Some gamers were left feeling a bit apprehensive when Quantic Dream, a developer primarily known for narrative-focused and deeply cinematic titles, revealed its upcoming game,Star Wars Eclipse, at the 2021 Game Awards.Whether letting players wield a lightsaber against the forces of the Empire or step inside the cockpit of an X-Wing for some deep space dogfights,Star Warsgames have traditionally had a heavy focus on action up until now. But with a developer like Quantic Dream at the helm,Star Wars Eclipse’s High Republic-era storylineis likely to be filled with more dramatic intrigue than blaster fire.
Even thoughStar Wars Eclipseis unlikely to be the sort of action-heavy title the franchise is known for, its unique setting is sure to appeal to many franchise fans. Much of the game is reported to take place inthe Outer Rim, an area of the galaxy that has received very little screen time in previousStar Warsgames, films, and shows. Between this exotic new setting andStar Wars Eclipse’s politically tinged storyline, it’s clear that Quantic Dreams hopes to deliver a new type ofStar Warsexperience, one where player choice will have a real impact on the world. But as exciting as this idea may be, letting gamers determine the story’s outcome could lead to unintended consequences.
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Star Wars Eclipse’s Multiple Protagonists Create New Storytelling Possibilities
One of the most intriguing aspects ofStar Wars Eclipseis that it features multiple protagonists, giving players the chance to experience the game’s storyline from different perspectives. With the story rumored to be focused on the political intrigues ofStar Wars Eclipse’s Zaraan race, a new species created for the game, watching and influencing the unfolding events through the eyes of multiple characters could make this one of the most engagingStar Warsstories yet.
Although it’s doubtful thatStar Wars Eclipsewill be as singularly focused on its branching narrative as many of Quantic Dream’s previous games, and will likely include a healthy dose of action sequences befitting its space opera setting, player choice is certain to play a big role. Studio founder and gaming auteur David Cage stated in a 2022 interview thatStar Wars Eclipsewill retain the “fundamentals” of Quantic Dream’s past games, indicating that players’ actions will almost certainly play a role in shaping the story.
A User-Influenced Narrative Could Make Star Wars Eclipse’s Canon Connections Tricky
After decades of having the same characters, planets, and families play a central role in the majority ofStar Warsmedia, many players are sure to be excited by the prospect of exploring a game blissfully free of Skywalkers, Solos, and Palpatines. Avoiding overused archetypes and keeping references to classicStar Warsto a minimum should helpStar Wars Eclipseand its player-driven story stand out, but could make it difficult to tie the game into the franchise’s overarching timeline.
With the High Republic era set to receive an increased focus in upcoming TV and film entries, and even making an appearance inStar Wars: Jedi Survivor’s storyline,Star Wars Eclipsecould be left in an awkward position. If Disney decides to make only a specific end-game outcome canon in order to tie it into the broader universe it could diminish the fun for players whose stories played out differently. On the other hand, leaving the game’s finale open-ended would make it difficult to include anything more than loose, casual references toStar Wars Eclipsein other media.
Letting players influence the storyline inStar Wars Eclipseis both a bold and brilliant choice for the property, but it could force the game to walk a difficult tightrope between true freedom of choice and toeing Disney’s canon line. No matter how the final game comes together, though, it’s certain to be a wholly unique entry in the ever-expandingStar Warsuniverse.
Star Wars Eclipseis currently in early development.
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