EA Play is currently scheduled to take place on July 22 at 10am PT/12pm CT, but it seems the publisher is more concerned about managing expectations than it is building hype. For example, BioWare confirmed it wouldn't have a presence at the show, so fans know not to expect Dragon Age or Mass Effect news there. And EA recently made a big announcement that nixed any possible Star Wars game like Jedi: Fallen Order from being there too, yet still going further than just that. As it stands, the only real confirmations ahead of EA Play are Apex Legends and Battlefield 2042.
There's obviously going to be more than that, but what exactly remains a big question. However, that event is just one day out of the rest of the year, which EA shot down for Star Wars fans too. In its announcement, it said that it wouldn't show off its vision for a galaxy far, far away until next year, meaning Star Wars games aren't going to have a strong presence in 2021. Truly, as it stands, this means that fans will likely only get LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga in 2021, which isn't even made by EA.
Jedi: Fallen Order 2 was EA's Ace Up Its Sleeve...
Suffice to say, many aren't happy with how EA has handled its Star Wars contract for the most part. Instead of a constant influx of strong games across a variety of genres, there's been a handful. Battlefront 2 is still synonymous with its microtransaction controversy, even if the game has moved on and become a strong Star Wars game in its own right. The problem is the lack of strong, original content, as many Star Wars games could be floating around out there. Fans have asked for and begged for a Battlefront 3 that expands beyond the second game's scope, with a stronger, original campaign. Rumors of a Kotor remake have reared their head yet again, and other releases like Star Wars Squadrons would certainly be welcome. But those titles are about it.
The problem is that Jedi: Fallen Order is the most unique release in the franchise in recent years. Love it or hate it, it had a strong combat approach, it told a story that connected new and old, and it introduced elements that fit properly in the Star Wars mythos. A sequel, featuring the return of Cal Kestis or anyone else, is EA's ace because it is a follow-up to the most original property to come out of a Star Wars game in so long, and it could go in any direction based on that.
It's not confirmed to be in development, but it's one of those games where a sequel just makes sense. EA and Respawn are likely working on one, yet it's not likely far enough to show off. Ergo, EA may have decided Jedi: Fallen Order 2 should skip EA Play, but this is a double-edged sword. EA may not have won fans if it showed a teaser trailer for Jedi: Fallen Order 2 and nothing else, as there is such thing as showing something too early, but it would have kept eyes on its Star Wars games. Elden Ring kept eyes on it, despite going quiet for so long after its initial teaser as a point of comparison. It may not have gone the same but something is better than nothing right now.
But the EA Star Wars Contract Needs to Go Out With a Bang
As many fans know, EA's exclusivity contract with Star Wars is going to expired in just a couple of years. Once it does, the potential for a ton of new Star Wars games explode. Fan already know Ubisoft Massive is working on a story-based, open-world game that might just apply Ubi's strengths to the franchise. However, Ubisoft is unlikely to be the only company working on a game, as with no exclusivity contract, Lucasfilm Games might look at a bunch of Star Wars pitches. A flood of Star Wars games of lesser quality isn't the answer obviously, but metered out correctly, Lucasfilm Games could create a steady flow of solid Star Wars games year after year.
After all, EA will still be making games in this period too. It just won't have the franchise all to itself. That means Battlefront 3, a Kotor remake, or any number of EA Star Wars games are still possible, but they're going to be just one fish in a sea. Until the contract expires, though, EA is the only one in that sea. So, it would make sense for EA to end it strongly, to keep eyes on its games, and to move into the more fish-filled sea in a stronger position than potential competitors.
Again, perhaps EA didn't make the most of its Star Wars contract, and in the end, it's likely good for the future of Star Wars games. Yet, while EA has the next two years or so to itself, it makes sense to push its vision of Star Wars. An EA Play teaser of Jedi: Fallen Order 2 could have kept the discussion going through the rest of the year; instead, it seems that 2021 will be quiet, 2022 may see some announcements, and then the contract will end. Perhaps EA has something else up its sleeves, but if it can't match Jedi: Fallen Order 2 in terms of originality, it may get lost in the forthcoming influx.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is rumored to be in development.