News broke in December 2019 that a follow up to the smash hit Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order from EA Star Wars is in development, and fans are all excited for it. Anticipation is high for the sequel after eclipsing projected sales. Now we learn from Kotaku that a second Star Wars game, described as a “smaller, more unusual project” is cooking at EA Motive in Montreal alongside the Fallen Order sequel. Let’s hope it doesn’t become the third game cancellation from EA in as many years.
EA and Star Wars fans: Love/Hate Relationship
Relations between EA and Star Wars gamers has been tumultuous. Players struggled with the micro-transaction heavy Star Wars: Battlefront II and their mobile game Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. While Battlefront changed tactics and ended the pay-to-win format, Galaxy of Heroes still features advantage perks bought with real funds if you don’t have patience to grind it out.
EA also has cancelled several titles in development. One title, code named Viking, intended to be an open-world spinoff concept from Battlefront II. There is a long story behind it, but the short version says the game was cancelled because of logistical challenges and “too many cooks in the kitchen” over development. The intent was for release to coincide when next-gen platforms hit the market in 2020. The project was scrapped when the timeline became unrealistic.
As for this new, “small and unusual project”, the only thing we know for sure from EA sources is players will see it in late 2020. The bigger mystery is what platform it releases on. Are players going to need the next-gen PS5 or XBox Series X consoles to enjoy it? Or will PS4 and XBox One still support it? That decision could be what drives, or kills, enthusiasm for the game. A new Star Wars title will help many decide if it’s time to upgrade to the new console or stick with what they have. Either way, let’s hope this new project doesn’t end up in the cancellation bin, too.
Star Wars canon welcomes The Hu!
In 2019, the Mongolian rock band The HU went viral with their hits Wolf Totem and Yuve Yuve Yu. They already had a huge metal underground following in the East. The extra social media exposure has brought them more into the mainstream in the Western rock music scene. In case you didn’t already know, they did the song on Jedi: Fallen Order that Cal Kestis rocks out on his headphones. EA Star Wars released a video of the band recording the song, and it absolutely rocks! Just when you thought a mouth harp couldn’t be cool in metal, feast your ears on Sugaan Essena!
Funny thing, that’s not Mongolian you’re hearing. It’s a language they made up specifically with the band for this game. That alone is awesome, but the coolest thing is in the video below. The HU are being interviewed about their contribution to our favorite universe, and when they get asked how they felt about working in Star Wars, you can see them light up. They’re fans, too! We all know that some of the best stories and greatest passion for any project is if you are a fan first. Jon Favreau proved that with The Mandalorian. Now, we need The HU as a cantina band in Season 2, rocking out while Mando battles it out with his bounty hunter nemesis Gekko over The Child!
New Star Wars Project From “Sleight” Filmmaker Coming! Read it here.
I admire these guys for their musical talent, but so much more than that. I admire their passion about their heritage and spiritual approach to writing and performing music. Imagine the amazing stories we would see if all writing for Star Wars followed the same reverence for tradition and history. They even name their instruments for what elements they represent in the band, and blend their ancient sound with modern rock. How much more Star Wars can you get!?
What are your thoughts?
Well Hashtaggers, what do you think? Are you excited for Fallen Order II? What do you think this second game in development is? Do you want to hear more of The HU in it? EA would do well to keep them involved. Let us know in the comments what you have to say, and stick with That Hashtag Show for all your geek pop culture news! Also, to learn more about Star Wars, you can also visit the official website at www.starwars.com.
Sources: Screen Rant and Kotaku
