Renowned game director Stig Asmussen, recognized for his work on the highly acclaimed God of War series and later EA’s Star Wars Jedi games, has announced his departure from Respawn Entertainment to explore new opportunities. Asmussen’s leadership played a pivotal role in rejuvenating EA’s Star Wars portfolio, with both Jedi titles achieving significant critical acclaim and commercial success.
Although parts of the gaming community expressed concern about Asmussen’s departure, an EA spokesperson confirmed the news and wished him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, experienced leaders at Respawn will step up to guide the team as they continue their development of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which was released in April, has received ongoing updates to optimize performance and enhance the player experience. Asmussen had previously revealed that the development team approached the game with a sequel in mind, indicating their confidence in the project’s success. It remains unclear whether a third installment will proceed without Asmussen’s direct involvement.
Asmussen has shared insights into the challenges faced during the development of the Jedi games at Respawn, including overcoming Lucasfilm’s initial reluctance to approve a game centered around the Jedi and EA’s apprehension towards supporting single-player games without multiplayer elements. He also discussed how Jedi: Survivor was expedited despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic which prompted developers to work remotely.
Although Asmussen has not yet unveiled his future plans after departing Respawn, his impressive track record and contributions to the gaming industry suggest that exciting opportunities lie ahead. Prior to his tenure at Respawn, Asmussen held key roles at Santa Monica Studios where he served as lead environment artist and art director for the God of War series, ultimately becoming game director for God of War 3.
As fans and industry insiders await news of Asmussen’s next venture, his departure marks a significant change within EA’s Star Wars Jedi team. However, the team’s resilience and dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences bode well for the future of the Star Wars Jedi franchise.
