Star Wars Battlefront 3 Rumors Point to DICE, Bungie and Respawn as Lucasfilm Explores Revival

Star Wars Battlefront 3 could finally be moving closer to development, as new industry rumors suggest Lucasfilm Games is evaluating potential studios to revive the popular multiplayer franchise. EA DICE and Bungie have reportedly emerged as possible development partners, while a separate claim suggests DICE may already be collaborating with Respawn Entertainment on the project. However, neither Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts, nor Bungie has officially confirmed that a new Battlefront game is in production.

The initial report originated from the revived Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine, whose legendary Quartermann rumor column returned in issue 265 as part of the EGM Compendium project. According to the publication, Lucasfilm has been actively searching for a development partner for another Battlefront installment, with DICE and Bungie reportedly among the leading candidates. Industry journalist Jeff Grubb discussed the claims during Game Mess Mornings on October 19, expressing enthusiasm about the possibility of a sequel while remaining skeptical that Bungie would ultimately become its developer.

DICE would be the most obvious choice, having developed the 2015 Star Wars Battlefront reboot and its 2017 sequel. The studio has extensive experience with large multiplayer environments, vehicle combat, and the Frostbite engine, although its continued involvement with Battlefield could complicate development resources. Bungie presents a different possibility. The Sony owned studio has established expertise in first person combat through Halo and Destiny, but its current commitments to Marathon and ongoing live service development raise questions about whether it could accommodate another major multiplayer franchise.

The situation became more interesting when Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead Interactive, shared a different account. Responding to the rumors on X, Brammer claimed that DICE and Respawn Entertainment were already working on Battlefront 3, based on information he had heard within the industry. His comments introduce Respawn as another potential participant rather than supporting the suggestion that Bungie is the likely developer. Respawn already has an established relationship with Lucasfilm through the Star Wars Jedi series and its collaboration on Star Wars Zero Company.

These accounts are not necessarily consistent. The EGM report describes Lucasfilm searching for a studio without a confirmed commitment, while Brammer suggests development may already be underway. Neither claim has been independently substantiated through an official announcement, leaving the project's current status and potential studio involvement unresolved.

Interest in a third installment remains substantial despite the franchise's long absence. Star Wars Battlefront II experienced a major resurgence in 2025, reaching a record 35,892 concurrent players on Steam on June 22, according to SteamDB. The increase was supported by discounted sales, community initiatives, and renewed interest in Star Wars. The game continued attracting players in 2026, reaching another peak of approximately 9,383 concurrent Steam users in May, demonstrating that demand persists even without major official content updates.

The rumors also coincide with a broader shift in Lucasfilm's development strategy. Lucasfilm Games Vice President Douglas Reilly recently discussed the company's willingness to collaborate with a wider range of studios, emphasizing that major productions such as Battlefront remain important while smaller projects can explore different genres. This approach follows the end of EA's exclusive Star Wars publishing arrangement and the expansion of partnerships across the gaming industry.

For now, Star Wars Battlefront 3 remains unannounced, with no confirmed development studio, release window, platforms, or gameplay details. Nevertheless, the combination of renewed player interest and Lucasfilm's broader publishing strategy suggests there is a compelling opportunity for the franchise to return.

A new Star Wars Battlefront has considerable potential, particularly as large multiplayer shooters continue evolving around expansive environments, destruction systems, and persistent online experiences.

DICE offers the clearest connection to the franchise's established identity, while Bungie's experience with gunplay and cooperative combat could introduce a different approach. A collaboration between DICE and Respawn could also be interesting, combining large scale multiplayer expertise with Respawn's experience developing Star Wars adventures.

However, the most important consideration may be how Lucasfilm approaches monetization and long term support. The controversial progression and loot box systems surrounding Battlefront II's original launch damaged its reputation before subsequent updates helped rebuild community confidence.

A third installment would need to deliver strong gameplay, substantial content, and a sustainable progression system without repeating those mistakes. For now, the reported developer discussions are encouraging, but they remain rumors rather than evidence that a new Battlefront is guaranteed.

Who should develop Star Wars Battlefront 3: DICE, Bungie, or a collaboration between DICE and Respawn? And what would you most want improved from Battlefront II?