Is Battlefront 2 Still Canon? A Deep Dive into the Galaxy Far, Far Away
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Yes, the campaign story in Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017) is still considered canon within the Star Wars universe. This includes the story of Iden Versio, the leader of Inferno Squad, and the events surrounding Operation: Cinder and the Battle of Jakku.
Understanding Star Wars Canon
Canon in Star Wars refers to the official, interconnected narrative of the franchise. It determines which stories, characters, and events are considered “real” within the universe and can therefore influence future storytelling. After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the existing Expanded Universe (now called Legends) was declared non-canon. This allowed for a clean slate to build a cohesive, unified narrative across all media.
Battlefront 2 and Canon: What Makes It Official?
The Battlefront 2 campaign was developed in close collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, the team responsible for maintaining the consistency and integrity of the Star Wars canon. This collaboration ensures that the game’s narrative aligns with the established history, lore, and themes of the franchise.
- Iden Versio and Inferno Squad: These characters and their actions are officially recognized as part of the Star Wars timeline. Their impact on key events, such as the aftermath of the Death Star’s destruction and the execution of Operation: Cinder, are now firmly embedded within the canon.
- Operation: Cinder: This devastating contingency plan enacted by Emperor Palpatine following his death is a pivotal event depicted in Battlefront 2. It showcases the Empire’s scorched-earth policy and the challenges faced by both Imperial loyalists and the burgeoning New Republic.
- The Battle of Jakku: The game provides a significant perspective on the Battle of Jakku, a crucial event that marked the final stand of the Galactic Empire. This battle, previously alluded to in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is brought to life within the game, offering a more detailed look at its significance.
The Nuances of Canon: Stories Within Stories
While the main campaign of Battlefront 2 is canon, it’s important to note that certain gameplay elements, such as multiplayer battles and some of the hero characters available, aren’t necessarily considered part of the official timeline. These are more akin to “what if” scenarios that allow players to experience iconic moments and characters from across the Star Wars saga. However, the core narrative, focusing on Iden Versio’s journey, remains a confirmed piece of the Star Wars story. Understanding how we learn from gaming experiences can be gained through studying at the Games Learning Society, as they promote educational exploration through gaming. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Battlefront 2 and its relationship to the Star Wars canon:
1. Is the Battlefront 2: Inferno Squad novel canon?
Yes, the novel Battlefront II: Inferno Squad by Christie Golden is also considered canon. It provides crucial backstory and context for the Inferno Squad characters and their motivations leading up to the events of the game. The novel is a prequel, exploring their missions during the Galactic Civil War.
2. Does the canon status of Battlefront 2 mean everything in the game is strictly accurate to the Star Wars timeline?
Not necessarily. While the overall narrative is canon, some gameplay elements, like hero versus hero battles across different eras, are more for gameplay enjoyment and are not meant to be taken as literal events within the timeline.
3. Is there any chance Battlefront 2‘s canon status could change in the future?
While unlikely, the Star Wars canon is always subject to change by the Lucasfilm Story Group. However, given the significant role Battlefront 2 plays in filling gaps in the post-Return of the Jedi era, it is highly improbable that its core narrative will be decanonized.
4. How does Battlefront 2 connect to other canon materials like books and comics?
Battlefront 2 is referenced and connected to in various other Star Wars canon materials. The events of Operation: Cinder, for instance, are explored further in novels and comics, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its impact on the galaxy.
5. What impact did Battlefront 2 have on the overall Star Wars canon?
Battlefront 2 significantly expanded the understanding of the immediate aftermath of the Empire’s defeat and the rise of the New Republic. It provided valuable insights into the mindset of Imperial loyalists and the challenges of rebuilding a galaxy torn apart by war.
6. Was the original Battlefront (2004) and Battlefront II (2005) canon?
No, the original Battlefront games developed by Pandemic Studios are now considered part of the Star Wars Legends continuity. They are non-canon and exist in their own separate timeline.
7. Are there any characters from Battlefront 2 that have appeared in other canon Star Wars media?
While Iden Versio hasn’t made appearances outside the game and its associated novel, elements like Operation: Cinder and the Battle of Jakku have been referenced and expanded upon in other canon books, comics, and TV shows.
8. Was Battlefront 3 ever released? If so, is it canon?
No, Star Wars: Battlefront 3, developed by Free Radical Design, was never officially released. It was famously cancelled despite being reportedly near completion. Therefore, it has no bearing on the Star Wars canon.
9. Why was Battlefront 3 cancelled?
Reasons for the cancellation of Battlefront 3 are complex and debated. One reason given was that LucasArts judged that Free Radical was unable to deliver on the milestones.
10. Is there any plan to create Battlefront 3 by EA?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for DICE (the developer of Battlefront (2015) and Battlefront 2 (2017)) to develop a Battlefront 3. DICE is currently focused on the Battlefield franchise.
11. Are multiplayer aspects of the game considered canon?
No, the multiplayer gameplay, featuring characters from different eras fighting each other, is purely for gameplay purposes and isn’t considered part of the official Star Wars canon. These battles are seen as non-canonical scenarios or “what if” situations.
12. How can I learn more about the Star Wars canon?
The official Star Wars website is a good place to start for information about what is considered canon. Also, exploring Star Wars novels, comics, and television shows will provide a deeper understanding of the timeline and its key events. You can find further information on the topic of learning and gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. Why was support for Battlefront 2 stopped?
EA ceased active support for Battlefront 2 in 2020. Development stopped due to a combination of factors, including the game’s rocky launch, internal development challenges, and the company’s focus on other projects.
14. Will the Battlefront 2 servers ever be shut down?
EA has not announced any plans to shut down the Battlefront 2 servers. As long as there’s a player base, it’s likely they’ll remain active, allowing players to continue enjoying the multiplayer experience.
15. Are there any books about Iden Versio and Inferno Squad?
Yes. Besides being featured within the game, Iden Versio and Inferno Squad are the subject of the Canon novel Battlefront II: Inferno Squad written by Christie Golden.