How much did EA earn in Q1 FY26?

EA reported $1.671 billion in revenue and $1.298 billion in net bookings, beating projections.

What role did Star Wars Battlefront II play in EA's quarter?

Battlefront II drove a 27% rise in full-game net bookings, thanks to a massive spike in sales and player activity.

Why did Battlefront II surge in popularity again?

Steam sales, May the 4th events, and nostalgia-fueled community interest sparked the game’s comeback.

Did Battlefront II reach new player highs?

Yes. It hit a record 36,000 concurrent players on Steam in May 2025.

Will EA revive or update Battlefront II going forward?

Nothing’s confirmed, but the success could influence future Star Wars video game plans at EA.

EA Surpasses Q1 Expectations Thanks to Star Wars Battlefront II Comeback

Who knew a 2017 title could be EA’s secret weapon in 2025?

Electronic Arts just dropped its Q1 FY26 earnings, and while there’s plenty to unpack—from buybacks to live service numbers—one standout headline is already stealing the spotlight: Star Wars Battlefront II is back, and it’s not just showing signs of life. It’s thriving.

That’s right. The same game once mired in controversy over loot boxes is now leading the charge in EA’s stronger-than-expected quarter. Sometimes, the Force really does awaken.

A Strong Quarter with a Galactic Twist

EA reported $1.671 billion in net revenue for the quarter ending June 30, far surpassing expectations. Net bookings came in at $1.298 billion, brushing the top end of guidance, even as net profit slipped to $201 million—a 28% drop year-over-year.

While live service games like Apex Legends and EA SPORTS FC remained sturdy performers, it was the full-game category that made headlines. Net bookings in this segment jumped 27%, hitting $214 million. And yes, Battlefront II played a key role in that surge.

Stuart Canfield, EA’s CFO, name-dropped the Star Wars shooter during the earnings call, praising it for driving renewed interest and contributing to the unexpected boost.

Navy blue and olive green Scout Troopers aiming rifles in Star Wars Battlefront II

How Did Battlefront II Pull Off a Comeback?

Let’s be real—nobody had Battlefront II on their 2025 bingo card. But the game’s renaissance is real, and it’s been brewing for months.

Here’s what went down:

In May 2025, the game leapt from 135th to 12th on U.S. sales charts. That’s not a typo.
It also cracked the top 5 for PC sales, beating out Black Ops 6 and even Red Dead Redemption 2.
A Steam sale and May the 4th event propelled it to over 36,000 concurrent players, smashing its previous all-time record.

Combine that with a flurry of Star Wars activity—between Andor buzz, modding communities keeping things fresh, and streaming marathons—and the galaxy far, far away suddenly didn’t seem so distant.

The revival also feeds into broader nostalgia trends in gaming. Players are increasingly revisiting older titles, especially those with active mod scenes or multiplayer communities. (Battlefront II, with its cinematic scope and iconic characters, checks both boxes.)

Esports? No. But Competitive Play Still Matters

Let’s be clear: Battlefront II isn’t an esports powerhouse. It’s not lighting up tournament circuits or racking up betting odds in casino gaming culture.

But its competitive multiplayer modes—packed with heroes, vehicles, and iconic Star Wars battlegrounds—have kept players engaged. The game’s core loop still feels rewarding, especially for casual fans who want the thrill of lightsabers without the ranked grind.

And that accessibility is paying off big.

Chrome Clone and Bling Trooper posing like it’s payday

EA’s Broader Strategy: Legacy Meets Live Service

While Battlefront II was the surprise MVP, EA isn’t pivoting back to its old catalog just yet. The company is still focused on its usual heavy hitters:

Live services pulled in over $1.08 billion, down just 1% from last year.
EA SPORTS titles, especially FC Mobile, continued to post record engagement.
A new Battlefield is on the way, with teases of a massive reveal later this year.
Shareholders got a win too: EA bought back 3 million shares this quarter, spending $375 million in the process.

But here’s the kicker: Battlefront II’s comeback is proof that there’s still untapped gold in the vault. If EA’s watching the numbers—and they definitely are—there’s a real case to revisit the Star Wars gaming IP more aggressively.

Whether that’s a sequel, a remaster, or just enhanced live support for the current game, the market has clearly spoken.

Reminder: The Loot Box Ghost Still Haunts

Not everything about Battlefront II’s past has aged well. The infamous loot box backlash that nearly derailed the game in 2017 still echoes today, especially in conversations around gambling and casino-style monetization in video games.

EA’s been more cautious since then, but any resurgence inevitably drags that history back into the light. Fortunately, the current momentum seems to be driven more by gameplay and content than pay-to-win systems—which is a win for players and for EA’s public image.

So, What’s Next?

Here’s what we’ll be watching for:

Will EA act on this momentum? The numbers suggest they should. The fans are ready. The modding community is active. The galaxy is calling.
Could Battlefront II get post-launch updates again? Unlikely, but not impossible. A small content drop could supercharge retention.
Is a new Battlefront on the horizon? No confirmation, but this resurgence might be exactly the kind of proof-of-concept execs needed.

If nothing else, this proves one thing: Never underestimate the staying power of Star Wars video games. Especially when they’re backed by a dedicated community, a global brand, and just the right timing.

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