Star Wars Draws Eastern Samurai Influence

Star Wars Outlaws: A Galactic Adventure Inspired by Samurai and Open-World Classics

Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, recently revealed the surprising influences behind the game's development, drawing inspiration from both the samurai epic Ghost of Tsushima and the expansive RPG Assassin's Creed Odyssey. This blend of influences shapes the game's unique open-world adventure.

The Ghost of Tsushima Influence:

Gerighty cited Ghost of Tsushima's immersive world design as a major inspiration. He admired its cohesive narrative, where story, world, and gameplay seamlessly intertwine, avoiding repetitive tasks. This focus on a pure, engaging experience guided his vision for Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to replicate that level of immersion within the Star Wars universe, allowing players to truly feel like outlaws in a galaxy far, far away. The parallel between the samurai's journey and the scoundrel's path emphasizes the importance of a captivating, unified narrative.

The Assassin's Creed Odyssey Influence:

Assassin's Creed Odyssey's vast explorable world and RPG elements also significantly influenced Gerighty. He valued the game's freedom and scale, fostering exploration and curiosity. He consulted directly with the Odyssey team, gaining invaluable insights into managing world size and traversal distances. This collaboration ensured a similarly expansive world in Star Wars Outlaws, while maintaining a focused narrative experience. Unlike Odyssey's potentially lengthy playtime, Outlaws prioritizes a more concise, compelling narrative arc.

Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy:

The core of Star Wars Outlaws centers on the classic scoundrel archetype, reminiscent of Han Solo. Gerighty explains that the fantasy of being a rogue in a vast, opportunity-filled galaxy drove the game's development. This focus allows for a diverse range of activities—from playing Sabacc to piloting ships and exploring diverse planets—all seamlessly integrated to create an authentic outlaw experience within the Star Wars universe.