Star Wars, a cultural phenomenon since 1977, has profoundly influenced the gaming world with its immersive experiences and captivating stories. However, behind the games lies a history of controversial decisions, particularly those made by EA. This article explores the tumultuous journey of Star Wars Battlefront II, from its initial backlash to its unexpected resurgence.
Initial Controversy: Greed and Microtransactions
EA's Ambitious Vision
In 2017, EA unveiled plans for Battlefront II, promising a grander scale and a diverse cast of characters from across the Star Wars saga. Three studios collaborated to deliver an exciting experience, generating considerable anticipation among players. Early previews garnered millions of views, reflecting the high hopes for the game.
The Problematic Loot Box System
Despite the initial excitement, controversy arose with the implementation of a loot box system that included cards, costumes, expressions, and gameplay-affecting upgrades. This system required players to either spend excessive time playing or invest real money to unlock content, sparking widespread dissatisfaction.
Player Outrage and Official Response
Players criticized the exorbitant time or cost required to unlock characters, estimating it would take up to 4,528 hours or $2,100 to unlock everything. EA's official explanation, claiming the design fostered "self-esteem and reliance," backfired spectacularly. The response became the most downvoted comment in Reddit history, earning a Guinness World Record.
Governmental Scrutiny
The loot box controversy extended beyond player complaints, attracting the attention of government officials. The Minister of Justice of Belgium expressed concerns about the game's gambling elements and their potential harm to children.
The Road to Redemption: Changes and Improvements
EA's Response and Initial Adjustments
Faced with intense backlash, EA temporarily removed the purchase mechanism and reduced character unlock costs by 75%. DICE's executive producer emphasized a commitment to listening, adjusting, and balancing the game. However, these initial measures failed to fully appease players.
Eliminating Pay-to-Win Mechanics
Significant changes were implemented to address the pay-to-win criticisms. The game card system was reworked, allowing players to unlock upgrades through gameplay rather than loot boxes. Loot boxes could only be earned through daily logins, tasks, and challenges.
Positive Reception and Renewed Appreciation
These improvements led to a significant increase in Metacritic scores and a renewed appreciation for the game's quality. Players began praising the game as one of the best Star Wars titles, acknowledging its excellent graphics and immersive experience.
Continued Updates and Free Content
DICE continued to support the game with 25 free updates, delivering on initial promises and further enhancing the gameplay experience.
Resurgence and Continued Popularity
Epic Games' Free Promotion
In 2021, Epic Games offered a limited edition of Star Wars Battlefront II for free, attracting over 19 million players. This promotion played a crucial role in revitalizing the game's reputation.
Unexpected Comeback in 2025
In 2025, Star Wars Battlefront II experienced an unexpected surge in popularity, becoming the most downloaded PS4 game in the US, Canada, and Europe, surpassing popular titles. Its Steam player count also reached new heights, exceeding 30,000 concurrent players.
Factors Contributing to the Resurgence
Several factors contributed to this resurgence:
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Star Wars IP Influence: The enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise continued to attract players.
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Fortnite Collaboration: A collaboration between Fortnite and Star Wars, featuring a black warrior AI voice, sparked interest in the franchise.
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The Success of "Andor": The highly acclaimed TV series "Andor" inspired viewers to revisit the Star Wars universe.
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Improved Gameplay: Post-controversy updates eliminated pay-to-win elements and refined the gameplay experience.
Community Initiatives
Dedicated players established the Kyra Team, providing server support and developing new features to further enhance the game, demonstrating their passion for Star Wars Battlefront II.
The Future of Battlefront: A Third Installment?
Players have expressed interest in a third installment of the Battlefront series, with over 17,000 signing a petition urging EA to develop the game. However, EA's current focus appears to be on other projects. Whether a new game is released or the existing one continues to be updated remains to be seen.
Lessons Learned: Quality Over Greed
Star Wars Battlefront II's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of excessive microtransactions and the importance of prioritizing game quality. While the game has found redemption, the initial controversy left a lasting mark. This situation highlights the need for developers to prioritize player experience over short-term profits.
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