Ubisoft Massive's Star Wars Outlaws: A Cinematic Masterpiece in the Making
As the gaming world eagerly awaits the release of Ubisoft Massive's highly anticipated Star Wars Outlaws, the creative director, Julian Gerighty, shares a captivating behind-the-scenes story of how this ambitious project came to fruition. From serendipitous meetings at E3 to the meticulous attention to detail in recreating the iconic Star Wars aesthetic, this article delves into the studio's unwavering commitment to delivering an immersive and cinematic experience for fans.
Bringing the Star Wars Galaxy to Life: A Collaborative Masterpiece
The Serendipitous E3 Meeting that Sparked a Collaboration
The journey of Star Wars Outlaws began with a chance encounter at E3 2018, where Ubisoft Massive's managing director, David Polfeldt, was "chit-chatting" with Disney about the possibility of a collaboration. Gerighty shares that Disney had a shortlist of developers they wanted to work with, and Massive happened to be on that list. This serendipitous meeting set the stage for what would become a groundbreaking partnership, with the team at Massive embracing the opportunity to bring their own unique vision to the beloved Star Wars universe.
Expanding the Massive Team and Leveraging Diverse Expertise
As the project grew in scope, Ubisoft Massive expanded its team, bringing in new collaborators to contribute their specialized skills. The studio partnered with Ubisoft Milan, whose animation work Gerighty describes as "stellar." The team also welcomed talent from Criterion, who had previously worked on the Battlefront series, further strengthening the studio's expertise in crafting an authentic Star Wars experience.
Navigating the Complexities of the Star Wars Lore
Developing a Star Wars game comes with its own set of challenges, as the franchise has grown increasingly complex with the addition of numerous live-action and animated TV shows. Gerighty and his team, however, were determined to stay true to the essence of the original trilogy, focusing their efforts on the period between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This decision allowed them to weave a new story while incorporating familiar touchpoints and characters that would resonate with fans.
Recreating the Iconic Star Wars Aesthetic
Capturing the visual essence of the original Star Wars trilogy was a top priority for the Ubisoft Massive team. They collaborated closely with Lucasfilm Games to develop a custom camera lens that would replicate the cinematic look and feel of the 1970s films. From the slight distortion and Panavision lens vignetting to the carefully crafted camera values and screen wipes, every detail was meticulously designed to transport players back to the iconic galaxy far, far away.
Delivering a Cinematic Open-World Experience
While Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world game, allowing players to explore and play at their own pace, the team at Ubisoft Massive was determined to maintain a cinematic presentation. Gerighty emphasizes that the focus is on the execution, with the player taking on the role of the director, making decisions that shape the narrative and immersive experience.
Balancing Ubisoft's Signature Style with the Star Wars Essence
Ubisoft is known for its expansive open-world experiences, and the team at Massive was acutely aware of the need to avoid simply layering Star Wars over a familiar Ubisoft formula. Instead, they have embraced the unique DNA of Massive, which has always been different from the Ubisoft house style. By incorporating Star Wars-specific design elements, such as the padawan/master relationship and the absence of a traditional skill tree, the studio has crafted an experience that is distinctly Star Wars, while still drawing on the strengths of Ubisoft's open-world expertise.
The Pressure to Deliver a Masterpiece
As Star Wars Outlaws has already gone gold and prepares for its August release, the team at Ubisoft Massive is well aware of the high expectations and pressure that come with developing a game based on one of the world's most beloved franchises. Gerighty acknowledges the added responsibility of not "messing this one up," as it represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream for many on the team. With their unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, the studio is poised to deliver a cinematic masterpiece that will captivate both longtime Star Wars fans and newcomers alike.
