The Creation of Star Wars Outlaws: A Journey from Fandom to Craftsperson

Star Wars Outlaws is a highly anticipated title from Massive Entertainment, a video game studio based in Malmo, Sweden. The game is set to be released on August 30 and is expected to transport players into a new open world adventure set between the events of “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”. The development process of Star Wars Outlaws has been a transformative journey for the hundreds of developers involved, taking them from being mere fans of the franchise to skilled craftspeople.

Mathias Karlson, a game developer at Massive Entertainment, emphasizes the shift that the team had to make in creating Star Wars Outlaws. He describes the process as moving from a place of fandom to becoming a craftsperson working in collaboration with Lucasfilm to bring a new perspective to the beloved Star Wars universe. This transition required the developers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the franchise and approach the project with a fresh creativity.

The Nostalgia of Star Wars

The team at Massive Entertainment, like many around the world, grew up with Star Wars as a defining part of their childhood. Alf Condelius, the studio’s operations director, recalls the impact of seeing the first film at the age of 11 and the lasting impression it left. The opportunity to work on a Star Wars project has been a way for the team to reconnect with their childhood nostalgia and bring that sense of wonder and excitement to their work on Star Wars Outlaws.

Creative Freedom and Innovation

While there are already numerous games based on the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars Outlaws sets itself apart by offering players a greater sense of agency and freedom within the game world. The creative director, Julian Gerighty, highlights the team’s goal of allowing players to direct their own experience, choosing their path, vehicles, alliances, and more. This level of creative freedom has enabled the team to introduce new elements and expand the Star Wars universe in exciting ways.

In Star Wars Outlaws, players will step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a daring outlaw planning the heist of the century. Kay Vess, accompanied by her loyal galactic animal companion Nix, navigates through planets and interacts with various crime bosses in her quest for freedom. The character of Kay Vess brings a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe, hailing from the fictional desert planet of Cantonica, first introduced in “The Last Jedi”. The emphasis on creating new and unique elements within the game world showcases the team’s dedication to originality and storytelling.

A Cinematic Experience

The development team behind Star Wars Outlaws drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Wild West and samurai films, to bring depth and authenticity to the game world. Cloe Hammoud, responsible for creating the game worlds, highlights the use of cinematic realism to capture the essence of the Star Wars films. By incorporating familiar elements and styles from the movies, the team has created an immersive experience that will resonate with fans of the franchise.

As Star Wars Outlaws prepares for its release on PC, PS5, and Xbox X/S, it stands as a testament to the passion and creativity of the team at Massive Entertainment. Through their journey from fandom to craftsperson, the developers have crafted a game that offers players a unique and engaging experience within the beloved Star Wars universe. With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and cinematic flair, Star Wars Outlaws promises to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.