The Star Wars Battlefront franchise has hit some bumps in the road when it comes to releasing a third installment. Back in 2009, Free Radical’s version of Star Wars Battlefront 3 was abruptly canceled by LucasArts, even though it was nearly complete. Fast forward a decade, and EA reportedly turned down DICE’s proposal for a third game in the series, supposedly due to the high cost of the Star Wars license.
EA’s versions of Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2 didn’t have the smoothest launches, each facing its share of criticism. However, over time, players have grown to appreciate these games, particularly the 2017 release of Battlefront 2. This game saw significant improvements with numerous free updates and the elimination of its controversial loot box system, which many considered exploitative. The continued absence of a Star Wars Battlefront 3 is a sore point for fans, and under EA’s current approach, it seems like they’re missing a golden opportunity.
## Star Wars Battlefront 3 Could Have Been EA’s Perfect Live-Service Vehicle
### EA Is Still Trying to Break Into The Live-Service Genre
EA has spent years trying to establish its presence in the live-service gaming scene. Their attempt with Battlefield 2042 in 2021 stands out as a prominent failure. The game fell flat with both critics and players due to its sparse maps, missing franchise staples, and a host of technical issues. Right from the start, it appeared EA used the live-service model as an excuse to push an unfinished product, expecting players to invest upfront with the promise of future content. Although developers have since put effort into improving Battlefield 2042, the damage was significant, and the franchise is still working to recover, nearly four years on.
Yet, EA has not given up on mastering live-service games. The upcoming Skate reboot already features microtransactions, despite not even being in early access. Furthermore, EA CEO Andrew Wilson made it clear in a recent earnings call that breaking into wider markets requires games that resonate with players seeking shared-world experiences.
### Star Wars Battlefront 3 Could Have Been EA’s Live-Service Hit
With the exception of The Sims 4, most of EA’s ventures into live-service haven’t gone well. However, a successful formula might have already existed under their banner. Released in conjunction with Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode, Star Wars Battlefront 2 was a kind of live-service game before the model fully took shape outside MMOs, regularly bringing new content to its players.
A potential Star Wars Battlefront 3 could have built on the foundation laid by its predecessor, rolling out fresh maps, modes, classes, vehicles, and heroes consistently over time. The Star Wars universe is rich with material for content updates, and it offers plenty of potential cosmetic items, which are incredibly profitable in multiplayer live-service games. By missing out on developing this sequel, EA might have overlooked what could have been a major hit in the live-service realm.
