A new report indicates Aspyr has hit some rough waters
The Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic could be on an indefinite delay, according to a new investigation. Bloomberg reports that Aspyr Media’s KOTOR remake is on hold, after hitting some development troubles.
The remake was announced last year, during the PlayStation Showcase 2021. It’s in development at Aspyr Media, an Austin-based studio that has built up a portfolio of ports, especially in the Star Wars franchise.
Bloomberg reports that Aspyr has fired the KOTOR remake’s art director and design director this month. Following a series of meetings, sources tell Bloomberg that the project is on pause. Aspyr is reportedly looking for new contracts and development opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL-RfE-ioJ8
This comes after a demo was reportedly finalized at the end of June, showing off a slice of the Knights of the Old Republic remake. Studio heads told staff the slice wasn’t where they wanted it to be.
Bloomberg’s sources point to two issues, via sources familiar with the matter. One is that the project may not have been sustainable on its current course, given the amount of time and money invested in the demo. The other is the timeline. While Aspyr may have been targeting the end of 2022, according to Bloomberg’s sources, a more realistic target would be 2025.
A galaxy far, far away
This news is disheartening for those hoping to see some KOTOR sooner rather than later. Saber Interactive, another studio under the Embracer umbrella, joined on the project earlier this year to assist development. Aspyr announced its intent to acquire Beamdog, which has some RPG talent in tow, in April. The Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake is still officially planned as a timed exclusive for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Neither Aspyr Media nor Embracer Group immediately responded to Bloomberg.
