Today at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, fans were treated to an exciting unveiling of “Star Wars Zero Company,” a game that’s quickly earning the nickname “the XCOM Star Wars game.” This moniker is fitting given that the mastermind behind it, Greg Foertsch, is no stranger to crafting turn-based tactics, having previously worked on the renowned XCOM series while at Firaxis. Now he’s channeling that expertise into a galaxy far, far away as the CEO and Creative Director of Bit Reactor.
Greg Foertsch shared his vision for the game in a press release that reached Polygon’s desks. He explained, “With Star Wars Zero Company, we’re weaving the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe into an engaging, turn-based tactical experience. Our objective is to craft an original narrative set during the Clone Wars, where player decisions significantly shape outcomes. We want players to immerse themselves in deep tactical combat, all wrapped in cinematic visuals that remain accessible to all.”
The narrative revolves around a single-player campaign, featuring a hero named Hawks. Once a proud Republic officer, Hawks now leads a motley crew from all corners of the galaxy. This diverse team, known as Zero Company, must put aside their differences and tackle the looming menace that threatens to engulf the galaxy.
According to the press release, the game’s design feels pleasantly reminiscent of XCOM. Players will embark on tactical missions throughout the galaxy, alternating between developing a strategic base and gathering intel via a network of informants to stay ahead. There’s also the opportunity to tailor and customize a unique squad of operators while getting acquainted with a new lineup of Star Wars characters.
One of the most thrilling aspects for me is the introduction of these fresh faces in the Star Wars canon. While it’s always nice to spot familiar characters, diving into a brand-new storyline offers a refreshing change. This approach echoes what was successfully done in “Andor,” which introduced entirely new characters and narratives within the Star Wars realm. Here’s hoping Zero Company follows that same innovative path.
We’ll need to exercise a bit of patience, though, as the release isn’t just around the corner. Zero Company is slated for a 2026 launch, developed in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games. When it finally lands, it’ll be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
