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Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998) – The Game That Defined Star Wars Flight Combat

Star Wars Rogue Squadron 1998 X-wing starfighter attacking Imperial AT-AT walkers in battle scene

Few Star Wars games have captured the thrill of piloting an X-wing quite like Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. Released in 1998, the game brought cinematic space battles and atmospheric missions to home consoles at a time when Star Wars gaming was evolving rapidly. Developed by Factor 5 and published by LucasArts, Rogue Squadron placed players directly in the cockpit of the Rebel Alliance’s most elite fighter unit. The game combined fast-paced action, iconic Star Wars locations, and technical innovation that pushed the limits of late-1990s hardware. More than two decades later, the game remains a defining entry in the franchise’s gaming legacy. As many fans and historians often note: “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron proved that Star Wars flight combat could feel just as cinematic and exciting in a video game as it did on the big screen.” Game Information Title: Star Wars: Rogue SquadronRelease Year: 1998 Developer: Factor 5Publisher: LucasArts…

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Complete List of All Star Wars Games Ever Made (1979–Present)

Complete timeline of Star Wars video games from 1979 to present, showing arcade, retro PC, console, and modern gaming setups

Over more than four decades, over 100 officially licensed Star Wars video games have been released across arcade machines, consoles, PC, handheld devices, and mobile platforms. Since the release of the first officially licensed Star Wars video game in 1982, the franchise has produced dozens of titles across arcades, consoles, PCs, handheld systems, and mobile platforms. These games have ranged from space combat simulators and role-playing epics to strategy games, shooters, and experimental projects that never made it to release. The history of Star Wars gaming is also closely tied to the evolution of the industry itself. The rise of LucasArts in the 1990s helped define the golden age of Star Wars games, producing classics such as X-Wing, Dark Forces, and Knights of the Old Republic. The closure of LucasArts in 2013 marked a major turning point, shifting development to external studios under publishing agreements. In the years since, Star…

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Star Wars Games (2006–2012): The Fall of LucasArts

Young adults playing Star Wars video games on a flat screen TV during the LucasArts era between 2006 and 2012

The period between 2006 and 2012 marks the most turbulent and uncertain era in the history of Star Wars gaming. Following the experimental beginnings of The First Star Wars Games (1979–1989) and the explosive growth seen in Star Wars Games of the 1990s (1990–1999) — before reaching the creative peak documented in Star Wars Games (2000–2005): The Golden Age of Star Wars Gaming — this era represents a dramatic shift in direction for the franchise. After years of innovation and success, LucasArts entered a period defined by shifting priorities, cancelled projects, and an increasing reliance on safer, more predictable releases. While several major titles still launched during these years — including The Force Unleashed, LEGO Star Wars, and The Old Republic — the broader direction of Star Wars gaming began to fracture. Behind the scenes, ambitious projects were repeatedly started, reworked, and ultimately abandoned. Internal restructuring, technological challenges, and changing…

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Star Wars Games (2000–2005): The Golden Age of a Gaming Empire

Teenagers playing Star Wars PC games during the golden age of Star Wars gaming between 2000 and 2005

The early 2000s represent the single most important era in the history of Star Wars gaming. Between 2000 and 2005, the franchise delivered an unprecedented run of critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles across PC, console, and handheld platforms. From genre-defining role-playing games like Knights of the Old Republic to large-scale multiplayer experiences such as Battlefront and the ambitious Star Wars Galaxies MMO, this five-year period reshaped what licensed games could achieve. It was a time when nearly every major Star Wars release felt significant. Developers experimented with new genres, pushed emerging hardware to its limits, and expanded the universe beyond the films in ways that continue to influence modern Star Wars titles. Many of the mechanics, storytelling approaches, and gameplay systems introduced during these years remain central to Star Wars gaming today. This article documents the complete era of Star Wars games released between 2000 and 2005 — widely…

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Star Wars Games of the 1990s (1990–1999): The Era That Changed Everything

Teenagers playing a 1990s Star Wars console game on a CRT television during the LucasArts golden era

The 1990s were the decade when Star Wars truly became a gaming powerhouse. While the 1980s had been experimental and fragmented, the following decade transformed Star Wars into one of the most recognizable and influential brands in interactive entertainment. Advances in PC hardware, the rise of CD-ROM gaming, and the growing strength of home consoles allowed developers to create deeper, more cinematic experiences than ever before. More importantly, the 1990s marked the emergence of LucasArts as a dominant creative force. With a clear vision for storytelling and gameplay innovation, the studio produced titles that didn’t just adapt Star Wars — they expanded it. Entire generations of players experienced the galaxy through flight simulators, first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and console adventures that defined what licensed games could achieve. This was the decade where Star Wars gaming stopped experimenting and started leading. This chapter is part of the complete Star Wars…

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Star Wars: Dark Forces Released in 1995 — and Changed Star Wars Gaming Forever

Star Wars Dark Forces 1995 retro game scene with Kyle Katarn and release anniversary headline

Before Jedi Knight.Before Battlefront.Before modern Star Wars shooters. There was Dark Forces. Released in February 1995, Star Wars: Dark Forces didn’t just give fans another licensed game — it helped redefine what a Star Wars video game could be and quietly laid the foundation for decades of Star Wars gaming that followed. And yes… it’s officially a classic. A Different Kind of Star Wars Game When Dark Forces launched for MS-DOS in 1995, Star Wars games were still finding their identity. LucasArts had delivered flight sims and platformers, but a fully realized first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe felt new. Inspired by the popularity of DOOM, Dark Forces combined fast-paced FPS gameplay with cinematic storytelling and original characters. Most notably, it introduced: At the time, it was one of the most technically ambitious Star Wars games ever made. The Birth of Kyle Katarn If Dark Forces has a…

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33 Years Later, X-Wing Still Defines Star Wars Space Combat

X-Wing cockpit view during a space battle with TIE Fighters and Star Destroyer, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Star Wars X-Wing

Star Wars: X-Wing turns 33 years old, and honestly? A lot of modern space games still live in its shadow. Released in February 1993 on good old-fashioned floppy disks, this wasn’t just another licensed Star Wars title. It helped define what Star Wars flight combat should feel like — tense, tactical, and very, very deadly if you got cocky. For many players, this was the first time the fantasy of sitting in the cockpit of an X-wing felt real instead of arcadey. The Game That Took Star Wars Into True 3D Space Back in the early ‘90s, most space games still leaned heavily on sprites and tricks. X-Wing went another direction. It became one of the first games to use 3D polygon graphics for spacecraft, meaning ships were fully rendered objects in space, not flat illusions. That sounds basic now, but in 1993 this was cutting-edge stuff — especially on…

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Xbox Was an Experiment That Still Feels Bold

Star Wars The Clone Wars Xbox game showcasing large-scale vehicle battles from the 2003 release

When Star Wars: The Clone Wars debuted on the original Xbox in 2003, it wasn’t just another licensed tie-in. It was one of the first attempts to translate the sprawling, chaotic energy of large-scale Clone Wars battles into an interactive experience — and it did so in a way that still resonates with fans who grew up with the console. A Different Kind of Star Wars Combat Unlike lightsaber duels or ground-level infantry skirmishes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Xbox put you in the driver’s seat of the machines of war itself. This was a game about vehicles and battlefield roles: Rather than a traditional infantry-focused shooter, the game blended arcade action with objective-driven missions that required tactical thinking and situational awareness. In an era where Star Wars games often focused on cinematic set pieces or character quests, this title leaned into scale and strategy — letting players feel…

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Star Wars: Obi-Wan Was Released on This Day in 2001

Star Wars Obi-Wan video game anniversary artwork featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi with green lightsaber celebrating 24 years since release

Before prestige TV series and open-world adventures, Star Wars experimented in all kinds of directions. On this day in 2001, one of the more unusual entries arrived: Star Wars: Obi-Wan. It wasn’t a blockbuster hit. It wasn’t a critical darling. But it was an early attempt to put players directly in the boots of a Jedi — lightsaber, Force powers, and all — at a time when that idea was still being figured out. Why this matters now With Obi-Wan Kenobi firmly re-established as a central figure in modern Star Wars storytelling, it’s easy to forget how rare solo Jedi games once were. In 2001, playing as a single Force user in a fully 3D action game was still experimental territory. Star Wars: Obi-Wan arrived before Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, before modern combat systems, and long before cinematic third-person action games became standard. This was an early step — and…

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On This Day in Star Wars Gaming: Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Was Released in 2002

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Remastered Coming August 1st!

Today marks a special milestone in Star Wars gaming history: Star Wars: Bounty Hunter was released on this day back in 2002. Yes — over two decades ago, players first stepped into the boots of Jango Fett, long before Din Djarin made Mandalorians mainstream cool. If you were gaming in the early 2000s, this title was one of those “must-play” releases — a gritty, atmospheric action-adventure that finally let fans live out the fantasy of being a professional hunter navigating the criminal underworld of the galaxy. Two blasters, a jetpack, and a moral compass permanently stuck on “grey area”? That’s peak Star Wars. Why Bounty Hunter Was a Big Deal When Star Wars: Bounty Hunter launched for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, it offered something fans had been hungry for: a Star Wars game not built around Jedi, not built around starfighters, and not built around Rebels vs Empire. Instead,…

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Star Wars: Demolition Released 25 Years Ago — The Wildest Arena Battle in the Galaxy Turns a Quarter Century Old

Star Wars: Demolition

Twenty-five years ago, Star Wars: Demolition crash-landed onto our consoles, blending lightsabers, speeders, and chaos into one unforgettable combat experience. Released in November 2000 for the PlayStation and Dreamcast, the game was an explosive mashup of Twisted Metal–style vehicular mayhem and the Star Wars universe — a combination that only the early 2000s could have delivered. So yes, Star Wars: Demolition just turned 25 years old, and it’s time to celebrate the galaxy’s most gloriously chaotic gladiator game. A Galaxy Far, Far Away Meets Vehicular Carnage Developed by Luxoflux and published by LucasArts, Star Wars: Demolition wasn’t about elegant lightsaber duels or Jedi wisdom. This was pure, unfiltered destruction. Players entered an intergalactic deathmatch in various vehicles — from Boba Fett’s jetpack and Speeder Bikes to AT-STs, Podracers, and even Rancors. The premise? Simple but brilliant: after the Galactic Empire banned podracing, Jabba the Hutt created a new spectator sport…

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LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga Released 18 Years Ago Today – A Galactic Classic That Still Holds Up

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga 18th Anniversary celebratory banner featuring iconic LEGO Star Wars characters and logo in cinematic gold and blue tones.

Eighteen years ago today, the galaxy got a little sillier, a lot blockier, and infinitely more fun. On November 6, 2007, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga blasted onto consoles — combining the first two LEGO Star Wars games into one ultimate adventure that spanned all six of George Lucas’ original films. It wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural moment. For many fans, it was the first time the prequels and originals collided in one playable universe, rendered in charming LEGO form. And for millions of kids (and let’s be honest — adults), it was the perfect blend of Star Wars storytelling, family-friendly humor, and creative chaos. A Brick-Built Adventure Across All Six Films LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga bundled together LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game (Episodes I–III) and LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV–VI), remastered with smoother visuals, new bonus missions, and…

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Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Released 16 Years Ago Today – A Portable Classic Worth Remembering

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron 16th Anniversary banner with logo and galactic blue and red lighting.

Sixteen years ago today, Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron launched on PSP and Nintendo DS — delivering one of the most ambitious handheld Star Wars shooters ever made. Yep, before Battlefront II stole our hearts (and hours of our sleep), Elite Squadron was busy proving that you didn’t need a console to wage a galactic war. And honestly? It still deserves more love. A Battlefront Experience Built for Players on the Move Released on November 3, 2009, Elite Squadron let fans jump into massive Star Wars battles from their handhelds — at a time when most portable shooters could barely handle a laser pointer, let alone the Battle of Hoth. The game delivered: The PSP version especially felt like a full-scale Battlefront game squeezed into your backpack — and for a generation of fans, it was their Battlefront. X2, Clone Lore, and a Surprisingly Strong Story Long before Clone Wars…

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed – Ultimate Sith Edition Released 15 Years Ago Today!

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition 15th Anniversary banner with glowing logo and lightning effects

Fifteen years ago today, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed – Ultimate Sith Edition hit consoles and PCs, unleashing the full dark side experience for fans across the galaxy. Originally developed by LucasArts, this expanded edition of the 2008 hit brought together all the base game content, the DLC missions, and a chilling glimpse at what might have been if Starkiller — Darth Vader’s secret apprentice — had fully embraced the Sith. Released on November 3, 2009, the Ultimate Sith Edition was a definitive package for fans of action, lightsaber combat, and Force-powered mayhem. It wasn’t just a re-release; it was a darker, more complete story that bridged the gap between the classic and prequel trilogies in new and imaginative ways. The Power of the Dark Side, Amplified The Ultimate Sith Edition included all previously released downloadable content, such as: This expanded content cemented the Force Unleashed universe as one of…

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Star Wars Battlefront Mobile Released 20 Years Ago Today!

Star Wars Battlefront Mobile logo on a dark space-themed background

Two decades ago, before mobile gaming became the billion-credit industry it is today, Star Wars Battlefront Mobile blasted onto tiny phone screens and brought the galactic war to the palms of players everywhere. Released 20 years ago today, this forgotten gem marked one of the earliest attempts to shrink the Battlefront experience into a mobile format — long before smartphones or high-definition touchscreens existed. A Pocket-Sized Galactic War Back in 2005, mobile gaming was still in its infancy. The iPhone was years away, and most players were tapping away on Nokia or Sony Ericsson keypads. That’s where Star Wars Battlefront Mobile arrived — a 2D, top-down strategy-style adaptation inspired by the hit console title Star Wars Battlefront (2004). Developed by THQ Wireless under license from LucasArts, the game allowed players to command the Republic, the Separatists, the Rebel Alliance, or the Galactic Empire, capturing command posts and battling through iconic…

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes Turns 15 – A Nostalgic Blast from the Prequel Era

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes Turns 15!

Fifteen years ago, in October 2009, Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes hit consoles and PCs, bringing the animated series’ energy straight into our hands. Developed by Krome Studios and published by LucasArts, it was one of those rare titles that let fans play as both Jedi and clone troopers — back when couch co-op was king and the prequel trilogy was just starting to get the love it deserved. When Star Wars Gaming Was Simpler (and Clunkier) Back in 2009, Republic Heroes wasn’t about photorealistic graphics or deep RPG progression. It was about fun, teamwork, and flinging droids off cliffs with your Jedi buddy while quoting Obi-Wan. The game followed the familiar rhythm of The Clone Wars animated series, blending over-the-top lightsaber action with Saturday-morning-cartoon energy. Players could jump between Jedi like Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, or step into the blaster-packed boots of clone…

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Star Wars: Jedi Knight – Jedi Academy Turns Another Year Older — A Look Back at the 2003 Classic

Twenty-two years ago today, on September 16, 2003, Star Wars: Jedi Knight – Jedi Academy arrived on PC and Xbox, giving players one of the most flexible and beloved lightsaber combat experiences in gaming history. Even after two decades, it remains a high point for Star Wars action games and a favorite among fans who still host multiplayer servers to this day. A New Apprentice in the Jedi Knight Saga Set after the events of Return of the Jedi, the game casts you as Jaden Korr, a customizable new recruit at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Unlike previous entries in the series, Jedi Academy allowed you to create your own character—choosing species, gender, lightsaber style, and even the color of your blade. This was revolutionary at the time and helped players feel truly part of the Star Wars universe. Your mentor? None other than Kyle Katarn, hero of…

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Star Wars Galaxies Launched Today in 2003 – A Look Back at the MMO That Changed the Galaxy

Commemorative Star Wars Galaxies 2003 launch anniversary graphic with iconic in-game visuals

TL;DR Star Wars Galaxies launched on June 26, 2003—and changed MMO history. It offered deep character customization, complex crafting, player cities, and a galaxy full of potential. Two decades later, it’s still remembered as a genre-defining sandbox with a fanbase that refuses to let it die. On June 26, 2003, something extraordinary happened. Star Wars Galaxies went live, and for the first time ever, players could truly live in the galaxy far, far away—not just blast through it. This wasn’t about being the hero. It was about being a character in Star Wars: a moisture farmer, a cantina musician, a bounty hunter, or a galactic merchant mogul. The game didn’t hand you a lightsaber and a Chosen One prophecy. It handed you a datapad, a landspeeder, and a blank canvas. SWG Quick Timeline: From Launch to Legacy Here’s a rapid-fire look at how Star Wars Galaxies evolved over the years:…

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Star Wars: Rebellion Is Free Right Now — And It Still Hits Like a Death Star Blast

Star Wars Rebellion free download promo with Star Destroyer and X-Wing in space background

In a galaxy not so far away (i.e., your internet browser), one of the most underrated Star Wars games of all time just went full free-to-play. No, it’s not some microtransaction-infested mobile app. It’s the classic 1998 real-time strategy gem: Star Wars: Rebellion. Right now, you can grab it for zero credits thanks to GOG’s Summer Sale giveaway. It’s part nostalgia trip, part galactic chessboard, and all beautifully chaotic. What Is Star Wars: Rebellion? Released back when Star Wars video games were still experimenting with genres harder than a Tatooine spice dealer, Rebellion is a grand strategy title that lets you control the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance. Your job? Total domination. Whether by diplomacy, espionage, fleet battles, or political manipulation, victory is all about outsmarting your opponent across a galactic map. Key features include: It’s like a poker game between Emperor Palpatine and Admiral Ackbar — bluff, scheme,…

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Super Star Wars Trilogy Anniversary: Blasters, Bosses, and Brutal Platforming Since 1992

Person playing Super Star Wars on SNES with retro CRT TV setup

Some anniversaries pass quietly. This one kicks down the door with a thermal detonator and demands a side-scrolling boss fight. On this day in gaming history, Super Star Wars (1992), Super Empire Strikes Back (1993), and Super Return of the Jedi (1994) each blasted their way onto the SNES in three consecutive years—setting the tone for what “hardcore Star Wars gaming” would look like for a generation. If you’ve ever jumped over a Sarlacc pit, rage-quit on a lava planet, or been blindsided by a Jawa wielding an unreasonable amount of screen presence—congrats, you were there. 🕹️ Super Star Wars (1992): Where Sandcrawlers Feel Like Death Traps Released in 1992, Super Star Wars took the events of A New Hope and turned them into a side-scrolling gauntlet of lasers, lava, and angry Tusken Raiders. You start off blasting womp rats as Luke Skywalker (pre-Jedi, obviously), then pick up Han and…

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Knights of the Old Republic II: Restore Atton Dialog – The Lost Astronavigation System

Atton Rand piloting the Ebon Hawk through hyperspace in Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. The restored dialog mod brings back Atton's conversation about the astronavigation system, adding depth to this iconic scene.

Some mods are about cosmetics, some are about mechanics, and then there are mods that give you that sweet, sweet lost content. The “Restore Atton Dialog about the Astronavigation System” mod for Knights of the Old Republic II fits neatly into the third category. If you’re like me and love peeling back the layers of a game to discover hidden gems, then this mod is practically the Holy Grail. What Is the Atton Dialog Restoration Mod? First things first: what exactly does this mod do? When KOTOR II was first released, a lot of content was left on the cutting room floor. Among the things left out was a piece of dialogue between Atton and the Exile about the astronavigation system. This mod brings that back—fully voiced, fully scripted, and fully immersive. It’s like finding a secret stash of credits under the floorboards of the Ebon Hawk. Who knew? The…

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LucasFilm Games is Hiring

LucasFilm Games is Hiring

Lucasfilm is looking to get back into the games industry. They have posted a list of jobs at Disney Careers. Many of these are positions for Lucasfilm Games. There are open positions for: Producer Brand Art Coordinator Brand Marketing Coordinator Assistant Producer Associate Brand Art Director Associate Brand Marketing Manager Assistant Producer – Asia Could this mean a revival of LucasArts? It’s too early to tell right now because it seems like it’s just going to be LucasFilm for games under the existing EA contract. It’s actually not likely that it’s a revival of LucasArts we we knew it before. Most likely, it’s something else. These are publisher positions, not developer positions, so they are not doing internal games. Instead, they are working on projects already in the EA/Disney umbrella. Either way, it’s interesting. And if you’re looking for a position in the industry, this could be a great open…

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Star Wars Game Almost Had Luke Skywalker’s and Han Solo’s Sons Face Off

The world of Star Wars canon is a rich a busy one at all times apparently, as there are always people plotting and scheming, looking for various ways to further the stories of the characters and their offspring, thus creating opportunities for more games, movie episodes and generally: more Star Wars action. Some of the ideas these people come up with are questionable at best while others border on the genius: it has recently been revealed that at one point  few years ago, there were plans for an original trilogy game which would’ve featured a storyline quite reminiscent of the Star Wars: the Force Awakens storyline, had it come to fruition. The first clue about the existence of the said project was dropped by a book which focused on the history of LucasArts. In that book, there were a few logos featured for potential Star Wars games, one of them…

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Former LucasArts President Joins Dungeon Defenders as CEO

Independent developer Trendy Entertainment has hired former LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez as its new CEO. Trendy Entertainment, best known for its action-RPG Dungeon Defenders, is hoping the former LucasArts president will help lead their company to future success. Rodriguez tells Game Industry Biz: “When I first visited here I saw tremendous potential–both in Dungeon Defenders II and their cross platform backend and technology, Playverse, and needed to be a part of it. Working with talented, passionate people and putting them and customers first to help unlock Trendy Entertainment’s potential is why I’m here,” Rodriguez said. “I have been extremely fortunate to work with some of the most talented and passionate people across various creative industries and at some of the most renowned companies in the world. I am equally impressed and blessed to work with the passion and skill that exist at Trendy.” He also discussed that Trendy Entertainment will…

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