The Star Wars gaming landscape is poised for its most significant expansion in years, with reports that a third entry in the modern Battlefront series is currently in active development. Electronic Arts has reportedly tapped both EA DICE and Respawn Entertainment to co-develop the long-awaited sequel, potentially ending a six-year hiatus for the high-profile shooter franchise.
The news follows a period of critical success for Star Wars interactive media. Recent months have seen the release of the well-received tactics title Star Wars: Zero Company and the high-speed podracing game Star Wars: Galactic Racer. However, despite these niche successes, the mainline Battlefront series has remained largely dormant since 2017.
The previous installment, Star Wars: Battlefront II, overcame a famously rocky launch involving microtransaction controversies to eventually become a robust, feature-rich experience. However, the game received its final content update six years ago. This long gap means that the vast majority of the modern Disney+ era of the franchise—including series such as Andor, The Mandalorian & Grogu, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Bad Batch—has yet to be fully integrated into a dedicated triple-A shooter.
Industry insiders suggest the new project aims to rectify this content deficit. Beyond current streaming hits, the development could incorporate upcoming projects like Maul: Shadow Lord or the rumored Star Wars: Starfighter. There is also potential for the inclusion of niche fan-favorite characters such as Biddy Blas, who have gained traction in the community during the series’ absence from the market.
While the confirmation of Battlefront 3 development is a major milestone for fans, it comes during a period of significant turmoil at Electronic Arts. The company recently confirmed that approximately 14,000 employees—representing roughly 3% of its global workforce—are being laid off. Perhaps more significantly for long-time fans, the legendary studio BioWare is reportedly being shuttered. Known for genre-defining titles like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and the original Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the closure of BioWare marks a major shift in EA’s internal structure.
Despite these cuts, EA appears to be prioritizing its most bankable licensed properties. In addition to the Battlefront revival, Respawn Entertainment is reportedly moving forward with a new entry in the Jedi series and an Iron Man project. The decision to move ahead with Battlefront 3 suggests that, even amidst a wider industry contraction, the demand for expansive Star Wars experiences remains a core component of the publisher’s long-term strategy.
