Ubisoft's upcoming Star Wars game, 'Outlaws,' has stirred controversy with its exclusive Jabba the Hutt mission locked behind a paywall. To access the Day 1 exclusive Jabba mission, players must purchase the game's Season Pass, available only through pre-order of the Gold or Ultimate editions, or with Ubisoft+ Premium.
The base game is priced at $70, while the Gold Edition costs $110 and the Ultimate Edition is priced at $130. The Jabba's Gambit mission, described as an introductory mission involving the crime boss Jabba the Hutt, is part of the Season Pass content. The mission follows protagonist Kay as she receives a job from Jabba himself, adding depth to the game's narrative.
In addition to the exclusive mission, the Gold and Premium editions offer two DLC expansions and various in-game perks such as cosmetics for Kay Vess and her pet, Nix. While premium editions often include extra content, the requirement of a Season Pass for a single-player game has raised concerns among players.
The decision to lock essential content like the Jabba mission behind a paywall has sparked criticism towards Ubisoft. Many question the necessity of a Season Pass for a standalone, single-player AAA title that already comes with a significant price tag. The move has led to backlash from the gaming community, highlighting the growing trend of monetization strategies in the industry.
Despite initial excitement surrounding the game's reveal, Ubisoft's handling of the business side has drawn negative attention. The controversy surrounding the Jabba mission and the pricing structure has overshadowed the game's potential success. The latest trailer release has also faced criticism, further impacting the game's reception.
Star Wars fans and gamers alike have expressed disappointment over the situation, with concerns raised about the exploitation of the beloved franchise for financial gain. The lack of transparency and the decision to gate exclusive content have led to a significant backlash against Ubisoft, prompting calls for reevaluation of their monetization practices.