Summary
After a string of unsuccessful live service titles likeStar Wars: Force Arenaand the 2017Battlefront 2reboot,Star Wars: Huntersis Disney and Lucasfilm’s latest attempt at delivering a multiplayer-focused experience based on the iconic movie franchise. The game is a free-to-play hero shooter that pits teams of players against each other in arenas inspired by various iconic locations in theStar Warsuniverse. It features 14 playable characters from all kinds of backgrounds, from a Rodian chemist and a Force-sensitive Dark Side assassin, to a Miraluka Hunter and even a pair of Jawa brothers. Zynga, the developer behindStar Wars: Hunters, has promised to add even more heroes and other content to the game in future seasonal updates.
Star Wars: Hunterswasn’t exactly met with a glowing reception from critics when the game initially launched earlier this year. In fact, the title debuted to a measly score of 60 on OpenCritic based on only 10 reviews. That being said, it appears thatStar Wars: Huntershas still managed to find an audience nonetheless. On the Google Play Store, in particular, the game has not only garnered high user ratings, but has also been downloaded over a million times. Even though it does seem to be successful so far forZynga and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive,Star Wars: Hunterscould be even more successful if it takes advantage of its immense crossover potential, specifically with other upcomingStar Warsgames.
Star Wars: Hunters Should Collaborate With Upcoming Star Wars Games
Many AAA Star Wars Games Are in Development
Now thatEA’s exclusivity deal with theStar Warsfranchisehas finally come to an end, there are moreSWgames in development than there have been in over 10 years. Currently, the one that’s closest to release is the Ubisoft-developed open-world action-adventure titleStar Wars Outlaws, which is set to be launched on Jul 28, 2025. In addition to this game, Respawn Entertainment is also working on upcomingStar Warstitles, including a sequel to 2023’sStar Wars Jedi: Survivorand a strategy game in collaboration with the new, Maryland-based studio Bit Reactor. Meanwhile, Quantic Dream is makingStar Wars: Eclipse, a story-driven adventure game set in the High Republic Era.
Besides these four titles,UnchartedcreatorAmy Hennig is developing an as-of-yet unnamedStar Warsgame, as well, with her new studio at Skydance Media. As if these weren’t enough, Saber Interactive is working on a remake of the classic 2003 BioWare RPGStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republicfor PS5 and PC. However, this title may not be released anytime soon, if at all, due to the major development challenges it has faced.
Zynga Could Increase Star Wars: Hunters' Popularity With Seasonal Crossovers
With so manyStar Warsgameslaunching in the coming years,Star Wars: Hunterscan capitalize on the release of these titles with crossover events involving new skins, arenas, and playable characters. Zynga could even make entire seasonal updates centered around these aforementioned games. For instance, the developer could release aStar Wars Outlaws-themed season later this August and add its protagonist, Kay Vess, to the game’s roster of heroes. In the future, the company can even collaborate with Respawn Entertainment and Saber Interactive to make Cal Kestis and Bastila Shan playable characters inSW: Hunters, as well.
The use of crossovers is a great method of attracting new players to live service games. Not only can it spice up a GAAS title’s content roadmap, it can also provide a way for fans to see their favorite characters reunited in one place. As such, Zynga and Take-Two Interactive should work with other companies to add someSWcollaborations toStar Wars: Huntersand, thus, increase the popularity of thefree-to-play hero shooter.
Star Wars: Hunters
WHERE TO PLAY
NEW STAR WARS EXPERIENCELocated deep in the Outer Rim on the planet of Vespaara and broadcast far and wide on the HoloNet, the stories and legends of battles that define galactic history are brought to life to entertain audiences and create champions seeking fame and fortune in this new gladiatorial spectacle.MEET THE HUNTERSGear up for battle and pick a Hunter that suits your playstyle from a regularly updated roster of new characters including nefarious bounty hunters, heroes of the Rebellion, Imperial stormtroopers, and everything in between. Outclass opponents by mastering diverse abilities, skills and strategies while fighting it out in intense 4v4 third-person combat and dominating opponents on the road to fame in The Arena.
