How many players are currently playing Star Wars Battlefront II (2017)?

As of June 2025, Star Wars Battlefront II hit an all-time peak of 32,311 concurrent players on Steam.

How much money could EA have made if Battlefront II launched with 32,000 players?

EA could have earned approximately $48 million in gross revenue, or around $33.9 million after platform fees, if that level of popularity existed at launch.

Why did Battlefront II fail at launch?

The game faced massive backlash for its pay-to-win loot box system, leading to negative press and regulatory scrutiny.

What caused the recent surge in Battlefront II player numbers?

A 90% discount on Steam, combined with a thriving modding community and renewed interest from streamers, sparked the resurgence.

Is Star Wars Battlefront II worth playing in 2025?

Yes. The game has undergone major improvements and now offers a fair, balanced, and content-rich multiplayer experience.

What If Battlefront II Launched With 32,000 Players? EA’s Lost Millions

Star Wars Battlefront II just hit 32,311 concurrent players on Steam, marking a surprising late-game comeback. But what if this massive player base had shown up when the game launched in 2017? Spoiler: EA would’ve been swimming in cash—about $48 million worth, just from PC sales. We crunched the numbers and explored the alternate galaxy where Battlefront II didn’t shoot itself in the foot with loot boxes.

A Galactic Comeback… in 2025?

In a plot twist worthy of The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) is having a resurgence in 2025. According to the latest SteamCharts data, the game just hit an all-time peak of 32,311 concurrent players. That’s right—nearly eight years after launch, the Force is suddenly strong with this one.

But here’s the real question:
What if this many people had played Battlefront II at launch?
Let’s fire up the hyperdrive and crunch some numbers.

The 32,311-Player Spike — A Big Deal?

In the world of online multiplayer, 32,000+ concurrent players is no joke. It’s the kind of number that gets game devs popping champagne—or lightsabers. And considering that most of these players likely showed up thanks to a 90% off sale, it’s even more impressive.

But imagine this spike didn’t happen in 2025…
Imagine it happened on day one in 2017.

Turning Players Into Profit — Let’s Talk EA’s Missed Millions

Here’s how the math breaks down, assuming 32,311 concurrent players in 2017:

Industry average: 1 concurrent player ≈ 25 game owners
So, 32,311 × 25 = 807,775 copies sold
2017 launch price: $59.99
Gross revenue: 807,775 × $60 = $48,466,500

Now, we know Steam takes a 30% cut, so EA would have walked away with:

$48.5 million × 70% = $33.9 million net

That’s $33.9 million in just one platform—and that’s before factoring in microtransactions, cosmetics, or console sales via Xbox and PlayStation.

Why Didn’t This Happen in 2017?

Two words: loot crates.

EA’s infamous pay-to-win launch strategy backfired harder than a jammed blaster. Gamers revolted, media coverage turned toxic, and the backlash forced EA to rework the entire progression system. Had the game launched with the current balance and free content updates, it could’ve been a juggernaut from day one.

Gambling With the Galaxy

The original launch monetization was basically a casino dressed in Stormtrooper armor. Randomized loot boxes blurred the lines between gaming and gambling, sparking global debates and even legal scrutiny. Countries like Belgium and the Netherlands outright banned certain mechanics.

In hindsight, EA wasn’t just fighting Rebel scum—they were battling regulatory firepower.

Star Wars Battlefront II NSFW loading screen warning

Why the Surge Now?

Several factors may explain Battlefront II’s sudden popularity spike:

Steam Sale: The game was recently 90% off, dropping the price to pocket change.
Modding Boom: The Battlefront modding scene is thriving with everything from Clone Wars overhauls to anime crossovers.
Nostalgia: Players are rediscovering the game post-fix, and many are realizing it’s… actually good now.
Content Creators: YouTubers and streamers are fueling interest with fresh gameplay and meme-worthy moments.

This cocktail of discounts, content, and community is the perfect storm for a late-blooming masterpiece.

What EA Can Learn From This

If Battlefront II proves anything, it’s that long-term goodwill pays better than short-term greed. Gamers will absolutely support a well-made, fair, and fun game—even years after its release. The Force is forgiving… but only if you stop gambling with player trust.

Conclusion: The Jackpot That Could Have Been

In an alternate timeline where EA didn’t roll the dice on exploitative monetization, Star Wars Battlefront II could have launched as one of the most celebrated Star Wars games ever. Instead, it’s the underdog that became a late legend.

The good news? The game is thriving now. And even if EA missed out on that $48 million windfall in 2017, they’ve earned something just as valuable: a shot at redemption in the galaxy far, far away.

Novara Skuara

When I was 7, I saw Star Wars: A New Hope in theaters a week after it opened. My parents were nice enough to take me and I have been a fan of Star Wars and almost all science fiction in general. I am an amateur writer who has been published for contributing flavor text to a RP game. I also have a copyright on a novel I hope to be able to publish sometime soon.