TheStar Warsfranchise is on the verge of an exciting evolution in its future, primarily due to the anticipated upcoming gamesStar Wars EclipseandKnights of the Old Republic’s remake. Both titles are set to delve into eras of lore that have remained largely unexplored in mainstream media—Eclipseis set against the backdrop of a familiar time to the prequel films,KOTORtakes place thousands of years in the past. By exploring these periods in current releases, theseStar Warstitles both have the potential to shift the focus of the expanding universe to these more isolated stories set before the movies.
Recent games under the IP, such asUbisoft’sStar Wars Outlawsand Respawn’sJediseries, have mostly focused on familiar timelines that have direct proximity to film events. These stories, while compelling, can inevitably feel constrained by the overarching narratives they exist within in a way that lowers the stakes. By contrast, the more uncharted territories of the Old Republic and High Republic eras could allow developers to craft tales that shapeStar Wars' future as a franchise without compromising.
The Skywalker Saga is Already Well-Trodden Ground
Stories Set Around the Star Wars Film Timelines Have Inherent Limitations on Scale and Impact
While there are significant emotional moments in games likeJedi: Survivor, they can be deflated in the context of established events from the films. There are hardly any genuine stakes when a character likeDarth Vader shows up for a cameo, for instance, as his eventual fate is already well-known and sealed. Stories existing between movie plots can only go so far in terms of greater impact, often relegating them to feeling like mere filler side quests of the universe.
When it comes to narratives in a time so disconnected as the Old Republic, there is far more room to delve into expansive conflict and world-altering events outside the constraints of existing lore. Thedistance fromStar Wars' Skywalker Sagais what allows for shocking moments of high stakes inKOTOR, with wider effects on politics and culture all being able to remain self-contained.
Knights of the Old Republic’s Remake and Star Wars Eclipse Can Open the Doors for Deeper Looks into Fascinating Periods of Lore
The Old Republic and High Republic Are Capable of Supporting an Entire Series of Their Own
With a timeline spanning thousands of years, the Old Republic era contains multiple historical periods within it that are waiting to be further explored. Anywhere from a span of 25,000 to 4,000 years seems to make up the entire timeframe, and there are chances to feature everything from the early rise of Exar Kun to the later tale of Darth Bane, on top of events like the Great Hyperspace War or original narratives.
Star Wars' High Republic era, on the other hand, was firmly established in the current canon after Legends was separated, leaving it relatively new and with ample room for expansion.The Acolytegave some context into the end of the period, but this time of peace protected by united Jedi could easily support another story afterEclipsecontinues to flesh out its details.
Reinstating Iconic Legends Canon
The transition away from Legends has rendered many years of established lore non-canonical, but revisiting older eras provides an opportunity to reintegrate some of these beloved stories and characters back into theStar Warstapestry. Whether it’s the story of the Sith’s Rule of Two coming into prominence or a battle defending the Jedi Order from the Nihil, thepast of theStar Warstimelineholds enough source material to sustain an entirely new game series of interconnected narratives.
