Star Wars Outlaws: Controversy Surrounds Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release
Ubisoft’s release of Star Wars Outlaws for the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked controversy among gamers due to the game’s distribution method. Instead of a traditional physical cartridge, the game is being sold as a game-key card, which players must redeem digitally.
Reason Behind the Game-Key Card Format
Ubisoft developer Rob Bantin explained that the decision was driven by performance considerations rather than cost. The game’s Snowdrop engine relies heavily on disk streaming for its expansive open-world environments. Standard Switch 2 cartridges reportedly did not provide the necessary performance for the game’s quality targets. Bantin emphasized that cost was never a factor in the decision-making process. He also noted that if the game had been developed specifically for the Switch 2 from the outset, the storage format might have been different. The game was initially built around SSDs used in other target platforms, and the Switch 2 was introduced later, prompting the shift to the game-key format.
Impact on Players
This unconventional distribution method has raised concerns among players regarding game preservation and the physical ownership of games. Many gamers prefer physical cartridges for their tangible nature and the assurance of ownership. The game-key card format, which requires an internet connection to redeem, may not be ideal for all players, particularly those with limited or unreliable internet access.
Final Thought
While the game-key card format may offer technical advantages, it also highlights the evolving nature of game distribution, and the challenges developers face in balancing performance with player preferences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other developers approach similar challenges and how players respond to these changes.
About Star Wars Outlaws
A cosmic war action game that involves Kay Vess, a young woman who seeks a fortune to start a new life. The game’s content is based on the events of the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi films, and features fast-paced gameplay as well as role-playing.
