Big news has hit tonight as Disney has closed down game developer and publisher LucasArts, which created and published games such as the Monkey Island series, Grim Fandango, a host of Star Wars games including the Battlefront series and Knights Of The Old Republic, as well as the more recent Force Unleashed, and Kinect Star Wars title.
In a statement, Disney has stated that the closure is due to moving from a development model to licensing the company’s various titles to developers outside of the company. The status of the projects that were currently in development, including Star Wars 1313, are unknown but, with the development team being disbanded, it doesn’t look good.
LucasArts was founded in 1982 and enjoyed quite a lot of success with its various franchises, though in the last couple of years it has suffered in terms of critically acclaimed games with the Force Unleashed games and Kinect Star Wars failing to really capture the same fan base as the Battlefront games did. It was purchased along with Lucasfilm in October last year for the sum of $4 billion.
It’s a shame because I was quite looking forward to seeing more of Star Wars 1313. We wish all those who have been laid off luck in finding new positions.
Source: Statement via GameInformer
gaffers101
This is terrible news. I really hope those with talent manage to find positions elsewhere.
gazzagb
Massive shame, 1313 looked brilliant, and a Battlefront 3 would have been amazing.
zb100
NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo………..
Tuffcub
What a bunch of tosspots.
KeRaSh
What the shit? Are you kidding me, Mickey? You had one job!
*insert pic of Darth Vader screaming nooooooo*
If anything happens to Star Wars 1313, the amount of tables that will be flipped will result in a massive sales spike in Ikea goods.
jimmy-google
I’ve found that Disney have made more decent games in the last couple of years than Lucas Arts. They lost their way a long time ago and had regular turnover of management.
This method will mean that Disney don’t lose money from Lucas Arts IP. You only have to look at the mess at Square Enix around Tomb Raider to see companies are struggling to balance the books.
Maybe Crytek UK can get the license to Battlefront III and finish what they started. Disney haven’t ruled out 1313 still being completed by someone.
Severn2j
I’ve said it before, Disney is evil.. Google it.