The Birth of Star Wars Outlaws: A Conversation with Creative Director Julian Gerighty

It all began at E3 2018, where Julian Gerighty, the creative director, was preparing to showcase The Division 2, while his boss, David Polfeldt, was discussing a potential collaboration with Disney in a nearby café. This chance encounter ultimately led to the development of Star Wars Outlaws, a game that would allow the team to fulfill their childhood dream of working on a Star Wars project. Gerighty recalls that the team was initially unsure which Disney property they would be working on, but the prospect of creating a Star Wars game was a thrilling one. The concentration of industry professionals at E3 facilitated the meeting, and Gerighty laments the loss of such opportunities with the demise of E3. The game's development was a significant undertaking, with the team at Ubisoft Massive expanding to accommodate the project. The studio partnered with co-developers, including Ubisoft Milan, and hired new talent, including individuals with experience working on Star Wars projects. Despite the challenges of working with a licensed IP, Gerighty describes the collaboration with Lucasfilm Games as 'surprisingly easy and super pleasant.' The team established a creative framework, focusing on the scoundrel archetype and the original trilogy. They developed a unique lens for the game engine, replicating the cinematic look of the 1970s Star Wars films. The game's realization director, who joined from Industrial Light and Magic, brought expertise in recreating the classic Star Wars feel. The team's goal was to create a cinematic experience, but one that also allowed for player agency and exploration. Gerighty emphasizes that video games offer a unique opportunity for players to take on the role of director, making choices and shaping the experience. The game's open-world design and focus on player agency set it apart from other Ubisoft titles, and the team was conscious of avoiding the 'Ubisoft house style.' Instead, they drew inspiration from the Star Wars universe, incorporating elements such as the padawan/master relationship to create a unique upgrade system. With Star Wars Outlaws now complete, the team is proud of what they have accomplished, and Gerighty acknowledges the pressure to deliver a high-quality game, especially given the slow period for AAA releases. The game's release is highly anticipated, and the team is eager to share their creation with the world.