‘Star Wars Battlefront' goes deep into a galaxy far, far away

Story Highlights

The designers of "Star Wars Battlefront", who designed the game, had access to archives from "Star Wars".

The game has a lot of detail, and minor references are used as starting points to game play

CNN

Who are you?

I'm not anyone.

The official trailer of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' which was released recently, triggered a new wave of excitement and intrigue around the world. The trailer features old characters and new ones, as well as the continuation of an epic story that has captured audiences for years.

The movie combines nostalgia with the promise to do something new. Lucasfilm and EA Digital Illusions CE worked together for three years to create "Star Wars Battlefront," a videogame that captures those emotions.

Ada Duan is vice president for Lucasfilm Digital Business & Franchise Management. She said, "This is the most extensive access we have ever given to a partner."

We wanted to honour the memory of movies

Digital Illusions, also known as DICE, wanted to create a game for all Star Wars fans. Artists, designers, and developers visited the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum near San Francisco to see the costumes, props, and artwork used to create the original trilogy of "Star Wars" movies.

You can view the gallery here.

Sigurlina Ingvarsdottir is the senior producer of 'Star Wars Battlefront'. We were invited to Skywalker Ranch by our Lucasfilm partners to explore and take in the atmosphere. Then (we were permitted) to visit the archives to actually see the props, and figure out how we might use them.

DICE's team studied each piece in depth, taking many photos and measurements. They also delved into the archives in order to make sure that it would be represented as accurately in the game as in the film. Ingvarsdottir, however, realized that it was more about the fan perception rather than historical accuracy.

She said that the movies were video-captured in the late 1970s and early 1980s. "A lot has changed in terms of rich visuals. But I think this is what you imagine the movie to be when you see it."

The artists also visited Iceland and Muir Woods in California to get inspiration for recreating the environments on a few planets.

DICE and Lucasfilm realized that they needed to work more closely together to bring to life the original trilogy in the videogame in a manner fans would enjoy and desire.

Duan added that original artwork and reference photos were available. We made all our archives available, including original reference artwork and references from the films.

The game will take players on many adventures, including 'Episode 4: A New Hope' in Tatooine and 'Episode 5: The Empire Strikes back' on Hoth. Some missions are taken directly from the films, but others use the movies to create challenges for would-be Stormtroopers or rebels.

The story does not end with the destruction of the second Death Star. The game takes you to planets that were never discovered before, such as Sullust, which is a lava-filled planet. Sullust wasn't created by the designers. It is only mentioned in Return of the Jedi, but it's never been seen.

Tie-ins & X-Wings

The game also directly links to the upcoming film, "The Force Awakens," by allowing players to engage in the Battle of Jakku beginning December 1. This desert world was the scene of a brutal battle between Imperial holdouts and the New Republic 29 years prior to the events depicted in the film.

Duan said, "It has definitely been part of our plan from the start, as it's been 10 years since we last saw a live-action Star Wars movie in the theaters." We know that many new audiences will be watching 'Star Wars,' for the first. A part of the strategy was re-engaging 'Star Wars" fans in the excitement of the movie (through the videogame).

Ingvarsdottir, her team and all of the 'Star Wars fans' who are familiar with many details, knew that they would face pressure from fans. The developers and Ingvarsdottir accepted the challenge, but also recognized the limitations.

Ingvarsdottir stated, 'It is a mixture of excitement, privilege and pressure, all combined with a feeling of responsibility. The fans are numerous and vocal. They are so passionate. We're also 'Star Wars fans', so we feel the same way. We have to make a game that we like, not one that everyone wants.

Lucasfilm and DICE are confident that they have created a game which is both visually accurate and stunningly presented. Duan stated that the short time frame for development really forced both groups to include everything they wanted.

Ingvarsdottir believes that both fans and players will be impressed by the level of spirit brought to each game.

She said: "You are fighting with your friends, you are dogfighting the skies, you are flying over a Canyon in an XWing and in a full-on battle." I think that people will enjoy the variety of scenarios, whether they play alone or in split-screen with a buddy or even our large battles.

The game is available on Thursday in Europe, Australia and North America. It was released in North America Tuesday and in Europe, Australia and Europe on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Windows PC.

Lucasfilm and DICE want to take gamers on a galaxy-wide tour.

Ingvarsdottir stated that 'this is the year for 'Star Wars', and I believe the world is very excited about what is supposed to happen. We can tell that our fans are looking forward to our game. Everyone is obviously eagerly anticipating 'The force Awakens'. There has never been a more exciting time to be a "Star Wars" fan.