Star Wars Outlaws
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UBISOFT
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9/18/2024
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One of Ubisoft's controversies encapsulate several layers of issues: from creative decisions in game development, corporate governance, workplace culture, to financial performance. The discourse around Ubisoft shows a company at a crossroads, dealing with internal reform while trying to navigate external pressures and expectations from gamers and investors alike.
Ubisoft’s Director of Subscriptions, Philippe Tremblay, recently stated that gamers need to “get comfortable” with not owning their games. The overall tone from gamers is a resistance to being pushed into a subscription-only future where game ownership is no longer the norm. This resistance stems from concerns over rights and access, economic considerations, and a general wariness of corporate control over their gaming libraries.
As a result gamers have been shying away from UBISOFT games. The results of gamers not buying into Ubisoft's business model has been reflected in their stock prices.
Ubisoft’s Director of Subscriptions, Philippe Tremblay, recently stated that gamers need to “get comfortable” with not owning their games. The overall tone from gamers is a resistance to being pushed into a subscription-only future where game ownership is no longer the norm. This resistance stems from concerns over rights and access, economic considerations, and a general wariness of corporate control over their gaming libraries.
As a result gamers have been shying away from UBISOFT games. The results of gamers not buying into Ubisoft's business model has been reflected in their stock prices.
Following the reveal of "Star Wars Outlaws," Kay Vess's character design sparked considerable discussion, primarily around her appearance. Some gamers and critics labeled her as "ugly," a reaction that has been compared to similar controversies in other games like "Horizon Zero Dawn" and the new "Fable" trailer. This backlash was partly fueled by claims that game developers are intentionally making female characters less conventionally attractive, which ignited debates about beauty standards, representation in gaming, and what constitutes an appealing protagonist.
Julian Gerighty, the creative director of "Star Wars Outlaws," addressed the criticism by describing Kay Vess as an "approachable character," meant to be a petty thief with humor, humility, and toughness. He indicated that engaging with what he considered bad faith criticism wasn't worthwhile due to the lack of nuance in such debates.
Julian Gerighty, the creative director of "Star Wars Outlaws," addressed the criticism by describing Kay Vess as an "approachable character," meant to be a petty thief with humor, humility, and toughness. He indicated that engaging with what he considered bad faith criticism wasn't worthwhile due to the lack of nuance in such debates.
Because Kay Vess is positioned as an outlaw-type character, fans have naturally compared her to iconic figures like Han Solo or Lando Calrissian. Some believe that the role of the "scoundrel" has already been perfected by these characters, and introducing Kay Vess is a lost opportunity to used a beloved char. It includes criticism from those who see Kay Vess as an attempt by Ubisoft and Lucasfilm to push diversity or inclusivity in ways that feel forced. Some of these critics argue that Kay was created not for narrative purposes but to fit a specific agenda, which they view as detracting from authentic storytelling.
Sales for Star Wars Outlaws, released in August 2024, have been underwhelming compared to expectations. The game's launch sales in the UK were 55% lower than those of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PlayStation Universe), and Ubisoft’s stock plummeted by over 12% following the game's release(Benzinga). Analysts have since revised their forecasts, predicting that the game will sell around 5.5 million units by March 2025, a figure lower than originally anticipated.
Despite receiving positive reviews, the game failed to deliver the commercial success Ubisoft had hoped for, and this has intensified concerns about the company's broader struggles. Additionally, Star Wars Outlaws' higher production costs (around 30% more than Assassin's Creed Mirage) add to the financial pressure on Ubisoft.
Despite receiving positive reviews, the game failed to deliver the commercial success Ubisoft had hoped for, and this has intensified concerns about the company's broader struggles. Additionally, Star Wars Outlaws' higher production costs (around 30% more than Assassin's Creed Mirage) add to the financial pressure on Ubisoft.
Update 11/25/2024
Star Wars Outlaws Launches on Steam with Discounts and DLC Expansion
The much-anticipated Star Wars Outlaws officially arrived on Steam on November 21, 2024, expanding its reach to more PC players. Developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, the game offers an open-world adventure where players step into the shoes of scoundrel Kay Vess in a galaxy filled with danger and intrigue.
Reception and Player EngagementThe game has received mixed reviews, with a 65% recommendation rate from 151 critics on Metacritic and a 64.44% mixed rating on steam with 333 reviewers at the time of writing. According to SteamDB, the game reached an all-time player peak of 2,492 over the launch weekend, reflecting moderate player engagement for its Steam debut.
Editions and Launch DiscountsWith the Steam release, Star Wars Outlaws is available at discounted prices across its three editions:
These discounts are part of a launch promotion valid until December 5, 2024.
Expanding the Universe with DLCCoinciding with its Steam launch, the game also introduced its first expansion, "Wild Card", featuring a storyline with fan-favorite Lando Calrissian and a high-stakes Sabacc game. Another expansion, "A Pirate’s Fortune," is slated for spring 2025, promising further adventures in the Star Wars universe.
For more details or to purchase, visit the Steam page for Star Wars Outlaws.
Star Wars Outlaws Launches on Steam with Discounts and DLC Expansion
The much-anticipated Star Wars Outlaws officially arrived on Steam on November 21, 2024, expanding its reach to more PC players. Developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, the game offers an open-world adventure where players step into the shoes of scoundrel Kay Vess in a galaxy filled with danger and intrigue.
Reception and Player EngagementThe game has received mixed reviews, with a 65% recommendation rate from 151 critics on Metacritic and a 64.44% mixed rating on steam with 333 reviewers at the time of writing. According to SteamDB, the game reached an all-time player peak of 2,492 over the launch weekend, reflecting moderate player engagement for its Steam debut.
Editions and Launch DiscountsWith the Steam release, Star Wars Outlaws is available at discounted prices across its three editions:
- Standard Edition: Regularly $69.99, now $52.49
- Gold Edition: Regularly $109.99, now $82.49
- Ultimate Edition: Regularly $129.99, now $97.49
These discounts are part of a launch promotion valid until December 5, 2024.
Expanding the Universe with DLCCoinciding with its Steam launch, the game also introduced its first expansion, "Wild Card", featuring a storyline with fan-favorite Lando Calrissian and a high-stakes Sabacc game. Another expansion, "A Pirate’s Fortune," is slated for spring 2025, promising further adventures in the Star Wars universe.
For more details or to purchase, visit the Steam page for Star Wars Outlaws.
