The Star Wars Franchise: A Galactic Crisis?

As the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws continue to underwhelm, it has become increasingly clear that Ubisoft is facing a crisis. However, it's essential to consider whether the publisher's woes are entirely their own doing. The decision to pull back Assassin's Creed Shadows suggests a loss of confidence in the company's open-world formula, but it's possible that Ubisoft has simply found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the mismanagement of the Star Wars IP finally taking its toll. Star Wars Outlaws, despite its lukewarm reception, is a solid and competently executed game that plays to the strengths of the Star Wars universe. Its underperformance may indicate a deeper issue with the IP itself, rather than any fault with the game. The Star Wars brand, once a guarantee of success, now seems to be struggling to find a receptive audience. This may be due to Disney's approach to the franchise, which has prioritized flooding the market with content over careful management and restraint. The result is a franchise that has lost its sense of scarcity and mystique, with fans feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Star Wars media. In contrast, companies like Nintendo have demonstrated the value of careful brand management, nurturing their IPs to maintain their appeal over time. The success of Hogwarts Legacy, a licensed IP that has avoided the pitfalls of over-saturation, serves as a prime example of the benefits of controlled scarcity. For Disney, the lesson is clear: managing IP requires restraint and a long-term perspective, rather than exploiting it for short-term gains. The fate of the Star Wars franchise, and the success of games like Star Wars Outlaws, depends on it.