Discover how Star Wars Outlaws has been shaped by the influences of Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin's Creed Odyssey to create a compelling open-world adventure. Dive into the details below to understand the creative vision behind this highly anticipated game.
In recent years, the Star Wars franchise has seen a significant resurgence, highlighted by series like Disney's The Mandalorian and The Acolyte. The gaming sector has also contributed to this revival, with Star Wars Jedi Survivor last year and now the eagerly awaited Star Wars Outlaws. In an insightful interview with GamesRadar+, Julian Gerighty, the creative director of Star Wars Outlaws, shared that his primary inspiration stemmed from the samurai action game, Ghost of Tsushima.
Gerighty was particularly drawn to Ghost of Tsushima's commitment to a deeply immersive world. He praised the game for its cohesive experience where the story, world, and characters seamlessly blend with the gameplay, offering players a pure and engaging adventure. This approach inspired Gerighty to create a similar level of immersion in Star Wars Outlaws, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the fantasy of living as an outlaw in a galaxy far, far away.
By drawing connections between the samurai experience in Ghost of Tsushima and the scoundrel's journey in Star Wars Outlaws, Gerighty aimed to craft a narrative that feels seamless and captivating. His vision is to make players feel as though they are truly part of the Star Wars universe, not just playing a game set within it.
Gerighty also acknowledged the significant influence of Assassin's Creed Odyssey on Star Wars Outlaws, particularly in creating a vast, explorative environment with RPG elements. He admired Assassin's Creed Odyssey for its freedom of exploration and the expansive nature of its world, which sparked curiosity and encouraged players to venture out.
Having the opportunity to consult directly with the Assassin's Creed Odyssey team was invaluable for Gerighty. He frequently sought their advice on managing the size of the game world and ensuring reasonable traversal distances. This collaboration enabled him to integrate successful elements from Assassin's Creed Odyssey while adapting them to meet the specific needs of Star Wars Outlaws.
Despite his admiration for Assassin's Creed, Gerighty was clear about wanting Star Wars Outlaws to offer a more focused experience. Rather than a sprawling 150-hour journey, he aimed for a narrative-driven adventure that players could realistically complete. This decision was driven by his desire to create an accessible and engaging game that keeps players invested from beginning to end.
The development team of Star Wars Outlaws focused on the allure of the scoundrel archetype, inspired by characters like Han Solo. Gerighty emphasized that the concept of being a rogue in a galaxy full of wonder and opportunity was the core theme that guided the game's development.
This focus on the outlaw fantasy allowed the team to craft an expansive and immersive experience. Players can engage in a variety of activities, from playing Sabacc in a cantina to riding a speeder across a planet, piloting a ship through space, and exploring different worlds. The seamless integration of these activities enhances the feeling of living out a scoundrel's adventure in the Star Wars universe.