It's been over 20 years since the Star Wars prequel trilogy burst onto the scene and introduced everyone to podracing.
While The Phantom Menace hit cinemas, Star Wars Episode I: Racer hit the Nintendo 64, PC, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color. It certainly was a simpler time!
Featuring a variety of locations and pod types, Racer was remastered rather quietly for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2020. While reviews were mixed, there is undoubtedly scope for an up-to-date take on the Star Wars sport.
An expanded Star Wars universe
Star Wars has had a rough time since the rather rocky end to the sequel trilogy, however it is starting to come back to life thanks to The Mandolorian.
Just as Rogue One did, the success of The Mandolorian has shown an appetite for Star Wars stories away from Skywalkers, Palpatines, and even Jedi.
Which would point toward an audience that is hungry for more Star Wars content, just in non-traditional forms.
Building on the previous success
Star Wars games have proven to be a winner for gamers and Star Wars fans.
The most recent examples are Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: Squadrons. Both were impressive titles that offered plenty of amazing gameplay, customisation, and Star Wars immersion.
Meanwhile, racing games are having a huge moment right now. Next-gen consoles making 120 fps and super-high graphics more accessible than ever.
With PC games like Assetto Corsa Competizione making an excellent transition to console, the ability to make a high-quality podracing game that is also accessible has never been better.
EA can do great racers
Electronic Arts have the rights to make Star Wars games, and like we said they've done a great job recently. They also happen to oversee the Need For Speed franchise which has had a renaissance in recent years.
Need For Speed: Heat and the recent Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered were strong outings. They can lend the story of "scrappy underdog battling for respect and glory" to a podracing game.
The gaming giant has also made a huge $1.2bn takeover bid for British racing developers Codemasters, who make the Formula 1 games.
Getting that level of expertise on board could easily lead to a highly polished Star Wars racing game that can appeal to racing fans as well Star Wars fans.
It's not just us that wants a more diverse style of Star Wars game. Cory Barlog, who directed the amazing God of War talked recently about wanting to see a Mando RPG game.
It may be a longshot, but a new podracing game could deliver the broader Star Wars hit we are all still craving.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Opinion