Eight years after its release, EA's title is experiencing a revival thanks to the Disney series
Although some unofficial reports suggest that Battlefront II could have reached more than 160,000 active players across all platforms, EA still hasn't shared precise global data. The main obstacles for a new title include the cost of the Star Wars license, the need to redesign monetization mechanics, and the pressure to avoid past mistakes.
The classic Star Wars Battlefront II (2017), developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, has just broken its all-time record for concurrent players on Steam, surpassing 12,000 users connected at the same time. This unexpected phenomenon is happening eight years after the game's official release and is directly related to the success of the Andor series on Disney+ and the overall increase in interest in the Star Wars universe.
In addition to the impact of the series starring Diego Luna, events such as Star Wars Celebration and campaigns driven by content creators on social media have revitalized the title's multiplayer scene, which for years was criticized for its microtransaction system.
The explosion of activity has once again put the possibility of a third installment in the saga on the table. Although EA hasn't made any official announcements, there are strong signs of interest from the fan and developer community. One of the most prominent is Mats Helge Holm, a former developer who worked on the game's Celebration Edition in 2019. In recent statements, he expressed his willingness to bring the original team together for a new project, although he admitted that logistical factors could make that reunion difficult, such as the availability of former creative director Dennis Brännvall.
Holm noted that "the community is still alive and enthusiastic. There's a solid base that won't let this game die," in what many interpret as a message to EA.
It is worth remembering that the launch of Battlefront II was heavily criticized for its loot box-based progression system. Although it was later completely redesigned, that episode left a negative mark on the game's and EA's image.
From YouTube channels to Reddit forums, players are organizing massive matches, beginner guides, and campaigns to keep the title alive. Amateur development teams have even formed to design new maps, modes, and unofficial graphical optimizations.
Meanwhile, many see this resurgence as an opportunity for EA to reconsider and consider developing Battlefront III, something that seems increasingly possible if sustained interest continues.
