A Shift Toward Diverse Gaming Experiences

Following the positive reception of 2026’s Zero Company and Galactic Racer, Lucasfilm is signaling a clear intent to broaden the scope of its gaming portfolio. These titles—an XCOM-style tactical game and an arcade racer, respectively—demonstrate a move away from the traditional Star Wars mold, focusing instead on creative projects from smaller-scale independent studios.

According to Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games, this approach is a deliberate part of their current business strategy. While massive triple-A blockbusters remain a cornerstone, the company is increasingly interested in exploring varied genres within the Star Wars universe.

«The goal has been to find the best partner who makes that experience come alive inside the galaxy far, far away. And it doesn't have to always be triple-A, sometimes it can be double-A, and it's really about the experience that we're delivering and the fantasy we're fulfilling,» Reilly stated in an interview.

Moving Beyond Exclusive Partnerships

This initiative marks a significant departure from Disney's historical strategy following the 2012 Lucasfilm acquisition. After shuttering its internal division, the company previously relied on a restrictive, decade-long exclusivity deal with Electronic Arts. Following the revival of the Lucasfilm Games brand in 2021, the company has adopted a more open-minded philosophy toward potential collaborators.

Reilly noted that the team has been working to become more flexible regarding the types of pitches they accept. By widening their net, they hope to source innovative ideas from developers beyond the industry's top five publishers. While Lucasfilm maintains a rigorous quality standard, favoring teams with proven track records, they are actively looking to surprise fans with unexpected projects of all scales.

The Future of the Franchise

Despite this focus on smaller, offbeat titles, the company is not abandoning its roots in high-profile development. Several major projects remain in the pipeline, including:

  • Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, recently revealed at The Game Awards.
  • The development of the third and final installment in the Star Wars Jedi series.
  • Quantic Dream’s ongoing work on Star Wars: Eclipse.
  • The long-gestating Knights of the Old Republic remake.

By balancing these high-budget tentpoles with experimental indie releases, Lucasfilm aims to ensure that the Star Wars gaming landscape is as varied as the universe itself.