Former BioWare general manager Casey Hudson has embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Arcanaut Studios, which will develop the highly anticipated game, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. The announcement was made during last week’s The Game Awards, marking a noteworthy return for Hudson, who previously directed the acclaimed Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR).
Hudson founded Arcanaut Studios in July 2025, bringing together a team that includes Chris Bain as CFO, Cordy Rierson as COO, and Ryan Hoyle as CTO. The studio’s mission is to deliver a modern interpretation of the original KOTOR experience, resonating with both longtime fans and new players alike.
“When we developed the original KOTOR, we wanted to create a definitive Star Wars experience—crafting an adventure that consisted of all the things we dreamed of doing as Star Wars fans,” Hudson remarked during the announcement. His vision for Fate of the Old Republic seeks to blend cutting-edge technology with innovative game design, crafting a fresh narrative that enhances player agency and immersion, a hallmark of the original game.
Hudson’s history with BioWare spans 16 years, where he played a significant role in shaping some of the most iconic titles in gaming history. After leaving BioWare in 2014, he returned in 2017, only to exit again in 2021 alongside fellow executive producer Mark Darrah. This departure led Hudson to establish Humanoid Origin, which ultimately closed its doors last year, halting the development of an untitled sci-fi project.
The announcement of Fate of the Old Republic comes at a time when there is a growing interest in reviving classic franchises with modern sensibilities. With Hudson at the helm, expectations are high, particularly given his track record with previous iconic titles. He stated that the new game represents “an opportunity to explore a contemporary vision of a definitive Star Wars experience,” hinting at ambitious gameplay elements that leverage current technological advancements.
The decision to revisit the universe of Knights of the Old Republic is significant, given the game’s lasting impact on the RPG genre and its deep connection with Star Wars lore. The original KOTOR, released in 2003, is celebrated for its compelling characters, moral complexity, and engaging storylines, elements that Hudson aims to replicate and expand upon in this new endeavor.
As Arcanaut Studios gears up for development, the gaming community is left with much to speculate. While details regarding the game’s mechanics, plot, and release date remain sparse, the involvement of Hudson and his team is viewed as a promising sign for fans eager for a new Star Wars adventure. The project symbolizes a fusion of nostalgia and innovation, aiming to cater to both seasoned players and newcomers to the franchise.
With the landscape of gaming continuing to evolve rapidly, Fate of the Old Republic represents not just a return to a beloved universe but also an opportunity to redefine what a Star Wars game can be in the modern era. As development progresses, the gaming community will undoubtedly be paying close attention to the choices made by Hudson and his team, anticipating a fresh yet familiar experience that honors the legacy of the original.
