**Star Wars: Hunters – A Mobile and Switch Phenomenon Set to Launch on PC in 2025**
The expansive universe of Star Wars continues to grow, not only through major films and television series but also through gaming. One of the newest additions to the Star Wars gaming franchise, *Star Wars: Hunters*, has become a tremendous success since its launch in Spring 2024. Originally released for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, this free-to-play arena battle shooter has already made a notable impact, and now fans eagerly await its debut on PC in January 2025.
### **What is Star Wars: Hunters?**
*Star Wars: Hunters* is a team-centric arena battle shooter crafted by Zynga, a studio renowned for its mobile and social gaming titles like *Farmville* and *CSR Racing*. Set within the Star Wars universe, the game pits teams of four players against each other in rapid-fire combat. Each character is assigned to a specific class, which comes with unique abilities and gameplay styles, adding a strategic element to the exhilarating gameplay.
The action unfolds on Vespaara, a planet that serves as the stage for the Hunters’ confrontations. Players can select from a varied lineup of characters, including bounty hunters, stormtroopers, Jedi-like fighters, and even a Wookiee armed with a bowcaster. The game’s colorful art and engaging combat systems have established it as a standout in the competitive arena shooter landscape.
### **A Remarkable Release**
Upon its Spring 2024 launch, *Star Wars: Hunters* rapidly became a phenomenon. Within a mere two days, the game secured nearly 1 million downloads on mobile and Nintendo Switch platforms. Reports indicate that it also garnered close to $500,000 in in-game transactions during this short span, solidifying its status as one of the year’s most successful mobile game launches.
The game’s acclaim was evident in its ranking as the third most downloaded app in the United States during its launch period. Its success extended beyond the U.S., as it also achieved remarkable performance in Canada and other regions.
### **Transitioning to PC**
In light of the game’s exceptional success, developer Zynga has opted to transition *Star Wars: Hunters* to PC. This decision marks a pivotal milestone for Zynga, being the first time the studio is broadening one of its titles beyond mobile and console platforms. Yaron Leyvan, Zynga’s Executive Vice President of Games, shared enthusiasm regarding the transition, stating:
> “The success of *Star Wars: Hunters* on mobile and Nintendo Switch has led us to broaden the game to PC. This is something our fan community has been eagerly requesting, and we are thrilled to welcome even more players to Vespaara.”
The PC version is set to enter Early Access on January 27, 2025, via Steam. To facilitate a seamless transition and collect player feedback, Zynga has organized two playtests: the first from December 13 to 16, 2024, and the second from January 10 to 13, 2025. Players can sign up for these playtests on the game’s Steam product page.
### **What’s New in the PC Version?**
The PC version of *Star Wars: Hunters* will include numerous enhancements to leverage the platform’s capabilities. These consist of:
– **Enhanced Visuals:** Higher-resolution textures and better rendering quality will elevate the game’s visual appeal.
– **Broadened Controls:** Complete support for keyboard and mouse, along with wireless controllers, will offer players greater flexibility in their gaming approach.
– **Technical Improvements:** The PC version will be optimized to ensure a more fluid and immersive gaming experience.
These enhancements aim to make the game more inviting and enjoyable for PC players while preserving the essential gameplay that has captivated fans on other platforms.
### **A Wider Horizon?**
While the PC launch is the primary focus, Zynga has hinted at the potential of introducing *Star Wars: Hunters* to additional platforms in the future. Though no specific plans have been disclosed, this could imply possible releases for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, further enlarging the game’s audience.
### **Zynga’s Growth and Take-Two’s Influence**
The transition to PC symbolizes not only a milestone for *Star Wars: Hunters* but also for Zynga as a studio. Historically recognized for its mobile and social gaming projects, Zynga’s entry into PC gaming signals a significant shift in its approach. This evolution has been bolstered by Take-Two Interactive, Zynga’s parent entity since its acquisition in 2022 for an impressive $12.7 billion. Take-Two, noted for publishing blockbuster franchises like *Grand Theft Auto* and *NBA 2K*, has likely influenced Zynga to investigate new platforms and broaden its player base.
### **In Closing**
*Star Wars: Hunters*