More than two years into its initial reveal (and several more years after its existence was “leaked” online) the fate of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake now hands in the balance. Embracer Group, the conglomerate that owns Saber Interactive and Aspyr Media, refuses to talk about the game. To make matters worse, Sony reportedly wants to be rid with it, effectively withdrawing its support for what could’ve been a best-selling PlayStation 5 exclusive. This worrisome combination of circumstances leaves the project in limbo.
This uncertainty is compounded by the financial turmoil faced by Embracer Group, which recently witnessed the closure of studios and layoffs of around 900 employees. The company’s focus on becoming “a leaner, stronger company” might imply a shift away from ambitious projects like the KOTOR remake.
Industry insider Jeff Grubb suggests that Lucasfilm Games, the arm overseeing the video game adaptations of the Star Wars franchise, requires a substantial financer such as Sony to fund the project. Grubb’s assertion that Sony has backed out and Lucasfilm’s reluctance to invest heavily in game development places the KOTOR remake in jeopardy. The situation necessitates a new financier for the game to materialize.
Microsoft emerges as a potential savior in this scenario. The tech giant’s historical association with KOTOR – the original game was an exclusive for the first Xbox console – positions it as an ideal candidate to take up the mantle. Furthermore, Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard indicates a willingness to invest in high-profile gaming ventures. We can envision an alternate reality where Microsoft did exactly this and cobbled up a competent AAA team from its wealth of first-party studios to work on the remake. However, such an investment would require careful consideration. It’s a big and risky venture that has seen its fair share of controversial failures, including Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Battlefront 2.
Despite the obvious red flags, there’s plenty of potential for a high-quality AAA Star Wars outing. Earlier this year, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor outsold every other game in April in the United States despite coming out on the 28th. It’s one of the best-selling games of the year and one of the best-selling Star Wars games ever. Both are high marks that help highlight what other developers like Ubisoft and Skydance Media see in the franchise.
Of course, the question of the rights to the KOTOR remake remains a unique challenge. Although given its financial struggles, Embracer Group will probably give it up if paid the right price. Besides, Microsoft’s intervention could ensure the remake’s completion and potentially avoid any platform exclusivity.
Ultimately, this is all speculative, at best. The only thing that’s clear is that Embracer Group is refusing to talk about the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, which is a shame. The good news is that it isn’t the only Star Wars game that’s coming soon.
After the success of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor earlier this year, Respawn Entertainment has confirmed that a threequel is in development. Finally, Ubisoft is set to release Star Wars: Outlaws in early 2024, presumably before the current fiscal year ends.
