Star Wars Outlaws: A Galactic Adventure Inspired by Samurai and Open Worlds
Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, recently revealed the surprising influences behind the game's development, drawing inspiration from both samurai titles and established open-world RPGs. This blend of influences aims to create a unique and immersive Star Wars experience unlike any other.
The Ghost of Tsushima Influence:
Gerighty cites Ghost of Tsushima as a major inspiration, emphasizing its commitment to a cohesive and immersive world. He admired the game's ability to seamlessly blend story, world design, and gameplay, creating a unified experience. This focus on immersion is central to Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to transport players into the role of a galactic outlaw. The parallel between the samurai's journey and the scoundrel's path in the Star Wars universe informed the design of a compelling and captivating narrative.
Learning from Assassin's Creed Odyssey:
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's vast, explorable world and RPG elements also heavily influenced Gerighty's vision. He valued the game's freedom and scale, fostering exploration and player agency. This translated into Star Wars Outlaws' expansive world design. Gerighty even consulted directly with the Assassin's Creed Odyssey team, gaining invaluable insights into managing world size and traversal distances. However, unlike Odyssey's sprawling length, Outlaws prioritizes a more focused, narrative-driven experience, aiming for a more manageable yet engaging playtime.
Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy:
The core concept of being a scoundrel in the Star Wars universe, reminiscent of Han Solo, became the driving force behind Outlaws' development. This focus allowed the team to create a diverse and immersive experience, seamlessly blending activities like playing Sabacc, speeding across planets, piloting ships, and exploring various worlds. The goal is to fully realize the fantasy of living the life of a Star Wars outlaw.