XCOM
News, coverage and analysis tracking XCOM across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Star Wars Zero Company, the tactics game from veteran XCOM devs, confirms August launch and Anakin Skywalker cameo
Star Wars: Zero Company, a squad tactics game from former XCOM developers at Bit Reactor, is set to launch on August 27. The game will feature Anakin Skywalker in its story and includes RPG elements like loyalty missions and permadeath, alongside cinematic storytelling. The trailer also showcased custom clone troopers and alien mercenaries.
The follow-up to one of my favorite RPGs of the 2020s finally has a demo, and it does not disappoint: Bat people, a mushroom hellscape, and funky JRPG combat from bizarro world 2005
Entropy, a JRPG from Lovely Hellplace, has released a playable demo on Steam with an early access launch date of August 18. The game features a party system with up to 14 members, permadeath mechanics reminiscent of Fire Emblem, and a unique combat system with row-based positioning. Its art style and unsettling atmosphere evoke mid-2000s JRPGs with a distinct, freakish spirit.
Forecast: Fun Ahead — 18 Games Join in June to Stream on GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is adding 18 games to its cloud streaming library in June, starting with 10 titles this week including NTE: Neverness to Everness and Gothic 1 Remake. The service allows members to play games across various devices without downloads or upgrades, with new titles like Jurassic World Evolution 3 and Fatekeeper also becoming available.
What we've been playing - "The following day, I kid you not, our TV broke"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences. Bertie is enjoying Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team, finding its tactical gameplay similar to XCOM. Marie is playing Forza Horizon 6 and Lego Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight, appreciating the casual nature of Forza. Victoria recounts her TV breaking after discussing a new one with her husband while playing Split Fiction. Bertie also finds the linear action and pacing of 007 First Light refreshing.
An Unannounced Worms Game Has Seemingly Leaked, and It Looks Like It's Returning to 3D
A new Worms game, potentially titled Worms Galactic Tactics, has seemingly leaked with screenshots and details suggesting a shift to a 3D, turn-based tactical format similar to XCOM. The game is reportedly codenamed Project Arrakis and is currently undergoing playtesting. While the source of the leak is considered unreliable, the presence of multiple screenshots lends credibility to the possibility of an official announcement soon, possibly around Summer Game Fest.
Unannounced XCOM-Like Worms Game Unveiled in Leaked Footage, Screenshots
Leaked footage and screenshots suggest a new Worms game, codenamed Project Arrakis and potentially titled Worms Galactic Tactics, is in development. The game appears to adopt an XCOM-like 3D turn-based tactical gameplay style with destructible environments and potential roguelike elements. Team 17 has not officially announced the title, but the leaks indicate it may be revealed soon, possibly around Summer Game Fest.
XCOM is getting a miniatures game from the company that brought Fallout to tabletop
Firaxis Games announced a new XCOM miniatures game for its 30th anniversary, developed by Modiphius. The reveal was made via a sparse website featuring the logo style of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, with further details on gameplay mechanics and scale yet to be released.
A big budget XCOM 3 is my dream video game - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses their dream for a new XCOM 3, despite developer Firaxis Games' focus shifting and the perceived failure of Marvel's Midnight Suns. The article details the core gameplay of the turn-based strategy series and suggests potential improvements for a future installment, while acknowledging the unlikelihood of its development due to the departure of key personnel and publisher Take-Two Interactive's potential reluctance.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
The article highlights recent crossovers and collaborations in the gaming industry. Overwatch heroes are featured in new cosmetic designs, and XCOM is receiving a 30th-anniversary tabletop miniatures game from Firaxis Games.
New XCOM game announced for dev’s 30th anniversary but there's a major catch
Firaxis Games is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the announcement of XCOM: The Miniatures Game, a tabletop adaptation developed in partnership with Modiphius. While a new video game installment in the XCOM series was not revealed, Firaxis also announced a sale on its back catalog on Steam and provided an update on Civilization 7.
A Warhammer-style XCOM miniatures game is on the way from developers of Fallout Factions
Modiphius Entertainment has announced XCOM The Miniatures Game, a tabletop wargame inspired by the rebooted XCOM series. The game is described as being in the vein of Warhammer 40K and is expected to feature tactical gameplay with terrain and cover mechanics. More details will be revealed to fans who sign up for updates.
XCOM To Get Miniatures-Focused Tabletop Game Celebrating 30 Years Of Firaxis
Firaxis announced a new XCOM tabletop miniatures game as part of its 30th-anniversary celebration. Developed by Modiphius Entertainment, the game will be inspired by XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Details on pricing and release date are forthcoming, though a previous XCOM board game was released by Fantasy Flight in 2015.
Fan Wants Shadowrun Reboot as Diablo-Style Isometric Action RPG
A Reddit discussion proposes rebooting the Shadowrun franchise as a Diablo-style isometric action RPG, moving away from its traditional tactical roots. This suggestion highlights the broader industry trend favoring action-oriented gameplay over turn-based strategy for commercial viability, while acknowledging the potential for hybrid approaches and the unique strengths of the cyberpunk setting for this genre.
XCOM spiritual successor Warhounds dumps its gen-AI portraits, and I'm breathing a sigh of relief
Developer Everplay has announced that its upcoming turn-based strategy game Warhounds will be moving away from generative AI-generated character portraits. Following community feedback, the team will replace the AI portraits with over 100 hand-made ones created directly from the game's 3D character models. The game, inspired by XCOM and Jagged Alliance, is planned for a 2026 launch and will feature tactical combat and squad specialization.
DayZ creator Dean 'Rocket' Hall has over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and played the original XCOM at Mount Everest base camp: 'I think when I die, I will still be playing that game'
DayZ creator Dean Hall discusses his extensive gaming habits, revealing over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and a lifelong love for XCOM, which he played at Mount Everest base camp. Hall, founder of RocketWerkz, also shares his current passion for RimWorld and Ostranauts, and his belief that XCOM is a game he will play until he dies.
Games Inbox: Will GTA 6 be better than GTA 5?
Readers discuss whether Grand Theft Auto 6 will surpass Grand Theft Auto 5, with concerns raised about potential changes in writing and dialogue due to developer departures from Rockstar Games. Other topics include the Nintendo Switch's sales performance against the PlayStation 5, Sony's first-party game output, and the reliability of game previews.
Games Inbox: What is your favourite retro video game format?
Readers discuss their favorite retro gaming formats, with the Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64 being popular choices. The discussion also touches on anticipation for upcoming games like The Witcher 4 and Switch 2, as well as the perceived decline of studios like Firaxis.
Xenonauts 2 Review – Punishing Strategy With Incredible Depth
Xenonauts 2 is a challenging turn-based strategy game that pays homage to the original X-COM series. It features deep base management and resource allocation alongside punishing tactical combat where every decision matters. Despite its difficulty, the game offers a rewarding experience for players who invest time into its complex systems.
Board Games for Video Gamers: Tabletop That Feels Like Your Favorite Games
This guide matches board games to popular video game genres, suggesting titles like Slay the Spire: The Board Game for roguelike fans and Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion for action RPG players. It emphasizes that many board games offer similar strategic depth and satisfying loops to video games, often with a lower time commitment and a unique social element.
Star Wars Zero Company Studio Founder Says Call With Vince Zampella Led to Project’s Development
Bit Reactor studio founder Gregory Foertsch revealed that a call from Vince Zampella inspired the development of Star Wars Zero Company, a turn-based tactics game set in the Star Wars universe. The game, officially unveiled in April 2025, is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with its story set between Episode 2 and Episode 3. Foertsch aimed to create a grittier atmosphere, drawing inspiration from Rogue One and The Clone Wars.
