Why Star Wars Outlaws on Nintendo Switch 2 is a Game-Changer: Insights from Ubisoft’s Snowdrop Engine Developer

Star Wars Outlaws on Nintendo Switch is buzzing in the gaming community, especially with its unique release as a game-key card. Let’s dive into why this choice was made and what it means for players.

Rob Bantin, the audio architect at Ubisoft, recently shared insights on social media about the game’s development. He explained that the Snowdrop engine, which powers Star Wars Outlaws, relies on fast disk streaming. Unfortunately, the current Nintendo Switch cards couldn’t meet the performance needed for an open-world game like this one. Bantin mentioned that if Star Wars Outlaws had been designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, things might have turned out differently. However, the team had already built the game for systems with solid-state drives (SSDs), and the Switch 2 came into play later in development.

This situation highlights a broader trend in gaming today. Many developers are facing challenges with file sizes and storage limits. Presently, Nintendo offers limited options for physical game cartridges—mostly sticking to 64GB. This can be a hurdle, especially since some new Nintendo Switch 2 titles require more space.

Interestingly, Star Wars Outlaws itself is approximately 20GB, making it small enough for a traditional cartridge without the need for a key card. So, why choose the key card route? The decision seems rooted more in technical constraints than in sheer file size.

The debate about physical versus digital gaming continues. Many players prefer having a physical copy of their games. A recent survey showed that nearly 60% of gamers value owning a physical copy for nostalgia. However, the trend towards digital content and smaller game boxes is strong.

As gaming evolves, developers must navigate these challenges. The advancements in technology, like SSD storage, indicate that future consoles might overcome these issues. For now, Star Wars Outlaws remains an exciting choice for fans of the franchise, despite the unconventional release method.

In summary, while the game-key release format might limit physical collecting for some, it reflects the ongoing transition in the gaming industry. As technology progresses, we may see more adapted solutions that cater to both developer needs and player preferences.



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Star Wars Outlaws,Ubisoft