Back in 2022, EA and Lucasfilm Games announced three new Star Wars games under Respawn. One was the next instalment of Star Wars Jedi, another was a first-person shooter (which has since been cancelled), and the third was a strategy game. Now, after three years of silence, Respawn and Bit Reactor are finally set to reveal the Star Wars strategy game on April 19 at Star Wars Celebration Japan.
While details are scarce, Bit Reactor is a new studio made up of veterans from Firaxis Games, the developers behind XCOM and Civilization. Given their background, it's highly likely this new Star Wars game will lean into turn-based tactics, potentially offering something in the vein of XCOM but set in the Star Wars universe. If that's the case, we could be looking at squad-based combat featuring iconic factions like the Republic, Empire, Rebellion, or Mandalorians.
This reveal comes after a rough year for EA, with Respawn’s Star Wars FPS getting cancelled following layoffs. EA Entertainment President Laura Miele stated that Respawn would be focusing on their owned brands while continuing support for existing games. However, the strategy game is still moving forward, and it seems like Bit Reactor’s experience with turn-based tactics is playing a major role in its development.
Star Wars Celebration runs from April 18-20, with the strategy game panel scheduled for April 19 from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm JST. Those not attending in person can watch the event via Star Wars Celebration LIVE, which will feature commentary, interviews, and exclusive content.
What are your expectations for a turn-based Star Wars game? Would you prefer something in the style of XCOM, or do you think they'll take a different approach?
While details are scarce, Bit Reactor is a new studio made up of veterans from Firaxis Games, the developers behind XCOM and Civilization. Given their background, it's highly likely this new Star Wars game will lean into turn-based tactics, potentially offering something in the vein of XCOM but set in the Star Wars universe. If that's the case, we could be looking at squad-based combat featuring iconic factions like the Republic, Empire, Rebellion, or Mandalorians.
This reveal comes after a rough year for EA, with Respawn’s Star Wars FPS getting cancelled following layoffs. EA Entertainment President Laura Miele stated that Respawn would be focusing on their owned brands while continuing support for existing games. However, the strategy game is still moving forward, and it seems like Bit Reactor’s experience with turn-based tactics is playing a major role in its development.
Star Wars Celebration runs from April 18-20, with the strategy game panel scheduled for April 19 from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm JST. Those not attending in person can watch the event via Star Wars Celebration LIVE, which will feature commentary, interviews, and exclusive content.
What are your expectations for a turn-based Star Wars game? Would you prefer something in the style of XCOM, or do you think they'll take a different approach?
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