"Star Wars Outlaws Inspired by Samurai Media, Echoing Film Roots"

Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, shares insights into how Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin's Creed Odyssey have shaped the development of this highly anticipated open-world adventure. Dive in to learn how these influences have crafted the immersive experience awaiting fans.

Star Wars Outlaws Shares A Glimpse Into The Making Of A Galactic Adventure

Inspiration from Ghost of Tsushima

As Star Wars continues its resurgence across various media, from Disney's The Mandalorian to this year's The Acolyte, its gaming counterpart, Star Wars Outlaws, has captured the attention of fans following the success of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. In an exclusive interview with GamesRadar+, creative director Julian Gerighty disclosed a fascinating influence: the samurai action game, Ghost of Tsushima.

Gerighty explained that Ghost of Tsushima's commitment to a deeply immersive world greatly inspired his vision for Star Wars Outlaws. Unlike many games filled with repetitive tasks, Ghost of Tsushima offers a seamless blend of story, environment, and gameplay, creating a truly engaging experience. Gerighty aims to replicate this level of immersion, allowing players to fully embrace the fantasy of living as an outlaw in the vast Star Wars universe.

By drawing connections between the samurai's journey in Ghost of Tsushima and the scoundrel's path in Star Wars Outlaws, Gerighty emphasizes crafting a narrative that feels authentic and captivating. This approach ensures that players don't just play a game set in the Star Wars universe; they live it.

Influences from Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Gerighty also acknowledged the significant impact of Assassin's Creed Odyssey on Star Wars Outlaws, particularly in developing a vast, explorative world with rich RPG elements. He praised Assassin's Creed Odyssey for its freedom of exploration and the expansive nature of its world, which encourages players to delve deeper into the game's environment.

Having the opportunity to collaborate with the Assassin's Creed Odyssey team proved invaluable for Gerighty. He frequently sought their guidance on managing the game's world scale and ensuring efficient travel distances. This collaboration enabled him to integrate successful elements from Assassin's Creed Odyssey while adapting them to fit the unique narrative and gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws.

While inspired by Assassin's Creed, Gerighty was keen on delivering a more focused and condensed experience with Star Wars Outlaws. Instead of a lengthy 150-hour journey, he envisioned a narrative-driven adventure that players could complete in a reasonable timeframe. This choice reflects his goal to create a game that remains engaging and accessible throughout.

Crafting the Player Fantasy of Being an Outlaw

Central to Star Wars Outlaws is the allure of the scoundrel archetype, famously embodied by Han Solo. Gerighty highlighted that the essence of being a rogue in a galaxy brimming with possibilities guided every aspect of the game's development.

This focus on the outlaw fantasy enables players to engage in a variety of activities, from playing Sabacc in a cantina to speeding across planets on a speeder, piloting a ship through space, and exploring diverse worlds. The seamless integration of these elements enhances the immersive experience, making players feel as though they are truly living the life of a scoundrel in the Star Wars universe.