EA and Disney’s exclusivity deal to develop and publish Star Wars games has come to an end. For the past decade, with the exception of LEGO, only EA and its studios had the ability to release new titles set in ‘A Galaxy Far Far Away.’ The license is now open for other studios and publishers to take a swing at, however, as long as Lucasfilm Games agrees.
Lucasfilm Games reportedly has ambitious plans for Star Wars in the video game space, aiming to launch two titles each year: one big and one small. This new trend starts this year with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and the upcoming Star Wars: Hunters. Here are the currently announced Star Wars games in development:
Star Wars: Hunters
Developer: Zynga | Publisher: Zynga
Platforms: Switch, iOS, Android
Zynga’s upcoming Star Wars: Hunters is the first Star Wars game to launch post-exclusivity. It is a free-to-play arena combat game set after the fall of the Empire. Players will assume the roles of various characters, including Force users, Stormtroopers, bounty hunters and even a Droideka. The game is expected to be available later this year on Switch and mobile devices. It’s unknown if Zynga plans to release the game on home platforms.
Star Wars Eclipse
Developer: Quantic Dream | Publisher: TBA
Platforms: TBA
Quantic Dream caught attention when it announced Star Wars Eclipse at The Game Awards 2021. The game is set during the High Republic Era and offers a narrative-driven action-adventure experience with multiple characters facing a mysterious new enemy. The release date for Eclipse remains a mystery due to ongoing issues related to poor workplace treatment at Quantic Dream. Insiders suggest that the game may not launch until 2027 at the earliest.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake
Developer: Saber Interactive (Rumored) | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment (PS5) & TBA (PC)
Platforms: PS5, PC
Fans have long requested a remake of the classic RPG, and in 2021, Aspyr and Sony confirmed that a remake is indeed in development. Set 4000 years before the events of the films, Knights of the Old Republic immerses players in a galactic conflict between a weakened Jedi Order and a rising Sith threat. The game remains highly popular and is considered by many to be the best Star Wars game ever made. The release date for the remake is uncertain, though. Reports from last year suggested dissatisfaction from both Sony and Lucasfilm, and there have been rumors of development being moved to Saber Interactive under Embracer. While cancellation is unlikely given Sony’s involvement, a release date shouldn’t be expected soon.
Untitled Star Wars FPS
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA
Platforms: TBA
EA’s commitment to Star Wars continues after the end of exclusivity, and following the success of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. In 2021, EA confirmed that they would collaborate with Lucasfilm Games to release three new Star Wars titles. One of those titles, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is already available. The other two include a brand new FPS game developed by Respawn Entertainment. The project will be directed by Peter Hirschmann, known for his work on the original Battlefront titles, The Force Unleashed and Medal of Honor. No specific information is available regarding the full reveal or release date of the game.
Untitled Star Wars Strategy Game
Developer: Bit Reactor | Publisher: EA
Platforms: TBA
EA’s third Star Wars project will be developed by the new Bit Reactor studio, led by former XCOM art director, Greg Foertsch. Respawn Entertainment will provide assistance. Details about the game are scarce, but given Foertsch’s background, it’s possible that it will incorporate turn-based tactics similar to XCOM.
“The Star Wars Project”
Developer: Massive Entertainment | Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: TBA
Ubisoft ventures into the Star Wars universe with an open-world adventure developed by Massive Entertainment. The game will prioritize narrative and utilize the studio’s Snowdrop engine. Massive Entertainment is currently occupied with other projects, however, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. When we’ll finally see the game is anyone’s guess.
Amy Hennig’s Star Wars Project
Developer: Skydance New Media | Publisher: Skydance Media
Platforms: TBA
Amy Hennig will finally get to make a Star Wars game after all. Hennig was originally working on a single player action-adventure title at Visceral Games, but that project collapsed in 2017 when EA shuttered the studio. Her new studio, Skydance New Media, is working on some major projects with Disney, including a new cinematic action-adventure Star Wars title. First, though, the studio will need to finish its other project, a Captain America-Black Panther game.
