The Future of Star Wars Battlefront: What’s Next for the Franchise?

The Future of Star Wars Battlefront: What’s Next for the Franchise?

Recently, the gaming community has been buzzing with calls for another Star Wars Battlefront game. DICE’s Battlefront II, released in 2017, is experiencing a revival, particularly on PC, where more players are flocking to it. The community seeks to harness this renewed interest through a day-long global event, aiming to celebrate the game’s legacy and boost its player base. This resurgence is closely tied to the famed Star Wars day on May 4, alongside public endorsements from actors like Muhannad Ben Amor, who expressed his hope for a Battlefront III. “I grew up with Battlefront II; I’ve been a veteran since day one,” he commented. “Let’s hope a Battlefront III happens.”

For nearly two decades, the Star Wars Battlefront series has undergone remarkable transformations. The original games were crafted during the Star Wars prequel era by the late Pandemic Studios, while its modern iterations come from the renowned Battlefield developer, DICE. Although a third installment in the Battlefront series has never surfaced, development efforts for a Battlefront III were once underway, with Timesplitters creator Free Radical Design taking a swing at it. Before EA acquired the Star Wars gaming license, LucasArts attempted to revamp the series, exploring concepts like an online-only game and a smaller multiplayer experience. Sadly, these efforts never materialized.

Image: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts

The debate surrounding the potential return of Star Wars Battlefront is complex. Many beloved Star Wars games never saw the light of day, including versions of Knights of the Old Republic and Force Unleashed. EA’s journey with the franchise has not been smooth either. The company canceled several ambitious projects, including a pirate-themed game from Visceral Games and a Mandalorian-first-person shooter that was in development at Respawn, creators of the acclaimed Jedi games.

Currently, DICE is entirely focused on its next Battlefield installment, leaving little room for the possibility of a new Battlefront. Mats Holm, a former live producer on Battlefront II, mentioned on Reddit that a remaster of the previous game could pave the way for a sequel, especially if the original team participated. However, EA’s selective approach to remasters could hinder this initiative.

Since the release of Fallen Order in 2019, the focus for Star Wars games has shifted primarily to single-player experiences, including upcoming titles like Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws. The relatively recent success of Star Wars Squadrons highlights about EA’s reluctance to delve back into Star Wars multiplayer, particularly following the backlash regarding Battlefront II’s initial monetization strategy. Epic Games has also captured significant attention away from traditional Battlefront iterations, especially through a recent “Galactic Battle” event in Fortnite, showcasing characters from the franchise and enhancing its multiplayer presence.

Both versions of Star Wars Battlefront once stood out as the premier multiplayer destinations for fans. With updates that integrated content from across all three trilogies, Battlefront II was heavily supported and valued. However, since DICE ceased support in 2019, the franchise has not gained consistent momentum that would encourage a real drive for Battlefront III.

DICE/EA

Looking ahead to 2026, anticipated Fortnite tie-ins with series like The Mandalorian & Grogu and upcoming films promise to keep the franchise dynamic. Like many others, Star Wars is entwined with Epic Games, and Disney’s ongoing partnership shows little sign of wavering.

Despite the many hurdles, hope for a Star Wars Battlefront III remains alive. With the Star Wars universe poised for new ventures and explorations, fans naturally wonder how a new installment would fit into this evolving landscape—especially considering the fast-paced nature of online gaming.

What are the chances of Star Wars Battlefront III being made? The interest in a new game is certainly there, but with so many recent developments in the Star Wars landscape, timing and resources could affect its viability.

Could a remaster of the earlier games lead to a sequel? Many fans believe that revisiting the original Battlefront games with updated graphics and content could serve as a stepping stone for future projects.

How did Star Wars Battlefront II impact the gaming community? The game became a battleground for debates over monetization and game design, influencing how franchises approach multiplayer gaming.

What other Star Wars games are currently in development? While a Battlefront new title is uncertain, there is a focus on single-player narratives, with titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor capturing audience attention.

Where does the Star Wars franchise go from here? With new films and shows planned for the future, the franchise is set to expand, leaving room for potential new gaming experiences.

For those eager to explore more about the world of Star Wars and its upcoming projects, keep an eye out for what lies ahead, and don’t forget to visit Moyens I/O for the latest insights and updates.