Massive Entertainment, a video game studio based in Malmo, Sweden, has recently completed a highly anticipated project called “Star Wars Outlaws.” The studio’s developers, who are self-proclaimed fans of the iconic franchise created by George Lucas, spent years meticulously crafting this open-world game set between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” This transition from being mere fans to becoming true craftspeople was not an easy one, as game developer Mathias Karlson described. It required taking a step back and working closely with Lucasfilm to create something entirely new and offer a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe.
The operations director of Massive Entertainment, Alf Condelius, expressed the sentiment shared by many developers who grew up immersed in the Star Wars saga. Condelius reminisced about watching the first film at a young age and realizing how much the galaxy far, far away had shaped his childhood. Karlson also highlighted the joy of reconnecting with his past through the development of “Star Wars Outlaws,” describing the experience as a fantastic journey that brought back memories of youth and wonder.
In 2020, Massive Entertainment partnered with Lucasfilm, the company founded by George Lucas himself, to embark on the ambitious project of creating an immersive video game experience set in the Star Wars universe. The creative director of the studio, Julian Gerighty, emphasized the player-centric approach taken in developing “Star Wars Outlaws.” The game gives players unprecedented freedom to shape their own destinies within the Star Wars universe, offering a wide range of choices, from selecting vehicles to deciding which criminal faction to align with, to create a truly dynamic outlaw adventure.
Unlike some existing Star Wars games that are constrained by specific eras and storylines, “Outlaw” breaks free from these limitations to provide players with enhanced agency and creative freedom. Gerighty noted that the development team was granted considerable latitude to introduce new elements and concepts into the game, resulting in a fresh and invigorating experience for players. The protagonist of “Star Wars Outlaws,” Kay Vess, is a compelling character who embarks on a daring heist with her loyal companion, Nix, on a journey across various planets and criminal factions.
The visual and auditory elements of “Star Wars Outlaws” pay homage to the original trilogies created by George Lucas while drawing inspiration from a diverse range of cinematic genres such as Wild West and samurai films. Cloe Hammoud, the creator of the game worlds, highlighted the collaborative effort of designers from 57 countries to capture the cinematic realism of the Star Wars films. By utilizing similar visual styles and storytelling techniques, the game immerses players in a world that feels authentically Star Wars.
“Star Wars Outlaws” is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to the Star Wars gaming universe, offering players a 60-hour adventure filled with excitement, intrigue, and exploration. The game’s accessibility across multiple platforms and its appeal to fans of all ages demonstrate Massive Entertainment’s commitment to delivering an immersive and inclusive gaming experience that captures the spirit and essence of the Star Wars franchise. With its innovative gameplay, rich narrative, and stunning visuals, “Star Wars Outlaws” promises to be a game-changer in the world of Star Wars video games.
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