Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Revealed—Original Director Returns After 21 Years

A Long-Awaited Return to the Old Republic Era

Star Wars fans received a monumental surprise at The Game Awards 2025 when “Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic” was announced as the opening reveal of the ceremony. The title is a new big-budget, epic narrative, single-player, action-adventure RPG game in development at Lucasfilm Games and the new Edmonton-based Arcanaut Studios for PC and consoles. This announcement marks a significant moment for the franchise, as it represents a return to one of the most beloved eras in Star Wars gaming history.

The significance of this reveal cannot be overstated. Casey Hudson, the director of the original “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and the famed “Mass Effect” trilogy, will serve as game director on this new title. For fans who have waited over two decades for a proper successor to the legendary KOTOR series, Hudson’s involvement signals a commitment to the narrative depth and player choice that made the original games so memorable.

What We Know About the Game

Lucasfilm Games and developer Arcanaut Studios are calling Fate of the Old Republic a “spiritual successor” to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. In Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, step into the role of a Force user on a journey through a galaxy on the edge of rebirth at the end of the Old Republic. The game is not directly based on KOTOR, but tells a fresh story in the era of the Galactic Republic, giving developers creative freedom while honouring the legacy of the original games.

Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which enables breathtaking visuals and seamless worlds. The trailer promises detailed environments, dynamic combat and deep role-playing elements for PC and current consoles. The game will centre on player choice, with every decision shaping the protagonist’s path toward the light or dark side of the Force.

Industry Implications and Fan Expectations

The announcement has generated significant excitement within the gaming community, particularly given Hudson’s track record. Still in the early stages of development, Fate of the Old Republic benefits from decades of creative experience across the collaborative partnership. Arcanaut Studios is a Canadian company founded in July 2025, meaning the game is obviously in very early development, so fans will need patience before seeing the final product.

For the Star Wars franchise, this represents an important step in its gaming strategy. The Old Republic era offers rich storytelling opportunities, set thousands of years before the films, allowing for creative narratives without contradicting established canon. This game could reignite interest in single-player, story-driven Star Wars experiences at a time when the franchise has explored various gaming genres. As development progresses, anticipation will undoubtedly build for what could become the defining Star Wars RPG of this generation.