Ubisoft’s upcoming Star Wars Outlaws is one of the most hyped games coming from the franchise. It is supposed to be an open-world adventure unlike anything seen before in the franchise. But beyond the vast environments and thrilling dogfights lies a core element that truly sets it apart: the chance to embrace the life of an outlaw.
In a recent interview with Kotaku, Narrative Director Navid Khavari shed light on this aspect, emphasizing the freedom and moral ambiguity of playing Kay Vess, a cunning scoundrel seeking a new life outside the law. Kay isn’t a Jedi destined to save the galaxy or a rebel soldier fighting for the greater good. She’s an opportunist, navigating the fringes of society and forging her own path through the criminal underworld.
“This is a character who is just trying to get by—stealing, outwitting and conning folks. I would love for folks playing the game to really get a sense of what it might feel like to step into the underworld.”
Navid Khavari
The interview delves into this outlaw life, detailing players’ high-stakes missions for various crime syndicates. Stealing valuable cargo, infiltrating Imperial facilities, and outsmarting rival gangs are just a few of the activities that promise both danger and exhilarating rewards. Players will have the agency to choose their approach, whether blaster-blazing brute force, cunning stealth, or a mix of both.
The interview also touches on the ethical gray areas Kay will encounter. Collaborating with morally dubious characters, making tough choices with lasting consequences, and facing the constant threat of Imperial persecution are all part of the package. This isn’t a black-and-white world of heroes and villains; it’s a gritty, complex landscape where survival hinges on adaptability and questionable morals.
“We always knew we wanted to create an original scoundrel story. There was something exciting about looking at [this universe] from the perspective of a scoundrel like Kay, who has no experience with the Empire, Jedi, Rebellion or the Sith.”
Navid Khavari
It sounds like the game wants to keep you firmly on the side of a smuggler or outlaw instead of giving you a redemption arc like many other Star Wars games. Star Wars Outlaws seems to be embracing the underbelly of the galaxy. Whether Kay ultimately becomes a Robin Hood-esque outlaw or descends into villainy remains to be seen. This is something that we know many are looking forward to.
If you want to find out when the game takes place, check out our article on how it happens during one of the most beloved movies or how it may have taken inspiration from 1313.
