A new Star Wars: Battlefront game is reportedly in development, with both Apex Legends studio Respawn Entertainment and Battlefield developer DICE collaborating on the project. This information comes from multiple sources cited by Variety, following EA's recent announcement of significant layoffs, the closure of BioWare, and the cancellation of several projects.
While EA executives confirmed that Respawn and DICE are working together on a new project, they did not specify its nature. The report builds on earlier rumors, including one from Electronic Gaming Monthly that suggested Disney was seeking a studio for Battlefront 3, with DICE and Bungie mentioned as potential candidates.
Joe Brammer, head of Wardogs studio, has indicated that the collaboration involves DICE and Respawn on Battlefront 3, aligning with the current reports. This development follows EA's reported cancellation of multiple Star Wars projects in 2022, which included a follow-up to Star Wars: Battlefront 2.
The last installment, Star Wars: Battlefront 2, launched in 2017 and faced significant criticism for its implementation of loot boxes that affected gameplay. The backlash was substantial, influencing legislative discussions about loot boxes worldwide. DICE subsequently overhauled the game's progression systems, removed loot boxes, and continued to support the title with updates until its final major update in 2020.
If released, Battlefront 3 would be published by EA under its new Saudi Arabian ownership. The game's development by a joint Respawn and DICE effort indicates a significant undertaking by the publisher for the Star Wars franchise.