There are plenty of ways to celebrate Star Wars fandom.Collecting lightsabers. Rewatching The Clone Wars. Modding your favorite games. And then there are fans using Star Wars to actually make the world a little better. That’s exactly what’s happening with Sabacc For Charity, a fast-growing community initiative that’s turning the galaxy’s most famous card game into a real-world fundraising machine for local causes. What started as casual sabacc nights among friends has evolved into one of the most interesting grassroots Star Wars charity projects we’ve seen in years. SWTORStrategies is proud to be the first Star Wars gaming site to spotlight the project as it continues to expand into major convention appearances and charity events across the community. And yes — it’s every bit as cool as it sounds. From Friendly Sabacc Nights to a Full Charity Mission Sabacc For Charity was founded in September 2023 by Jonathan Aponte and…
Martin Scorsese Officially Joins Star Wars — As an Ardennian in The Mandalorian & Grogu
In a twist nobody saw coming (but everyone secretly loves), legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is officially stepping into the Star Wars galaxy. The iconic director will voice an Ardennian alien in the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu, marking his first-ever appearance in a Star Wars project — even if it’s behind the mic. Yes, that Martin Scorsese. Taxi Driver. Goodfellas. The man who once famously critiqued superhero movies… now part of a galaxy far, far away. And honestly? This is kind of amazing. From Film Legend to Star Wars Cameo According to reports, Scorsese will lend his voice to an Ardennian — the same multi-armed alien species as Rio Durant from Solo: A Star Wars Story. The role is expected to be a voice cameo, but the significance is huge. Bringing in one of cinema’s most respected directors adds another layer of prestige (and fun crossover energy) to The…
From Dreamcast to Death Star: Remembering Sega Legend Hideki Sato
The gaming industry has lost one of its true hardware visionaries. Hideki Sato — the legendary Sega engineer behind some of the most iconic consoles ever created — has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond Sega itself and into the wider galaxy of gaming… including Star Wars. While many players know Sato as the “Father of the Dreamcast,” his influence helped shape an entire era of gaming hardware that also powered some unforgettable Star Wars experiences. And yes — if you’ve ever piloted a speeder in a Star Wars arcade cabinet or blasted TIE fighters in a Sega-built machine, you’ve indirectly experienced his work. The Engineer Behind Sega’s Golden Era Hideki Sato joined Sega in the early 1970s and quickly became one of the company’s most important hardware designers. Over the decades, he played a leading role in the development of nearly every major Sega console,…
Robert Duvall, George Lucas’ First Leading Man, Has Passed Away at 95
Hollywood has lost one of its most legendary actors. Robert Duvall — a towering presence in film for more than seven decades — has passed away at the age of 95. And while many will remember him for The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, Star Wars fans have a unique reason to reflect on his legacy: Duvall was George Lucas’ very first leading man. Before lightsabers, before the Death Star, and long before a galaxy far, far away took over pop culture, there was THX 1138. George Lucas’ First Leading Man Released in 1971, THX 1138 was George Lucas’ first full-length feature film and a bold, experimental entry into science fiction cinema. At its center was Robert Duvall, who played the film’s titular character — a worker in a dystopian future society stripped of identity, emotion, and freedom. The film wasn’t a mainstream blockbuster, but it became a cult…
Bobby Moynihan Teases Possible Return of Jedi Bob in Future Star Wars Project
It looks like Jedi Bob might not be gone from the galaxy just yet. Actor and comedian Bobby Moynihan has hinted that he could return as the fan-favorite character in a future Star Wars project — and it sounds like even he wants to see the character taken further. “There may be some stuff coming…” Speaking recently about his time in Star Wars, Moynihan suggested that Jedi Bob’s story may not be finished. “Yeah, there may be some stuff coming… Hopefully that’s not the last we see of Jedi. Live-action Jedi Bob is what I need.” While he didn’t confirm any specific project, the tease was enough to spark speculation that Lucasfilm could have more plans for the character. From LEGO Joke to Fan-Favorite Jedi Jedi Bob originally started as something of an inside joke — a generic LEGO Star Wars minifigure from early LEGO sets that fans humorously named…
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Interview Reveals Story Mode, New Mechanics, and Why It’s Not Open World
Following the recent gameplay reveal for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, the developers at Fuse Games have shared a huge amount of new information about how the game works — from its story-driven campaign to new racing mechanics and why the team deliberately avoided making it open world. A major new interview has revealed key details about Star Wars Galactic Racer, including story mode, gameplay systems, and why it avoids open-world racing. Built by Former Burnout and Need for Speed Developers Galactic Racer is the first project from British studio Fuse Games, founded in 2023 by former Criterion developers — the team behind Burnout and several Need for Speed titles. That racing DNA is central to the project. “We always play to our strengths… a shared love for thrilling, fast arcade racing games and a shared love for the Star Wars universe.” The idea for the game came from combining those…
Star Wars: Empire at War Released 20 Years Ago Today — Still One of the Greatest Star Wars Strategy Games Ever
Real-time strategy fans still talk about it.Modders never stopped playing it.And somehow… it’s already been 20 years. Star Wars: Empire at War originally launched in February 2006, and it quickly became one of the most beloved Star Wars strategy games ever released. Two decades later, it still has an active player base, a thriving modding scene, and a legacy that few Star Wars games can match. Yes — we’re officially that old. The RTS That Let You Control the Galaxy Developed by Petroglyph Games and published by LucasArts, Empire at War put players in command of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire during the Galactic Civil War. Unlike most Star Wars games at the time, this wasn’t about controlling a single hero.It was about controlling entire fleets and planetary invasions. Players could: For many fans, it was the first time Star Wars felt like a fully interactive galactic…
The Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Arrives Tomorrow — And It Already Looks Cinematic as Hell
Star Wars fans, clear your schedules. The first full trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu officially drops tomorrow, and if the early footage is anything to go by, this might be one of the most cinematic Star Wars projects we’ve seen in years. After dominating Disney+ with three seasons of The Mandalorian, Din Djarin and everyone’s favorite tiny Force user are heading to the big screen. And based on the preview clips floating around online, Jon Favreau and company are aiming big — very big. A True Big-Screen Star Wars Experience The early visuals from the upcoming trailer tease something that feels much closer to a full theatrical Star Wars film than a streaming spinoff. Wide landscape shots, detailed ship interiors, and large-scale action sequences all point toward a production designed specifically for cinema. We’re seeing sweeping planetary environments, cinematic lighting, and detailed close-ups that go well beyond the usual…
New Galactic Racer Trailer Drops on the Same Day Racer Revenge Released in 2002 — Feeling Old Yet?
Sometimes the Star Wars timeline lines up in ways that make you check your calendar twice. The brand-new gameplay trailer for Star Wars: Galactic Racer just dropped…on the exact same day that Star Wars: Racer Revenge originally released back in 2002. Yes.2002. Let that sink in for a second. If you suddenly feel a disturbance in your lower back or an urge to talk about “the good old PS2 days,” you’re not alone. Racer Revenge Turned 24 Today Released in February 2002 for PlayStation 2, Star Wars: Racer Revenge served as the high-speed follow-up to the beloved Episode I: Racer. It brought back podracing with: It never quite reached the legendary status of its predecessor, but for many fans, it was peak early-2000s Star Wars gaming. And now it’s over two decades old. Meanwhile… Enter Galactic Racer Fast-forward to today. Lucasfilm and its partners just released the official gameplay trailer…
Star Wars: Dark Forces Released in 1995 — and Changed Star Wars Gaming Forever
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…
Inside ILM’s Art Department: How Star Wars: Beyond Victory Was Designed
Industrial Light & Magic is pulling back the curtain on its creative process. A new behind-the-scenes feature highlights the work of ILM artists who helped bring Star Wars: Beyond Victory to life — offering a closer look at how the studio designs worlds, characters, and environments for its growing lineup of immersive Star Wars experiences. And yes, it’s as detailed (and nerdy) as you’d hope. A Look Inside the ILM Art Department The spotlight focuses on artists from ILM’s San Francisco studio who contributed concept art and visual development to Star Wars: Beyond Victory, the mixed-reality playset released in 2025. The feature showcases selected artwork and commentary from the team, giving fans a rare glimpse at how early designs evolve into fully realized interactive Star Wars environments. Rather than just showing finished assets, the breakdown highlights: In short: the raw creative stage where Star Wars visuals are born. What Is…
George Lucas Ranked 4th on Forbes’ List of America’s Greatest Innovators
Star Wars creator George Lucas has earned another major accolade — this time from Forbes. The renowned filmmaker, storyteller, and media pioneer has been ranked #4 on Forbes’ prestigious “America’s 250 Greatest Innovators” list for 2026, placing him alongside some of the most influential innovators shaping modern culture and technology. See the list in full here. A Ranking Rooted in American Innovation Forbes launched the “America’s Greatest Innovators” ranking as part of a special series marking the United States’s 250th anniversary. The list honors leading figures who have not only introduced groundbreaking ideas but also transformed industries and cultural landscapes in lasting ways. To compile the list, Forbes editors tapped expert judges from fields including technology, business, and innovation. They were tasked with assessing nominees based on creativity, commercial impact, breadth of influence, disruption, and engagement — and then fed the results into ranking models to determine the final placement. Behind…
The Art of The Mandalorian & Grogu Cover May Confirm a Visit to Nal Hutta
The swamp looks familiar. The newly revealed cover for The Art of The Mandalorian & Grogu appears to feature what looks very much like Nal Hutta — the homeworld of the Hutt species. If that’s accurate, it could quietly confirm that part of The Mandalorian & Grogu takes place on one of the galaxy’s most infamous crime-ridden planets. And that would be a big deal. That Landscape Looks… Hutt-Like The right side of the cover features: That aesthetic lines up almost perfectly with how Nal Hutta has been depicted in previous canon and Legends material. Nal Hutta isn’t just any world. It’s the political and criminal heart of the Hutt Cartel. Why Nal Hutta Would Make Sense If Din Djarin and Grogu are stepping into theatrical territory, upping the scale makes sense. And Nal Hutta offers: It fits Din’s roots as a bounty hunter far more than polished Core World…
Jon Favreau Says Directing The Mandalorian & Grogu Is Like Playing With Star Wars Toys
Jon Favreau isn’t just a director — he’s a storyteller who learned his craft the same way many fans did: by playing with toys. In a new interview, Favreau explained his approach to directing The Mandalorian & Grogu by comparing it to those early imaginative play sessions many of us had with action figures. “That’s how I learned how to tell stories. You take these characters. You’re talking with your friends, and you’re acting things out [with the toys]. My job is not that different from that.” That one sentence says a lot about how Favreau views his work — with creativity rooted in play, imagination, and character interaction. From Toy Box to Director’s Chair Favreau’s comparison isn’t just cute nostalgia — it reveals a storytelling philosophy. Growing up with toys, you didn’t have scripts. You had: It’s the same bones of narrative structure directors use today — only with…
Jon Favreau Calls The Mandalorian & Grogu a “Culmination” of His Star Wars Work
Seven years in the making. In a new interview, Jon Favreau described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a personal milestone — calling it a “culmination” of his time working in the Star Wars galaxy. “I’ve been working on Star Wars now for seven years and to be able to step up to doing it as a film feels like a culmination of what I’m working on.” That’s not casual phrasing. From Streaming Gamble to Theatrical Event When The Mandalorian launched in 2019, it wasn’t just a new Star Wars show — it was the flagship title for Disney+. It introduced: Now, Favreau is taking those characters to the big screen. Calling it a “culmination” suggests this isn’t just a spinoff movie.It’s the payoff of an entire creative era. Seven Years of World-Building Favreau has helped shape: Moving from streaming to theatrical format feels symbolic. It’s the franchise saying:This era matters….
Jon Favreau Confirms Din Djarin Gets the Same Model Razor Crest in The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Razor Crest is back. Well… almost. In a new interview, Jon Favreau confirmed that in The Mandalorian & Grogu, Din Djarin is flying the same model of Razor Crest he originally had in the Disney+ series. “He’s in a Razor Crest now, which is the ship that he originally had. He’s in the same model of ship.” That wording matters. Not The Razor Crest — But the Same Model Fans will remember what happened to Din’s original Razor Crest in Season 2. It was obliterated. What Favreau is clarifying here isn’t a resurrection of the exact same vessel — but a return to the same ship class. In other words: Just not the exact same hull. And that distinction is important for canon consistency. Why Bring Back the Razor Crest Design? After Din briefly piloted the N-1 Starfighter, the aesthetic shift was noticeable. The N-1 was fast. Sleek. Almost…
Star Wars: Republic Commando – SWRC Rebalanced Makes Droidekas Terrifying Again
You know that moment in Star Wars: Republic Commando when a Droideka rolls into the room and you think, “Okay, focus fire and it’s gone in ten seconds”? Yeah. Not anymore. SWRC Rebalanced flips that expectation on its head. This mod rebuilds Separatist combat encounters from the ground up, turning Droidekas into the high-priority nightmares they were always meant to be — and making B1s dangerous when they swarm instead of harmless background noise. Download here What This Mod Actually Changes This isn’t a cosmetic tweak. It’s a combat philosophy shift. Droidekas – Now a True Battlefield Emergency Droidekas have been substantially overhauled: In vanilla Republic Commando, Droidekas are dangerous — but manageable. With this mod, they become the kind of threat that forces you to reposition, coordinate, and commit resources immediately. Their shields now sustain fire far longer, which means brute-force rushing doesn’t cut it. You either focus properly…
Jon Favreau: “We Gotta Up Our Game” for The Mandalorian & Grogu — and Grogu Has Leveled Up
The jump from Disney+ to cinema isn’t being treated casually. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Jon Favreau explains that The Mandalorian & Grogu required a fundamental shift in scale and ambition. “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater,” Favreau said. And he meant it literally. Built for IMAX, Not for Pausing Favreau made it clear the film isn’t just a stretched-out TV episode: “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of…. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time when so much is competing for your attention, that you’re gonna stop what you’re doing and you’re gonna go to a movie theater, and you’re gonna sit down…
The Official Mandalorian Cookbook Announced – 70 Recipes from the Outer Rim
This is the way… to dinner. The Official Mandalorian Cookbook has officially been announced — and it’s bringing 70 recipes inspired by Din Djarin’s adventures across the galaxy. Release date? October 27. And yes — it includes food inspired by Din, Grogu, Bo-Katan, Greef Karga, Ahsoka, Peli Motto, and more. From Pog Soup to Krayt Dragon Sliders This isn’t just blue milk and vague sci-fi desserts. The cookbook dives deep into fully themed dishes like: And yes — dessert is absolutely covered. Beskar Bark.Jawa Chews.Darksaber Chocolate Cake. You can even wash it down with drinks like: This is full Outer Rim immersion. Tied to The Mandalorian & Grogu The book also includes exclusive tie-in recipes inspired by dishes seen in The Mandalorian & Grogu. That’s a subtle but interesting move. Lucasfilm Publishing continues the cross-media expansion strategy — blending film, Disney+, and lifestyle products into one cohesive ecosystem. This isn’t…
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Unveils Official Gameplay Trailer and New Key Art
The engines are officially roaring. Star Wars: Galactic Racer just dropped its first full gameplay trailer — along with striking new key art — and confirmed it arrives later this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This isn’t just a logo reveal anymore. This is a real game. And it looks fast. First Real Look at Gameplay The official gameplay trailer finally shows what Galactic Racer actually feels like in motion. And it’s not just podracing nostalgia. We’re seeing: The footage leans into pure speed. Not cinematic storytelling. Not Jedi drama. Just momentum. And that’s refreshing. A Return to Star Wars Racing Star Wars hasn’t had a dedicated racing game in decades. Yes, there was Episode I: Racer.Yes, there have been racing segments across other titles. But Galactic Racer is the first modern, fully built racing experience under the Lucasfilm Games banner in years. Developed by Fuse Games…
Skeleton Crew Season 2 Reportedly in Development According to Production Weekly
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew — the coming-of-age adventure that debuted on Disney+ in late 2024 — has just taken a big step toward a return. According to the latest Production Weekly Issue 1489 (Thursday, February 12, 2026), Skeleton Crew Season 2 is now listed as in development alongside other high-profile projects like The Mandalorian Season 4. This doesn’t confirm a full green-light with a public announcement from Lucasfilm or Disney+, but it’s one of the most concrete industry signals yet that Skeleton Crew could continue. Production Weekly’s listings are widely used by industry pros to track what’s entering pre-production, early development stages, or active planning — so inclusion usually reflects real movement behind the scenes. Here’s what we know — and what it might mean — for Skeleton Crew’s future. From Limited Series to a True Franchise Entry? Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premiered on Disney+ on December 2, 2024, with…
Rise of the Resistance Reopening at Disneyland After Refurbishment
After a temporary closure for refurbishments, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland is reportedly set to reopen tomorrow. And yes — that means boarding groups, First Order interrogations, and that massive Star Destroyer hangar moment are back on the table. The attraction, located inside Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, has been closed for scheduled updates and technical work. While Disney hasn’t publicly detailed every change, refurbishments typically focus on ride system reliability, animatronic maintenance, and show element upgrades. For a ride as ambitious as this one, that’s a big deal. Why This Matters Rise of the Resistance isn’t just another theme park ride. It’s one of the most technologically complex attractions ever built by Disney Imagineering. The experience blends: When it works at full capacity, it’s arguably the most immersive Star Wars attraction ever created. What Could Be Updated? Disney rarely publishes detailed patch notes (imagine if they…
Star Wars: Battlefront II – Revan Skin Collection Pack
The Dark Lord. The Jedi Knight. The Reborn legend. Now fully playable in Star Wars Battlefront II. The Revan Skin Collection Pack brings multiple versions of Revan into Battlefront II (2017), replacing Kylo Ren, Count Dooku, Anakin Skywalker, and Obi-Wan Kenobi with different incarnations of one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars history. And yes — it’s MP Safe. What This Mod Does This collection pack replaces: Each hero slot gets multiple Revan variations pulled from: Whether you prefer masked Sith Revan or redeemed Jedi Revan, this pack has you covered. Main Mods Breakdown 🔴 Revan Skin Collection (Kylo) Includes: ⚔️ Revan Skin Collection (Dooku) Type A Type B 🔵 Revan Skin Collection (Anakin & Obi-Wan) Type A Type B Option Mods Want to tweak the saber style? Because if you’re playing Revan, dual blades are basically mandatory. Why This Mod Hits Different Revan is one of the…
Red Dead Redemption 2 – Play as Cad Bane
Bounty hunter. Outlaw. Mercenary. Hat connoisseur. Alien guy. Now he’s riding through the American frontier. A new mod for Red Dead Redemption 2 lets you play as Cad Bane, the cold, calculating Duros gunslinger from the Star Wars universe. If you’ve ever thought Arthur Morgan needed a little more galactic menace, this is your moment. From Coruscant to the Frontier Cad Bane isn’t just another blaster-for-hire. He’s one of the most ruthless bounty hunters in Star Wars canon, known for his wide-brimmed hat, piercing red eyes, breathing tubes, and that unmistakable Western gunslinger vibe. Which makes him weirdly perfect for Red Dead Redemption 2. The aesthetic crossover works almost too well. Replace revolvers with blasters in your head and suddenly the Old West feels like it’s one hyperspace jump away from Tatooine. What the Mod Does This mod adds Cad Bane as a PED (character model) in Red Dead Redemption…