Why KotOR is not canon?

Why KotOR is Not Canon?

The Star Wars franchise has a rich history, with numerous games, movies, and TV shows that have contributed to its vast universe. One of the most beloved games in the franchise is Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR), developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts in 2003. Despite its popularity, KotOR is not considered canon in the Star Wars universe. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision and discuss the implications it has on the franchise.

Lucasfilm’s Decision

In 2012, Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney, and with it, the Star Wars franchise underwent a significant change. Lucasfilm’s new management decided to rebrand the Expanded Universe (EU) as Legends, effectively removing all non-canonical content from the official Star Wars canon. This decision was made to create a new, cohesive narrative for the franchise, which would focus on the core movies and TV shows.

Contradictions with Canon

One of the main reasons KotOR is not considered canon is the numerous contradictions it has with the existing Star Wars canon. The game’s storyline, characters, and events conflict with those established in the movies and other media. For example, KotOR features a character named Darth Revan, who is a powerful Sith Lord, but his backstory and role in the Star Wars universe are inconsistent with the established canon.

New Canon Initiative

In 2014, Lucasfilm launched a new canon initiative, which aimed to create a new, cohesive narrative for the franchise. This initiative involved rebranding the EU as Legends and introducing new content that would be considered part of the official Star Wars canon. The first new canon content was the movie The Force Awakens, followed by other movies, TV shows, and books.

Impact on the Franchise

The decision to rebrand KotOR as non-canonical has had a significant impact on the Star Wars franchise. It has allowed the franchise to move forward with a new, cohesive narrative, which has helped to revitalize interest in the series. Additionally, it has given the franchise the ability to explore new storylines and characters without being bound by the constraints of the existing canon.

Why KotOR Remains Popular

Despite being non-canonical, KotOR remains a beloved game in the Star Wars franchise. Its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and improved gameplay mechanics have made it a fan favorite. Additionally, the game’s themes and story elements have been influential in shaping the franchise’s overall narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, KotOR is not considered canon in the Star Wars universe due to the numerous contradictions it has with the existing canon. The game’s storyline, characters, and events conflict with those established in the movies and other media, making it difficult to integrate it into the franchise’s official narrative. However, KotOR remains a beloved game in the franchise, and its themes and story elements have been influential in shaping the franchise’s overall narrative.