In a recent development, Electronic Arts (EA) has made the decision to cancel Respawn’s unnamed Star Wars first-person shooter, originally announced in January 2022.
The cancellation is part of EA’s broader strategy to step back from licensed games, as communicated by Laura Miele, EA’s entertainment president, in a memo to staff.
Miele empathetically expressed, “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. Giving fans the next installments of the iconic franchises they want is the definition of blockbuster storytelling and the right place to focus.”
The team previously dedicated to the Star Wars FPS will now be redirected to other projects within the EA portfolio. These include the popular battle royale game Apex Legends, the anticipated Iron Man project, the exciting Black Panther venture, and the development of a third installment in the well-received third-person action series, Star Wars: Jedi.
The decision to cancel the Star Wars FPS aligns with EA’s larger plan to move away from licensed intellectual properties, a strategy prompted by the perceived challenges in the evolving gaming industry. This shift comes at a time when EA has confirmed a significant round of layoffs, affecting around 670 employees. In an email to EA staff, CEO Andrew Wilson assured that the layoff process would be “largely completed by early next quarter.”
This strategic move by EA to pivot away from licensed IP is not isolated but is part of a broader restructuring effort that also includes cuts at Codemasters and Glu Mobile, reflecting the dynamic nature of the gaming landscape. Industry experts have previously reported that this shift in strategy led to the cancellation of at least one game, which now seems to be Respawn’s Star Wars FPS. There are indications that this canceled project might be related to the Mandalorian-themed action game reported earlier this month.
As EA navigates these changes, the company continues to focus on delivering compelling and innovative gaming experiences, emphasizing a commitment to blockbuster storytelling and engaging franchises that resonate with players. The industry awaits further updates on EA’s evolving strategy and the exciting projects that will shape the future of gaming.