Lucasfilm Games is adopting a more flexible approach to licensing, a strategy that has already led to two well-received Star Wars titles this year: the XCOM-like "Zero Company" and the Burnout-style "Galactic Racer." This new era is characterized by a willingness to accept pitches from a wider range of developers, including independent studios, a departure from the previous model that often involved exclusive deals with larger publishers like EA and Ubisoft.
Douglas Reilly, a Lucasfilm Games executive, explained to The Game Business that the company is operating as a licensing business, focusing on finding publishing and development partners. "We've tried to be more flexible about who we're willing to take pitches from. Good ideas can come from a lot of different places," Reilly stated. This openness contrasts with the past, where exclusive rights were often granted, which some critics argued limited the variety and frequency of Star Wars game releases.
The current strategy aims to foster a more diverse portfolio of games across different genres, potentially leading to more frequent releases that appeal to a broader fan base. While Lucasfilm Games maintains a high quality bar and typically partners with experienced teams, Reilly indicated that being a top-tier publisher is not a prerequisite for developing a great Star Wars game.
Looking ahead, Reilly teased that "we're exploring all kinds of things, large and small," with partners that may surprise audiences. Currently, announced Star Wars games include Quantic Dream's "Star Wars Eclipse," the third installment in Respawn's "Star Wars Jedi" series, Casey Hudson's "Fate of the Old Republic," and the "Knights of the Old Republic Remake" which Saber Interactive continues to develop.