Now a new rumor out of the Los Angeles-based studio may be giving fans cause for concern. Respawn is reportedly looking to add a new IP to its collection, to be developed alongside Apex Legends, JFO 2, and the new Medal of Honor game. But should fans of the hit Star Wars title be worried about the impact of the new IP on development?

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The New IP is in the Earliest Stages

The rumors of a new IP at Respawn Entertainment are based on some extremely substantial evidence. Namely, a job listing posted on the company’s own website, looking for a full-time generalist software engineer. To quote the posting directly, the studio is looking to hire for a “new team being formed to develop a brand new IP.”

The wording of the job posting makes it clear that the new IP is in a very early stage of development. However, the phrasing is also important in giving Jedi: Fallen Order fans less reason to worry. Respawn has made it plain that the team being formed is also brand new, indicating it won’t be taking any resources away from existing projects, as the company’s recent success is likely giving it room to expand.

Finally, the fact that the listing is searching for a generalist engineer confirms the impression that the new IP is in a very early stage of development. In fact, the job posting reveals that Respawn Entertainment is unsure what exactly will be required in the role. The posting states that the candidate must have good knowledge of game-making, “whether it be gameplay, tools, audio, rendering, art, animation, AI, VFX, networking… or something unanticipated!” It seems that, since this was revealed at the end of the year, this application has been removed, likely meaning the role was filled.

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Will Fallen Order 2 Be Affected?

While the new job listing from Respawn may be giving some JFO fans cause to worry, it was a similar posting back in 2019 that first hinted that a Fallen Order sequel was on its way. The listing read, “We’re picturing someone who is passionate about the Star Wars Universe, and is invigorated by the idea of coding third-person action/adventure games.” While this listing didn’t give any further specifics, many fans felt that the description of the role practically confirmed that the sequel was in development.

After all, no one would be surprised that EA and Respawn Entertainment would want to capitalize on the success of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game impressed critics and fans alike with its well-written story and rounded characters. In particular, many critics were skeptical before the title’s release, due to the track record of EA’s previous two Star Wars games. Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront 2 received mixed reviews at best, with thin content and predatory Loot Box tactics angering fans.

Because of this, the warm reception to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has been seen by many as a validation of the Star Wars IP in EA’s hands. With such a surge of public opinion, not to mention a slew of award nominations and wins, EA couldn’t fail to see the potential in continuing the series. Given that the rumors of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 have been floating around for over a year now, it seems like a safe bet that the project is well into development. This makes it even less likely to lose out to a brand new IP that is still trying to fill roles.

A sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is rumored to be in development.

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