Even though the Skywalker Saga came to a close last year, it comes to no surprise to many that Star Wars still has no shortage of content. On top of the upcoming season of The Mandalorian as well as the ongoing Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian on Disney+, there are rumors of two more animated shows in development which are set to expand the lore even more. Moreover, the popular franchise is also maximizing their reach through Funko Pops and video games (Vader Immortal).
Now, it seems that a new announcement may not just expand the franchise but also give fans an opportunity to explore the Star Wars world in a new perspective...
REPORT
ILMXxLAB, in collaboration with Oculus Studios, officially announced today that they are developing a new virtual experience which is entitled Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge. Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive-in-Charge, shared that the new VR experience will "extend the lore around Black Spire Outpost" as well as serving as a transition from storytelling to "story living" where fans will get to make "consequential choices" that will drive their experience forward. You can check out her full statement below.
“We are so excited for fans to step into Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge later this year. This action-packed adventure not only speaks to the promise of connected and complementary experiences by extending the lore around Black Spire Outpost, it represents another meaningful step in ILMxLAB’s quest to transition from storytelling – one-way communication – to storyLIVING, where you’re inside a world making consequential choices that drive your experience forward.”
Moreover, ILMxLab also shared the first official concept art of the new VR game.
Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is set to take place between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker on the planet of Batuu. Scott Trowbridge, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Executive, also mentioned that the VR experience will give fans an opportunity to "discover new stories, meet new characters, and explore new regions."
Additionally, the VR experience's original story will feature "both new and iconic characters from the Star Wars universe with multiple styles of gameplay and difficulty settings to accommodate a wide variety of players, from Star Wars fans to VR gamers alike." However, the game has no release date as of this time.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Last year, Disney CEO Bob Chapek described the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland in California as a "runaway success," but the numbers somewhat proved otherwise. However, it's worth pointing out that Galaxy's Edge was a massive undertaking, giving fans a unique experience with all of its immersive world and features. The recent announcement of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge should help in expanding the earlier promise of the attraction of telling more galactic stories.
More so, Tales from the Galaxy's Edge provides fans a chance to not limit themselves within the confines of the park by bringing the experience to the comforts of their homes - a good alternative given the current pandemic. It remains to be seen how the stories will play out, but the virtual experience will surely help fans escape the outskirts of reality into the galaxy far, far away.
