Highlights
PlayStation has always relied on exclusive titles to attract gamers, and this remains true for the PlayStation 5.
The development issues of the upcoming Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake may cause a delay in its release, potentially leading to it becoming an exclusive for the PS6 instead of being available on the current console generation.
Since its debut in 1994, the PlayStation 1 has relied on exclusive titles for its success. Games like Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Final Fantasy 7 were all exclusive to the PS1 upon release, playing a crucial role in attracting gamers to Sony's new console. This trend of exclusive content has persisted throughout every console generation, with the PlayStation 5 being no exception.
While exclusives have always been important for PlayStation, they truly shined in the 8th console generation. Titles such as The Last of Us Part 2, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, and Marvel's Spider-Man overshadowed the limited first-party offerings of the Xbox One. The focus on first-party exclusives has carried over to the current console generation, with games like Returnal, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Horizon Forbidden West, and the upcoming Marvel's Spider-Man 2 solidifying the PS5 as a must-have console. However, there is one upcoming exclusive that is currently facing development issues and may not make it to this console generation.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake Might Not Make It To PlayStation 5
The Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake was officially revealed during the PlayStation Showcase in September 2021, causing excitement among fans. Initially exclusive to PlayStation 5, with plans for a PC release, the remake faced challenges and has yet to be released after almost two years.
In July 2022, Bloomberg reported on the troubled state of the KOTOR remake. Following the dismissal of two lead designers and a suspension of development, Saber Interactive was announced as the new lead developer in August 2022. Currently, no official release date or progress updates have been provided for the Knights of the Old Republic remake.
Considering the challenges highlighted in the reports, it is reasonable to expect that the game's release is still several years away. This could potentially extend beyond the launch of the PlayStation 6, as console generations typically last approximately seven years. With the PS5 approaching its third year in November, it is not unlikely that KOTOR's development may require another three years. If this is the case, the remake may not stay exclusive to the PS5 as originally intended, disappointing some fans. However, it is important for Aspyr and Saber to take their time and ensure that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic meets the expectations of the dedicated fanbase.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake is in development for the PlayStation 5 and PC.