
The Cancellation of Star Wars Outlaws 2 Could Harm the Gaming Industry
The potential cancellation of Star Wars Outlaws 2 raises concerns regarding the future of AAA titles, especially given its ties to the iconic franchise.
If recent rumors hold any truth regarding the potential cancellation of Star Wars Outlaws 2 by Ubisoft, the consequences for the gaming industry could be significant, especially for large-scale games based on major intellectual properties. The original Star Wars Outlaws was set to become one of Ubisoft’s standout series, yet faced disappointing sales and mixed reviews, prompting the company to reconsider its approach to new titles, possibly favoring existing franchises.
While there hasn’t been an official comment from Ubisoft about the cancellation of Star Wars Outlaws, reports from supposed insiders, combined with consumer data, suggest that the developer may indeed shift its strategy away from ambitious projects. Despite being a hugely recognized franchise, the performance of a high-budget Star Wars video game has many questioning whether Ubisoft might adopt a more conservative direction.
Ubisoft indicated that the lackluster sales of the original game stemmed from early issues and a detrimental public image related to the franchise. In contrast, the company has received positive feedback concerning other high-budget releases like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The future of Star Wars Outlaws, which was themed around one of pop culture’s most beloved franchises, seems questionable amidst these metrics.
The Impact of Big IP Failures on Ubisoft’s Strategy
In the wake of financial declines, it’s common for companies to revert to familiar franchises. Games like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry continue to receive praise, highlighting Ubisoft’s success with known titles compared to the backlash faced by Star Wars Outlaws. Although it is uncertain whether the cancellation of the sequel is tied to poor performance versus more established series, history tends to favor developers focusing on what has proven successful.
Stakeholders and audiences alike have raised concerns over the industry’s dependency on box office hits like Call of Duty and FIFA, which often come at the expense of riskier projects. Hence, if major endeavors like Star Wars Outlaws falter, the temptation for companies to forsake innovation in favor of stability is likely to grow.