There is a lot that fits within the "Star Wars" universe. The action-adventure "Outlaws" is no exception. Here, you'll find lock-picking, strange creatures, and journeys through Tatooine's desert landscape on speeder. There are five planets and moons to explore, all with their own space, nebulas, and battles.
In another reality, it could have been three different games, says Mathias Karlson, director.
The story follows the small-time thief Kay Vess and takes off from her hometown, the casino-like Canto Bight. But circumstances force her to leave.
You as a player merge with her as you experience the same thing for the first time, says Karlson.
Not just tools
Besides Kay, there's the filuren Nix always by her side, with its big eyes and broad smile, the kind of creature that would make a great plush toy. Nix helps Kay retrieve items and distract enemies.
Alice Rendell, system designer, says she probably put the most heart and soul into Nix.
Ensuring that Nix isn't just a tool – but an expressive character that really binds you to the world, reacts and addresses you, and keeps you emotionally involved – is something I'm extra proud of.
The last part of the lawless trio is the droid ND-5, marked by war and always wearing a jacket to hide its scars.
We tried to put a lot of personality into him, even though he's a droid. He's also the opposite of Kay, so it becomes an interesting interaction between them. He's goal-oriented and practical, Kay is impulsive, says assistant design chief Marthe Jonkers.
Kay, Nix, and ND-5 plan the galaxy's biggest heist – one that promises happiness, fame, and wealth.
Close collaboration
The collaboration with Lucasfilm has been close, and Massive has gained access to the company's database. Sometimes, details have been adjusted so that the story fits into the growing "Star Wars" universe – which "Outlaws" is now a part of.
They want us to bring things into the galaxy. They want us to work on planets like Toshara. They want us to work on a new ship and iconic characters. They don't want the galaxy to feel too small, says creative director Julian Gerighty.
Gustav Sjöholm/TT
Facts: A range of systems
TT
"Star Wars Outlaws" takes place in an open world free to explore, with a linear storyline. To get better equipment, the player needs to contact "experts" who, in exchange for various services, can improve the main character's equipment.
If you commit crimes against the empire, you'll be wanted and hunted by their forces, until you flee to another planet or bribe a corrupt soldier.
There's also a reputation system, where you can gain advantages by taking on missions for the game's various crime syndicates. But it's a balancing act, as making one syndicate happy can lower your reputation with others.
Nix is a newly created creature called a merqaal. He can help the main character Kay retrieve items, distract enemies, and eventually even trigger grenades on their belts.
With its broad smile and big eyes, you can imagine it becoming a fan favorite, like "Baby Yoda".
Nix is inspired by various animals, such as lizards, Komodo dragons, lemurs, and armadillos. You can also find inspiration from raccoons, dogs, and cats in its movement patterns.
On the side of its head sit six "feelers", which, in addition to giving it personality and expression, can also sense danger.
"Star Wars Outlaws" is a third-person action-adventure game set in a large open game world. The development is led by Malmö-based Massive, with support from ten other Ubisoft studios.
Chronologically, the title takes place between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi", but revolves neither around the rebels nor the empire, instead following the outlaw thief Kay Vess, a new character created by Massive and Lucasfilm.
The game has been in development since 2019 and will be released on August 30 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series.
