EA has just announced via press release that they have decided to shut down Visceral Games. Visceral Games is known for developing the Dead Space series as well as Battlefield Hardline. And although the writing may have been on the wall for some time, the announcement still comes as a bit of a surprise as the studio was hard at work on an upcoming, untitled Star Wars game.
The press release states that the Star Wars game was “shaping up to be a story-based, linear adventure game.” However, it seems the company has decided to pivot on some of the design choices. After conducting extensive testing of the current form of the game, EA is making changes based on the feedback they have received. “We will maintain the stunning visuals, authenticity in the Star Wars universe, and focus on bringing a Star Wars story to life. Importantly, we are shifting the game to be a broader experience that allows for more variety and player agency,” the press release states. The Star Wars title was set to launch towards the end of EA’s 2019 fiscal year, however a new release date will be announced at a later time.
It is not surprising that EA wants a game using the Star Wars license to appeal to as many people as possible. What is surprising is that the entire studio is being shuttered. Several employees from Visceral Games will be transferred to various other EA Studios to work on other projects, and some, presumably, will be looking for a new job.
EA says “a development team from across EA Worldwide Studios” will assume control over the development of the new Star Wars game.
Visceral Games had a pretty solid run over the years. The company was responsible for quality entries in several popular franchises going all the way back to Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2000, 007: Agent Under Fire and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
