Casey Hudson’s New Star Wars RPG Is Coming Before 2030—and It’s Huge

Why this announcement actually matters for Star Wars fans

At The Game Awards, Arcanaut Studios dropped a surprise teaser for Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic—and hearing Casey Hudson’s voice onstage instantly shifted the conversation. Hudson, who directed the original Knights of the Old Republic (2003) and led BioWare through the Mass Effect trilogy, isn’t just another name on the credits: he’s the architect of some of the most beloved story-driven RPGs ever made. His return to the Old Republic era isn’t a nostalgic cash-in. Instead, it signals a serious attempt to build a narrative-driven, single-player action RPG that recaptures everything that made KOTOR special: deep story, memorable companions, and player agency (the feeling that your choices truly reshape events).

Key Takeaways

• Single-player focus: No live service distractions—this is a standalone adventure.
• Narrative-driven action RPG: Expect tight combat, Force powers, and dialogue that matters.
• Release promise: Hudson vows it arrives before 2030—no indefinite wait.
• Early-stage honesty: Arcanaut is humble about challenges ahead.
• Legacy respect: KOTOR veterans are back, aiming to honor moral complexity and immersion.

Breaking down the reveal: what Arcanaut actually showed us

The two-minute teaser focused more on atmosphere than gameplay, which is normal for an early reveal. We caught glimpses of blaster fire, a lightsaber duel, and mysterious ruins hinting at Force-sensitive lore. More importantly, Arcanaut emphasized that you play a Force user navigating a galaxy “on the edge of rebirth,” suggesting world-spanning stakes rather than a small-scale skirmish.

Lucasfilm Games executive Douglas Reilly stressed that many team members were instrumental in crafting the original KOTOR legacy. From narrative designers to combat programmers, these veterans bring decades of RPG know-how. Hudson’s freshly founded studio in Edmonton is small but packed with talent—exactly the kind of lean, focused setup that can avoid the bloat of big live-service titles (games that rely on constant online connectivity and microtransactions).

Why this matters now—and why you should be cautiously excited

We’re in a renaissance of single-player RPGs. Titles like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 have proven audiences crave rich, offline experiences without always-online hooks or cosmetic shops. Hudson stepping back into this space suggests he sees an appetite for weighty narratives and tough moral choices.

That said, he was candid: “There are many challenges ahead.” He didn’t reveal the engine (Unreal, Frostbite or in-house remain speculation), nor did he name target platforms—though current-gen consoles and PC are a safe bet. Scope and budget details are under wraps, and we’ve yet to hear about voice cast, companion mechanics, or how expansive the world will be. All valid unknowns at this stage, but they’re the ones to watch.

What gamers should watch for next

• Combat reveal: Watch for a deep breakdown of the action RPG systems—how lightsaber stances, Force abilities, and cover mechanics interplay.
• Character hooks: Will companions return? Who you team up with—and how they respond to your choices—defines the KOTOR feel.
• Choice impact: Keep an eye on dialogue branches and alignment tracking. True player agency means major plot shifts, not just cosmetic variations.
• Technical roadmap: Engine details, performance targets, and whether the team plans an open world or connected hub-based design.
• Monetization stance: Any mention of DLC packs or optional cosmetic stores should be watched closely to ensure the design stays clean.
• Release window updates: Hudson’s “before 2030” is comforting, but late-decade launches (2028–2029) feel most realistic.

My take—and why I’m willing to wait

I grew up on KOTOR the way some people grew up on the original Star Wars trilogy. Seeing Hudson back in the Old Republic sandbox, backed by Lucasfilm Games and support from his own indie studio, reignites that spark. I remain skeptical about specific timelines and any hidden monetization hooks, but I’ll judge this project by its writing and design, not by promises alone. If Hudson delivers on deep moral dilemmas, a rich companion cast, and clean mechanics, it’ll be worth the wait.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic feels like more than just another franchise entry. With Casey Hudson steering the ship and a clear pledge to ship before 2030, Arcanaut Studios has set an expectation of quality, focus, and respect for player choice. Details remain scarce, but if you value story-first, single-player RPGs, this is one to bookmark. Stay tuned for future deep dives—this journey is just beginning.