Key Takeaways:
- EA cancels in-development Star Wars FPS game from Respawn
- Part of company strategy is to focus more on its own IPs over licensed ones
- Comes amid widespread industry layoffs and cost-cutting
- Star Wars Jedi games not impacted, resources moved to titles like Apex Legends,Iron Man, Black Panther, and Jedi Third Installment.
Star Wars FPS Canceled as EA Prioritizes Flagship Titles
Electronic Arts (EA) has reportedly cancelled an in-development first-person shooter Star Wars game that was being made by Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind titles like Apex Legends and the Star Wars Jedi series.
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EA Prioritizes Its Own IPs Over Licensed Ones
As Per IGN, According to an internal memo from EA executive Laura Miele, the company is shifting its focus more onto owned intellectual properties rather than licensed ones. As part of this strategy, EA has decided to cease development on the unnamed Star Wars FPS.
“It’s always hard to walk away from a project, and this decision is not a reflection of the team’s talent, tenacity, or passion they have for the game,” Miele wrote about the decision. “Giving fans the next instalments of the iconic franchises they want is the right place to focus.”
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The Move Comes Amid Industry-Wide Layoffs
While disappointing for Star Wars fans eagerly awaiting a new FPS set in the beloved universe, the cancellation comes amidst a wave of layoffs and cost-cutting measures being undertaken across the video game industry. Just this week, EA announced it was laying off around 670 employees, representing about 5% of its total workforce.
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Jedi Games Not Impacted, Resources Diverted
The Star Wars Jedi games, including the upcoming third instalment, will reportedly not be affected by EA’s pivoting away from licensed IPs. Respawn, developers of the Jedi titles, is expected to channel resources previously allocated to the now-cancelled Star Wars FPS into expanding other EA properties like Apex Legends instead.
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