Will There EVER Be a Star Wars Battlefront 3? The Saga Continues (and Doesn’t)
Star Wars Battlefront 3 is a mythical entity in gaming. It’s like Bigfoot, but we have gameplay footage from 2008 instead of blurry photos. Since 2008, fans ask if Battlefront 3 will be made. Let’s explore this galactic mystery.
The Ghost of Battlefront 3 Past: Free Radical’s Ill-Fated Project
This tale is about ambition, overreach, and corporate struggles louder than a crumbling Death Star. Back in the mid-2000s, Free Radical Design got the nod to create Star Wars Battlefront 3. They were also behind TimeSplitters.
Production began in 2006. Plans were grand for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. Picture blasting droids using your Wii Remote. It promised seamless ground battles and space dogfights, new units, fresh maps, and quick gameplay. Leaked footage from November 2008 showcased these visions.
But, like many projects, it crashed faster than Anakin’s podracer in the Boonta Eve Classic. It was officially canceled in 2008, leaving fans disappointed. Why did this happen? Like many tales, it involved too many cooks and a kitchen fire.
Sources hinted at three reasons for the project’s end. First, Free Radical also worked on Haze, a PlayStation 3 exclusive shooter that didn’t excel. Resources were diverted to Haze during Battlefront 3’s early development. Imagine baking two complex cakes at once.
Second, Free Radical overestimated their capacities. They were a bit too optimistic about meeting project goals. Game development is complex, like navigating an asteroid field blindfolded. Missing deadlines happens often but in this case, it was dire.
Lastly, LucasArts, who held the Star Wars franchise, felt Free Radical lacked transparency. Honesty is key, especially when millions of dollars are involved. The relationship soured, and the project was dropped like an escape pod from a failing Star Destroyer.
The ultimate shock? Steve Ellis stated in 2012 that Battlefront 3 was 99% complete when canceled. Ninety-nine percent! It’s like running a marathon and collapsing near the finish line. The gaming world shed a collective tear.
However, there’s a twist! A group of dedicated fans created a playable build from leaked assets. Yes, you can a version of Free Radical’s Battlefront 3 on PC using the Dolphin Wii emulator. It’s not polished or finished, but exists. It’s a ghostly echo of what could have been.
A Galaxy of Battlefront Games: From Classic to Modern
While the ghost of Battlefront 3 remains, the Star Wars Battlefront series is very much alive. Let’s take a journey through the games that made it to our consoles and PCs.
Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) – The OG
This is the game that started it all. Released in 2004, the original Star Wars Battlefront placed us in epic Star Wars battles. First and third-person views? Check. Iconic locations from Episodes I-VI? Double-check. Single-player modes galore? Triple-check! Instant Action for quick battles and Galactic Conquest for strategic dominance were included.
Age-wise, it’s good for ages 12 and up. Think of it as Star Wars action but toned down from intense scenes. Perfect for young Padawans and seasoned Jedi alike.
Star Wars Battlefront II (2005) – The Fan Favorite
Building on success, Star Wars Battlefront II (2005) went bigger and bolder. This is the one many fans love most. It sold 9 million copies worldwide – more than some planets have people! It improved gameplay, added space battles, and introduced heroes.
In of canon, the single-player campaign is fully canon in the Star Wars universe. The multiplayer, while based on canon events, is more a “what if” sandbox type experience. Think of playing with Star Wars toys in a wide-open universe.
Star Wars Battlefront (2015) – The Reboot
Fast forward to 2015 when EA DICE rebooted the series. Titled Star Wars Battlefront, it focused on visuals and immersive environments. It was beautiful, with stunning recreations of Star Wars locations but lacked a true single-player campaign which drew some criticism.
Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) – Redemption and Live Service
EA DICE returned in 2017 with another Star Wars Battlefront II. This time they included a single-player campaign and promised ongoing content updates. Initially troubled by loot box issues, the game redeemed itself with consistent updates and new heroes, maps, and modes.
However, all things end eventually. In April 2020, DICE announced they would halt new content for Battlefront II while keeping it playable. It’s like servers going into semi-retirement; still online but no more expansions.
for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 for Battlefront II ended on November 30th too. It’s like the game asking older systems to retire for “safe play,” of course.
Before ended we got the Celebration Edition in December 2019. This edition included all cosmetic content released, making it the ultimate version for players seeking to customize their experience.
Even in March 2025 (yes, seriously!), Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) still has an active player base. Numbers often change but you can find a game quite easily. Some days are busier but others are calm – it’s the nature of online gaming.
No crossplay exists. Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) has separated PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players like opposing factions. No galactic peace here, just platform segregation. You can play it on PS5 as it’s a PS4 game running decently on newer consoles although some features might be missing.
Content-wise, it’s rated PG-13 due to “Sci-Fi Violence and Action Sequences.” So there are pew-pew laser fights and lightsaber duels but not overly graphic scenes. Unless you count being blasted by a hero multiple times as emotional damage.
Offline modes? Mostly online thankfully. There’s a single-player campaign and Arcade mode with challenges but the heart of Battlefront II (2017) is online multiplayer. It feels like a lively party with quieter rooms for those seeking solitude.
Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection – A Blast from the Past
Nostalgic fans were thrilled when the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection released on March 14, 2024. This bundles the original Star Wars: Battlefront together with…
Star Wars Battlefront II (the 2005 version) is now on modern platforms. This includes Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
This is not a simple re-release. The Classic Collection features online multiplayer. It has the Galactic Conquest mode. It includes an expanded Hero Assault mode and extra characters and maps. It’s like a greatest hits album with some bonus tracks.
Cross-platform play is not available. The Classic Collection keeps consoles and PC players separate. There is cross-generational play. PS4 and PS5 players can play together. Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players can forces as well. Family bonding happens, but only within the same console family.
The Future of Star Wars Games: What’s on the Horizon?
Battlefront 3 is still uncertain. However, the Star Wars gaming galaxy is alive with new projects. Several exciting games are in development. They promise to keep us engaged with lightsabers and blasters.
Star Wars Jedi 3 – Cal Kestis’ Continued Journey
EA and Respawn Entertainment are developing Star Wars Jedi 3. This will continue the tale of Cal Kestis. Cameron Monaghan will reprise his role as the hero. Fans look forward to more lightsaber action and Force powers.
Amy Hennig’s New Star Wars Project – Skydance Media’s Mystery
In 2022, Skydance Media announced a new Star Wars game. Amy Hennig, former director of the Uncharted series, is in charge. Details remain limited. Hennig’s involvement raises expectations. We anticipate narrative-driven, character-focused gameplay.
Bit Reactor’s Turn-Based Tactics Game – Strategic Star Wars
Bit Reactor, produced by Respawn, is working on a turn-based tactics game. This project was first teased in 2022. It was unveiled at Star Wars Celebration in April 2023. The game aims to focus on tactical combat. It will offer a unique Star Wars experience.
EA and Star Wars: A Forceful Partnership (Sometimes)
EA’s relationship with Star Wars games has seen ups and downs. They published modern Battlefront games and the Jedi series. Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) was a collaboration of DICE, Criterion, and Motive Studios.
However, there have been bumps in their journey. While Respawn develops Jedi 3, another title was cancelled. Laura Miele, EA’s entertainment boss, announced this in an email. Sometimes projects don’t survive hyperspace.
Beyond Games: Star Wars Episodes 10, 11, and 12?
The Star Wars universe goes beyond games. There are talks of a new trilogy—potentially Episodes 10, 11, and 12. However, these films are not direct continuations of the Skywalker Saga. They may start a brand new saga.
Simon Kinberg is reportedly involved in this new trilogy. The outcome and direction are still uncertain. The Force works mysteriously in Hollywood.
Related Galaxies: Battlefield and Beyond
We’ve mentioned Battlefront. Now let’s talk about its cousin, Battlefield. The next Battlefield game is expected in EA’s fiscal year 2026. It aims for a “next-gen experience.” This means it will be exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
This new Battlefield will return to a single-player campaign. This follows multiplayer-focused Battlefield 2042. EA uses “Battlefield Labs” to gather player before launch. Think of it as beta testing on steroids.
Regarding cancelled Star Wars games, Star Wars: First Assault? LucasArts developed it before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. This was another casualty of corporate shifts.
On a positive note, Star Wars Hunters is a free-to-play arena combat game that features crossplay. There’s some cross-platform action in the Star Wars realm.
Star Wars: General Musings and Trivia
Let’s end with some Star Wars trivia.
George Lucas initially envisioned Star Wars as a six-part saga. He stated there would be no sequel trilogy. Plans evolved over time. In January 2012, Lucas decided to step away from making more films. The Force had different plans.
Interestingly, the best-selling Star Wars game is not the original Battlefront. It is Star Wars Battlefront II (2005). It “changed gaming forever” according to fans because we commanded armies of the Galactic Republic. Nostalgia is a potent Force.
Lastly, why are Star Wars Battlefront games rated 16+? This is due to “frequent, realistic, violent imagery.” The games do show war and lightsaber combat. They fit better for older teens and adults. It’s galactic warfare, not a tea party.
Will we see Star Wars Battlefront 3? Nothing concrete is currently planned. However, in the expanding universe of Star Wars and game development, never say never. For now, we can enjoy the Classic Collection and anticipate new adventures. May the Force be with us.
