EA’s partnership with Disney means that they have exclusive rights to the Star Wars license until 2023 whether you like the games or not.
The Star Wars franchise itself has permeated almost every aspect of merchandise from clothes to toys and fans can even find themed slots and online bingo games. The gaming world is just one aspect infiltrated by the franchise, and it’s one that is growing exponentially. But, just what can we expect from EA in the near future regarding Star Wars games?
Battlefront III?
The original Battlefront – released in 2015 – hit a new spot for Star Wars fans with the sequel too going down a storm in 2017. But, is that enough for another release?
At present, that just doesn’t appear like the way EA are heading. Battlefront has effectively become a live service game and one where regular content drops, updates and events have hit a chord with gamers. Plus, EA have only just set out new maps and features with the release of theStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. What would be the point in undermining that with a new game?
Plus, how could EA justify a sequel? Battlefront II covers the mainline Star Wars films, planets and characters whilst telling its own unique story.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order II
Whilst Battlefront III seems a far cry away, a sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order appears written in the stars. The 2019 single player adventure was a hit amongst fans and critics, which was a surprise considering the cloud under which it was released.
Despite it being Respawn’s first attempt in this type of game, the studio created a seriously impressive game and a sequel should certainly be something within their reach. The original went down a storm with sales flying off the shelves, so EA are unlikely to get rid of the series at present.
Knights of the Old Republic
Of course, it’s a rumour which never seems to go away, but BioWare’s Knights of the Old Republic has always been a favourite with Star Wars fans, as was the sequel. BioWare is currently undergoing a difficult period, so a revival of an old classic into a modern trilogy could well be the catalyst for the studio to rise from the ashes. However, it has only ever been a minority of fans that want to see the 2003 classic born again.
Mobile games
Of course, with the boom of gaming, gambling and such like on mobiles and the idea of games at the touch of a fingertip, it is only natural to look at taking Star Wars more firmly onto mobile. EA’s Galaxy of Heroes has, however, been a major force on iOS and Android since its creation in November 2015, so would there really be any point in launching a direct competitor?
EA Motive has also broached the concept of a Star Wars idea, but that is still no closer to being revealed. The studio was initially created to assist Visceral Games and began working on a Star Wars third person game, codenamed “Project Ragtag”. It was supposedly near finished before being cancelled and the studio then being closed. The Project failed for a second time in early 2019. But, could the Project be rejuvenated for a new Star Wars game in the near future?
Whatever the direction EA takes its Star Wars games in, the interest and anticipation will be tangible. It’s certainly going to be fascinating to monitor.
