How did EA lose Star Wars?
Electronic Arts (EA) and Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of Disney, had a 10-year exclusive agreement to produce Star Wars games, starting in 2013. The agreement was set to expire in 2023. However, in October 2020, it was announced that EA’s exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm Games had come to an end. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind EA’s loss of the Star Wars gaming license.
Reasons for the Exclusivity Deal’s End
Several factors contributed to EA’s loss of the Star Wars gaming license. Here are some of the most significant reasons:
- Low Game Quality: EA’s Star Wars games, including Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront 2, received criticism for their poor game quality, lack of innovation, and limited content. The company’s failure to deliver a high-quality gaming experience likely played a significant role in the termination of the exclusivity deal.
- Limited Games Released: Over the past decade, EA has only released four core Star Wars games, starting with Star Wars: Battlefront in 2015. The slow pace of game development and release may have led Disney to reconsider its partnership with EA.
- Monetization Concerns: EA’s business model for Star Wars games has been criticized for its emphasis on microtransactions and loot boxes. This has led to concerns about the impact on the gaming experience and the potential for exploitation.
- Competition from Other Developers: The Star Wars gaming franchise is a lucrative market, and other developers, such as BioWare and Respawn Entertainment, have expressed interest in developing Star Wars games. This increased competition may have prompted Disney to explore other options for the franchise.
What’s Next for Star Wars Gaming?
With EA’s exclusivity deal terminated, the Star Wars gaming franchise is open to other developers. Disney has announced plans to develop a new lineup of Star Wars games, including:
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order from Respawn Entertainment
- Star Wars: Squadrons from Motive Studio
- Project Luminous, a new IP from EA, although it’s unclear whether it will be a single-player or multiplayer game.
These new games will be developed by various studios and will offer a fresh start for the Star Wars gaming franchise.
Conclusion
EA’s loss of the Star Wars gaming license marks a significant shift in the franchise’s gaming landscape. While EA’s exclusivity deal was terminated, the company still has a presence in the Star Wars universe, with Project Luminous in development. The future of Star Wars gaming is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the franchise is entering a new era of development, with multiple studios and new IPs on the horizon.
Timeline of EA’s Star Wars Games
Here is a list of the Star Wars games developed by EA:
| Game Title | Release Date | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Battlefront | November 17, 2015 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Star Wars: Battlefront 2 | November 17, 2017 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order | November 15, 2019 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Star Wars: Squadrons | October 2, 2020 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
Key Takeaways
- EA’s exclusivity deal with Lucasfilm Games ended in October 2020.
- EA released only four core Star Wars games over the past decade.
- The company’s game quality, limited games released, and monetization concerns likely contributed to the termination of the exclusivity deal.
- The Star Wars gaming franchise is now open to other developers.
- Disney has announced plans to develop a new lineup of Star Wars games, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: Squadrons.