In a recent turn of events, the developers of EA’s upcoming Star Wars strategy game have confirmed that their project has survived the mass layoffs that took place last week. This comes as a relief to many, especially considering the cancellation of a first-person Star Wars shooter from Apex Legends studio Respawn, who are collaborating on the upcoming title. The currently untitled Star Wars strategy game was first announced to be in development at Bit Reactor a couple of years ago, with the studio made up of former XCOM and Sid Meier’s Civilization developers from Firaxis, led by ex-XCOM art director Greg Foertsch.
Despite the recent setbacks within EA, including the layoffs of close to 700 employees and the closure of single-player Battlefield studio Ridgeline, Bit Reactor’s Star Wars strategy game remains untouched. The partnership with Respawn, who have experience in the Star Wars universe through titles like Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor, continues to thrive. The cancellation of Respawn’s Star Wars FPS, which was announced alongside the strategy game, signaled a shift away from licensed IP towards EA’s own brands. However, the confirmation that Bit Reactor’s project is “unaffected” brings a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil in the industry.
As the developers continue their hard work on the Star Wars strategy game, fans are eager to learn more about the project. In response to inquiries, Bit Reactor mentioned that a first look will be revealed “as soon as it’s ready”. The studio’s ambitions to revolutionize the strategy genre, akin to what Baldur’s Gate 3 did for CRPGs, are commendable. By pushing the boundaries of innovation and storytelling in strategy games, Bit Reactor aims to create a unique experience that transcends the realm of XCOM clones in Star Wars attire.
According to Foertsch, the strategy genre has immense potential for growth, innovation, and storytelling that has yet to be fully explored. With a focus on rich narratives and immersive art, Bit Reactor’s Star Wars strategy game intends to carve out a niche in the gaming market. By challenging the conventions of traditional strategy games and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the genre, the developers are striving to create a game that will leave a lasting impact on players.
The survival of EA’s Star Wars strategy game amidst the recent layoffs is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the developers at Bit Reactor. Despite the challenges faced by the gaming industry, the team remains undeterred in their mission to deliver an innovative and captivating experience to fans of the Star Wars universe. As we await further updates on the project, it is evident that the future of strategy games is poised for a revolution thanks to the ambitious efforts of studios like Bit Reactor.
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