In a recent look behind the scenes of Star Wars Outlaws in Malmo, Sweden, lead systems designer Matthieu Delisle and lead gameplay designer Fredrick Thylander discussed the unique feature of a GTA-like wanted system in the game. According to them, players have the ability to “adjust the difficulty to your playstyle or your needs” by manipulating the emergence of the wanted system. This allows players to increase the level of challenge and create a different experience for themselves.
Delisle mentioned the fun of bringing the wanted level to the maximum of level six and attempting to survive it. He acknowledged that it can be very difficult, especially in the early stages of the game, but it serves as an end game challenge for players. The experience varies depending on the planet you are on, as the presence of the Empire and syndicates differs across locations.
Players can find themselves in a situation where both syndicates and the Empire are after them due to a bad reputation. This creates the ultimate self-imposed challenge in the open-world environment of the game. Delisle highlighted the mechanisms in place for players to get out of tough spots, including fixing their reputation, obtaining contracts, and trading data with syndicates. The game offers various tools for players to navigate challenges and test their limits.
Thylander explained that the wanted system in Star Wars Outlaws is the game’s response to the Empire’s presence. While the reputation system impacts relationships with crime syndicates, the wanted level reflects interactions with the Empire. Players are positioned as rule breakers in contrast to the Empire as enforcers of the law, creating a dynamic where chaos meets order. The wanted system serves as a key gameplay element that adds depth and emergent gameplay moments to the experience.
Thylander described the wanted system as a “toy” that players can manipulate and engage with to create unique gameplay experiences. Delisle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the playful nature of experimenting with the wanted system in the game. By treating the wanted level as a customizable challenge, players can enhance their immersion in the world of Star Wars Outlaws and push their limits as scoundrels navigating a complex web of alliances and conflicts.
Star Wars Outlaws offers players the opportunity to customize their gameplay experience through the wanted system, providing a versatile and engaging way to explore the open-world environment of the game. By challenging themselves and experimenting with different difficulty levels, players can immerse themselves in the role of a scoundrel navigating the dangers of the galaxy and forging their own path in the Star Wars universe.
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