Star Wars Zero Company, something fans have been informally dubbing “the XCOM Star Wars game,” had its big moment today during a presentation at Star Wars Celebration Japan. Now, if you’re curious why people are calling it that, it’s because Bit Reactor, the developer behind the game, is led by Greg Foertsch. Foertsch has a rich history of working on prominent turn-based games at Firaxis, including the famed XCOM series.
Foertsch expressed their goals for the game in a recent press release shared with Polygon. “Our vision for Star Wars Zero Company draws from core gameplay elements that blend the captivating Star Wars universe with engaging turn-based tactical gameplay,” he explained. They’re striving to create a game set in the Clone Wars era, offering an original narrative with significant player-driven outcomes, alongside strategic turn-based combat that’s both accessible and cinematic.
The game centers around Hawks, a former Republic officer. He leads a unique team of professionals for hire, originating from various parts of the galaxy. This eclectic crew makes up Zero Company, and they must set aside their personal differences to tackle overwhelming challenges and combat a looming threat that could potentially engulf the galaxy if ignored.
The way the game is structured, according to the press release, will likely feel familiar to XCOM enthusiasts. Players will embark on a campaign filled with tactical missions and investigations across the galaxy. Between missions, players will manage a base of operations and gather intel through a network of informants, always staying one step ahead of their adversaries. There’s also the exciting opportunity to form and customize your squad of recruited operatives while connecting with new, original Star Wars characters.
Personally, what excites me the most is the introduction of these new Star Wars characters. It’s quite refreshing to explore a narrative that isn’t centered around the usual iconic figures. Take Andor, for example; it brings a fresh perspective by delving into new characters and stories within the Star Wars universe. Here’s hoping Zero Company can capture that same spirit.
However, patience will be required because Zero Company doesn’t have an official release date yet. The window they’re aiming for is 2026. Developed in partnership with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, it’s set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
