Summary
Swedish video game and media company Embracer Group AB is reportedly selling Saber Interactive, the developer responsible for the upcomingStar Wars: The Knights of the Old Republicremake.Knights of the Old Republicwas a ground-breaking addition to the original Xbox back in 2003, not to mention theStar Warsfranchise.KOTOR’s release was met with critical acclaim, and the title has even appeared on many “best game of all time” lists.
Despite being a fresh take on one of the most celebrated video games ever created, theKOTORremake has had a troubled development period, to say the least. TheKOTORremake was announced as a timed PS5 exclusivein 2021, but the once-promising title has since experienced setback after setback. Fans were initially excited to hear that former BioWare devs and original voice actors were returning for this ground-up remake, but after numerous delays, rumors even circulated claiming the project to be canceled entirely. That doesn’t appear to be the case, but Saber Interactive potentially faces yet another hurdle in its efforts to remake this legendary game.
Bloombergreporter Jason Schreier reports that Embracer Group AB is selling off Saber Interactive “to a group of private investors” for up to $500 million. Embracer purchased Saber Interactive in 2020 for $525 million, but the group has been selling and even shutting down subsidiaries in the past year partially thanks to rising interest rates. Schreier’s source claims Saber could potentially bring more Embracer subsidiaries along as part of the deal. Saber Interactive still plans to continue development on theStar Wars: The Knights of the Old Republicremake.
What’s Next For KOTOR Remake?
The remake of one of theall-time bestStar Warsgamesalready faced an uncertain future before Saber Interactive moved. Still, it’s encouraging to hear the developer plans to continue its endeavors. No release date or window has been offered either before or after the news of the acquisition, and it’s not clear what point in development Saber is currently in. The only clue fans have is that the original developer, Aspyr Media, was removed from the project in 2022.
The year continues to be a turbulent time for game developers in the wake of seemingly endless announcements of layoffs. Recent cutbacks at EA have even led to thecancelation of Respawn’s FPSStar Warsgame. Various members of the team will instead move to other, more established projects likeApex Legendsand the next title in theJediseries.
Despite canceled projects and the troubled development of theKOTORremake, fans still have a lot to look forward to fromStar Warsin 2024. One project in particular that has fans excited isStar Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure title from Ubisoft.Star Wars Outlawsis expected to release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2024.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
WHERE TO PLAY
Choose Your Path.It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side? Hero or villain, saviour or conqueror… you alone will determine the destiny of the entire galaxy!A brand new Star Wars role-playing experience with unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.Learn to use the Force with over 40 different powers and build your own lightsaber.Adventure through some of the most popular Star Wars locations, including Tatooine and the Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk.Choose your party from nine customisable characters, including Twi’leks, droids and Wookiees.Travel to eight enormous worlds in your own starship, the Ebon Hawk.
