Star Wars: Battlefront II and the Franchise’s Riskiest Projects

When Star Wars: Battlefront II arrived on November 17, 2017, it faced a rocky reception. Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, the title struggled at launch due to an online component burdened by excessive grinding and controversial loot boxes. However, nearly ten years later, the perception of the game has shifted significantly among fans, with many now viewing it with fondness for the authentic, large-scale battles set across iconic Star Wars locations.

While the game's multiplayer history is complicated, the single-player campaign stood out from the start. By telling a Star Wars story from the perspective of the Empire, the developers took a calculated risk that helped define the game's legacy. This willingness to explore different narrative angles is a hallmark of several titles in the franchise that dared to push boundaries.

The Risks of Expanding the Galaxy

Battlefront II is just one example of developers taking creative chances within the Star Wars universe. Other titles have experimented with the franchise in ways that define them to this day:

• Star Wars: Dark Forces: Long before the events of the modern films, this title provided the definitive version of how the Rebel Alliance acquired the Death Star plans, turning Kyle Katarn into an icon.
• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: Respawn Entertainment took the bold step of depicting the trauma of Order 66, focusing on the psychological toll of the genocide on the surviving Jedi.
• Star Wars: KOTOR II: This sequel challenged the fundamental nature of the Force, questioning whether it is a positive cosmic force or a manipulator of destiny.
• Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: This movie tie-in stands out for its alternate ending, which allows players to defeat Obi-Wan Kenobi as Anakin, preventing his transformation into Darth Vader.

Other games, such as Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, expanded on morally grey protagonists, while Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire attempted a narrative set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Titles like Star Wars: Squadrons and Star Wars Episode I: Racer also took risks by focusing entirely on specific, niche facets of the universe, such as starfighter combat and podracing, rather than trying to appeal to every fan via a broad scope.