Tim Schafer’s Unique Credit in Star Wars Episode 1: Racer Explained

In the annals of classic video game history, few titles resonate quite like Star Wars Episode 1: Racer.

Released in 1999 by LucasArts, the high-speed podracing game quickly earned a place in the hearts of fans on platforms such as PC and the Nintendo 64.

Inspired by the iconic podracing scenes from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the game allowed players to race as Anakin Skywalker or other notable pilots in tournaments like the Boonta Classic, blending a beloved IP with exhilarating gameplay. Despite the film’s divided legacy, the critical reception for Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was largely positive.

The game has endured across decades, thanks partly to re-releases on modern hardware—including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One—broadening its accessibility to new generations of players via the eShop and digital storefronts. One enduring mystery within the Racer credits is the appearance of Lucasfilm Games and LucasArts luminary Tim Schafer’s name under the unusual designation: “Never actively tried to sabotage the project.” Fans have long wondered about the origin of this lighthearted credit attached to the creator of Grim Fandango. Recently, Tim Schafer himself provided clarity on the story behind his peculiar acknowledgment.

He recalled that during the development of Star Wars Episode 1: Racer, the Podracing development team’s office was located adjacent to the Grim Fandango team at LucasArts.

Schafer recounted, in a blend of wit and humor, asking the Racer team what credit he would receive for their project, prompting them to respond that he had no involvement.

Schafer replied, 'True, but on the other hand, I did nothing to hurt it.' The rationale proved convincing enough that the credit stuck. Addressing fans on social media, Schafer confirmed he had never interfered with the development of Racer and humorously pledged to do nothing that would impede any future sequels, stating that he would similarly refrain from interfering should a Podracer 2 ever materialize. As one of LucasArts’ most enduring releases, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer continues to be celebrated both for its engaging racing mechanics and its quirky development stories.

The game’s legacy is a testament to the creative atmosphere that Lucasfilm Games cultivated in the late 1990s—a legacy that lives on via contemporary ports and memorable anecdotes from developers like Tim Schafer.

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