Lucasfilm Weighs DICE and Bungie for Star Wars Battlefront 3 Amid Battlefront 2 Resurgence

Key points

• Lucasfilm is actively seeking a development partner for Star Wars Battlefront 3, with EA DICE and Bungie identified as the two leading candidates.
• The decision is influenced by the massive resurgence of Star Wars Battlefront 2, which recently peaked at over 35,000 concurrent players on Steam and 122,000 across platforms.
• EA DICE is viewed as the obvious choice given its history with the series, but concerns remain about its past handling of live-service features and current focus on Battlefield 6.
• Bungie is considered a less likely option due to its ownership by Sony, recent layoffs, and strategic focus on restoring Destiny 2 content and developing Marathon.
• The rumor originates from Electronic Gaming Monthly’s Quartermann column, which was read by Jeff Grubb on a Giant Bomb podcast, and is rated as probable but unconfirmed.

Background

Star Wars Battlefront 2, developed by EA DICE, has seen a significant player resurgence in 2025 and 2026 despite years without official updates, driven by community efforts and sales events. This renewed interest has prompted Lucasfilm to explore a new entry in the series. Previously, EA held an exclusive Star Wars license, but Lucasfilm has since opened up the franchise to multiple publishers, allowing them to shop the project around. The studio’s recent struggles with Destiny 2 and Marathon have raised questions about its capacity to take on a new major IP.

How outlets are covering it

Wccftech and TechPowerUp both highlight the skepticism surrounding Bungie’s involvement, noting that the studio is currently focused on stabilizing Destiny 2 and developing Marathon. They argue that a Bungie-developed Battlefront 3 would be a significant risk, especially given its Sony ownership and recent layoffs. Bespin Bulletin, however, emphasizes the potential synergy between Bungie and Lucasfilm, citing their recent collaboration on the Star Wars-themed Destiny 2 expansion 'Renegades.' All three outlets agree that EA DICE remains the frontrunner, but they differ on the likelihood of Bungie being chosen, with Wccftech and TechPowerUp viewing it as highly improbable and Bespin Bulletin suggesting it as a plausible alternative.

Why it matters

The development of Star Wars Battlefront 3 would mark a significant return to the franchise after years of stagnation, potentially revitalizing the Star Wars gaming ecosystem. The choice of developer could influence the game’s design, live-service strategy, and platform availability, with implications for both PC and console players. Additionally, the decision reflects broader industry trends in how licensed IPs are managed and developed, particularly in the context of live-service games and studio priorities.

What to watch

Lucasfilm is expected to finalize its decision on a development partner in the coming months, with no official announcement yet. If DICE is chosen, the game may leverage its experience with Battlefield 6, while a Bungie-led project would likely focus on high-mobility shooter mechanics. Fans should watch for official statements from Lucasfilm, EA, or Bungie, as well as any potential delays or changes in the development timeline.