At Gamescom 2024, Ubisoft showcased their upcoming game, Star Wars Outlaws, a first open-world Star Wars experience set in the turbulent time between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The game focuses on the underworld of the Star Wars universe, featuring scoundrels and thieves instead of Jedi heroes. Players take on the role of Kay Vess, a street thief trying to survive amidst oppressive forces and criminal syndicates. The game emphasizes stealth and subterfuge in combat, with a more relatable protagonist who is not a skilled gunfighter like Han Solo. Ubisoft worked closely with Lucasfilm to ensure authenticity and introduce new elements while staying true to the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Outlaws takes inspiration from adventure serials like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon, aiming for a “matinee action” tone that captures the spirit of George Lucas’ original trilogy. The protagonist, Kay, is portrayed as a flawed hero who must navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld. The gameplay focuses on exploration, heists, and space battles, emphasizing improvisation and resourcefulness over traditional combat mechanics. The game’s setting allows for cameos from infamous characters like Jabba the Hutt and Lando Calrissian, adding richness to the story without branching paths that alter the ending.
Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, the developers behind Outlaws, simplified the gameplay experience to create a more engaging and active player experience. The emphasis on stealth and environmental interaction adds depth to the combat mechanics, allowing players to approach encounters in different ways. The game’s narrative revolves around personal allegiances and betrayals, with player decisions influencing reputation and access to exclusive content. Despite the pressure of working within the Star Wars universe, the development team remained passionate about the project, striving to create an immersive experience that resonates with fans of the franchise.
In addition to the main storyline, Star Wars Outlaws will feature two planned DLC expansions focused on iconic characters like Lando Calrissian and Hondo Ohnaka. These expansions will offer new gameplay experiences and interactions within the Star Wars universe, building upon the foundation established in the base game. The collaboration between Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment, and Lucasfilm Games ensured that the scoundrel fantasy of Outlaws fit seamlessly into the broader Star Wars narrative, with attention to detail and authenticity throughout the development process. Despite the challenges of creating a AAA game in a beloved franchise, the team remained committed to delivering an experience that honors the legacy of Star Wars and captivates players with its unique storytelling.
Overall, Star Wars Outlaws represents a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, exploring the darker side of the galaxy while maintaining the adventurous spirit of the films. With a focus on character-driven storytelling, immersive gameplay mechanics, and authentic world-building, the game promises to deliver a unique and engaging experience for fans of the franchise. The collaboration between Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment, and Lucasfilm Games ensures that Outlaws stays true to the essence of Star Wars while introducing new elements to captivate players and expand the lore of the universe.
