Edited By
Samir Patel
A former DICE developer has revealed that fans shouldn't expect a new installment of Star Wars: Battlefront any time soon. Despite a recent surge in interest, internal challenges and development risks make the future of the franchise uncertain.
DICE, heavily focused on the Battlefield series, faces significant hurdles for a new Battlefront project. The developer's commitment to other projects means that a fresh title couldnโt roll out before 2030. โEven if development started today, itโd be 5 +/- years until it released,โ shared one observer.
The challenges stem from multiple factors:
Resource Allocation: DICE's primary team is primarily dedicated to Battlefield, leaving limited resources for a Battlefront project. One comment reflected, "DICE has shown that managing a Battlefield game stretches them too thin."
Development Costs: A substantial investment would be required, particularly with the demands placed by Disney regarding revenue shares and expectations for a live-service model. A developer noted, "A new Battlefront would require a new studio dedicated solely to that game."
Market Climate: The lifespan of interest in Battlefront could dwindle. One community member pointed out, โIn those 5+ years, the support for this movement will completely die out.โ
Interestingly, there are discussions about a Battlefront 2 remaster instead of a new game. This could be a more viable option, especially considering a shorter development timeline of just 2-3 years. Improvements could include cross-play, dynamic weather, and a 1-vs-1 mode, potentially refreshing the experience for players. This idea seems more strategic given the current market conditions.
"Once updated, it could help in building momentum for a Battlefront 3,โ one developer suggested.
While there is a buzzing interest in the franchise, the actual commitment from DICE appears muted. Many comments reflected skepticism about the future of the Battlefront series, highlighting its past issues like hacking and server stability. Curiously, one user remarked, "Battlefront gets a surge every two years, but the problems from previous editions aren't forgotten."
๐ "DICE is all in on Battlefield, leaving little hope for Battlefront 3 soon."
๐ "A remaster of Battlefront 2 may be a more realistic option."
๐ "User interest may wane before any new title would be launched."
It's clear that any new installment hinges on DICE's ability to manage resources effectively amid competing priorities. For now, fans may have to be patient or resort to remastered versions for their Star Wars gaming fix until clearer plans are revealed.
The future of the Star Wars Battlefront series appears to lean heavily toward a remaster of Battlefront 2 rather than a full sequel. Given DICEโs commitment to Battlefield, the likelihood of a Battlefront 3 being developed is low, with estimates suggesting a possibility of 20% for any new game launching before 2030. If discussions on the remaster proceed effectively, there's a strong chance that improvements like cross-play and dynamic weather could stir interest among fans. Experts predict this shift in focus will not only cater to immediate market conditions but also build the groundwork for a future franchise return, provided DICE can capture the communityโs trust again before the waning enthusiasm sets in.
This situation recalls the fate of the Duke Nukem franchise. After years of stalled progress and shifting priorities, the iconic series saw its resurgence finally realized through a remaster of its older titles. While it didnโt quite meet the expectations as a new entry, it reignited a conversation around a beloved brand. Just like Duke Nukem's resurgence, the remaster possibility for Battlefront 2 could breathe life into the franchise and rekindle interest. This scenario emphasizes how nostalgia, when paired with technological updates, can bridge the gap between past and present, sparking renewed demand in the gaming landscape.