Star Wars Zero Company, informally known as “the XCOM Star Wars game,” was unveiled today at the Star Wars Celebration Japan panel. This nickname stems from the fact that Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor — the studio responsible for the game — previously contributed to several prominent turn-based titles at Firaxis, including the XCOM series.
According to a press release sent to Polygon, Foertsch stated, “Our vision for Star Wars Zero Company integrates core gameplay design principles that blend the immersive Star Wars universe with captivating turn-based tactics. We aim to deliver a game set in the Clone Wars era, featuring an original Star Wars narrative that incorporates impactful player choices and profound turn-based tactical combat, all while maintaining an accessible and cinematic feel.”
The game follows a single-player narrative centered on Hawks, a former Republic officer tasked with leading “an unconventional team of professionals for hire from around the galaxy.” This diverse group, known as Zero Company, must put aside their differences to confront an emerging threat that could engulf the galaxy if not addressed.
The press release outlines a game structure reminiscent of the XCOM series: “Players will undertake tactical campaigns and investigations across the galaxy. Between missions, they will establish a base of operations and gather intelligence via a network of informants to stay ahead of Zero Company’s enemies. Players can create and customize their own team of recruited operatives while engaging with a cast of newly crafted Star Wars characters.”
For this author, the most exciting aspect is the introduction of “newly authored Star Wars characters.” A game devoid of familiar Star Wars icons, focusing instead on an entirely original narrative, would be refreshing. Just like Andor, which features new characters and stories within the broader Star Wars universe, this fresh approach adds an intriguing dimension. Hopefully, Zero Company will follow a similar path.
However, we’ll have to wait some time to experience it, as Zero Company is slated for a 2026 release. Bit Reactor is developing the game in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, and it will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
