Saw this pop upon the Rebel Force Radio Facebook Page first. Then it seems to be confirmed by Geoff Keighley
LucasArts just announced It is moving to a licensing model for games, moving away from development.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) April 3, 2013
There are layoffs also happening at LucasArts. Seems like Disney will now license out Star Wars to other publishers.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) April 3, 2013
I have to say, I’m not surprised. However, I am severely disappointed. I really enjoy games like TFU and Battlefront, and I was looking forward to the (now likely canceled) 1313.
These are sad days for Star Wars fans. There. I said it.
Update:
Both ” Star Wars First Assault and Star Wars 1313 are canceled according to Kotaku:
“After evaluating our position in the games market, we’ve decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company’s risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games,” Disney said in a statement. “As a result of this change, we’ve had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles.”
This comes after weeks and months of rumors involving the studio, which was acquired by Disney last fall. In September, LucasArts put a freeze on all hiring and product announcements, which many staff saw as the beginning of the end. Today, it’s official: the longrunning studio is no more.
Author: admin
The Star Wars Report: A Star Wars Podcasting Network and Website.
Honestly this is probably good news for fans of Star Wars video games. Lucasarts has been a development studio in constant trouble for six or seven years. If anything it’s surprising they weren’t closed earlier with the management dysfunction and tepid response to their marquee titles since 2007 or so. Going to the licensing scheme is going to put the Star Wars IP in the hands of potentially some really good game makers.
While I’m saddened a big part of my life growing up is going away, under the surface this probably will translate into more and better games.
I’m mostly sad about losing 1313 and First Assault. It’s bad news although something good may come of it a few years from now. -R
I’m unsure of whether 1313 would have ever seen the light of day regardless of Disney’s involvement. In the games world, it’s a troubling sign when all that’s really seen is a pre-rendered cinematic trailer. Come about July last year I was skeptical it was ever going to happen, and that was well before the Lucasfilm sale.