Could this be the end for LucasArts internal development? After the recent layoffs and rumblings making their way throughout the tubes it certainly seems plausible. Now new rumor is springing up that after Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is done the developer will fire nearly 100 more employees.
Shacknews – claiming a “reliable source” has provided this information – is reporting that LucasArts plans to cease internal development. The fate of the upcoming Indiana Jones game would also seem to be in limbo, if this rumor proves correct. According to the same source any other projects will be outsourced.
Considering the current economic climate, and LucasArts’ great track record with outsourcing their IPs, this particular rumor has the feel of being true. Or at least mostly true. When the most successful, and often best, games coming from your corner of the gaming world are developed by outside partners it makes perfect sense to close up shop and take that road.
The thing that sucks is there are a number of people who could be losing their jobs very soon. Hopefully the talented folks at LucasArts will be quickly snatched up by other development houses.
