Ubisoft Massive is addressing concerns about difficulty spikes in Star Wars Outlaws, particularly in its early missions. The developers have recognized that some aspects of these missions are proving too punishing for players. By analyzing gameplay data, they’ve identified elements that are not functioning as intended and are working on adjustments to enhance the player experience.
Julian Gerighty, the creative director for the game, has specifically pointed out the problematic nature of the instant-fail stealth missions. He notes that an early mission, set in Mirogana and involving the infiltration of Gorak’s base, is excessively difficult and frustrating. Gerighty admits that this design was a misstep and that the team plans to make improvements to make the game more enjoyable without completely removing fail states.
The issue of difficulty has emerged as an unexpected problem that wasn’t part of the original design. Gerighty emphasizes that the intended experience was to create tension without being unfair, but the current implementation has not met these goals. The development team is already working on a patch to address these issues and hopes to resolve them within the next ten days.
Director Mathias Karlson adds that the team aims to strike a balance between challenging and fair gameplay. He envisions a scenario where players remain engaged even if they are detected, with the ability to recover from mistakes without it feeling overwhelming. The developers are committed to refining the game based on feedback to ensure it meets player expectations.
Furthermore, Ubisoft Massive is open to altering the game’s narrative elements if they are hindering player enjoyment. Gerighty suggests that changes to the in-game context could make challenging missions more accessible. The overarching goal is to provide players with meaningful choices and ensure they have a satisfying experience while maintaining the integrity of player agency throughout the game.