Summary
A Disney executive has suggested that the company is still interested in producing theStar Wars Knights of the Old Republicremake. TheStar Wars, and by extensionKOTOR, owner has demonstrated an increasing interest in licensing the beloved IP to recognizable gaming studios, seeking to capitalize on obvious demand.
When a remake ofStar Wars Knights of the Old Republicwas announced in 2021, fans were indescribably excited. With the original over two decades old as of 2023, a remake felt more than justified, especially after Aspyr producer Ryan Treadwell confirmed that the trailer featured Jennifer Hale reprising her role as Bastila Shan. However, news since has rarely proved to be positive. Following a vertical slice that allegedly failed to impress executives,Aspyr was eventually taken off the project. Development of theKOTORremake was handed over to Saber Interactive, but fears of a cancellation were not assuaged.
Sean Shoptaw, head of gaming at Disney,told Axiosthat although there was not much he could elaborate on for “obvious reasons,“KOTORremains “an incredibly popular game… there’s still a lot of demand.” The comment, albeit brief, is accurate.Star Warshas been criticized as of late for failing to move beyond the Skywalker name, especially when there exists a wealth of popular, pre-Disney characters yet to be seen in film or TV. When it comes to video games, the most notabledeparture from pre-existing canon isStar Wars Jedi SurvivorBut evenJedi Survivorcould not go without a cameo appearance from one of the most famousStar Warsfigures.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicis one of the most celebrated video games of all time, but executives responsible for the remake are hesitant to even discuss it. Embracer Group, the gaming and media conglomerate that owns both Aspyr and Saber Interactive, has consistently refused to comment on its status, andCEO Lars Wingefors declined to respondwhen questioned publicly, stating that “anything I say to this becomes a headline, so that is my only comment.”
Despite this setback, Disney is seemingly committed to expanding its portfolio ofStar Warsvideo games, an endeavor made much more possible thanks to the conclusion of an exclusivity contract with Electronics Arts. Respawn is likely working on the third installment of Cal Kestis' journey, andUbisoft is expected to releaseStar Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure title, in 2024. Quantic Dream, meanwhile, announcedStar Wars Eclipsein 2021.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
WHERE TO PLAY
Choose Your Path.It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side? Hero or villain, saviour or conqueror… you alone will determine the destiny of the entire galaxy!A brand new Star Wars role-playing experience with unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.Learn to use the Force with over 40 different powers and build your own lightsaber.Adventure through some of the most popular Star Wars locations, including Tatooine and the Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk.Choose your party from nine customisable characters, including Twi’leks, droids and Wookiees.Travel to eight enormous worlds in your own starship, the Ebon Hawk.
