We at NerdLeaks have been tracking a potentially explosive development in EA’s Star Wars lineup: Respawn Entertainment and DICE are reportedly working together on a new Battlefront title. Take this with a pinch of salt, but if true, this would be one of the most notable Star Wars moves from EA in years.
What Was Reported
According to Insider Gaming, recent reporting has claimed that DICE and Respawn Entertainment are developing a new project at EA that will be a new Battlefront title. Rumors of a new Battlefront surfaced earlier this week, and Bloomberg is reported to have confirmed that both studios are involved in development. It is currently unclear what the game will entail, but Insider Gaming notes that it should be expected the title will be called Battlefront 3, if true.
The report also revisits why a previous Battlefront 3 was shut down: after Battlefront 2 released, EA leadership reportedly canceled a sequel because of a 20% licensing fee that Disney takes on Star Wars projects. Insider Gaming adds that in 2021 they were told EA leadership believed they could make more money for the same amount of work by focusing on Battlefield titles instead.
The Source & Credibility
We are basing this on what Insider Gaming has published, which in turn refers to reporting from Bloomberg. Insider Gaming frames several points as unclear or speculative — for example, the exact nature of the game and what it will include remains unknown. The claim that the new game will likely be called Battlefront 3 is presented as an expectation rather than a confirmed name.
Insider Gaming further reports that the next Battlefield title is in early development but “not due to release for some time,” and they speculatively suggest it could be a “late 2028” title at the very earliest. Treat that timeline as speculative, and take all elements of this report with a pinch of salt until official confirmation arrives.
Related Industry Moves
- Insider Gaming links these claims to a wave of announcements from EA, including the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game and the reported closure of BioWare, which Insider Gaming says will leave 400 developers unemployed.
- Studio reshuffles and project cancellations are increasingly common; we’ve covered similar shake-ups in the past, such as the report on Assassin's Creed Destiny being axed after restructuring.
What It Could Mean
If Respawn Entertainment and DICE are indeed collaborating on a new Battlefront title, it could indicate a major strategic shift at EA — one that moves resources back toward Star Wars multiplayer experiences. That said, Insider Gaming’s reporting confirms many details remain unresolved; we don’t know scope, platforms, monetization direction, or whether development is lead-by-studio or a closer co-development partnership.
There is precedent for studios being tapped to handle different parts of a franchise — and if you’re wondering whether other developers have been floated for Battlefront projects, our earlier coverage on Bungie Could Be Tapped For New Star Wars Battlefront explored similar rumours. For now, though, the specific claim is about Respawn and DICE.
Insider Gaming’s mention of a prior cancellation tied to a 20% licensing fee paid to Disney is an important piece of context inside their report. If accurate, it helps explain why EA previously walked away from a sequel and why any renewed effort would be notable from a business standpoint.
Why This Matters
This matters because a return to Battlefront by two high-profile EA studios would reshape expectations for EA’s Star Wars strategy. If Battlefront 3 is being contemplated or actively developed, fans who have been waiting for a follow-up to earlier entries will pay attention — and industry watchers will be watching to see how EA balances licensing costs, studio capacity, and other large franchise plans like Battlefield.
We’re excited and sceptical in equal measure. The claims from Insider Gaming—backed by a reported nod from Bloomberg—are worth watching closely. We’ll keep digging and will report back as more verifiable details emerge. In the meantime, let us know what you think about Respawn and DICE allegedly teaming up on a new Battlefront title.
