Is BioWare reviving the legendary KOTOR games? Several signs point to yes.
When thinking about the great RPG gems of the last decades and having at least a slight affinity for Star Wars, one cannot avoid Knights of the Old Republic. While the MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic has more or less followed in the footsteps of the game series, it does not offer the same depth of story as a pure single-player RPG.
Fans have therefore long wished for BioWare to finally revive the KOTOR series.
According to a rumor, this is now happening! As Liam Robertson explained in his Patreon podcast, he has some anonymous sources at BioWare and revealed based on their statements:
“I know that [BioWare Austin] is working almost exclusively on “Star Wars” games and will continue to do so for an indefinite period. What they are currently working on – and I have this from a reliable source – is a kind of remake or revival of Knights of the Old Republic. I don’t know when it will be released, but it has been in development for a while already.”
Furthermore, BioWare is reportedly saying goodbye to the “old” lore for this project and instead building the game on the new canon that came with the transition of rights to Disney. The game started as a remake of KOTOR, but has since evolved into something new and standalone.
Robertson, who identifies himself on YouTube as “Game Historian Guy” and has clarified several issues related to BioWare, also shed some new light on the poor facial animations in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Old writers back on board
Another indicator is the fact that Drew Karpyshyn, who was engaged as a writer for the original KOTOR, has been working for BioWare again for a year – he did not participate in Mass Effect: Andromeda. When asked if he is working on a new game, he said:
“Yes, but that’s all I can say for now. Damn, that might already be too much. :)”
So far, this is nothing more than rumors. Until BioWare issues an official statement, fans can hope. Because who wouldn’t want to swing lightsabers in the old republic again?
Impact on SWTOR?
Some fans also fear that this development could adversely affect Star Wars: The Old Republic, as the game world is set in an “outdated” story universe. However, there is currently no indication that SWTOR will be put to sleep or revamped. The story of the MMORPG will likely remain unchanged and continue to be expanded with new content.
Update 18:50: According to information from the US site Kotaku, these are “old informations.” BioWare Austin has indeed worked on a remake of KOTOR, but it is no longer in development. Instead, BioWare Austin is helping with the new game that is supposed to lean towards Destiny/The Division.
Meanwhile, SWTOR is preparing for the new content patch. The “War for Iokath” begins soon.
