Exploring the Scoundrel Fantasy: My Deep Dive into Star Wars Outlaws
As I sat among the buzzing crowds at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, the electrifying reveal of Star Wars Outlaws felt like discovering a hidden hyperspace lane in familiar territory. Ubisoft Massive's ambitious project promised something revolutionary: an open-world adventure not centered on lightsaber duels or Force prophecies, but on the gritty underworld thriving in the shadows of the Galactic Civil War. This wasn't just another Star Wars game—it was a bold reimagining of what the universe could be, focusing on those scraping by while Jedi and Sith waged their cosmic battles. The developers' vision transformed the iconic setting into a bustling ant colony beneath the feet of warring giants, where survival depended on wit, blasters, and shady deals rather than mystical powers.
The Birth of a Scoundrel's Playground
When narrative director Navid Khavari and creative director Julian Gerighty took the stage, their passion was palpable. The collaboration between Ubisoft Massive and Lucasfilm Games ignited organically, fueled by a shared dream to create the ultimate "scoundrel outlaw fantasy." Gerighty described it as aligning constellations: "We wanted driving, shooting, fisticuffs, sneaking—all woven into Star Wars' rich tapestry." The concept crystallized just before the pandemic lockdown, with the team pitching their vision in Lucasfilm's San Francisco offices overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Remarkably, they hadn't even settled on an era initially, leaving that critical decision to their partners.
A Pivotal Era: Between Empire and Jedi
Concept art showcasing Toshara's savannas—a new planet designed for exploration
The revelation that Outlaws would unfold between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi sent waves through the audience. Gerighty admitted suppressing his glee when Lucasfilm suggested it: "It's my favorite era—the one I grew up with." For Khavari, this timeframe was a narrative goldmine. While the Rebellion and Empire clashed, they envisioned stories brewing in the underworld's murky corners. "It’s about characters trying to survive, pulling off contracts, and navigating syndicates," he explained. The era became a pressure cooker for Kay Vess, our protagonist—a newcomer to the criminal scene with nothing but her loyal companion Nix and a bounty on her head.
Kay Vess: An Unlikely Heroine
Kay isn't your typical Star Wars hero. She’s neither a chosen one nor a rebel icon—just someone fighting to carve out a life in a galaxy that’s forgotten compassion. Khavari emphasized how every environment, from the neon-drenched cities to Toshara's windswept savannas, filters through her perspective. "What does it feel like for Kay to step into this place for the first time?" became the team's mantra. Her journey is a high-stakes tightrope walk, balancing reputations with crime syndicates while evading Imperial entanglements. The game’s wanted system, akin to Grand Theft Auto’s notoriety mechanics, ensures every reckless decision echoes across star systems.
Unexpected Stars: ND-5 and the Jaylen Enigma
ND-5—the battle-scarred droid who stole fans' hearts
No one anticipated the volcanic fan reaction to ND-5, Kay’s BX-series droid ally. Gerighty chuckled, "None of us expected that response!" Designed as a Clone Wars veteran, ND-5 moves with the weight of decades—his posture, scarred chassis, and tattered coat evoking a "weathered lighthouse standing firm against the storm of his memories." Khavari added, "He’s seen battlefields and underworld grit—a perfect foil to Kay’s naivety." Then there’s Jaylen, whose rugged appearance sparked theories about legendary rogue Kyle Katarn. Gerighty swiftly debunked this: "He’s brand-new, with his own motivations—but we can’t say more without spoilers!"
Crafting Authenticity in a Familiar Galaxy
The developers immersed themselves in Star Wars lore—comics, books, shows, films—but prioritized fresh narratives. "We respect existing canon," Khavari noted, "but Kay’s story is our north star." Planets like Toshara were crafted from scratch, their ecosystems and cultures reflecting the scoundrel experience. The open world unfurls like a vast, intricate tapestry woven with threads of danger and opportunity, where every interaction with syndicates (Pykes, Hutt Cartels, etc.) dynamically shifts Kay’s standing. Key features include:
| Gameplay Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Reputation System | Choices affect syndicate alliances, opening or closing missions |
| Companion Dynamics | Nix assists in puzzles and combat; ND-5 provides tactical support |
| Vehicles & Exploration | Speeder bikes and spacecraft traverse diverse biomes seamlessly |
| Wanted Mechanics | Imperial attention escalates with criminal activity, forcing strategic retreats |
Why This Game Resonates
In a landscape crowded with Jedi epics, Outlaws dares to spotlight the galaxy’s unsung survivors. Kay’s struggle mirrors our own battles against overwhelming systems—making her instantly relatable. The 2024 release (now a celebrated hit) proved that Star Wars thrives when exploring its ragged edges. As Gerighty aptly summarized, "This is about the thrill of the heist, the tension in a smoky cantina deal, and the freedom to be gloriously imperfect." For fans like me, it wasn’t just a game; it was a smuggler’s dream crystallized into code—a love letter to those who find heroism not in destiny, but in defiance.