[Update] A representative for LucasFilm spoke to GameInformer, who claims that Star Wars 1313 may be saved, and Star Wars video games will still have a future.
All of these things happened at once. Naturally, as any company that goes through a big announcement like this, you have to look through your whole portfolio and realign some things. 1313 was looking fantastic, the reception has been great. Our other unannounced titles are fine, it just got to a point where from a business standpoint we couldn’t continue developing those internally and keep up with the direction that the company was going.
It is worth noting that we are looking for proven external partners who can help us provide video games to our fans. We still believe in the video game industry, we still will provide Star Wars games, we’re just looking at different models rather than internal production… They’re evaluating everything.
It’s super sad. It’s a terrible day. I want to make sure everyone realizes that there still will be Star Wars games out there.
Unfortunately, this still means that some 150 people are out of jobs, and the titles may end up being outsourced. Bummer.
[Original Story] Reports have hit the web stating that Disney, who recently acquired LucasFilm and with it, LucasArts and the Star Wars franchise, have shut down LucasArts, laying off over 150 employees. Disney is also said to have cancelled all Star Wars games that were in development, including the extremely promising Star Wars 1313, and Star Wars: First Assault.
PSLS awarded Star Wars 1313 with a Best of E3 Award in 2012 in hopes that the Uncharted-style shooter might find a home on the PS4. Sadly, that won’t be the case, and many talented people are without jobs. We wish them the best of luck.
What do you think of this closure? Were you looking forward to either of the Star Wars games?
