At the recent Star Wars Celebration in Japan, fans were treated to a full reveal of “Star Wars Zero Company,” affectionately dubbed by some as “the XCOM Star Wars game.” This nickname comes from the involvement of Greg Foertsch, who serves as both CEO and Creative Director of Bit Reactor, the studio behind this new game. Foertsch has a rich history with turn-based games, having previously contributed to some of the major titles within the XCOM series while at Firaxis.
Foertsch shared his vision for the game, which aligns with a design philosophy that merges the iconic Star Wars universe with captivating turn-based tactical gameplay. According to a press release from Polygon, he stated, “Our aim for Star Wars Zero Company is to craft an original story set in the Clone Wars era. We want player decisions to have significant consequences, all wrapped in a deep tactical combat experience presented in an engaging, cinematic way.”
The narrative centers on a character named Hawks, a former officer of the Republic now leading a diverse squad of mercenaries from across the galaxy. This eclectic crew forms the core of Zero Company, comprising individuals who must put aside their differences to tackle a burgeoning threat that, if not stopped, could engulf the entire galaxy.
The game promises a structure reminiscent of the beloved XCOM titles, detailed in a press release. Players will embark on expansive tactical campaigns and investigative missions throughout the galaxy. Between these missions, they will build and manage a base of operations, using a network of informants to always stay a step ahead of impending threats. Players will have the freedom to craft and personalize their squad from a roster of newly introduced characters in the Star Wars universe.
A standout feature—at least for me—is the introduction of fresh Star Wars characters. Personally, I’d welcome a story completely separate from the iconic figures we’ve come to know. Much like the series “Andor,” which thrives on new narratives within the Star Wars realm, Zero Company could provide a similarly rejuvenating experience. It’s a narrative choice I hope the game embraces.
However, patience is necessary as we await its debut; Zero Company is slated for a 2026 release. Developed by Bit Reactor in partnership with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, it will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X platforms.
