Timeline of Star Wars Games: step by step through the eras of the galaxy
In the Star Wars universe, games offer a unique opportunity to explore events and characters in detail, spanning various eras of galactic history. To better understand how these games fit into the timeline, let's dive into the five main eras of the saga. Oh, for those who don't know, this list was made according to the term "BBY", which is the official measure of time in the Star Wars Franchise, and like all these time designations, it is linked to a significant event: The Battle of Yavin (or the "Battle of the Death Star"). From that point on, dates are counted as BBY ("before the Battle of Yavin") and ABY ("after the Battle of Yavin"). Old Republic Era:
- Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic (3956 BBY): A journey where player choices shape the galaxy's destiny amidst conflicts between Jedi and Sith. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, macOS, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox, Mac OS, Mac OS Classic. Release Date: July 15, 2003. Developers: BioWare, Aspyr Media
- Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (3951 BBY): Set five years after the first game, follows the story of an Exiled Jedi in search of peace in the galaxy. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox, Mac OS. Release Date: December 6, 2004. Developers: Obsidian Entertainment, Aspyr Media, Aspyr (Mac, Linux, & Windows Update)
- Star Wars Eclipse (232 BBY): A future release that will explore the High Republic Era, highlighting the height of the Jedi organization. Platform: Microsoft Windows. Developer: Quantic Dream
Imperial Era:
- Star Wars: Obi-Wan (32 BBY): Follows the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi before the events of "The Phantom Menace." Platform: Xbox. Release Date: December 19, 2001 Developer: Lucasfilm Games
- Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (32 BBY): Allows players to relive key moments from the first film of the prequel trilogy. Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Mac OS Classic. Studios: Lucasfilm Games, Tactical Soccer. Release Date: 1999
- Star Wars: Episode I Racer (32 BBY): An exciting racing experience with the iconic podracers. Developers: Aspyr Media, Lucasfilm Games, Pax Softnica. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One. Release Date: 1999
- Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (32 BBY): Explores the story of the bounty hunter Jango Fett before the events of "The Phantom Menace." Studios: Lucasfilm Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Disney Interactive Studios. Release Date: November 19, 2002 Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
- Star Wars Battlefront 2004 (32 BBY – 4 ABY): A multiplayer game that spans different eras, from the rise of the Empire to the Rebel Era. Developers: Pandemic Studios, Beenox, Mikoishi. Release Date: September 20, 2004. Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, Xbox, Mac OS
- Star Wars: Racer Revenge (24 BBY): Sequel to podracer races, this time with enhanced visuals. Developers: Rainbow Studios, THQ. Platform: PlayStation 2. Studio: Lucasfilm Games. Release Date: February 11, 2002
- Star Wars Republic Commando (22 BBY – 19 BBY): Offers a strategic view of the Clone Wars, following the Delta squad of clones. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox. Developers: Aspyr Media, Lucasfilm Games. Studios: Aspyr Media, Lucasfilm Games, THQ Nordic, THQ Nordic Japan KK. Release Date: March 1, 2005
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes (21 BBY): Inspired by the animated series, allows players to control characters like Anakin and Obi-Wan. Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS. Developers: Krome Studios, Lucasfilm Games. Release Date: October 6, 2009.
Dark Era:
- Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY): Relives the dramatic events of the third film of the prequel trilogy. Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Game Boy Advance, Xbox, Symbian, Nintendo DS, Brew. Release Date: April 2, 2005. Developers: The Collective, Ubisoft Montreal, Finite Monkeys
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (14 BBY): Follows the journey of Cal Kestis, a Jedi survivor of the Jedi Purge. Developer: Respawn Entertainment Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One. Release Date: November 10, 2019
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (11 BBY): Continues Cal Kestis' story in his fight against the Empire. Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows. Developers: Respawn Entertainment, Respawn. Release Date: April 28, 2023.
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (3 BBY – 2 BBY): Introduces a secret apprentice of Darth Vader in a dark narrative about the power of the Force. Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3. Developers: Lucasfilm Games, Aspyr Media, Krome Studios, Universomo, THQ, N-Space, Cameron Suey Release Date: September 16, 2008
- Vader Immortal: A Star Wars Series (1 BBY): Offers a unique perspective of Darth Vader's battles against the remaining Jedi. Platforms: Oculus Quest, Rift, and PlayStation VR. Developer: ILMxLAB
Rebellion Era:
- Star Wars: Dark Forces (0 BBY – 1 ABY): The classic shooter introduces Kyle Katarn on his early missions. Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation Portable. Release Date: 1995. Developers: Lucasfilm Games, Big Bang Software, Inc.
- Star Wars (0 BBY): Follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker on Tatooine before the events of "A New Hope."
- Star Wars: Rebel Assault (0 BBY – 3 ABY): Puts players in the cockpit of an X-Wing in thrilling space battles. Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Macintosh, Mega Drive, DOS. Developers: Lucasfilm Games, Software Toolworks Release Date: 1993
- Star Wars Battlefront 2015 (0 BBY – 5 ABY): A multiplayer shooter depicting conflicts between Rebels and the Empire. Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows. Studio: Electronic Arts
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY): Focuses on the events of "The Empire Strikes Back" movie, including confrontations between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Developer: Parker Brothers. Platforms: Intellivision, Atari 2600. Release Date: 1982
- Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (4 ABY): Concludes the original trilogy with nostalgic graphics and epic battles. Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Game Gear, Wii. Developers: Sculptured Software, Black Pearl Software, Realtime Associates, Lucasfilm Games, Griptonite Games. Release Date: June 22, 1994.
New Republic Era:
- Star Wars Squadrons (5 ABY – 6 ABY): Explores space combat after the fall of the Empire, allowing players to choose between the New Republic and the Empire. Release Date: October 1, 2020. Developer: Motive Studios. Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 (5 ABY – 10 ABY): Continues Kyle Katarn's journey as he discovers his destiny as a Jedi. Developer: Lucasfilm Games. Platform: Microsoft Windows. Release Date: September 30, 1997.
- Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast (12 ABY): Follows Kyle Katarn in his fight against old enemies of the Empire. Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo GameCube, macOS, Xbox, Mac OS, Mac OS Classic Release Date: March 26, 2002. Developers: Lucasfilm Games, Raven Software, Aspyr Media, Vicarious Visions
- Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (14 ABY): Allows players to become Force apprentices and follow in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker. Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, macOS, Xbox, Mac OS, Mac OS Classic. Release Date: 2003. Developers: Raven Software, Aspyr Media, Vicarious Visions
- Star Wars Battlefront 2 2017 (34 ABY): The campaign features Iden Versio and her experiences during the events of Episode 7. Release Date: October 4, 2017 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming. Developer: DICE. Studio: Electronic Arts
This is just a sample of the many games that make up the vast Star Wars universe, providing fans with the opportunity to explore each era and adventure of the galaxy far, far away. May the Force be with you as you embark on these exciting journeys through time and space.
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