Firaxis Games
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Endless Legend 2 just hit 1.0, if you're looking for a gorgeous fantasy alternative to Civilization 7
Amplitude Studios has launched Endless Legend 2 version 1.0, offering a fantastical alternative to traditional 4X games like Civilization. The update introduces a sixth playable faction, The Sandshapers, and two 'rogue factions' that significantly alter gameplay. The game is available on Steam with a 50% launch discount.
Three different 4X strategy games, three different solutions to "that inherent problem" of disappearing exploration
Amplitude Studios' Romain de Waubert de Genlis discusses the "inherent problem" of exploration disappearing in 4X games, detailing solutions implemented in Endless Legend and Endless Legend 2, such as changing seasons and receding waters. Firaxis's approach for Civilization 7, involving campaign chapters and successor civilizations, is also examined, alongside Humankind 2's RPG-like cultural trait system designed to maintain player engagement throughout a campaign.
As Civilization 7 devs Firaxis prepare to unleash the nukes, the strategy game's latest update whips out a fresh take on the classic Real Earth map
Firaxis Games has released update 1.5.0 for Civilization 7, introducing a new version of the True Start Earth map with unique twists and improvements to diplomacy that allow players to avoid being dragged into allied wars. The update also includes new maps, interface enhancements, and the paid Hall of History DLC featuring new leaders and civilizations.
Marvel’s Wolverine Isn’t Cutting It? Try These Games Instead
Reviews for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine indicate a fun but not groundbreaking experience, with a Metacritic score of 77. The article suggests alternative games that capture the spirit of the character, including the cult classic X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the stylish Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and the deck-building RPG Marvel's Midnight Suns.
Why Star Wars Zero Company Keeps Pulling You Back In
Star Wars Zero Company has surprisingly found an audience, achieving the franchise's second-biggest launch on Steam despite performance issues and Electronic Arts' current focus away from single-player narrative titles. Developed by Bit Reactor, a studio comprised of former Firaxis employees, the game succeeds by not directly cloning XCOM 2, but by leveraging its core gameplay loop and strong Star Wars universe integration to create an addictive experience.
Two years after its rocky launch, Civilization 7's first paid expansion Earthrise is on its way - but first comes the atomic age
Firaxis Games is releasing the 'Arc of Tomorrow' update and the 'Earthrise' expansion for Civilization 7 in 2027, two years after its criticized launch. The update adds the Atomic Age and extends gameplay into the near future, while the expansion focuses on space-themed mechanics and environmental adaptability. The article notes community dissatisfaction with the amount of paid DLC already available for the game.
Civilization 7 will finally enter the atomic age in 2027, via a free update Firaxis says will be 'even bigger in…
Firaxis has announced that Civilization 7 will receive a free update called 'Arc of Tomorrow' in 2027, which will extend the game's timeline to 2050 and introduce expanded nuclear gameplay, atomic-era diplomacy, and Cold War-style proxy wars. This update will likely launch alongside the 'Earthrise' expansion, which focuses on space exploration. The base game is currently free to play until September 10 and 50% off until September 17.
Civilization 7 will finally enter the Atomic Age with a free update, followed by a space race DLC
Firaxis Games announced future content for Civilization 7, including a free 'Arc of Tomorrow' update in 2027 that will extend the game's timeline into the Atomic Age with new civilizations and gameplay systems. The first paid DLC, 'Earthrise,' will launch in 2027 and focus on the space race. A patch in September 2026 will introduce quality-of-life improvements and the 'True Start' Earth map.
Civilization 7 announces “Arc of Tomorrow” update, first expansion titled “Earthrise”
Firaxis Games announced the "Arc of Tomorrow" update and the "Earthrise" expansion for Sid Meier's Civilization VII, both slated for release in 2027. The "Arc of Tomorrow" update will introduce the Atomic Age, while the "Earthrise" expansion will focus on space exploration and environmental themes. A separate update, 1.5.0, is also coming later this month, featuring quality-of-life improvements and a True Start Location: Earth map.
Celebrate Labor Day by playing Civilization 7 for free
Civilization 7 is available to play for free on Steam until September 10, with discounts on standard and deluxe editions also available. Despite a rocky launch and mixed player reviews, Firaxis Games has been working on updates, and a livestream discussing future content is planned for PAX.
Strategically making Star Wars Zero Company, ft. Greg Foertsch
Bit Reactor CEO Greg Foertsch discusses the development of Star Wars Zero Company, his passion for in-game cameras, and inviting team members into the development process. The interview was recorded before news broke of significant layoffs at the studio.
"We all benefit from great games": How the 4X devs behind Endless Legend and Humankind went from Early Access…
Amplitude Studios, developers of Humankind and Endless Legend, discuss the evolution of the Early Access model and its impact on game development. They note how player expectations have shifted, making risk-taking more challenging. The studio also comments on the competitive 4X landscape, including the mixed reception of Civilization 7, and expresses optimism for the genre's future.
Star Wars Zero Company Review – Built on Hope
Star Wars Zero Company successfully captures the XCOM feel while evolving its tactical turn-based formula. Despite some graphical issues on PlayStation 5 and a slow-starting story, the game offers satisfying combat mechanics, engaging character progression through Bonds, and a solid Star Wars atmosphere.
Recension – Star Wars Zero Company
Star Wars Zero Company, developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Electronic Arts, offers a compelling tactical Star Wars adventure that blends elements from XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns. The game features classic turn-based combat reminiscent of XCOM, a strong narrative focus, and character relationship mechanics inspired by Midnight Suns, creating a deep and engaging experience for fans of both franchises.
Star Wars Zero Company Review – The Tactics Federation
Star Wars: Zero Company is a highly praised tactics game developed by Bit Reactor, featuring a compelling narrative and deep tactical gameplay reminiscent of XCOM. The game excels with its diverse cast of characters, sharp writing, and smart mechanical adjustments, though it suffers from limited enemy variety and performance issues on PC. Despite its flaws, it offers an exceptional tactical sandbox and a worthy Star Wars experience.
Star Wars Zero Company review - XCOM wins the Clone Wars
Star Wars Zero Company is a highly successful blend of turn-based strategy and engaging storytelling, developed by Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment. It offers a nuanced combat system and memorable characters, though its core mechanics are similar to XCOM and its strategic layer is simplified. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Star Wars Zero Company interview – ‘we finally brought this genre to new people'
Developers from Bit Reactor, including directors Greg Foertsch and James Brawley, discuss their upcoming turn-based strategy game Star Wars Zero Company. Having previously worked on the XCOM series at Firaxis Games, they aim to blend authentic Star Wars storytelling with deep tactical gameplay, making the genre more accessible to a wider audience. The interview also touches on design choices, narrative integration, and the challenges of adapting beloved IPs.
Star Wars: Zero Company Hands-on Preview - XClones
Star Wars: Zero Company, developed by Bit Reactor, a studio featuring many Firaxis veterans, offers a compelling turn-based tactical combat experience. The preview highlights changes to the action economy, a variety of customization options, and the advantage system, which combine to create engaging moment-to-moment gameplay reminiscent of XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns. While performance and some progression systems raise minor concerns, the game shows strong potential for fans of the genre.
Star Wars Zero Company wants to be more than XCOM with lightsabers: "Gamers are more sophisticated now"
Star Wars Zero Company, developed by Bit Reactor, aims to transcend the typical turn-based tactics genre by offering a more sophisticated experience for modern gamers. Director Greg Foertsch and narrative director Aaron Contreras emphasize unique inspirations like film noir and spy thrillers, while gameplay veterans from XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns are working to blend familiar tactical combat with a strong narrative focus and a player-driven avatar character. The game is set to release on August 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Star Wars: Zero Company will be brilliant because XCOM is brilliant
Star Wars: Zero Company aims to blend the acclaimed turn-based tactics of XCOM with the Star Wars universe. Developed by Bit Reactor, a studio with many ex-Firaxis XCOM developers, the game features a linear narrative, third-person exploration segments in its base, and new mechanics like operator 'bonds' and 'Operations' to deepen squad management. The preview highlights how these additions, alongside familiar XCOM-like gameplay loops, create a compelling experience that feels both familiar and fresh.
