Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderlaunched to widespread acclaim among fans and critics in late 2019. Since then, many have been anxiously waiting for news of a sequel from developer Respawn Entertainment, but while many rumors about aStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order2have been circulating, the game has yet to be confirmed.
Now a new rumor out of the Los Angeles-based studio may be giving fans cause for concern. Respawn is reportedly looking to add a new IP to its collection, to be developed alongsideApex Legends,JFO 2, and the newMedal of Honorgame. But should fans of thehitStar Warstitlebe worried about the impact of the new IP on development?
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The New IP is in the Earliest Stages
The rumors of anew IP at Respawn Entertainmentare based on some extremely substantial evidence. Namely, a job listing posted on the company’s own website, looking for a full-time generalist software engineer. To quote the posting directly, the studio is looking to hire for a “new team being formed to develop a brand new IP.”
The wording of the job posting makes it clear that the new IP is in a very early stage of development. However, the phrasing is also important in givingJedi: Fallen Orderfansless reason to worry. Respawn has made it plain that the team being formed is also brand new, indicating it won’t be taking any resources away from existing projects, as the company’s recent success is likely giving it room to expand.
Finally, the fact that the listing is searching for a generalist engineer confirms the impression that the new IP is in a very early stage of development. In fact, thejob posting reveals that Respawn Entertainmentis unsure what exactly will be required in the role. The posting states that the candidate must have good knowledge of game-making, “whether it be gameplay, tools, audio, rendering, art, animation, AI, VFX, networking… or something unanticipated!” It seems that, since this was revealed at the end of the year, this application has been removed, likely meaning the role was filled.
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Will Fallen Order 2 Be Affected?
While the new job listing from Respawn may be giving someJFOfans cause to worry, it was a similar posting back in 2019 that first hinted that aFallen Ordersequelwas on its way. The listing read, “We’re picturing someone who is passionate about theStar WarsUniverse, and is invigorated by the idea of coding third-person action/adventure games.” While this listing didn’t give any further specifics, many fans felt that the description of the role practically confirmed that the sequel was in development.
After all, no one would be surprised that EA and Respawn Entertainment would want to capitalize on the success ofStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game impressed critics and fans alike with its well-written story and rounded characters. In particular, many critics were skeptical before the title’s release, due to the track record ofEA’s previous twoStar Warsgames.Star Wars: BattlefrontandStar Wars: Battlefront 2received mixed reviews at best, with thin content and predatory Loot Box tactics angering fans.
Because of this, the warm reception toStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderhas been seen by many as a validation oftheStar WarsIP in EA’s hands. With such a surge of public opinion, not to mention a slew of award nominations and wins, EA couldn’t fail to see the potential in continuing the series. Given that the rumors ofStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2have been floating around for over a year now, it seems like a safe bet that the project is well into development. This makes it even less likely to lose out to a brand new IP that is still trying to fill roles.
A sequel toStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderis rumored to be in development.
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