"Looser ties" refers to weaker or less strong connections or relationships between people or groups. It suggests that these connections are not as tight or close as they used to be. Full definition
This is a wide open world with loose ties to a beloved property, but one that's free enough to take exciting chances going forward. (lylesmoviefiles.com)
There are some very loose ties between games, but nothing that's really required for anyone looking to jump in with this latest entry. (psnstores.com)
Long before marijuana was legal in some states, craft beer and pot have had at least loose ties to each other. (fortune.com)