Was Battlefront 3 99% Done?
The cancellation of Star Wars Battlefront 3 in 2008 was a significant blow to fans of the series and the gaming community. Ever since, there have been many questions and speculations about the game’s progress and what could have caused its cancellation. One particular question that has been extensively debated is whether the game was 99% done before its cancellation. Yes, according to statements from Steve Ellis, one of the co-founders of Free Radical Design, the game was indeed extremely close to completion.
Background and Development
Released in 2004 and 2005, Star Wars Battlefront II and Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron were well-received by fans and critics alike. The series enjoyed a strong following, which led to the development of a third installment. Initially, the game was aimed to be released in mid-2008, just in time for the lucrative holiday season.
Licensing Issues and Creative Directions
However, the road to completion was not straightforward. LucasArts, the owner of the Star Wars franchise, had some creative differences with Free Radical Design. Specifically, LucasArts wanted a game that focused on the original trilogy, while Free Radical Design was developing a game based on the prequels.
This led to a stalemate, with neither party willing to compromise. As time went on, the financial costs of developing the game increased, and the licensing agreement with LucasArts became more expensive. To make matters worse, the publisher was also facing financial woes, which further complicated the situation.
Cancellation and Confirmation
In October 2008, LucasArts officially cancelled Star Wars Battlefront III. The news sent shockwaves through the gaming community, with many fans left questioning what could have been. In a 2012 interview, Steve Ellis candidly confirmed that the game was indeed 99% done before its cancellation.
What Happens When a Game is Almost Complete?
When a game is almost complete and is then cancelled, what happens to the assets? In the case of Star Wars Battlefront 3, it is assumed that the game’s design, art, and development were largely finished. Unfortunately, this means that little to no content was developed for the game’s supposed sequel, Star Wars Battlefront IV (which was never officially confirmed).
Conclusion
There you have it – after years of speculation, Steve Ellis has confirmed that Star Wars Battlefront 3 was indeed 99% done before its cancellation in 2008. Whether the game would have achieved the same level of quality as its predecessors or provided a fresh experience remains impossible to know. Nevertheless, the cancellation of the game has left a lasting mark on the gaming community.