The cover artwork for Massive Entertainment's Star Wars Outlaws has confirmed that players opting for a physical edition will have to connect to the internet to play the game. The recent unveiling of a new story trailer for Star Wars Outlaws provided a glimpse into Ubisoft's upcoming open-world adventure set in a distant galaxy. However, the revelation that the game's installation process is not as straightforward as simply inserting a disk has left some fans dissatisfied after seeing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X box art.
The gaming community has long been vocal against the trend of always-online video games. Concerns range from the impermanence of online functionalities to the necessity of a stable internet connection. While the lifespan of a game can be extended based on its player base, server shutdowns render these titles unplayable, as seen with Ubisoft's The Crew. Questions also arise regarding the need for online features in single-player games, advocating for the availability of complete physical copies in an increasingly digital landscape.
Disappointment struck those anticipating the physical release of Star Wars Outlaws upon discovering that Massive Entertainment's forthcoming title would not be playable straight from the disk. The box art displayed on Best Buy's online store, shared by user Wario64 (@Wario64), included a disclaimer stating the necessity of an internet connection for installation. This isn't the first instance of Ubisoft titles, such as Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, mandating an additional download for physical copies.
The extent of required download for Star Wars Outlaws remains uncertain, prompting concerns about the game's longevity and the future playability of a purchased title. Criticism was directed at Ubisoft for issuing an incomplete disk and releasing a physical copy that still demands a digital download. Additionally, the accessibility issue arose, highlighting how individuals without reliable internet access may struggle to play the game despite paying the full $70 price for the standard edition.
Video Game Sales in the Digital Age
The ongoing discourse on Star Wars Outlaws reflects the digital transformation of the gaming industry. The contemporary era has witnessed a significant shift toward digital releases, enabling indie successes like Minecraft and solo projects to thrive without the logistical challenges of physical distribution. However, concerns persist among consumers regarding the implications of a fully online market, raising apprehensions about their gaming rights and long-term game access.