Ubisoft's unveiling of the gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws in June 2023 sparked considerable excitement among fans. With stunning graphics, famous Star Wars settings, a vast open world, and the promise of an engaging adventure, the game appeared to have it all. However, disappointment set in when the final product did not live up to Ubisoft's initial claims.
Mixed Reviews and Sales
The game faced numerous challenges, including bugs, poor enemy AI, and average combat mechanics, resulting in a MetaScore of 76 and a user score of 5.4 out of 10. While it hasn't been deemed a complete failure, both critics and players have expressed lukewarm feelings about it. This sentiment is reflected in the game's sales numbers, which have reportedly been underwhelming.
As reported by Insider Gaming, Star Wars Outlaws has sold only 1 million copies a month after its release, falling short of Ubisoft's projections. In comparison, Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor quickly dominated the US sales charts just two days post-launch in April 2023, reportedly selling millions of copies within the first 11 days, marking a stark contrast to the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws.
Upcoming Updates and Improvements
Despite the initial setbacks, Ubisoft appears committed to rectifying the game's shortcomings and has shared a roadmap for updates.
The first update, focusing on “bug fixes and improvements,” is scheduled for October 3. This will be succeeded by a second update on October 24, aimed at providing “quality of life improvements.” A month later, on November 21, Ubisoft plans to release a significant update that will address the game's combat and stealth mechanics, which have been major points of concern for fans. This update will also introduce new contracts for players to explore.
Additionally, the November 21 update will include the inaugural story expansion titled “Wild Card,” marking the first of two anticipated post-launch DLCs for the game.
Ultimately, only time will reveal the impact of Ubisoft’s planned fixes and additional content on the game's long-term success and reception.
Insider Gaming, Ubisoft