EA has finally revealed its hand, and after multiple leaks spawning tireless speculation, we now know that Star Wars: Squadrons is going to be an "immersive, first-person space dogfighting experience" coming out on October 2nd.
According to today's press release, Star Wars: Squadrons takes place following the events of Return of the Jedi, which - despite that movie's ending suggesting otherwise - is a period of escalated conflict that sees remnants of the Empire vying for control whilst a burgeoning New Republic tries to establish itself.
Though it will include a single-player story mode that serves as an epilogue of sorts to Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Squadrons primary focus is almost definitely on online multiplayer. There, players will enlist on the side of either the Galactic Empire or the New Republic, where they will pilot an assortment of spacecraft from the Star Wars universe in 5v5 online skirmishes. EA's verbiage seems to suggest that strategy will be a central component to online matches, with players coordinating their attack plan in the "briefing room" prior to battles. Whether this is just a fluffy way of saying "use voice chat in the lobby, lulz" remains to be seen.
While cosmetic and gameplay customizations will be present, EA stresses that these will be unlocked "solely" through regular play.
"We created this game for every Star Wars fan who has ever dreamt about soaring across the galaxy in their favorite starfighter,” says Motive Studios Creative Director, Ian Frazier. “Through the collaboration of the teams at Motive and Lucasfilm, we’ve been able to create a high-fidelity starfighter experience with an authentic storyline that invites Star Wars fans to explore never-before-seen corners of the galaxy in their own ship."
Frazier goes on to say that more details in the way of actual gameplay will be revealed during this week's EA Play Live, which airs June 18 at 4:00pm PST
Star Wars: Squadrons will release on PC via Origin, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, as well as PS4, Xbox One, and VR with cross-play support.
