The development of the highly anticipated (and feared?) KOTOR Remake is far from having been a leisurely journey into hyperspace. This is due to a very delicate situation for the studio in charge.
Saber Interactive is in fact still, at least according to the latest news, working on the Star Wars KOTOR remake. Let us remember, however, that Embracer Group, the company owning the studio, is currently experiencing a real financial crossing of the Tatooine desert. Fortunately, Saber was recently able to escape from this desert. We’ll break down the money business for you.
Star Wars KOTOR Remake returning to the Light Side?
In 2021, fans couldn’t believe their eyes when the Star Wars KOTOR remake was announced during a PlayStation Showcase. The temporary PS5 exclusivity caused a stir, as Bioware’s original game is legendary. At the time, the project was handed over to Aspyr Media, a company specializing in remakes. Fast forward to 2023, where we learn that Saber Interactive is taking over. Or at least partly.
The fate of this highly anticipated remake is indeed particularly… obscure. According to rumors, it would have been the subject of one or even several reboot(s). At present, Saber Interactive has reportedly taken over the project entirely from Aspyr. However, business is going very badly at Embracer Group, which owns the studio. And who will pay for the loss of $2 billion from a certain Saudi investment fund? Just barely: the studios under his control. As such, Saber Interactive was recently sold to a group of investors. The amount of the operation amounts to $500 million, according to a Bloomberg report at the end of February.
Return of the Jedi Indie
On the official Saber Interactive website, we can read hastily made changes. “ We are a video game development and publishing company based in the United States. We have more than 20 studios and 2,500 employees around the world “. Freed from Embracer, the group brings back a lot of things in its starting box. There are 38 projects under development and 14 games to be released. Among these, the next Metro and Killing Floor 3. Finally, mention is made of upcoming games from 4A Games (Metro), Zen Studios, Tripwire and Aspyr. This therefore logically includes what interests us here: the remake of Star Wars KOTOR.
In such a situation, the question of the fate of this tumultuous project remains unanswered. In any case, its development seems to be maintained, moreover with additional funds. However, it is difficult to remain completely optimistic about the final result. If indeed the project one day reaches maturity. In any case, we wish Saber Interactive the best for the future. And may the Force be with them, they will certainly need it.