The whole psychology of Xbox Game Pass and similar services is that if something is essentially free to try, a lot of people will. They then find themselves spending hours with games that they wouldn't have plopped down 60-70 bucks for, but end up really enjoying. Star Wars Outlaws is on just such a journey right now, as it's one of the fastest rising games on Game Pass.
It's the 14th most-played game on the platform right now, according to data compiled by Gameinsights. Star Wars Outlaws places you in the boots of Kay Vess, a thief trying to earn a living on the lowest rungs of The Empire's territory. She gets a lead on the heist of a lifetime, which could see her rolling in riches - if she survives.
It didn't do the numbers publisher Ubisoft was hoping, but Kay and her adventures have gotten a new lease on life through Xbox Game Pass. Gamers are finding out that Outlaws is not all that bad, especially after an update that removed auto-fail stealth missions. Even Han Solo ( a clear inspiration for these adventures) had to sometimes shoot his way out of a tough situation. There were some rare occasions where he even shot first.
Everything I've heard recently regarding sequel says it's probably not happening because Ubisoft didn't get the huge numbers it was expecting from its "Grand Theft Star Wars" project. But maybe these numbers will get them to reconsider. Some of Star Wars' best stories aren't about the Jedi or The Empire, but the common people on the outer fringes of this galaxy-spanning conflict. In TV, movies, and games, I'd love to see more of them.