Ubisoft is facing significant challenges, notably after the mixed reactions to Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the ongoing scrutiny of Star Wars Outlaws. The company has committed to addressing stakeholder concerns by promising higher quality content for the upcoming game. They emphasize that future previews will highlight the expansive nature of Outlaws’ open world, aiming to enhance the exploration experience across various galactic locations. Ubisoft’s CFO, Frederick Duguet, reassured shareholders that the game’s pre-orders have reached a crucial milestone, confirming the scheduled release date of August 30th.
Gameplay Concerns
Public gameplay previews for Star Wars Outlaws reveal various issues, including inconsistent textures and static animations. Although previews do not always represent the final product, Ubisoft’s defensive remarks suggest moderate satisfaction with the current state of the game. Despite the assurances, investor confidence appears shaky, reflected in the company’s declining share prices.
Player Backlash
The primary dissatisfaction originates from players, with many indicating they would cancel their pre-orders. The focus has been on improving player perception rather than investor relations. Players are unconvinced by promises of quality if initial gameplay does not meet expectations. Ubisoft’s adherence to its established open-world formula in Star Wars Outlaws has left many unimpressed.
Repeating Old Patterns
Ubisoft’s preview showcases typical fetch quests, such as protagonist Kay Vess negotiating with Jawas on Tatooine. The barren environment and unresponsive enemy AI contributed to the underwhelming reception. The lack of innovation in the game’s mechanics and missions detracts from the excitement expected in a Star Wars open-world game.
Previously, Ubisoft faced backlash for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, leading to significant revisions and apologies to the community. Comparatively, the reception of Star Wars Outlaws appears to follow a similar trajectory, with both investors and players expressing concerns over the game’s anticipated quality and overall direction.
While the honour system in Star Wars Outlaws presents a promising concept, current gameplay footage indicates it may not effectively impact the player experience. The reputation mechanics seem predetermined, reducing the potential for varied outcomes based on in-game decisions. To appeal to a broader audience, Ubisoft might be simplifying the game’s mechanics, but this approach risks creating a mundane player experience. However, detailed environments and varied locales like Toshara and Kijimi offer some potential for engaging gameplay.
Ubisoft must prioritize more compelling marketing strategies to regain player confidence and potentially boost pre-orders. The success of Star Wars Outlaws hinges on its ability to deliver a fulfilling and dynamic gaming experience that resonates with players beyond initial previews.
