Forget Star Wars Movies, the Franchise’s Future Belongs to Video Games
Star Wars’ future may hinge on video games like Zero Company, which expand lore beyond films and let players shape stories in ways movies cannot.
Lucasfilm announced Star Wars - Episode X, a direct sequel to the Skywalker Saga, with Simon Kinberg writing the screenplay and Jon Watts directing. Kinberg previously worked on Star Wars Rebels and Episode VII, while Watts directed three Spider-Man films and the Star Wars TV series Skeleton Crew. The announcement follows a period of mixed reception for Disney-era Star Wars projects, reigniting franchise excitement for some fans.
Zero Company, a turn-based strategy game from Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment, arrived in late August and has been praised for its deep Star Wars lore and player-driven storytelling. Players customize a mercenary named Hawks, who can work for factions like the Republic or Gorga the Hutt, while forming bonds with a team of hired guns. The game’s script introduces the Coil, a mindhive threat, and forces players to make impactful decisions with lasting consequences.
Zero Company draws comparisons to *XCOM* while immersing players in Star Wars’ most resonant lore, featuring familiar faces like Anakin Skywalker without feeling like mere Easter eggs. The game’s narrative explores dark moments in the timeline, such as the Clone Wars, and emphasizes the human cost of war through character-driven missions. Players experience emotional stakes as operators face death or failure, evoking the ragtag spirit of the original Star Wars films.
Star Wars has long been a gaming property, but recent titles like *Knights of the Old Republic* and *Jedi: Survivor* have pushed the franchise beyond film canon. Games like *Squadrons*, *Outlaws*, and *Galactic Racer* explore untold stories and fringe conflicts, offering fresh perspectives on the universe. As the franchise approaches its 50th anniversary, games may prove more vital than films in sustaining its cultural relevance.