Disney’s Dissolution of LucasArts - The Facts And Why You Should Be Happy

As most of you are probably already aware, Disney made the decision to shut down a large portion of LucasArts, firing roughly 150 employees and disarming their development capabilities. There is an astonishing quantity of non-factual information and emotional rhetoric washing over the web right now about this, so it’s time to take a breath, sit back, and look at things objectively.

[dungeonboss]

Actually, this was a pretty good read. Makes perfect sense. I mean, it sucks that a lot of people lost their jobs, but to be fair, there hasn't been a good internally developed Star Wars (or Indiana Jones) game for quite a while.

[PopRocks359]

It makes sense from a business standpoint for sure, but still, it's hard not to sympathize with the gamers out there who are disappointed by the news. Star Wars 1313 looked very promising and was one of the first peeks the public had to next generation graphics. The way I see it, it's a mixed bag.

[porkChop]

Good point. But no one can deny that Star Wars 1313 looked amazing. As PopRocks said, that was really the first "next gen" looking game that we got to see. I'm hoping that Disney licenses the game to someone else so that the game can be finished.

[ZeekQuattro]

Why should I be happy when games that I'm interested get canned. Its hard being a fan of Star Wars videogames when it seems like they all get canceled.

[aliengmr]

Because LucasArts had neither the resources nor the talent to bring you those games. Then there's this:

"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

So...Reading, yea.

@below

So its a comprehension issue. Well good luck with that.

[ZeekQuattro]

And some how the fact that I did read the article should make me happy. Smh It failed.

[mrmancs]

one of the original lucas employees was quoted to say that the star wars franchise had killed creative output at the company. Maybe they should have moved on and done new stuff?

[SolidDuck]

But I just wanted a new Star Wars battlefront game.

[Tultras]

That could happen, infact it's just as likely to happen as before, considering that the battlefront games weren't developed by lucasarts either, ironically.

[redmon89]

so since they closed can other companies use digital molecular matter and euphoria from force unleashed games now? or could they already?

[PixelJudge]

Those are third party tools and anyone can get a license for them.

[redmon89]

oh nice lol... it would be amazing if gta v had dmm

[Tone]

I want a next gen xwing v tie fighter!

[RFornillos4]

they should license Stars Wars to a company who can create a decent RPG out of it. By RPG I mean Mass Effect-RPG, and not MMORPG. the Star Wars franchise has tons of storyline to choose from and, an RPG could explore those. heck, they can even go the JRPG way, and it would still sell.

the storyline they should tackle should be some time before or after the movies and/or even the Clone Wars TV series.

[chrisgay]

You should check out Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It ticks every one of your requirements- it is developed by the very people who developed Mass Effect, it is not an MMO and it is set 4000 years before the events in the movies.

Not only that, it is a fantastic game.

Your post seems almost comically ironic, but perhaps a joke has gone right over my head. EIther way, Knights of the Old Republic is seriously worth playing.

[aliengmr]

Why not New Republic Era?

Clone Wars is so tired at this point.

[MaleManSam]

If this means I'll never see a bioware made Star wars: Knight of the old republic III then I continue to weep... :(

[PixelJudge]

Considering BioWare is not BioWare anymore but an "EA company" that might not be such a big loss.

[CommanderWTF]

At this point I would rather have Obsidian develop it. The Bioware we once knew is no more.

[BATRA]

i just heard that a star wars game is coming to the wii u and it might be a mmorpg game thats a very good news

[Lone_Man]

nice article....a fan of star wars should read it....i need 1313

[t0mmyb0y]

I think Star Wars is going to die with George hanging up the towel.

[andron]

I agree, SW is dead long live the "new" SW.

And mr Lucas release those the original theatrical trilogy on BD...

[aliengmr]

Please, Lucas was horrible for Star Wars.

The franchise would have been dead if not for the expanded universe, which good ole George promptly shat on.

Star Wars can live without him.

[aliengmr]

Finally, someone sees LucasArts for what it is. LA has been is shambles for years. But everyone is crying like its still the 90's and LA wasn't purposefully trying to kill the Star Wars license with a crap SW games.

Seriously, 1313 may have looked neat, but it was far from complete. LA's track record in recent years speaks volumes. There was a pretty good chance it could have sucked. Unless you just buy the E3 hype, in which case, may I present Gearbox.