The next-generation of video game technology rumbled across the horizon of 2012, teasing new technology across the year. Big budget game makers like Ubisoft, Konami, and Electronic Arts tantalized with teases of games like Watch Dogs, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, and Battlefield 4, all games “targeted” at current gen console fans, but also thought by most to be heading to a wave of machines still only rumored. One of the most discussed titles of this next wave of possible next-gen launch titles has been Star Wars 1313. Most assumed that it was destined for a next-gen release, but according to one Sony subsidiary, LucasArts’ next Star Wars video game won’t just be for Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4. It will also find a home on PlayStation 3.
Sony’s official German Facebook page announced that Star Wars 1313, the tech demo that caused a stir amongst jaded E3 2012 attendees thanks to its novel take on the fiction as well as its impressive graphics, would be released on PlayStation 3 by the end of the year. That statement was the first confirmation from any source as to what platform Star Wars 1313 would be released for since developer Lucasarts has been reticent to discuss even the PC specifications that might be required to run it.
The site backpedalled from its initial claim though, posting shortly thereafter that no platform had been announced for Star Wars 1313. “Since we are gamers, we hope of course for a release of the game on one of our PlayStation platforms, and wanted to emphasize that with pictures. So sorry again for the excitement!”
LucasArts also followed up with Kotaku. “[That] was an inaccurate post. We have not confirmed any platforms yet for 1313 and do not have any announcements to make at this time.”
It seems that SCEE’s German outfit made an honest mistake in the case, but it’s likely that Star Wars 1313 will appear on current consoles regardless of what platform it’s primarily built for. LucasArts only rarely develops its own tent pole releases, and when it does it maximizes their potential for profit. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was the studio’s last signature product. The game was teased in tech demos years before its 2008 release, demonstrating its advanced physics engine. While the game did sport said physics in its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release, Lucasarts also developed a downgraded edition of the game for PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, and Sony’s PSP. Even if LucasArts isn’t willing to confirm Star Wars 1313 for PlayStation 3 this week, it’s still a likely candidate for the console.
