The upcoming game “Star Wars Outlaws” by Ubisoft has faced backlash over its premium pricing, microtransaction practices, and perceived quality issues, leading to skepticism from fans despite the company’s optimism about its sales potential. Additionally, accusations of bribery through influencer marketing tactics have raised concerns about the authenticity of reviews and the impact of corporate interests on content creation.
The upcoming release of “Star Wars Outlaws,” developed by Ubisoft, has stirred controversy in the gaming community, particularly regarding its pricing and marketing practices. The game, touted as the first open-world Star Wars title, has a premium edition costing over $100, raising concerns about the trend in the AAA gaming industry where basic game prices are often supplemented with additional costs for full content access. This has led to backlash from fans, especially after the game’s story trailer received significant dislike due to dissatisfaction with its microtransaction practices and the overall quality of the game’s character designs, notably the protagonist Kvest.
Recent gameplay previews have further fueled negativity, with many critics pointing out issues such as stiff animations, dated graphics, and poor AI behavior. Despite these concerns, Ubisoft has remained optimistic about the game’s launch, dismissing suggestions for a delay. The company has also emphasized that “Star Wars Outlaws” is expected to sell well regardless of the controversies, citing the franchise’s strong fanbase. However, the mixed reception of gameplay footage has raised doubts about whether the game will meet player expectations.
Adding to the controversy, Ubisoft has been accused of attempting to influence reviews by inviting YouTubers and influencers on lavish trips, including visits to Disneyland and boat tours. This marketing strategy has raised questions about the authenticity of the opinions shared by these influencers, as many may feel pressured to provide positive coverage to maintain their relationship with Ubisoft. Critics argue that such practices blur the line between genuine feedback and promotional content, potentially skewing public perception of the game.
Further complicating the situation, a German YouTube channel recently removed its preview video after revealing that a third-party agency had to approve it, suggesting an attempt to control the narrative surrounding the game’s coverage. This incident highlights concerns regarding the transparency of influencer reviews and the potential influence of corporate interests on content creation. Other influencers have also reported being courted by Ubisoft for collaborations, further emphasizing the complex dynamics between game publishers and content creators.
As the release date approaches, many gamers remain skeptical about “Star Wars Outlaws,” particularly regarding its gameplay mechanics and the limitations placed on player actions, such as the inability to harm or steal from friendly NPCs. Ubisoft has announced post-launch plans, including a season pass with additional content featuring characters like Lando and Hondo Onaka, but many fans are primarily focused on the quality of the game at launch. Overall, while the game is expected to sell well due to its franchise, significant concerns linger about its execution and the ethical implications of its marketing strategies.