The Prospects for the Continuation of 'Star Wars Battlefront' Series?
Let's Chat About That Hyped Star Wars Battlefront III
So, it looks like the gaming and Star Wars community has been buzzing lately, Eye-talians and braniacs alike, about the possibility of another Star Wars Battlefront game. With Battlefront II from ol' 2017 seeing a resurgence in popularity on PC, and fans like Muhannad Ben Amor (Wilmon from Andor) calling for a new entry, there's been talk of a day-long global event to boost numbers and celebrate the Battlefront community.
Over nearly 20 years, this multiplayer shooter series has had two lifetimes, but darn tootin' if it's made it to number three. The first two games were born during the Star Wars prequel era, and we can thank Pandemic Studios for that. Fast forward to today, with DICE handling the more recent pair, and we still ain't got that third installment. Believe it or not, there was even a time when Battlefront III was in development from several developers, including the geniuses behind Timesplitters, but alas, it never came to fruition.
LucasArts tried to revive the games back in the day with an online-only entry, a smaller-scale multiplayer game, and a fourth game set in an alternate world where Obi-Wan and Luke were Sith Lords. Sadly, all those ideas went up in smoke like the Death Star's [REDACTED]. After DICE ended support for Battlefront II in 2020, the ol' Sub-series has been MIA.
But what about that hypothetical third game? Is it feasible? Well, pardner, the questions of whether we'll see a Star Wars Battlefront III and why it should return are tricky. Producing games in the Star Wars universe hasn't been a walk in the Tatooine desert, and we've seen our fair share of projects that were never brought to life, like Boba Fett's own 1313 or third entries for Knights of the Old Republic and Force Unleashed. Even EA's had its troubles, canceling pirate-focused projects from Visceral Games and Motive Studios, and that first-person shooter centered on a Mandalorian from Respawn.
As of now, DICE is focusin' on the next Battlefield game, with several other EA studios lendin' a helpful hand. So, another Battlefront? Ain't seein' that happen from EA, let alone anytime soon. Mats Holm, a former live producer on Battlefront II, even suggested a remaster of the previous game as a stepping stone before developing a proper sequel. Mind you, EA's a fickle sort when it comes to remaking ol' favorites.
Since 2019's Fallen Order, Star Wars has been grappalin' onto single-player titles, with Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws and 2026's Zero Company from Bit Reactor on the horizon. Other than the space combat-focused Star Wars Squadrons, EA ain't committed to multiplayer just yet, possibly 'cause of the controversy surrounding Battlefront II's monetization and the disastrous backlash that ensued. Oh, and let's not forget ol' Fortnite! Its recent "Galactic Battle" tie-in event and in-game skins for franchise characters have made it the most important multiplayer shooter the franchise could have.
Both previous incarnations of Star Wars Battlefront came at a time when they were the only place for Star Wars to be. Battlefront II was seen as the unification point for all three trilogies, and the devs at DICE practically poured their hearts out into post-launch updates that included maps, weapons, and characters from the sequels, prequels, Rogue One, and Solo. But since DICE stopped supportin' the game in 2019, Star Wars hasn't quite found the momentum it needs to warrant a real Battlefront III.
Fast forward to 2026: ol' Mando and Grogu will likely get a Fortnite tie-in, and the Disney+ series, Maul: Shadow Lord, and the 2027 Starfighter film will follow suit. Just like Andor's Lonni Jung, it seems ol' Star Wars has been trapped in Epic Games' web, and it doesn't look like Disney's gonna let go of that partnership anytime soon.
Still, hope for a Star Wars Battlefront III refuses to die, regardless of the odds. With Star Wars entering a new phase in its life and exploration of times during and after the sequels, one has to wonder where it fits in and who'll be there to make it happen in this ever-changing online gaming landscape.
Want more juicy goodness? Here's when we should expect the latest updates for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who. Stay tuned, partner!
- Gizmodo and Io9, leading technology and gadget news outlets, are discussing the possibility of a third Star Wars Battlefront game, given the resurgence of Battlefront II and renewed fan interest.
- In the future, a remaster of the previous Star Wars Battlefront games could serve as a stepping stone towards developing a much-anticipated third installment, as suggested by Mats Holm, a former live producer on Battlefront II.
- With Star Wars exploring new phases in its life and the ever-changing online gaming landscape, a third Star Wars Battlefront game could find its place among upcoming single-player titles like Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws and 2026's Zero Company, if the right developer steps up to make it happen.
