Galaxy Awaits: Rise of an Empire takes place in the Star Wars canon universe at the start of Solo: A Star Wars Story after Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Vader ended the Clone Wars and founded the Galactic Empire, as portrayed in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
The Jedi are thought to be dead, and anyone who demonstrates the use of the Force risks drawing the attention of the Inquisitors, agents trained in the Dark Side of the Force to hunt down Jedi and Force-sensitives in the name of the Empire.
For everyone else, life means surviving by any means possible. Bounty Hunters enjoy plenty of work since their client is often the Empire. Smugglers and traders also enjoy business in supplying goods both legal and illegal.
Learn more on our Galaxy Wiki.