For two decades, Star Wars fans have been chasing the high of Knights of the Old Republic. At The Game Awards 2025, that chase officially ended. Lucasfilm Games and the newly formed Arcanaut Studios unveiled Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a single-player, narrative-driven RPG that promises to be the spiritual successor we have all been waiting for. And the best part? It is being directed by Casey Hudson, the man who helmed the original KOTOR and the Mass Effect trilogy.
The cinematic teaser was brief but packed with nostalgia. It opened with a sleek starship—not the Ebon Hawk, but clearly inspired by its era—touching down on a desolate, snowy world. We saw a trio of adventurers emerge: a female Jedi protagonist, a heavy-weapons specialist, and a combat droid that looks suspiciously like a nod to the beloved HK-47. The trailer ended with the Jedi igniting a blue lightsaber, her face illuminated in the glow as she stared down an unseen threat bathed in ominous red light.
The Return of the Old Republic
Unlike the recent High Republic initiatives, this game returns to the grittier, war-torn era of the Old Republic, set thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga. The trailer featured a crashed Interdictor-class Sith cruiser, a visual staple of the KOTOR games, confirming we are back in the timeline of Revan and Malak. The setting is described as a “galaxy on the edge of rebirth,” suggesting the story might take place in the chaotic aftermath of the Jedi Civil War or the Sith Triumvirate.
Arcanaut Studios has confirmed that this is a fresh story, not a direct remake or sequel. However, the DNA is undeniable. The “party of three” composition shown in the trailer (Jedi, gunner, droid) screams classic BioWare RPG design. It is safe to expect companion relationship systems, moral choices that shift your alignment between Light and Dark, and a tactical combat system that blends action with strategy.
Who is Arcanaut Studios?
While the name is new, the talent is legendary. Arcanaut Studios was founded in July 2025 by Casey Hudson specifically to build this game. Based in Edmonton, Canada, the studio is comprised of veteran developers who have worked on some of the biggest RPGs in history. Hudson’s return to Star Wars is a massive vote of confidence for the project. After the troubled development of the KOTOR Remake (which is still reportedly in limbo), Fate of the Old Republic feels like the fresh start the franchise needs.
The game is still in “early development,” so don’t expect to be playing it next year. But the mere existence of a single-player Old Republic RPG led by its original creator is enough to keep the hype drive running for a long time.
Release Date and Platforms
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic has no official release date yet, which is expected given the studio’s recent formation. It is confirmed for PC and consoles (likely PS5 and Xbox Series X/S).
We might be waiting until 2027 or 2028 for this one, but if it delivers on the promise of a modern KOTOR, it will be worth every second of the wait. For now, we will just have to re-watch that lightsaber ignition a few dozen more times.
Conclusion
The Old Republic era allows for a level of storytelling freedom that the movie timelines just can’t match. With Casey Hudson back at the helm, Fate of the Old Republic has the potential to be the definitive Star Wars RPG for a new generation. The Force is strong with this one.
FAQs
Is this a KOTOR remake?
No. It is a brand new story and a “spiritual successor” to the original games, featuring new characters and locations set in the same era.
Who is directing the game?
Casey Hudson, the director of the original Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect trilogy.
When is it coming out?
The game is in early development and does not yet have a release date.
What is the setting?
It takes place in the Old Republic era, thousands of years before the movies, distinct from the recent High Republic books and shows.
Is it single-player?
Yes, it is confirmed to be a single-player, narrative-driven action RPG.