Disney to Close LucasArts. Future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones Games Uncertain
Another studio closure arrives during an inauspicious April as Disney formally announced plans to close down Lucasarts on Wednesday.
In a statement released by Disney to Game Informer, the company confirmed the closure.
"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."
This certainly answers why so many of the in-development games at LucasArts were suddenly thrust into development limbo after Disney completed its purchase of Lucasfilm. However, the real sad story is the fate of the employees at the studio and not the loss of the games.
LucasArts is now the third company to be hit with layoffs since the beginning of April with both High Moon and Square Enix Los Angeles also casualties of the changing gaming market. We wish nothing but the best for those currently seeking new employment opportunities.
What does this mean for upcoming Indiana Jones and Star Wars games? We'll have to wait and see.