Star Wars Outlaws: A Galactic Adventure Inspired by Samurai and Open-World Classics
Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, recently revealed the surprising sources of inspiration behind the highly anticipated game. Drawing heavily from both the samurai-focused Ghost of Tsushima and the expansive Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Gerighty crafted a unique open-world experience within the Star Wars universe.
The Ghost of Tsushima Influence: A World of Immersion
Gerighty cites Ghost of Tsushima's immersive world design as a major influence. He admired the game's cohesive narrative, where story, world, and gameplay seamlessly intertwine, avoiding repetitive tasks found in other open-world titles. This focus on a unified experience became a core principle for Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to fully immerse players in the fantasy of being a scoundrel in a galaxy far, far away. The parallel between the samurai's journey and the outlaw's path served as a guiding principle in crafting a captivating and believable narrative.
The Assassin's Creed Odyssey Influence: Exploration and Scale
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's vast, explorable world and RPG elements also played a significant role. Gerighty valued the freedom and scale offered by Odyssey, inspiring a similarly expansive world in Star Wars Outlaws. He benefited from direct collaboration with the Odyssey team, receiving invaluable advice on world design and traversal, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience. However, unlike Odyssey's extensive playtime, Gerighty aimed for a more focused, narrative-driven adventure, prioritizing a compelling and accessible experience for players.
Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy
The iconic Han Solo-esque scoundrel archetype served as the central theme. The freedom and opportunities available to an outlaw in the Star Wars universe shaped every aspect of the game's development. From cantina Sabacc games to speeder chases, starship piloting, and planetary exploration, the seamless transition between activities aims to fully realize the fantasy of living the life of a Star Wars outlaw.