The Star Wars franchise has grown from his niche following in the early days through to being one of the biggest film franchises in history.
It has moved well beyond the comparisons between fans of Star Wars and star trek, becoming a global phenomenon which continues to attract new fans of all ages with its new releases of films, games, and merchandise.
Many types of games have been released over the years, aimed at and attracting new audiences and fans.
- Star Wars: Electronic Battle Command
This was the first ever Star Wars game, released in 1979, it came with three different levels and players examined star systems with the aim of avoiding black holes, locating enemies, and searching for MAGNA. It was the early days of video game technology, and its introduction was received with a lot of excitement. This was not a game to play in a console, it was a whole unit itself and was found in many households across the world.
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
This game was released on the Atari 2600 and was the first video game to be released by the franchise. It was an adaptation of the film and came out in 1982, though unfortunately it was effectively impossible to win. It was though, a commercial success and became one of the years two best-selling video games along with Frogger.
- Star Wars Trilogy Slots
Games based on films are usually a hit, and producers of brands carrying these types of online slots ensure they feature some of Hollywood’s best, making Star Wars the ideal topic. This online slot features Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Leia, and R2D2 on the reels and the Free Spin Bonus even features Chancellor Palpatine, making it the perfect game for even the biggest fans. The bonuses and style of play are all based around the official trilogy, something older fans especially will enjoy. The advances in animation and video features online ensure the experience is one to really enjoy.
- Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
One-way into the hearts of some of the younger fans is the collaboration with another childhood toy, Lego. The Lego Star Wars game came out in 2007 on Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.
They don’t just appeal to the young, Lego has been a huge part of childhoods for generations and the nostalgia factor is a great way to enjoy both the game and its style. It provides a more whimsical approach to the franchise and allows those with a light interest to get involved more, rather than the games aimed at the more die-hard fan.
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The games are not all based on the movie, this one was set thousands of years before the events of the films. It gained huge support and success with its unique look at the Star Wars universe.
It was created and released in 2003 and was one of the best made role playing games of its time, still being referred to as one of the best Star Wars games ever made.
You become fully immersed in the fictional universe with a chance to travel the universe as a Jedi on epic space adventures with incredible locations and quests.
- Star Wars Battlefront 2
This game has long been considered one of the best for the complete immersion on feeling part of the battle in the galaxy. Released in 2005 it became one of the best for multiplayer gaming, either in person or online while adding an enjoyable single-player story mode.
Battlefront 2 also offered the chance to purchase ‘Loot Boxes’ which, when bought, game players random extra benefits to help with their competition.
- Jar Jars Journey Adventure Book
The Star Wars franchise was aware that it could not rely on just computer games and films alone to draw in new fans. This adventure book was created for children from four years of age and included a number of characters from Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace.
It was a CD-ROM animated story for you children to read along with Jar Jar Binks from the Naboo swamp to Tatooine.
Star Wars has used it cult following to be able to branch out and reach a global audience. Since being bought by Disney it is able to adapt and grow to continuously reach new fans while adapting what people are looking for from the franchise as generations go by.
It may have been hard to see the global appeal it has gone on to receive after the initial cult following. As a franchise it has shown incredible leadership and adaptability as the decades have gone by, something in which a number of other cult films or programmes have struggled to do.
For those who have an interest or a devotion to Star Wars, the games are a great way to continue the enjoyment past just the films themselves.