Lucasfilm Games taps Ubisoft Massive to create new open-world Star Wars title

The recently revived Lucasfilm Games is partnering with Ubisoft studio Massive Entertainment to create a new open-world Star Wars title. 

The Swedish developer most recently worked on multiplayer shooters The Division and The Division 2, but will now be turning its attentions to a galaxy far, far away.

As noted on the Start Wars website, The Division 2 director Julian Gerighty will serve as creative director on the unnamed Star Wars project, which will be built on the Snowdrop engine. 

Beyond that, not much else is known about the title, although its existence is notable for another reason. It indicates that Lucasfilm has either altered or nixed the agreement it had with EA that gave the U.S. publisher exclusivity on Star Wars games until 2023. 

Although Lucasfilm Games wouldn't confirm what went on behind the scenes, company vice president Douglas Reilly explained there was a desire to open up the floor to other developers.

"We’re looking to work with best-in-class teams that can make great games across all of our IP," commented Reilly, although he noted that EA will remain a key partner moving forward.

"We’re really proud of the games we have created with EA," he continued. "We will continue working with them and our relationship has never been stronger. While we may not have a lot of details to share at the moment, we’ve got a number of projects underway with the talented teams at EA."

Weighing in on the deal, Ubisoft chief exec Yves Guillemot said the French company, which is currently attempting to clean up shop and rebuild its workplace culture after a number of high-profile misconduct allegations, said the agreement is the "beginning of a long-term collaboration."

"The vast Star Wars lore is an incredible source of inspiration for our teams," said Guillemot in a press release from Ubisoft. "This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm Games, and we are pleased to be working hand-in-hand to build upon the incredible legacy of Lucasfilm to create a game that we know Star Wars fans will love."