Lucasfilm Games is looking to expand its portfolio with more unconventional Star Wars titles, inspired by the success of independent games such as the XCOM-like tactics game Zero Company and the arcade racer Galactic Racer. This shift indicates a move towards greater flexibility in partnering with developers of varying scales.
Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games, stated that while large-scale AAA games like the Battlefront series remain a key part of their strategy, Star Wars offers ample opportunities for storytelling across diverse genres. The focus is on finding the right partners to bring these experiences to life, regardless of whether they are AAA or AA developers. The ultimate goal is to fulfill specific player fantasies within the Star Wars universe.
This approach represents a significant change from Disney's previous handling of the Star Wars gaming license. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 and the subsequent closure of LucasArts in 2013, a decade-long exclusive deal with Electronic Arts was established. However, this period yielded limited success, and even major releases like Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws have not met expectations.
Lucasfilm Games was revived in 2021 to serve as the central identity for all Lucasfilm gaming titles, with an emphasis on Star Wars. Reilly noted that the company is actively seeking pitches from a broader range of creators, recognizing that compelling ideas can originate from various sources. While a high quality bar is maintained, typically involving experienced teams, Lucasfilm Games is open to exploring both large and small-scale projects with unexpected partners.
Despite this push for diversity, traditional Star Wars games are still in development. These include Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, the third and final Star Wars Jedi game, and Quantic Dream's Star Wars: Eclipse. Additionally, the KOTOR remake continues to be in development.