Is Star Wars Battlefront Discontinued?
In a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars Battlefront series has captivated gamers with its action-packed multiplayer gameplay and stunning visuals. However, the fate of this beloved franchise has left many fans wondering: is Star Wars Battlefront discontinued? Let’s dive into the answers.
The Beginning: Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2
The first installment, Star Wars Battlefront 1, was released in 2015 and received a lukewarm response from critics and players alike. Despite this, Electronic Arts (EA) persisted and released Star Wars Battlefront 2 in 2017, which received a mixed reception. The game’s focus on microtransactions and limited content sparked controversy among fans.
Cancellation and Shutting Down
As the Star Wars Battlefront 2 controversy continued, EA announced that Star Wars Battlefront 3 was not in development, effectively canceling the next installment. The publisher then discontinued support for Battlefront 2, which received its final update in April 2020. The game’s multiplayer servers were shut down in July 2021.
EA’s Decision to Move On
EA has chosen to focus on other franchises, such as Apex Legends and FIFA, which have seen significant success. The publisher has also made changes to its business strategy, prioritizing online multiplayer experiences and live-service games. Star Wars itself is still an integral part of EA’s gaming universe, with games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars: Squadrons scheduled for release in the coming years.
Key Statistics:
- Star Wars Battlefront 2 sold 9 million copies, falling short of the 10 million estimated goal.
- Star Wars Battlefront 1 sold 14 million copies.
- EA shut down Battlefront 2‘s multiplayer servers in July 2021.
Rise and Fall of Battlefront 2
- Initial Launch: Battlefront 2 received mixed reviews and faced criticism for its limited content and aggressive microtransactions.
- Patch Updates: EA released numerous patch updates to address fan feedback and add new content.
- Community Decline: Despite the efforts, the game’s community gradually declined, and the franchise was eventually discontinued.
The Future of Star Wars Gaming
While the Star Wars Battlefront series may be dormant, the Star Wars franchise remains a cornerstone of EA’s gaming universe. Fans can look forward to upcoming games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars: Squadrons, which will offer new experiences and continue to explore the Star Wars universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Star Wars Battlefront has effectively been discontinued. Although EA has not explicitly confirmed this, the cancellation of Battlefront 3 and the shutdown of Battlefront 2‘s multiplayer servers leave little doubt. Despite the controversy surrounding the franchise, the Star Wars series remains a beloved part of gaming culture, and fans can look forward to new experiences in the years to come.
Resources:
- EA’s Statement on Battlefront 2’s Sales and Reception
- Kotaku’s Report on the State of Battlefront 2
- Screen Rant’s Article on the Cancellation of Battlefront 3