This hand-crafted Nix puppet is so adorable, it makes me wish for a Star Wars Outlaws film

One of the most rewarding aspects of working on a Star Wars project would be to create a brand new Weird Little Guy. In the world of videogames, this tradition dates back to Yoda and Salacious B. Crumb. It also includes the Ewoks. Nix, your thieving armadillo/axalotl partner in Star Wars Outlaws, is my new favourite.

Lightning Cosplay's talented team of puppeteers has made him jump from pixels to real life.

In just four weeks, as part of an Ubisoft promotion, he was built to look like a movie star, with an articulated face and eyes, realistic scales and fur, and the cutest widdle feet ever. Yes, they are! The videos of him in action were impressive, but I was more impressed by the detailed documentation of his construction. It's the kind expert craftsmanship that is indistinguishable to my simple eye from magic. Be warned, you may witness horrors like an entire table covered with disembodied Nix heads.

It's possible that I was particularly impressionable because I watched The Dark Crystal as a child, but the Hensonesque movement and textures in this Nix are absolutely delightful to watch. I wish there were a longer video showing him just grooving. I'd like to give Ubisoft props as well: the contrast between soft fur and rough scalings, and the expressive but animalistic face, really shows how strong the original designs are.
Lightning Cosplay is not a new team. The team (couple Laura & Ralf), based in Germany, has worked on a variety of videogame-related projects, including a Monster Hunter sword, a Warframe cosplay and a life-size Botchling (not for those who are squeamish). It's their first step into puppetry and I hope they make more adorable sidekicks. If you're like me and are dazzled by anyone who can make anything more complex than a Warhammer figurine, then definitely follow them.