Raven releases Jedi Academy and Jedi Outcast source code after LucasArts closes

Yesterday was a sad day, as Disney shut down LucasArts, effectively canceling Star Wars 1313 and Star Wars: First Assault. The statement from a LucasArts representative read, "After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

While it certainly is sad, this should brighten up your day a little. Raven Software -- the developer of LucasArts titles Jedi Academy and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast -- has released the source code for both of those Star Wars action games. Both games were build on the&nbs p;Quake 3 engine. Jedi Outcast released in 2002 on Mac, PC, GameCube and Xbox, while released a year later on Mac, PC and Xbox. 

In a statement to Kotaku Australia, Raven said, "Raven is sad to hear about the closing of LucasArts today, we respected them and enjoyed working with them over the years. We wish the best for all the talented people who were let go and hope they find good work in studios in the industry.

"We loved and appreciated the experience of getting to make Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy for LucasArts. As a gift to the persistently loyal fanbase for our Jedi games and in memory of LucasArts, we are releasing the source code for both games for people to enjoy and play with."

This is a great tribute to LucasArts on behalf of Raven Software, and they should be commended. Now it's up to modders to do something with the source code for these two games. You can download the source code for Jedi Outcast HERE and for Jedi Academy HERE. 

You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com

[Kotaku Australia]

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