In one of their better decisions this year, Ubisoft launched Star Wars: Outlaws on Steam earlier this week, ending its period of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store.
The Steam version arrives with a substantial update, including a package of optimizations, the first DLC, and some notable gameplay adjustments. These changes include a shift in how stealth is integrated into the game, as well as progress resets after failures—details we covered in a recent report. The DLC, titled Wild Card, introduces new content such as the iconic Star Wars character Lando Calrissian and the high-stakes card game Sabacc.
Leadership Shake-Up
Earlier this year, Ubisoft Massive announced a leadership change for Outlaws. Drew Rechner took over as creative director, replacing Julian Gerighty, who returned to lead the development of The Division 3. Rechner, previously game director for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, aims to refine three key areas of Outlaws: stealth, combat mechanics, and controls.
Updates and Gameplay Enhancements
The game’s biggest update yet, version 1.4.0, comes with a variety of gameplay changes. Players can now engage in combat within Syndicate zones—areas where protagonist Kay Vess could previously only sneak through. The update adds more weapon variety, dual-wielding options, improved enemy AI, and visual enhancements for character interactions.
Additionally, the patch adjusts facial animations during conversations, and players are now notified when enemies detect them. These changes aim to address some of the criticisms the game has faced since its launch.
Challenges and a Commitment to Improvement
Despite the updates, Star Wars: Outlaws remains a challenging chapter for Ubisoft. Sales fell short of expectations, adding to what has been a tough year for the studio. However, Ubisoft has committed to improving the game and delivering a better experience.
A Troubled Year for Ubisoft
Ubisoft’s 2023 has been far from stellar. The company’s stock has plummeted by nearly 80% over the last five years, prompting calls from shareholders for the resignation of the Guillemot brothers. Meanwhile, the next Assassin’s Creed installment has been significantly delayed.
While Star Wars: Outlaws faces an uphill battle, Ubisoft’s latest efforts show a determination to win back players and restore its reputation in the gaming industry.
