The galaxy far, far away might be closer than fans think. Fresh speculation suggests Respawn Entertainment and EA are preparing to unveil the next chapter in the Star Wars Jedi saga, with industry insiders hinting at a reveal as early as May and a potential September launch window.
The rumor surfaced during a recent Kinda Funny Gamescast episode, where host Tim Gettys shared intriguing details about the franchise’s future while discussing anticipated releases. His comments have ignited excitement among fans who’ve been waiting since 2023 for news about the series continuation.
Lightning-Fast Development Cycle Raises Eyebrows
What makes this timeline particularly remarkable is the compressed development window. If accurate, the third Jedi title would arrive just three years after Star Wars Jedi Survivor hit shelves. This pace mirrors the franchise’s earlier momentum as Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order debuted in 2019 after being announced the same year, with its successor following four years later.
Gettys acknowledged the ambitious nature of such a schedule but suggested the rapid turnaround isn’t impossible. The host cryptically added that he had heard whispers suggesting the project is further along than many realize, though he stopped short of providing concrete details.
The potential September release would mark an aggressive push from EA and Respawn, especially considering modern AAA game development typically spans four to six years. However, the studio’s established framework from previous entries could streamline production significantly.
Studio Turbulence Casts Shadows
Behind the scenes, Respawn Entertainment has weathered significant upheaval since Star Wars Jedi Survivor launched. The most notable departure came from director Stig Asmussen, who helmed both previous Star Wars Jedi entries in the series. His exit raised questions about creative continuity for any future Star Wars sequel under the Respawn banner.
Asmussen has since established Giant Skull, a new development house partnering with Wizards of the Coast on a Dungeons & Dragons project. In interviews, he has discussed applying lessons learned from the Star Wars Jedi games, particularly in refining melee combat systems and character traversal mechanics that defined the franchise.
The studio also faced workforce reductions as part of broader EA layoffs that affected more than 300 employees across multiple teams. Senior encounter designer Patrick Wren publicly addressed the situation, revealing that morale within the Star Wars development team had fallen to unprecedented lows following the cuts.
Technical Foundations and Fresh Perspectives
Despite recent personnel changes, Respawn retains deep institutional knowledge from crafting two critically acclaimed Star Wars action-adventure titles. The studio refined its approach to lightsaber combat, environmental traversal, and cinematic storytelling through Cal Kestis’s journey, establishing a strong foundation that could support future projects.
Asmussen’s recent remarks about his new venture inadvertently offered insight into the technical evolution of the Star Wars Jedi series. He acknowledged that early development decisions continued to shape later iterations, creating what developers often describe as technical debt. While his new studio benefits from a clean slate, Respawn’s established engine and tools may ultimately allow faster iteration under new leadership.
The former director reiterated that melee combat depth and flexible traversal systems remain core design pillars. Those elements defined the Jedi games and would likely continue influencing any sequel, even as creative direction evolves.
What Fans Can Expect
Should the rumored timeline prove accurate, an announcement during the typically game-heavy May period would align with industry patterns. Major publishers often leverage spring events to build momentum for fall releases, capitalizing on the crucial holiday shopping season.
The third installment would likely continue Cal’s story in the Star Wars universe while potentially exploring new Force abilities, expanded planets, and deeper customization options. Previous entries received praise for blending exploration, combat, and storytelling, establishing a successful formula that EA would presumably want to maintain.
However, questions remain about how development priorities might shift without Asmussen’s direct involvement. New creative leaders could bring fresh perspectives while honoring the Star Wars series’ established identity.
Fans should approach these whispers cautiously until official confirmation arrives. Game development remains unpredictable, and ambitious schedules frequently shift. Yet the possibility of returning to Cal’s adventures this year has certainly energized the community.
Whether Respawn can deliver another polished experience on an accelerated timeline while navigating internal challenges remains the central question. The Force will need to be strong with this one.
Source: Gaming Bolt
