Star Wars: Galactic Racer Isn’t Just Podracing — Devs Open Up About Customization and Development Hurdles

If you were expecting Star Wars: Galactic Racer to be “Episode I: Racer 2.0” with shinier graphics… that’s not what this is.

In a recent interview, Fuse Games CEO Matt Webster pulled back the curtain on the upcoming 2026 racing title — and what he revealed makes it clear this isn’t just a nostalgic side project. It’s an ambitious Star Wars game built with Lucasfilm involvement from the ground up… and it hasn’t been easy.

“This Isn’t Just Podracing”

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Galactic Racer is that it’s simply a podracing revival.

Webster made it clear that’s not the case.

While the game absolutely taps into Star Wars’ racing DNA, it goes far beyond Tatooine engines and Boonta Eve vibes. The team is building what they call a “Galactic League” — a broader racing circuit that spans multiple worlds, eras, and vehicle types.

That means you won’t just be locked into one class of craft. Different vehicles, different styles, and different racing formats are all part of the plan.

And that immediately complicates development.

A Canonical Character… With Customization

Here’s where things get interesting.

Players won’t be creating a completely blank slate character. Instead, you’ll step into the boots of a canonical racer named Shade — a character built directly into the Star Wars timeline.

But that doesn’t mean customization is off the table.

According to Webster, players will still be able to modify:

• Shade’s appearance
• Outfits
• Voice
• Personal presentation

What won’t change is the core backstory.

That hybrid approach — fixed narrative identity + player customization — is something we don’t see often in racing games. It’s closer to how some RPGs handle defined protagonists while still letting players feel ownership.

And it reflects Lucasfilm’s involvement.

Lucasfilm Has Been Involved From the Start

Unlike some licensed games that feel like they’re built first and approved later, Webster explained that Lucasfilm has been involved “from almost day one.”

That means story beats, character arcs, and tone aren’t being layered on top after development. They’re being built into the foundation.

Which sounds great in theory.

But in practice?

It adds pressure.

Because every design decision has to feel authentically Star Wars.

Development Has Been… Expensive

Webster didn’t sugarcoat things.

Building a new Star Wars IP at a new studio isn’t cheap. He openly discussed the scale of the challenge — especially when you’re trying to combine cinematic racing with modern production values.

Fuse Games isn’t new to high-speed gameplay either. Team members previously worked on:

• Battlefront’s speeder bike mission
• Starfighter Assault
• Rogue One: X-Wing VR

So they know Star Wars vehicles.

But building a full standalone racing experience — across multiple vehicle classes — is a very different beast.

Balancing different craft types. Making upgrades feel meaningful but fair. Ensuring cinematic spectacle without breaking gameplay physics.

That’s not simple.

Post-Return of the Jedi Setting

The game is set after Return of the Jedi, in a galaxy rebuilding itself.

That decision gives the developers massive creative freedom. They aren’t locked into a single era like the Clone Wars or the Imperial reign. Instead, they can draw inspiration from across Star Wars history while telling a new story in canon.

It also allows for fresh rivalries, new leagues, and unexplored corners of the galaxy.

And from a long-term perspective? It gives Disney and Lucasfilm room to expand.

Not an Open World — And That’s Intentional

Another key reveal: Galactic Racer isn’t an open-world game.

That might surprise some fans.

Instead of one giant sandbox map, the team is building focused, handcrafted tracks designed around story progression and competitive balance.

Webster suggested that this tighter structure allows them to deliver more detailed environments and stronger narrative pacing — rather than spreading resources thin across a massive map.

It’s a deliberate choice.

And arguably a smart one for a racing game.

Why This One’s Worth Watching

Let’s zoom out for a second.

Star Wars racing has always been niche but beloved. From Episode I: Racer to small vehicle segments in larger games, there’s always been potential — but rarely a fully realized modern version.

Galactic Racer is clearly trying to be more than a nostalgia grab.

It’s attempting to blend:

• Narrative storytelling
• Canon integration
• RPG-lite customization
• Competitive racing
• Cinematic presentation

That’s ambitious.

Maybe even risky.

But it’s also the kind of risk Star Wars gaming probably needs heading into 2026.

Because if this works?

We’re not just getting a racing game.

We’re getting a new corner of the Star Wars universe built around speed, rivalry, and high-stakes competition.

And honestly… that sounds pretty fun.

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