Does EA own Star Wars?

Does EA Own Star Wars?

Electronic Arts (EA) has been a significant player in the gaming industry for decades, and one of its most notable franchises is Star Wars. But, does EA own Star Wars? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of EA’s involvement with Star Wars and explore the complex web of ownership and licensing agreements.

The History of EA’s Involvement with Star Wars

EA’s journey with Star Wars began in 2007 when it acquired the rights to develop Star Wars games from LucasArts, the video game division of Lucasfilm. At the time, LucasArts was facing financial difficulties, and EA saw an opportunity to expand its portfolio of franchises. The acquisition gave EA the rights to develop games based on the Star Wars franchise, including the popular Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG.

The Exclusivity Deal

In 2013, EA signed an exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm, giving it the rights to develop Star Wars games for the next 10 years. This deal was a significant coup for EA, as it gave the company a monopoly on Star Wars games for an extended period. The exclusivity deal was seen as a major boost for EA’s gaming division, and it allowed the company to focus on developing high-quality Star Wars games.

The End of Exclusivity

In 2020, EA’s exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm came to an end, and the company’s rights to develop Star Wars games were no longer exclusive. This marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape, as other developers and publishers were now free to develop Star Wars games.

Who Owns Star Wars?

So, who owns Star Wars? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple "EA" or "Lucasfilm." The Star Wars franchise is owned by The Walt Disney Company, which acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4.06 billion. Disney has since managed the Star Wars franchise, including its films, television shows, and video games.

EA’s Role in the Star Wars Franchise

While EA no longer has exclusive rights to develop Star Wars games, the company still plays a significant role in the franchise. EA has developed several successful Star Wars games, including Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. The company has also announced plans to develop new Star Wars games, including a sequel to Jedi Fallen Order.

Key Points

Here are some key points to summarize EA’s involvement with Star Wars:

• EA acquired the rights to develop Star Wars games from LucasArts in 2007.
• EA signed an exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm in 2013, giving it the rights to develop Star Wars games for 10 years.
• The exclusivity deal ended in 2020, and EA’s rights to develop Star Wars games are no longer exclusive.
• The Star Wars franchise is owned by The Walt Disney Company.
• EA still plays a significant role in the Star Wars franchise, having developed several successful games and announcing plans for new titles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EA does not own Star Wars, but it has played a significant role in the franchise’s gaming history. The company’s exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm came to an end in 2020, and EA’s rights to develop Star Wars games are no longer exclusive. Despite this, EA remains a major player in the Star Wars gaming universe, and its future plans for the franchise are eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.

Table: EA’s Star Wars Games

Bullets List: EA’s Star Wars Games

• Star Wars: Battlefront (2015)
• Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017)
• Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order (2019)
• Star Wars: Squadrons (2020)

Note: The bullets list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the notable Star Wars games developed by EA.