Star Wars Outlaws: A Galactic Adventure Inspired by Samurai and Open Worlds
Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, recently revealed the surprising inspirations behind the game's development: Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin's Creed Odyssey. This blend of influences shapes the game's unique open-world adventure.
Ghost of Tsushima's Immersive World:
Gerighty cites Ghost of Tsushima's immersive world design as a major influence. He admired its cohesive storytelling, where narrative, environment, and gameplay seamlessly intertwine, avoiding repetitive tasks. This dedication to immersion inspired Gerighty's vision for Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to transport players into the outlaw fantasy of a galaxy far, far away. The parallel between the samurai's journey and the scoundrel's life forms the core of the narrative design.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's Expansive Exploration:
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's vast explorable world and RPG elements also played a significant role. Gerighty valued its freedom and scale, fostering player curiosity. This translated into Star Wars Outlaws' expansive world design. He even consulted directly with the Assassin's Creed Odyssey team, gaining invaluable insight into managing world size and traversal distances. However, unlike Odyssey's sprawling length, Outlaws aims for a more focused, narrative-driven experience, ensuring player engagement from beginning to end.
Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy:
The core concept driving Star Wars Outlaws is the classic scoundrel archetype, reminiscent of Han Solo. Gerighty explains that the fantasy of being a rogue in a vibrant galaxy fueled the game's design. This focus allows for a diverse range of activities, from cantina games of Sabacc to piloting starships and exploring diverse planets. The seamless integration of these activities enhances the immersive experience of living the outlaw life within the Star Wars universe.
