Highlights
- A Disney executive confirms ongoing interest in producing the beloved Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic remake, responding to evident demand.
- Aspyr, the original producer, was taken off the project after a disappointing vertical slice, with Saber Interactive now handling development.
- Embracer Group, the owner of Aspyr and Saber Interactive, refuses to comment on the remake, while Disney continues to expand its Star Wars video game lineup.
A Disney executive has suggested that the company is still interested in producing the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic remake. The Star Wars, and by extension KOTOR, owner has demonstrated an increasing interest in licensing the beloved IP to recognizable gaming studios, seeking to capitalize on obvious demand.
When a remake of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic was announced in 2021, fans were indescribably excited. With the original over two decades old as of 2023, a remake felt more than justified, especially after Aspyr producer Ryan Treadwell confirmed that the trailer featured Jennifer Hale reprising her role as Bastila Shan. However, news since has rarely proved to be positive. Following a vertical slice that allegedly failed to impress executives, Aspyr was eventually taken off the project. Development of the KOTOR remake was handed over to Saber Interactive, but fears of a cancellation were not assuaged.
The Knights of the Old Republic Remake is Long Overdue a Proper Update
With two years having passed since its announcement, the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is long overdue for an official update.
Sean Shoptaw, head of gaming at Disney, told Axios that although there was not much he could elaborate on for "obvious reasons," KOTOR remains "an incredibly popular game... there's still a lot of demand." The comment, albeit brief, is accurate. Star Wars has been criticized as of late for failing to move beyond the Skywalker name, especially when there exists a wealth of popular, pre-Disney characters yet to be seen in film or TV. When it comes to video games, the most notable departure from pre-existing canon is Star Wars Jedi Survivor But even Jedi Survivor could not go without a cameo appearance from one of the most famous Star Wars figures.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the most celebrated video games of all time, but executives responsible for the remake are hesitant to even discuss it. Embracer Group, the gaming and media conglomerate that owns both Aspyr and Saber Interactive, has consistently refused to comment on its status, and CEO Lars Wingefors declined to respond when questioned publicly, stating that "anything I say to this becomes a headline, so that is my only comment."
Despite this setback, Disney is seemingly committed to expanding its portfolio of Star Wars video games, an endeavor made much more possible thanks to the conclusion of an exclusivity contract with Electronics Arts. Respawn is likely working on the third installment of Cal Kestis' journey, and Ubisoft is expected to release Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure title, in 2024. Quantic Dream, meanwhile, announced Star Wars Eclipse in 2021.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic lets players step into the Star Wars universe and engage in their Sci-Fi adventure. Players can create their own character, choosing from a variety of recognizable Star Wars-based races. They can master multiple skills and abilities and even create their own lightsaber.
