EA Cancels Star Wars Shooter at Respawn: Focusing on Jedi and Apex Legends Futures

Electronic Arts (EA) has made the strategic decision to halt the development of a Star Wars first-person shooter game that was in the works at Respawn Entertainment. This move comes as part of a broader realignment of the studio's priorities towards other high-profile projects.

Strategic Refocus on Jedi and Apex Legends Series

The announcement of the game's cancellation was made in conjunction with news of nearly 700 layoffs across the company, underscoring a period of significant change for EA. Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, explained that the decision was based on a strategic review of Respawn's project portfolio. It became evident that the gaming community's anticipation is centered around the Jedi series and the Apex Legends franchise. As a result, EA has chosen to reallocate Respawn's resources towards these titles, believing them to align more closely with the fans' interests and the company's long-term objectives.

A Difficult Decision Acknowledging Team Efforts

EA's choice to discontinue the Star Wars FPS project, led by industry veteran Peter Hirschmann, reflects a prioritization of resources rather than a critique of the development team's capability or dedication. Miele emphasized that the decision does not detract from the team's talent or their commitment to the project. Instead, it underlines EA's intent to focus on delivering sequels to beloved franchises that resonate with their audience. The announcement also coincided with Cameron Monaghan's reveal at the Ocala Comic Con about his involvement in a third installment of the Star Wars Jedi series, hinting at the company's continued investment in the acclaimed saga.

Looking Ahead: Respawn's Continued Legacy

The redirection away from the Star Wars FPS does not mark the end of Respawn's innovative contributions to the gaming world. With the studio's history of creating immersive experiences, as evidenced by Peter Hirschmann's past work on titles like the original Battlefront games and The Force Unleashed, expectations remain high for future projects. As the gaming community looks forward to new adventures in the Jedi and Apex Legends series, Respawn's commitment to excellence and EA's strategic focus promise exciting developments for fans of these storied franchises.