Star Wars Outlaws: Crafting a Scoundrel's Universe - Insights from Massive Entertainment

From a single film about a young man following a mysterious message delivered by two droids, Star Wars has evolved into a colossal franchise spanning movies, TV shows, books, comics, and, of course, video games. In 2026, the team at Massive Entertainment continues to contribute to this expansive galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure set during the era of the original trilogy. The developers approached this project with a dual mission: to honor the rich legacy of Star Wars while introducing something entirely new through the lens of scoundrel Kay Vess, her adorable merqaal companion Nix, and the epic heist they aim to pull off. This isn't just another Star Wars story; it's a deep dive into the underworld, offering players agency, choice, and a fresh perspective on a beloved universe.

Collaborating with the Galactic Custodians: Lucasfilm Games 🎮

Game director Mathias Karlson and lead concept artist Samuel De Vos have shed light on the crucial partnership with Lucasfilm Games. Karlson describes it as a "very healthy" collaboration, where Lucasfilm acts as the expert custodian of the Star Wars essence. "They haven't been putting up walls," he notes. Instead, the process was one of guidance: "What do you want to do? Let us help you get there." This allowed the Massive team to stay firmly in the creative driver's seat, focusing on their vision for Kay's story while receiving invaluable feedback to ensure authenticity. The goal was never to replicate what other games or shows were doing, but to carve out a unique space for this scoundrel narrative within the canon.

Meet Nix: More Than Just a Pet 🦎

Perhaps the most beloved new addition to the Star Wars universe from Outlaws is Nix, Kay's merqaal companion. De Vos emphasizes that Nix is a completely new creature, designed from the ground up by Massive in collaboration with Lucasfilm. The design philosophy was a blend of the familiar and the alien. "There's a lot of grounded, familiar things with Nix - like an axolotl or a salamander," De Vos explains. This is combined with a "fantasy element" to make it truly feel like a Star Wars creature.

But Nix is far more than a cute face. The design directly informs gameplay and narrative. The soft fur on its belly symbolizes the emotional support and bond with Kay, while the pangolin-inspired, blaster-proof scales on its back hint at its utility. Karlson reveals that Nix was conceived as the "chink in the armor" for the guarded Kay, a way to show her heart from the start.

From a gameplay perspective, Nix is integral. "I really want you to feel like you're playing two characters, but as one," says Karlson. Nix's small size allows it to perform actions Kay cannot, like crawling through vents or accessing tight spaces, which in turn shaped the game's level design. The team aimed for intuitive gameplay where players naturally think, "I can't reach that, but Nix can."

Designing for Freedom: The Open-World Philosophy 🌍

Creating an open-world Star Wars game presented unique challenges, especially in designing levels that support multiple approaches. Karlson's philosophy starts with the "most open-ended possible scenario." The team builds from that foundation, ensuring every tool the player has—from stealth to combat to Nix's abilities—is supported by the environment, enemy placement, and AI behavior.

He cites locations like the Pyke Syndicate's territory as examples. In these open environments, players have the freedom to choose their approach, each leading to different challenges and experiences. "We make sure that also translates into variety," Karlson states. "If you make decisions, it's not just multiples of the same experience, it actually means that you have a different experience depending on what you select." This creates a dynamic, player-driven narrative where reputation with different syndicates truly matters.

The Trailblazer: A Home Among the Stars 🚀

Every scoundrel needs a reliable ship, and for Kay Vess, that's the Trailblazer. De Vos describes it as Kay's "home away from home," designed to be both grounded in the Star Wars universe and instantly iconic. The inspirations were delightfully eclectic. "A turtle shell is actually a big inspiration for it," De Vos reveals, a nod to the ship's sturdy, protective nature. The team also looked back to the aesthetic of the original trilogy, drawing from '60s and '70s designs like monorails.

Karlson likens it to a "high-powered pickup truck"—fast, agile, sturdy, and able to go anywhere, but not overly sleek like a sports car. The key, he notes, is that "functionality... should also be reflected in its physical appearance." The ship's look telegraphs its capabilities, maintaining that Star Wars tradition of blending the familiar with a unique twist.

Leaving a Mark on the Galaxy: Canon and Community ✨

For the developers, the realization that they are adding permanent elements to Star Wars canon is both a heavy responsibility and a thrilling honor. "We've felt responsibility, but also excitement," Karlson summarizes. That excitement turned to tangible joy when they saw the community's immediate embrace. De Vos recalls the moment the first Kay and Nix cosplay appeared: "You see that first cosplay, and you think, okay, it's out there, and people are taking it and doing their own thing with it."

The team at Massive is so passionate about fan creations that they have an "ever-growing collage" of fan art and cosplay prints on their office wall. "It gives you that reminder when you come in every morning," Karlson says. "It's cool."

What Awaits Players in 2026 🔮

So, what are the developers most excited for players to experience? For De Vos, it's the incredible depth of detail. He urges players to look closely in densely populated hubs like Mirogana or Myrra, where the team has filled the world with granular storytelling. "Things written in Aurebesh. Scribbles referencing certain events." He knows the die-hard fans will uncover every secret and reference the team has lovingly embedded.

For Karlson, the excitement lies in the full scope of the experience. "Having your own ship, hyper-jumping between different planets, exploring space, seamlessly landing, driving in your speeder, exploring the surface, getting sidetracked. Ending up in a cantina playing cards." He emphasizes the "lived-in feel" that defines Star Wars, a world that feels authentic, detailed, and ripe for exploration.

De Vos adds a final, poignant thought about player agency. He looks forward to watching walkthroughs where every player's Kay has a customized jacket and a uniquely styled Nix. "That will be a fun reminder of the agency that the player has, a visual way to describe that experience."

In Star Wars Outlaws, Massive Entertainment isn't just telling a story; they're building a playground. A playground where players can truly live out their scoundrel fantasies, shape their own reputation, and explore a corner of the galaxy that feels both thrillingly new and comfortingly familiar. The journey of Kay and Nix is poised to become a new, unforgettable chapter in the Star Wars saga, driven by player choice and brimming with the heart and detail that fans deserve. The galaxy's underworld has never looked so inviting—or so dangerous. 😎