Although it does seem like the trend of multiplayer-only games has died off since its resurgence in 2015 and 2016, there are still gamers who worry that, even though multiplayer-focused games now have single player campaigns, they will feel tacked on. It is this concern that Star Wars Battlefront 2 developer Motive Studios has addressed head-on in a recent interview.
While speaking to PlayStation Lifestyle, Motive’s Content Producer Paola Jouyaux explains that Electronic Arts’ decision to have his studio develop the Star Wars Battlefront 2 single player speaks volumes about the publisher’s investment in the mode. According to Jouyaux, Motive, or rather the developers at the studio, have “tremendous experience making action movie-based narratives.”
“I think it shows a commitment to the single player mode that they came to us and Motive to create this campaign. EA are completely dedicated to building this game mode.”
Jouyaux doesn’t outright say it, but EA could have very easily pawned off the single player campaign duties to a lesser studio and let the chips fall where they may. It wouldn’t be the first time that a multiplayer-focused game had a lackluster campaign, and it likely wouldn’t be the last.
But with Motive at the helm, and Spec Ops: The Line writer Walt Williams working on the script (with Mitch Dyer), there is a sense that EA is trying to make sure the campaign is a success. Moreover, the approach to the single player story, which follows Inferno Squad leader Iden Versio through a story that bridges Return of the Jedi with Force Awakens, sounds larger in scope than the average, throwaway campaign.
At the same time, quality and quantity are two different elements, so there is no way of knowing how long of a campaign Motive is shooting for. The story may be satisfying and the characters might be compelling, but there’s no guarantee fans will feel they got their money’s worth, especially if they are only buying the game for the campaign.
Of course, while there will be plenty curious to see what the campaign has to offer, the majority of the focus will be on Star Wars Battlefront 2’s multiplayer. DICE knows it and smartly avoided showing any gameplay from the multiplayer during the sequel’s official reveal.
E3 is right around the corner, though, and EA will be pack with its own event in Los Angeles. So expect closer looks at both the multiplayer and Motive’s work on the singe player to be on full display in June.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 releases November 17, 2017 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Source: PlayStation Lifestyle