The curtain has been pulled back on the upcoming Outriders. The RPG/shooter hybrid had a grand unveiling earlier, which you can read more about through here. There’s still questions to be asked, and one thing you may be wondering about is whether or not the title will be a “live service” game in the vein of something like Anthem or Destiny. Many assumed that based on what we’re seen so far, but it seems that may not be the case.
Speaking to VG24/7, Lead Level Designer Rafal Pawlowski and Lead Narrative Designer Szymon Barchan talked about the game. They said that it would launch as a complete package, downplaying the idea of it being a live service game like the above mentioned titles, wanting players to have everything in the beginning.
“We’re launching with a full game that you can enjoy with everything there. That was the plan four years ago, and those are decisions and directions we’re sticking to,” said Barchan.
“As for the complete package, it’s just one aspect,” Pawlowski added. “Games are really expensive and we want players to have everything for the price at launch.”
That said, People Can Fly and Square Enix are both eyeing Outriders’ potential to become a flagship franchise.
“Definitely the feeling is we want to create a huge universe,” said Pawlowski. “A big universe that we’re going to, at one point, expand. For now, we are focussed on delivering what we’re proposing.”
“We’re delivering a full package with a full game, full story,” Barchan added. “It’s a very important IP for us, obviously, but also Square Enix.”
Of course, what it means to be live service or GaaS title is pretty vague at this point. We don’t know enough about Outriders just yet to judge how complete the “complete” package actually will be. We’ll undoubtedly find out more about the game’s post-launch plans the closer we get to launch this Holiday season.