Lucasfilm is reportedly seeking a development partner for a new Star Wars Battlefront game, nearly a decade after the release of the last installment. According to industry insider Jeff Grubb, via a recent Electronic Gaming Monthly digital issue's Quartermann gossip column, both EA DICE and Bungie are among the major studios being considered for the project.
Grubb detailed these potential developments on his Game Mess Morning podcast, stating that Lucasfilm is actively searching for a studio to create a follow-up to the Battlefront series. While EA DICE, the developer behind the previous two entries, is a likely contender, Bungie, known for its work on Halo, Destiny, and the upcoming Marathon, has also been mentioned as a possibility.
This rumor has gained traction with other sources corroborating the interest from Disney in a new Battlefront title. The timing aligns with a current resurgence of Star Wars games, including recent releases and upcoming titles. Bungie, currently in a transitional period with Destiny 2 on pause and Marathon seemingly winding down, could be a potential candidate for a licensed project, similar to Sony's strategy with Insomniac Games' Marvel titles.
However, the prospect of Bungie developing a Battlefront sequel has also drawn criticism. Some argue that it would be more logical for EA DICE to return to the franchise they have already successfully developed. There is also a sentiment that having Bungie, a studio celebrated for its original science-fiction universes like Destiny and Marathon, work on an established IP like Star Wars could be a missed opportunity to create something new. This perspective suggests that Bungie's talents might be better utilized in developing its own intellectual property.
Conversely, others point to Bungie's current situation. Following its acquisition by Sony, the studio may be in a position where a project like Battlefront 3 could provide a more immediate path to generating revenue, even if it's on a licensed title. The development cycle for major AAA games is lengthy, suggesting that any revealed Battlefront 3 would likely not arrive until well into the next console generation.