game development takes time, given the complexities of current technology and software. But the blatant lack of communication and apparent disregard for fans feels unacceptable. Star Wars games have a built-in fanbase due to the property's inherent appeal and its legacy in the gaming industry, particularly with games like KOTOR.
For decades, LucasArts pushed the boundaries of what video games could be, while maintaining high standards of quality. At its peak, the studio could release multiple games in a single year. So, the question remains: what's going on? Star Wars video games were once a staple in every gamer's collection. The current state of affairs is, frankly, disappointing. Is this a reflection of the current state of the brand as a whole? Is it a shift in the market? Regardless, the fans, the property, and the industry all deserve better from Lucasfilm Games.
What do you think? Are you satisfied with the current state of Star Wars gaming? What games are you most looking forward to (or most disappointed about)? Do you think Disney made the right decision partnering with EA? Let's discuss in the comments below!
