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Online Multiplayer Returns to 2004's Star Wars: Battlefront

Online Multiplayer Returns to 2004's Star Wars: Battlefront

It's not often 16-year-old games receive updates, especially when those games have existing sequels, but 2004's Star Wars: Battlefront has just been blessed with the return of online functionality on Steam. Yes, that's right. The long dormant servers have been reawakened; soldiers once again populate the intergalactic battlefields known for some of the Star Wars universe's bloodiest battles.

After GameSpy shut down in 2014, taking Battlefront's servers with it, most assumed the game's online functionality would live on only in unofficial servers. Those assumptions were true, at least for PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the game, but this PC update defied all expectations and stands as a glimmer of hope for those who work for the preservation of games.

Unlike films, music or books, accessing older games can be a significant challenge—if not outright impossible—due to hardware incompatibility and the impermanence of online services. While people can enjoy the online elements of Star Wars: Battlefront for now, there's no telling how long these servers will remain online for (after all, no reason has been given for the update). It could be a matter of months, or even weeks, before they once again fall and rejoin the hundreds of online games irretrievably lost to time.

For now, however, enjoy Star Wars: Battlefront in its original glory. If you don't already own a copy on Steam, it's available on sale now for £3.59.

Jamie Davies

Jamie Davies

Staff Writer

Raised on a steady diet of violent shooters and sugary cereal. He regrets no part of this

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