Summary
- Embracer Group AB is selling Saber Interactive, developer of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, to private investors for up to $500 million.
- The KOTOR remake has faced setbacks, with rumors of cancelation circulating, but Saber Interactive is still moving forward with development.
- Fans eagerly anticipate the release of the KOTOR remake, despite uncertainties in development and recent cancelations in the Star Wars gaming universe.
Swedish video game and media company Embracer Group AB is reportedly selling Saber Interactive, the developer responsible for the upcoming Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic remake. Knights of the Old Republic was a ground-breaking addition to the original Xbox back in 2003, not to mention the Star Wars franchise. KOTOR' s release was met with critical acclaim, and the title has even appeared on many "best game of all time" lists.
Despite being a fresh take on one of the most celebrated video games ever created, the KOTOR remake has had a troubled development period, to say the least. The KOTOR remake was announced as a timed PS5 exclusive in 2021, but the once-promising title has since experienced setback after setback. Fans were initially excited to hear that former BioWare devs and original voice actors were returning for this ground-up remake, but after numerous delays, rumors even circulated claiming the project to be canceled entirely. That doesn't appear to be the case, but Saber Interactive potentially faces yet another hurdle in its efforts to remake this legendary game.
What to Expect From The KOTOR Remake in 2024
The once hotly anticipated Knights of the Old Republic remake enters 2024 with one foot in the grave, meaning the new year needs to turn this around.
Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier reports that Embracer Group AB is selling off Saber Interactive "to a group of private investors" for up to $500 million. Embracer purchased Saber Interactive in 2020 for $525 million, but the group has been selling and even shutting down subsidiaries in the past year partially thanks to rising interest rates. Schreier's source claims Saber could potentially bring more Embracer subsidiaries along as part of the deal. Saber Interactive still plans to continue development on the Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic remake.
What's Next For KOTOR Remake?
The remake of one of the all-time best Star Wars games already faced an uncertain future before Saber Interactive moved. Still, it's encouraging to hear the developer plans to continue its endeavors. No release date or window has been offered either before or after the news of the acquisition, and it's not clear what point in development Saber is currently in. The only clue fans have is that the original developer, Aspyr Media, was removed from the project in 2022.
The year continues to be a turbulent time for game developers in the wake of seemingly endless announcements of layoffs. Recent cutbacks at EA have even led to the cancelation of Respawn's FPS Star Wars game. Various members of the team will instead move to other, more established projects like Apex Legends and the next title in the Jedi series.
Despite canceled projects and the troubled development of the KOTOR remake, fans still have a lot to look forward to from Star Wars in 2024. One project in particular that has fans excited is Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure title from Ubisoft. Star Wars Outlaws is expected to release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2024.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
Choose Your Path.
It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side? Hero or villain, saviour or conqueror... You alone will determine the destiny of the entire galaxy!
A brand new Star Wars role-playing experience with unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.
Learn to use the Force with over 40 different powers and build your own lightsaber.
Adventure through some of the most popular Star Wars locations, including Tatooine and the Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk.
Choose your party from nine customisable characters, including Twi'leks, droids and Wookiees.
Travel to eight enormous worlds in your own starship, the Ebon Hawk.
