Tech
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC; Bit Reactor
This story summarizes reporting from The Guardian. Read the original for full context. Wire items stay in our news sitemap for seven days. Editorial policy.
Read full story on The Guardian →
Global — Nic Reuben
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC; Bit Reactor
Split priorities between scripted and emergent story moments hamper an otherwise brilliant Star Wars-themed successor to XCOM
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term “emergent storytelling”, you’ve likely experienced some of the unscripted tales that can bubble up out of a game’s systems. Perhaps you’ve led a scheming dynasty in Crusader Kings, or watched a favourite hero succumb to madness in Darkest Dungeon . Maybe you’ve surrendered yourself to the infinite yarn-spinner that is Dwarf Fortress – or read about it from the mid-00s forums where users helped popularise the term “Let’s Play” by chronicling their games in descriptive posts. Or perhaps you’ve played Firaxis’ XCOM , the alien invasion tactics hit that several key members of Zero Company studio Bit Reactor had a hand in.
Zero Company hinges on a concept as simple as it is perfect: take the complementary class abilities, tough dice rolls, and permanent character deaths of XCOM, and house them in a sci-fi setting known for spaghetti western blaster duels, last stands and heroic sacrifices. As creative director Greg Foertsch puts it , “Star Wars is about loss.” Which losses you end up mourning in Zero Company depends on you.
Split priorities between scripted and emergent story moments hamper an otherwise brilliant Star Wars-themed successor to XCOM
This report is published with credit to The Guardian. Full available text from the wire is above. Read on The Guardian →
Source: The Guardian · Nic Reuben. Published 2 Sept 2026, 09:00 am.
Most relevant
The Nordic country says wearable camera headsets need to be regulated given their privacy risks.
Read on TechCrunch →