One Year On: Star Wars Outlaws Reflections from the Front Lines
Star Wars Outlaws turned a year old with plenty to say for its age. It stood out as the first truly open-world Star Wars adventure. The game follows Kay Vess, a tough outlaw trying to get by in the dark corners of the Empire. Ubisoft pulled together teams from around the globe, led by Massive Entertainment in Sweden and Ubisoft Toronto in Canada. Toronto’s crew handled the main narrative, working alongside Humberly González, the standout actor who joined on performance capture. The result is a grounded tale that keeps your focus on a gritty underworld rather than epic space battles alone.
A Wrap on the World, a Look at the Crew
The game didn’t stay still after release. It grew through steady updates that reshaped how the world plays. Across the year, the team pushed out two big DLCs and a steady flow of tweaks to core systems. The team’s pride is simple: fans kept showing love, and it kept the project moving forward. Engagement from fans, especially on dedicated communities, gave a real pulse to what came next. The squad in Toronto and their peers in Sweden kept the game fresh, and the reaction from players showed they were listening.
DLCs That Expanded Kay’s Underworld
The two post-launch chapters broaden Kay’s life in the galaxy. Wild Card introduced Lando Calrissian and brought a new angle to the underworld with Sabacc—a card game that adds a lot of risk and reward to the mix. The Sabacc minigames were a natural fit, tying the DLC to the core vibe of Outlaws. A Pirate’s Fortune then put Hondo Ohnaka in the spotlight, offering pirate-driven story beats that felt true to Star Wars’ rogues and their schemes. The team pitched Hondo’s arc with Lucasfilm, and the crew found a path that felt both fresh and faithful to the larger Star Wars legend.
A Daring Figure: ND-5 Bridges Past and Present
Among Kay’s companions, ND-5 stands out for many players and for the writer behind the project. This Clone Wars-era droid carries heavy baggage and a hint of old Western charm with a dusty coat and a stubborn edge. Writing for ND-5 turned into a joy for the team. The character’s mix of grit and wit let the team explore themes of aging, loyalty, and friendship in a lively space. For the writer, ND-5 became a personal beacon, a figure who could carry big moments while still feeling human in his own mechanical way. The bond between ND-5 and Kay added a personal thread that many fans now hold dear.
Crafting Kay and Hondo: A Dynamic Duo in the Spotlight
Fans often wonder who they’d like to see next in Kay Vess’s orbit. The team has ideas that mix bold wishes with fan favorites. One dream pairing that excites the crew is Doctor Aphra, the rogue archaeologist who has carved out a messy but fun path in comics. A meet-up with Aphra would push Kay into new adventures and tough choices, weaving two strong voices into one story arc. It’s the kind of cross-over that gets fans buzzing and keeps Star Wars games feeling just right for a broad crowd.
Switch 2: A Fresh Home for Outlaws
Coinciding with the anniversary, Star Wars Outlaws makes its way to Nintendo’s Switch 2. The goal is simple: bring the full game to a handheld audience. For newcomers, it’s a chance to jump into a large open world on a portable system. For returning players, it’s a chance to relive the full campaign with all updates in tow. The Switch 2 version includes both story packs and extra DLC lines, delivering the whole Outlaws experience in a portable package. Fans who love Star Wars on the go will find the Switch 2 version surprisingly capable and immersive.
Canada’s Strong Hand in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The game was born from a joint effort with Massive in Sweden, but Canada’s own Ubisoft Toronto played a key role. The studio is home to a wide mix of talent and a culture that blends local know-how with global ideas. Many team members split their time between Toronto and studios in Montreal and beyond, bringing a wide view to the craft. The result is a team that feels both grounded and ambitious, with a strong push to keep players connected to the story. The vibe in Toronto mirrors the bigger picture: professionals who care deeply and want to do right by fans and the world they help create.
A Robust Open World, a Bright Future
Star Wars Outlaws remains a living game, not just a one-off release. The blend of a living world and new story beats keeps the adventure feeling alive. The Switch 2 port marks a new chapter for the title, showing how far this open-world design can travel. With the DLCs in the mix and a steady stream of updates, the game has a lasting pull for both long-time fans and new players.
This interview was edited for language, clarity and length.
Star Wars Outlaws is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. The Switch 2 version launches on September 4 for $79.99 and includes both story expansions and some additional DLCs.
Image credit: Lucasfilm/Ubisoft
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