Star Wars Game Cancelled

Breaking News: Respawn's Star Wars FPS Game Cancelled

Development Halted

Respawn Entertainment, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, has cancelled development of their highly anticipated first-person Star Wars shooter. According to sources at EA, the project has been halted to allow Respawn to focus their efforts on their battle royale game Apex Legends.

Years in the Making

The unnamed Star Wars FPS game had been in development for over 3 years at Respawn's studio. Rumors of its existence first surfaced in early 2019 following job listings referencing an unannounced Star Wars project. The game was built on Respawn's proprietary engine using assets from their Titanfall series. Insiders reported the gameplay was similar to Titanfall with signature pilot and lightsaber combat.

A Shocking Turn

News of the cancellation comes as a surprise following comments from Respawn CEO Vince Zampella expressing enthusiasm about the project. As recently as June 2021, Zampella tweeted his excitement to share more details about the game. Unfortunately, a change in priorities at EA now leaves the future of this highly anticipated title in question. For Star Wars fans and gamers alike, this is a disappointing setback in what was shaping up to be an exciting new era of Star Wars games. Though the loss of this particular title stings, hope remains for future collaborations between Respawn's creative talent and the Star Wars franchise although with EA recently releasing 670 members of staff, maybe not?

What We Know About the Canceled Star Wars Game So Far

Respawn Entertainment, a studio owned by Electronic Arts, was developing an untitled first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe. However, EA announced in January 2021 that the project has been canceled.

According to reports, Respawn had been working on the game since 2018. It was intended to be a narrative-focused, character-driven experience set during the Galactic Empire era. Players would reportedly assume the role of a bounty hunter completing jobs for different criminal factions around the galaxy.

Location and Time Period

The game was rumored to be set on Bracca, a planet first introduced in the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order game, also developed by Respawn. The time period was said to be shortly after the events of Revenge of the Sith and before A New Hope.

Reason for Cancelation

While no official reason was given for the game’s cancellation, it has been speculated that it may have been due to creative differences, issues with gameplay mechanics or tools, or a shift in priorities for EA’s Star Wars games. The cancellation of this project, along with the recent news that the open-world Star Wars game at Ubisoft Massive has been delayed, suggests some behind-the-scenes challenges around developing Star Wars games.

The cancellation is undoubtedly disappointing news for Star Wars fans eagerly awaiting new games set in a galaxy far, far away. However, with multiple other Star Wars titles still in development from EA, including sequels to Star Wars Squadrons and Jedi: Fallen Order, the future of Star Wars games continues to look promising.

The Future of Star Wars Games After This Cancelation

The cancellation of Respawn's Star Wars first-person shooter game is undoubtedly disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting new titles in the franchise. However, this does not necessarily mean the end of Star Wars games. Disney and EA still have an exclusive licensing agreement to develop Star Wars games until 2023, so more titles will likely release before then.

Sequels and New Franchises on the Horizon

EA has hinted that a sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is in early development, and the success of that game makes a sequel likely. EA may also look to new franchises to reinvigorate interest, such as an open-world game or a title focused on aerial combat. An open-world Star Wars game has been a long-held dream of many fans and could spur significant excitement if executed properly.

Exclusive Deal's Future Uncertain

The cancellation of Respawn's game does raise questions about EA's management of the Star Wars license and whether Disney will extend the exclusive agreement beyond 2023. If not extended, Disney could license Star Wars to multiple publishers, as they have done with Marvel games. This could result in an influx of new Star Wars titles from various studios, though the quality and cohesion of games may vary more widely.

The future of Star Wars games remains unclear after this significant setback. However, with an avid fan base, popular new Disney+ shows releasing, and at least two years remaining in EA's exclusivity deal, Star Wars games will likely continue in some form, for better or worse. Fans can only hope upcoming titles recapture the magic of classics like Knights of the Old Republic and avoid the pitfalls that led to the demise of Respawn's promising project.