The next video game set in the Star Wars universe offers a unique take: players won't be wielding lightsabers or using the Force.
Instead, Ubisoft developers Massive Entertainment are immersing players in the scoundrel lifestyle, reminiscent of Han Solo.
In Star Wars: Outlaws, gamers will play as Kay Vess, exploring the galaxy with her loyal companion, Nix. They will travel to new and familiar planets and locations.
After viewing an exclusive gameplay preview earlier this month, I had the opportunity to sit down with the game's lead systems designer Matthieu Delisle and associate narrative director John Bjorling to talk all about it.
"You have your own ship, you get to go to all of these different planets and moons and really, you know, get involved with all of these crime syndicates and so on. So come for Kay's story, but stay for the scoundrel lifestyle," Bjorling told 9News.com.au.
From the new footage, it was clear Outlaws is unlike any Star Wars game we've seen before.
Growing up, I was a hardcore Jedi Academy player, then played Knights of the Old Republic, and most recently adored the Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor games.
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Outlaws is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. So while there's an opportunity for a Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader cameo, only time will tell.
Ubisoft is taking the open-world concept to new heights within the Star Wars universe.
From the dense, activity packed streets of Kijimi City to the vast, open landscapes traversable on speeder bikes, every corner of the game is looks to entice players into discovery.
"We really wanted to make sure that each planet and world we go to is fully expanded, with nooks and corners worth exploring and engaging with," Delisle told 9News.com.au.
As Kay Vess, players will navigate a galaxy teeming with criminal factions, including iconic Star Wars cartels like The Hutts and the infamous Crimson Dawn.
"The fact that it is an open world game brings that kind of width and breadth, each planet and world, fully expanded with interesting characters," Delisle said.
"It's a rich game. It's a big game, not just a sandbox but a character driven story that has a purpose," Bjorling added.
The designers say they've allowed for dynamic interactions with these factions, where alliances are formed and broken based on the player's choices.
"Your relationship with the syndicates is very transactional… You might align with a syndicate for a goal, but later betray them if another opportunity arises," Bjorling said.
Delisle and Bjorling emphasise that Star Wars: Outlaws is a deeply character-driven story that sets it apart from other open world games.
Kay Vess is portrayed not just as a rogue scoundrel but as a character with a good heart, navigating the treacherous underworld with a sense of justice and loyalty to her friends.
"The scoundrel fantasy needs to be grounded at the heart. It needs to be a character that you can root for, someone who stands up for the weak and vulnerable," Bjorling said, highlighting Kay's complexity.
Star Wars: Outlaws aims to strikes a careful balance between honouring the legacy of the franchise and introducing new elements to refresh the gaming experience, says its developers.
Working closely with Lucasfilm, the studio says they've adhered to the established lore while also expanding it with new characters, locations, and factions.
Bjorling and Delisle expressed their deep respect for the franchise, aiming to stay true to the original vision created by George Lucas.
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"We have innate respect for this franchise... Working with the Lucasfilm games team has been a treat, and we're really proud to contribute to it," Bjorling said.
Fans can look forward to a game where every decision and every corner turned could lead to a new adventure, all while staying true to the heart of the Star Wars legacy.
More details are set to be revealed in the coming weeks ahead of the game's launch on August 30.
For more from the interview, watch the video above.
