Controversy Over Canceled Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 DLC
The gaming community was abuzz with the news of Aspyr’s cancellation of the highly anticipated Restored Content DLC for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords on the Nintendo Switch. This decision led to a class action lawsuit against the developer, with plaintiffs alleging that Aspyr had violated California consumer protection laws. Aspyr has since defended itself, arguing for the dismissal of the lawsuit and offering free game codes as compensation for the canceled DLC.
(Image credit: LucasArts)
Aspyr’s History and the KotOR 2 DLC
Aspyr has a notable history of porting classic LucasArts Star Wars games, bringing these beloved titles to modern consoles and PC storefronts. Their work includes the Steam version of KotOR 2 released in 2012, and a decade later, the Nintendo Switch port that is currently at the center of controversy.
The Sith Lords Restored Content Mod (TSLRCM) is a significant aspect of the KotOR 2 experience. Developed by the modding community, TSLRCM adds cutscenes, dialogue, and quests that were originally left out due to the game’s rushed development cycle. This mod is considered essential by many fans, as it provides a more complete and enriched gaming experience.
Anticipation was high when Aspyr announced a collaboration with the original mod team to bring TSLRCM to the Nintendo Switch as a DLC. However, after a year of silence, the company announced the cancellation of the DLC, leaving fans disappointed.
- Aspyr’s background in porting classic Star Wars games
- Significance of TSLRCM in enhancing the KotOR 2 experience
- Initial excitement for the TSLRCM DLC on Nintendo Switch
- Unexpected cancellation of the DLC
The Mysterious Third Party
Speculation has been rife about the identity of the ‘third party’ that objected to the release of the TSLRCM DLC. Aspyr has remained tight-lipped about the situation, offering no further comment beyond acknowledging the objection that led to the cancellation. The original TSLRCM mod team has also indicated that they are not privy to any updates regarding the DLC’s status.
There has been conjecture that the third party could be LucasArts or its parent company Disney, who may have been reluctant to endorse a fan project officially. However, without confirmation from Aspyr, the true identity of the third party remains a mystery.
The Class Action Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit against Aspyr was initiated by Malachai Mickelonis in July, citing violations of California consumer protection laws. The lawsuit has since expanded to include 17 more plaintiffs, all of whom are seeking redress for the canceled DLC.
| Plaintiff | Claims |
|---|---|
| Malachai Mickelonis | Initiated lawsuit citing California consumer protection laws |
| Additional Plaintiffs | 17 more joined the class action seeking compensation |
Compensation and Resolution Sentiment
In response to the backlash from the cancellation of the Restored Content DLC for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Aspyr offered affected customers a choice of a free game from their catalogue. This gesture was intended as recompense, with the Steam version of KotOR 2 being an option where players could access the TSLRCM mod.
The general sentiment towards Aspyr’s resolution has been mixed. While some see the offer of a free game as fair compensation, others feel let down by the unfulfilled promise of the DLC. The situation has left many in the gaming community contemplating the complexities of game development and the management of fan expectations.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the KotOR 2 DLC has highlighted the challenges faced by game studios in balancing creative endeavors with legal and corporate constraints. As the dust settles, it serves as a reminder of the passionate investment of fans in the Star Wars gaming universe and the importance of clear communication between developers and their audience.
