Last year,Star Wars Outlawsseemed to dominate the gaming news circuit, but now it seems like audiences have more or less forgotten about it. One could chalk this up to the erratic and ever-changing nature of the games industry as a whole—gamers have a lot to distract them in 2025, after all—but the muted response toStar Wars Outlawscan also be attributed to the quality of the game itself.
While most would agree thatOutlawsisn’t a disaster, it did strike many as underwhelming. The game is replete with all the hallmarks of modern Ubisoft: a vast open world with repetitive activities, a blend of combat and stealth, and an epic story that struggles to maintain its momentum over the course of so many hours. Narrative seems to be a particular sticking point forStar Wars Outlawsdetractors, who argue that the sanitized and meandering nature of Kay Vess' story makes for an unfortunately boring experience, despite its moments of greatness. Watered-down gameplay mechanics have also drawn the ire ofOutlawsplayers. Needless to say, the game wasn’t a runaway hit, but futureStar Warsprojects can still learn from it.
Star Wars Outlaws Stumbled, But Its Premise Shouldn’t Go To Waste
There’s Still Potential In The Non-Jedi Side of Star Wars
Older gamers might rememberthe infamousStar Wars 1313, a Boba Fett-centered, linear action-adventure game set in Coruscant. The concept attracted no shortage of hype in the early 2010s, with audiences generally welcoming1313as a breath of fresh air and a nice alternative toThe Force Unleashed, which was still highly relevant during that time. Sadly, it’s 2025 now, and there’s still not been any news aboutStar Wars 1313, leading most to assume that the project has been axed.
The joy with which gaming audiences embracedStar Wars 1313is indicative of how much potential there is in a more grounded, non-Jedi-centricStar Warsgame. TV and film producers seem to be aware of this—AndorandThe Mandalorianare regularly hailed as some of the bestStar Warsprojects of the past several years—but game developers often seem more drawn to the lightsaber-and-force side of theStar Warsequation. This makes sense, as Jedi provide far more fertile soil for the power fantasy that so many look for in video games, but one must wonder if theStar WarsIP is limiting itselfby not further exploring the spacebound gunslinger fantasy.
There are a lot of interesting alien races, communities, and dense, multifaceted factions inStar Wars, butgames likeStar Wars Jedi: Survivordon’t often give players a good look at these strengths. This is because, with a few exceptions, Jedi aren’t well-suited to the arts of deception, persuasion, and interpersonal communication as much as mortal combat; Jedi don’t often have the need to lounge around cantinas, navigating the dirty and dangerous underbelly ofStar Warssociety. When they do engage in such activities, there’s a crucial lack of tension, as precious few outlaws, smugglers, or bounty hunters can stand a chance against a Jedi.
What Future Star Wars Games Could Learn from Star Wars Outlaws
A common critique ofUbisoft games is that they are too bloated: the open-world formula that the developer favors may be influential, but it can often lead to an ostensible quantity-over-quality approach to game design. That is, spectacle and scale are prioritized over depth and finely tuned gameplay or narrative design.
Maybe, instead of taking place in a massive but underwhelming open-world, futureStar Wars"outlaw" games could be linear, following thedesign philosophy ofStar Wars 1313. This could support the dream of anUncharted-style blockbuster adventure, complete with a colorful cast of characters, bombastic setpieces, and a well-paced, dramatic narrative, rather than one that’s doled out between hours of filler content.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
