When EA showed off its Star Wars game at E3, some fans were disappointed with how lightsabers looked in the game. Now, the team at Respawn has adjusted the Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order lightsabers based on the feedback it received following the show.
Speaking as a guest at The Game Informer Show podcast, director Stig Asmussen addressed the feedback that stated that the iconic weapons didn’t look as vibrant in game as they usually do in other Star Wars works. Specifically, he pointed to the lack of a white light in the center of the blade.
“We made a mistake on that one, and since then have fixed it,” stated Asmussen. “That was fair feedback and criticism. We’ve tweaked [the light], and also tweaked the shape of the lightsaber blade a little. You can see the difference right away.”
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Though some may dismiss this as just nitpicking by fans, lightsabers do have a distinctive look in the series. The white shaft of light surrounded by the glow of the saber’s designated color helps demonstrate how it is a weapon made of light. It also helps create some of the franchise’s most iconic shots, especially during scenes with dim lighting, such as the climactic saber duels in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
From early on, video games based on the Star Wars franchise have done their best to capture this look. Even games such as Super Nintendo Super Star Wars trilogy, did their best to keep the iconic glowing white blade, outlined with the sabers color.
With this in mind, what Respawn adjusting the lightsabers in Fallen Order isn’t just pandering to the fans. Rather, it’s the studio doing its best to stay true to the look of one of the most iconic pop culture franchises.
