Why Star Wars Outlaws Doesn’t Feature Jedi or The Force

Why Star Wars Outlaws Doesn't Feature Jedi or The Force

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of this galaxy far, far away, I must say that the announcement of “Star Wars Outlaws” has me positively giddy with excitement! For once, we’re not focusing on Jedi and the Force, but rather the scoundrels and outlaws who populate the underbelly of this universe.


As the release date for pre-ordered Gold and Ultimate Editions of Star Wars Outlaws draws near, excitement for this game has reached an all-time high with just a few days left before its initial reveal in 2021. Star Wars Outlaws stands out as the first open-world Star Wars game, featuring roguish character Kay Vess and her endearing companion Nix. For those who’ve always fantasized about traversing the galaxy like Han Solo once did, this game is a dream come true, while Jedi enthusiasts find themselves on the sidelines for a change.

In this particular Star Wars story, the Jedi Order and the Force play less of a central role. Instead, players are given the opportunity to engage in combat using fists, blasters, and strategic decision-making, with Massive Entertainment providing ample room for player freedom. While some fans might find this unexpected in a Star Wars game, Massive Entertainment explains that these choices were intentionally made to create a significant side event within the timeline of the franchise’s history, enriching the Star Wars Outlaws experience.

Star Wars Outlaws’ Lack of Jedi is About the Timeline Rather Than Breaking the Mold

It’s widely recognized that the Jedi and the Force are integral parts of the Star Wars universe, with elements like lightsabers and “May the Force be with you” being universally recognized. So, it might seem unusual to some fans if these elements were absent from a Star Wars game. However, the developers of Star Wars Outlaws have chosen to exclude them for a specific reason. As explained by the game’s narrative director Navid Khavari, they wanted to tell a distinct story while still maintaining the broader narrative continuity.

“We aimed to create a narrative centered around characters who have no involvement in the galactic conflict and lack experience with the Force or the Jedi. Moreover, it’s crucial to recall that during this period, the Jedi and Force users are almost extinct across the galaxy, making it inappropriate for us to tell such a story.”

Exploring the adventure of Kay, Nix, and ND-5 as they maneuver through a criminal underworld teeming with rogues, a vibrant open world teeming with extraordinary creatures, or engaging in aerial combat with the Trailblazer, offers players an unprecedented, engrossing dive into the Star Wars universe that we believe will be like no other experience.

The game, “Outlaws,” is set within the timeline of the original Star Wars trilogy, specifically between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” This timeframe was suggested by Lucasfilm, and Khavari seized the opportunity to enrich the experience of “Star Wars Outlaws” by filling this significant gap in the storyline. Khavari explained that setting the game during this particular period made it simpler to create a fresh narrative while also providing additional depth to the already familiar tale.

The Literal Grounded Nature of Star Wars Outlaw’s Story

Why Star Wars Outlaws Doesn't Feature Jedi or The Force

Massive Entertainment found it refreshing to shift the central focus from the space opera and still manage to craft a compelling Star Wars story. Since they’re working under Lucasfilm’s guidance for this project, they have the freedom to introduce something novel without dishonoring the original narrative. Khavari appreciates the opportunity to concentrate on ground-based characters who are unaffiliated with the ongoing conflict.

Massive Entertainment, with Lucasfilm’s approval, chose an unusual path for their project, Outlaws, illuminating an essential aspect often overlooked in the Star Wars universe – the vastness of the planets and galaxy. This magnitude is something not every franchise production dares to explore. In this expansive setting, Kay Vess, a character players can mold, becomes the perfect protagonist as she strives for a better life, irrespective of Luke Skywalker’s or other famous legacy characters’ endeavors at that moment.

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2024-08-25 18:34