Star Wars Outlaws: Director Takes Metacritic Score in Stride and Aims for Galaxy-Sized Improvements

In a galaxy not so far away—actually, last week—the highly anticipated Star Wars Outlaws made its debut. The game, developed by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, promised players an open-world Star Wars experience like no other. It delivered on many fronts, but despite the stellar ambitions, the game’s launch didn’t quite result in the astronomical reception that creative director Julian Gerighty and his team had hoped for. With a Metacritic score hovering at a solid 76, Gerighty admitted to being “a little disappointed,” though he remains optimistic about the game’s future.

While a 76 on Metacritic isn’t exactly “Attack of the Clones” levels of divisiveness, it’s not the kind of jaw-dropping score that makes you want to raise your lightsaber in victory either. But in typical Star Wars fashion, there’s always hope. Let’s break down why Gerighty is a tad bummed by the score, how the team plans to move forward, and why we can all still look forward to this intergalactic adventure.

A (Slightly) Disappointing Reception

Let’s be clear—Star Wars Outlaws isn’t a disaster by any means. A 76 is a respectable score, and many games would be over the moon to receive it. But in a universe like Star Wars, where the expectations are as high as the Death Star’s orbit, anything short of spectacular tends to feel like a womp rat-sized disappointment. Julian Gerighty, the game’s creative director, expressed his mixed feelings in an interview with GamesRadar+, saying, “I’m a little disappointed with the Metacritic.”

It’s understandable why the team might feel this way. After all, this was Ubisoft’s first stab at creating an open-world Star Wars game—a genre shift that had fans buzzing with anticipation. The game’s four-year development was a monumental effort that sought to capture the vastness and thrill of exploring the Star Wars galaxy. To Gerighty and the team, the feedback from critics must feel like hearing “I have a bad feeling about this” one too many times.

When Bugs Attack: Early Access Issues

The road to the stars is rarely smooth, and Outlaws had its fair share of bumps along the way. One of the major hiccups? Early access players were dealt a frustrating hand when they found out their save files could potentially corrupt or, worse, be erased altogether. Imagine getting your hands on the game early, only to find out that your progress might vanish into the void like Alderaan. Not exactly the smooth hyperdrive launch the team was hoping for.

Gerighty acknowledged these issues, but he emphasized that these early hurdles didn’t dampen the team’s spirits. He pointed out that there was a “level of pride, happiness, and sense of accomplishment” amongst the developers, knowing how much they’d achieved despite the rough patches. In a galaxy filled with giant sandworms, bounty hunters, and malfunctioning droids, a few game-breaking bugs seem almost par for the course, right?

Galactic Positives: A World Like No Other

Even though the Metacritic score didn’t set the galaxy ablaze, Star Wars Outlaws has a lot to celebrate. In fact, Gerighty beams with pride when he talks about the elements that truly stand out. One thing that’s brought him “so much joy” is seeing the community capture stunning in-game images. Yes, it turns out that players are loving the ability to play intergalactic tourist, exploring the beautifully designed landscapes, from bustling urban centers to desolate wastelands.

These shared screenshots serve as proof that the team’s hard work paid off in at least one crucial area—immersing players in a galaxy far, far away. According to Gerighty, Outlaws is a “Star Wars experience like no other,” allowing players to lose themselves in the expansive universe, soaking in the detailed environments and rich lore that the franchise is known for. Whether or not the critics agree, the players are certainly finding joy in their personal space odysseys.

The Road Ahead: Never Stop Improving

While the team might feel a slight sting from that Metacritic score, Gerighty isn’t wallowing in disappointment. In fact, he sees Outlaws as a game that will continue to grow and evolve over time. This will be a game that millions of people are going to play for years and years, and we’re never going to stop improving it,” he optimistically stated, before humorously backpedaling, “Well, that’s a lie—we’ll probably stop improving it, but today my mind is not on stopping.

If that’s not a relatable statement, I don’t know what is. Gerighty’s lighthearted approach to the situation shows that the team isn’t just focused on initial reviews, but on the long game (pun intended). Much like the heroes of the Star Wars universe, they understand that setbacks are part of the journey, but there’s always room for redemption.

A New Hope for Players

The positive spin on all of this? Star Wars Outlaws is a living, breathing game that is still in its infancy. The game may not have burst out of the gate with perfect scores, but much like Anakin’s pod racer, it’s built for long-term speed. Ubisoft has a history of supporting and improving their open-world titles post-launch, and there’s every reason to believe they’ll do the same with Outlaws.

For the fans, this means there’s a whole galaxy left to explore, and it’s only going to get better with time. The team has committed to addressing the bugs and improving the gameplay experience, which means that if you’ve been holding out on playing, there’s no need to panic just yet. You might end up experiencing the best version of Star Wars Outlaws a few months—or even years—down the line.

Final Thoughts: The Force is Still Strong

At the end of the day, the release of Star Wars Outlaws is a reminder that even in a galaxy full of starships and lightsabers, things don’t always go as planned. While the Metacritic score may have missed the mark, the game’s potential and the dedication of its developers remain a bright spot. Gerighty and his team may be feeling a bit of the weight of those reviews now, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that the Star Wars saga always finds a way to surprise us in the end.

So, for now, let’s sit back, take in the gorgeous virtual vistas, and trust that the Force—along with some timely game patches—will guide Star Wars Outlaws to even greater heights.

Want More Tips?

If you’re enjoying the rebellious life, check out our other guides. If you’re on the fence whether to get the game, go check out our review here.

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