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	<title>respawn entertainment &#8211; Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBolt</title>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company Launches on August 27th &#8211; Rumor</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-launches-on-august-27th-rumor</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:43:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bit Reactor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ps5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respawn entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Star Wars Zero Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer Game Fest 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series S]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series X]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=645362</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The XCOM-like will reportedly cost $50 on PC and $60 on consoles, and will also have a Deluxe Edition for $60 and $70, respectively.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following numerous big-name titles announcing their release for September, it only made sense that Bit Reactor&#8217;s <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> would avoid the hustle and bustle, if only by a few days. According to <a href="https://www.dealabs.com/magazine/star-wars-zero-company-date-de-sortie-editions-et-prix-nos-informations-exclusives-61461" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dealabs&#8217; billbil-kun</a>, the XCOM-esque strategy title will launch on August 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Electronic Arts already confirmed on Twitter that there would be a gameplay reveal on June 5th at Summer Game Fest, so this report carries even more weight. However, pre-orders may begin shortly after, with the Standard Edition reportedly costing $49.99 on PC and $59.99 on consoles, while the Deluxe Edition is apparently $59.99 and $69.99.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are currently no details on what Deluxe owners can expect, but advanced access is apparently not included. Also, the Standard Edition is reportedly the only one getting a standard release.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> has enticed us ever since <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-launches-in-2026-first-trailer-revealed">its announcement</a>, promising a tactical strategy experience that channels the likes of <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-will-feature-a-grittier-atmosphere-like-rogue-one-clone-wars"><em>Andor</em> and <em>The Clone Wars</em></a>. As Hawks, a former officer of the Republic, players take on missions with a mercenary group to deal with a new threat.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It offers many of the same tenets as <em>XCOM</em>, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-features-character-customization-permadeath-and-more">especially permadeath</a>, with <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-companys-characters-will-have-friction-is-not-a-personal-fantasy-game">a greater emphasis on character interactions</a> and consequences. The fact that it&#8217;s not colliding with other upcoming releases (for now) makes it all the more enticing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get your squad ready: New gameplay trailer for <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/StarWars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StarWars</a> Zero Company drops during <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SummerGameFest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SummerGameFest</a>! Tune in June 5 at 2pm PT here: <a href="https://t.co/nsqCdS5nke">https://t.co/nsqCdS5nke</a> <a href="https://t.co/PUM1k38JHv">pic.twitter.com/PUM1k38JHv</a></p>&mdash; EA Star Wars (@EAStarWars) <a href="https://x.com/EAStarWars/status/2062217851704943034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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		<title>Star Wars Jedi 3 Features an Older Cal Kestis, Entered Production &#8220;Right After&#8221; Survivor &#8211; Rumor</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-3-features-an-older-cal-kestis-entered-production-right-after-survivor-rumor</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:56:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respawn entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[star wars jedi 3]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=645065</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The development team at Respawn Entertainment apparently always "knew they were going to make a third game," says Jeff Grubb.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite no announcements on May the 4th, new details have seemingly leaked about the next entry in Respawn Entertainment&#8217;s <em>Star Wars Jedi</em> series. Following 2023&#8217;s <em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</em>, the third game allegedly features an older Cal Kestis, according to Insider Gaming&#8217;s Tom Henderson on a recent podcast.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I mean, this was like a year ago or whatever, but I heard that like Cal was going to be older in the game, so I don’t know if they’re doing like a little time jump or something.” Considering that <em>Survivor</em> took place five years after Fallen Order with Cal worn down after continuously fighting the Empire, it wouldn&#8217;t be too surprising.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As for how far into the future, Henderson added that the character wouldn&#8217;t be so old as to, say, use his Lightsaber as a walking stick. Not that this is how it worked out for Yoda, but you get the idea.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When we can expect a reveal is anyone&#8217;s guess, especially with so many big showcases around the corner. Giant Bomb&#8217;s Jeff Bomb alleged on last week&#8217;s Game Mess Mornings that the sequel &#8220;went into production right away after the second one. Kind of before that happened. Everyone involved knew they were going to make a third game. They wanted to do a trilogy.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That doesn&#8217;t necessarily narrow down an announcement, but for those hoping to see a continuation &#8211; and possible conclusion &#8211; to Cal&#8217;s journey, it&#8217;s coming (especially <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-lucasfilm-has-more-cal-stories-coming">following a recent statement from Lucasfilm and Disney</a>). Stay tuned for more updates on when.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the meantime, you can check out our review for <em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</em> <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-survivor-review-master-of-the-order" data-type="post" data-id="551070">here</a>. It&#8217;s available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Call Of Duty Is Back &amp; Gaming Is Unaffordable - Insider Gaming Weekly Ep. 64" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NoxlKQRhF34?start=4068&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<iframe title="Sony Shuts Down Destruction Allstars | Game Mess Mornings 5/27/26" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jdiCMpiGIlY?start=2952&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">645065</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Star Wars Jedi &#8211; Lucasfilm Has &#8220;More Cal Stories Coming&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-lucasfilm-has-more-cal-stories-coming</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 14:21:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lucasfilm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ps4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ps5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respawn entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[star Wars Jedi: fallen order]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Star Wars Jedi: Survivor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox One]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series S]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series X]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=644793</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The company noted in a statement that it has more stories based on Star Wars Jedi protagonist Cal Kestis currently in development.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lucasfilm has confirmed that it is working on new stories that revolve around <em>Star Wars Jedi</em> series protagonist Cal Kestis. This confirmation came through a corporate discussion by Disney about the attractions for its theme parks, as caught by <a href="https://gamerant.com/star-wars-jedi-3-cal-kestis-disneyland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GameRant</a>. When asked about this, a representative for Lucasfilm and Disney said, &#8220;Never say never. We&#8217;ve got his lightsaber in the park. We&#8217;ve got more Cal stories coming.&#8221;</p>
<p>Interestingly, the phrasing used by the representative doesn&#8217;t necessarily indicate that a new <em>Star Wars Jed</em>i game might be in the works. Considering the breadth of the <em>Star Wars</em> universe, cross-media plans are often made for just about every character in the franchise.</p>
<p>However, a <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-survivor-sequel-might-come-out-this-year-rumour">report from back in January</a> had indicated that a new entry in the <em>Star Wars Jedi</em> series was indeed in the works, and might be slated for release later this year. The report came courtesy of Tim Gettys speaking during an episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast.</p>
<p>“I was thinking about this earlier when I was trying to come up with a game that wouldn’t make this list, and I was thinking about how… ‘received’… the last one was, but the <em>Jedi Survivor</em> sequel I think has a solid chance of coming out this year,” said Gettys in the episode. “I don’t think it’s a slam dunk… I can see that game being announced in May and coming out in September.”</p>
<p>Other hosts at the time rightly pointed out that both of the previous titles in the <em>Star Wars Jedi</em> series—<a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-review-the-force-is-strong-with-this-one"><em>Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order</em></a> and <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-survivor-review-master-of-the-order"><em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</em></a>—were both announced and released in the same year. A similar plan might be in the works for the rumored third entry as well. “I’ve heard some things,” concluded Gettys.</p>
<p>Publisher Electronic Arts and developer Respawn Entertainment have been quiet about the franchise since the 2023 release of <em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</em>, however. Assuming that the project has been quietly in the works, this would mean that Respawn is working on a relatively short 3-year development cycle. It is also worth noting that the studio has seen quite a few departures over the last couple of years, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-jedi-god-of-war-3-director-forms-new-independent-aaa-studio-giant-skull">including director Stig Asmussen</a>.</p>
<p>The first entry in the series—<em>Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order</em>—was released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2019, followed up by a 2021 release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The title takes place between the end of the Clone Wars and before Episode 4: A New Hope. Players take on the role of former Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis, who managed to survive Order 66 and went into hiding, disguising himself as a maintenance worker who dismantles Republic ships.</p>
<p>The plot kicks off when Cal is forced to reveal the fact that he is Force sensitive and has to go on the run while the Galactic Empire sends the Imperial Inquisition after him.</p>
<p>Its follow-up, <em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</em>, took place a few years after the events of its predecessor, with Cal now leading a one-man crusade against the Galactic Empire. He is forced to reconcile with old friends when a mission goes wrong, however, and accidentally stumbles into a way to rid the galaxy of the Empire&#8217;s tyranny.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">644793</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Splitgate Developer&#8217;s Next Game is Empulse, Features Titanfall-Like Mechs &#8211; Rumor</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/splitgate-developers-next-game-is-empulse-features-titanfall-like-mechs-rumor</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 19:39:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[1047 games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empulse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respawn entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TitanFall]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=643935</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The movement shooter, which reportedly includes grappling hooks and wall-running, is apparently being announced later this year.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the underwhelming <em>Splitgate 2</em> (and its <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/splitgate-arena-reloaded-debuts-to-less-than-10-percent-of-splitgate-2s-peak-steam-players">similarly disappointing relaunch, <em>Splitgate: Arena Reloaded</em></a>), 1047 Games announced that it <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/splitgate-studio-is-now-working-on-a-new-game-inspired-by-titanfall-call-of-duty-black-ops-3">was working on a new title</a>. It&#8217;s a movement shooter with <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 3</em> and <em>Titanfall </em>serving as inspirations. According to a new report by <a href="https://insider-gaming.com/1047-games-titanfall-empulse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insider Gaming&#8217;s Tom Henderson</a>, however, it&#8217;s leaning much heavier towards the latter.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Known as <em>Empulse</em> (which may not be the final name), the shooter reportedly features giant mechs. They can reportedly be found on the map and have been described as &#8220;strikingly similar&#8221; to Respawn Entertainment&#8217;s Titans. Pre-alpha gameplay viewed by Henderson apparently showcased one mech with a gatling gun, missile launcher and shield.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The total number of mech types is unknown. As for modes, Team Deathmatch is reportedly in and alongside the usual boost pads, there are grappling hooks and the classic wall running.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite development being announced last March, it seems that an announcement is happening later this year. Then again, that could mean somewhere around The Game Awards rather than Summer Game Fest (which is set for June 5th). Hopefully, 1047 Games avoids a repeat of the disastrous <em>Splitgate 2</em> release.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As for <em>Splitgate: Arena Reloaded</em>, it&#8217;s available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC. It peaked at <a href="https://steamdb.info/app/2918300/charts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2,297 concurrent players on Steam</a>, a far cry from <em>Splitgate 2&#8217;s</em> launch numbers, and hasn&#8217;t crossed 1,000 players since February 2nd.</p>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company Rated in South Korea</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-rated-in-south-korea</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 06:20:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bit Reactor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ps5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respawn entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Star Wars Zero Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series S]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series X]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=643434</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[With the ESRB also submitting its rating, a release date announcement for the tactical turn-based title could be incoming.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">May the 4th has come and gone without any major <em>Star Wars</em>-related announcements, but that doesn&#8217;t mean announcements aren&#8217;t brewing behind the scenes. Bit Reactor&#8217;s <em>Star Wars Zero Company </em>is one such example. It was rated on April 30th by <a href="https://www.grac.or.kr/Statistics/Popup/Pop_ReasonInfo.aspx?67044fbd1bea544533e695805e79940ca6c813a6a053e8e5ec12581d53453bb0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Korea&#8217;s GRAC</a>, which gave it a 15+ rating for realistic violence, weapons, profanity, and more.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The listing also indicates the <a href="https://www.grac.or.kr/Statistics/Popup/Pop_GlobalGrade.aspx?4e9f75c200412745fd61240a5502a284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entertainment Software Rating Board&#8217;s rating</a> (T for Teen). Both of these seemingly suggest that a release date announcement is near. When is anyone&#8217;s guess, but with <em>Zero Company</em> out this year, and the Summer Game Fest showcase coming up in early June, it could be announced there.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, the <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-is-all-in-on-tactical-combat-but-depth-doesnt-cost-you-elegance">turn-based tactical strategy</a> has made no bones about its <em>XCOM</em> inspirations. As a former Republic officer known as Hawks, players must assemble a team to tackle an &#8220;emerging threat.&#8221; They&#8217;ll visit different planets during the Clone Wars to undertake missions, and not everyone in your squad <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-companys-characters-will-have-friction-is-not-a-personal-fantasy-game">will always get along with each other</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To that end, <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> features all the tenets of an <em>XCOM</em>-like experience, from procedurally generated enemy placement to <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-features-character-customization-permadeath-and-more">permadeath</a>. Stay tuned for more updates on a potential release date announcement as June draws closer.</p>
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		<title>Battlefield 6 is the Series&#8217; Best-Performing Game in a Fiscal Year Setting, Says EA</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-is-the-series-best-performing-game-in-a-fiscal-year-setting-says-ea</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 15:14:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apex Legends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battlefield 6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battlefield Studios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Criterion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DICE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EA Sports FC 26]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motive Studios]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Ripple Effect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox Series S]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=643259</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Despite layoffs, mixed reactions to updates, criticism against its maps, and more, the first-person shooter continues to sell.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Season 3 for <em>Battlefield 6</em> <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-season-3-gameplay-trailer-shows-off-new-weapons-and-maps-ahead-of-may-12th-launch">kicks off on May 12th</a>, but before that, Electronic Arts has reminded everyone how much of a success the first-person shooter has been. In its <a href="https://ir.ea.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Electronic-Arts-Reports-Q4-and-FY26-Results/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth quarter and full-year fiscal year results</a>, the publisher announced a record $8.026 billion in net bookings, up nine percent year-over-year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Battlefield 6</em>, in particular, was a highlight and touted as the &#8220;best performing Battlefield in a fiscal year, setting numerous franchise fiscal year records.&#8221; <em>EA Sports FC 26, FC Online</em> and <em>FC Mobile</em> also saw net bookings increase by &#8220;mid-single-digits&#8221; while <em>Apex Legends</em> saw its &#8220;strongest net bookings quarter of the fiscal year in Q4.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Regarding the results, EA CEO Andrew Wilson said, “Driven by our talented teams and disciplined execution, we delivered a record FY26, highlighted by the incredibly successful launch of our iconic <em>Battlefield</em> franchise. With the recent completion of a debt process that was met with strong investor demand and our ongoing constructive engagement with regulators, we look ahead to closing the transaction and the opportunities it will unlock.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It&#8217;s all good news for Electronic Arts, whose acquisition by Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake and Affinity Partners closed early this year for $55 billion. However, <em>Battlefield 6</em> hasn&#8217;t exactly received the warmest reception post-launch, suffering from numerous bugs and other issues, including lackluster map sizes and heavy monetization. Of course, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/ea-lays-off-multiple-employees-amid-battlefield-6s-current-woes-rumor">layoffs at Battlefield Studios</a> also didn&#8217;t help and look especially egregious considering EA&#8217;s record results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Season 3 aims to address some of those concerns with <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-developers-explain-design-processes-for-the-upcoming-railway-to-golmud-map">Railway to Golmud</a>, based on <em>Battlefield 4&#8217;s</em> beloved map. Other <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6-adds-naval-warfare-wake-island-a-server-browser-and-map-reworks-in-2026">much-requested features</a> like naval combat (punctuated by the return of Wake Island) in July and a server browser are also in the works, so stay tuned for updates.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">643259</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company&#8217;s Characters Will Have Friction, is &#8220;Not a Personal Fantasy Game&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-companys-characters-will-have-friction-is-not-a-personal-fantasy-game</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:42:09 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Bit Reactor]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=640924</guid>

					<description><![CDATA["This is a game about a team of operators who come from all over, and it's not a personal fantasy game," said the narrative director.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Along with focusing on a <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-will-feature-a-grittier-atmosphere-like-rogue-one-clone-wars">grounded story</a> with <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em>, developer Bit Reactor also wants to introduce friction between the various characters in its cast. In an interview with <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/star-wars-zero-company-writer-wants-its-cast-to-have-real-friction-its-not-a-personal-fantasy-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PCGamer</a>, narrative director Aaron Contreras has revealed details about how RPGs with ensemble casts typically handle character interactions, and what sets <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> apart.</p>
<p>He noted that the story won’t have a “chosen one”-styled narrative. Rather, it will focus on the team of operators that serve as its protagonists. Because of this, <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> is “not a personal fantasy game.”</p>
<p>&#8220;This is a game about a team, a team of operators who come from all over, and it&#8217;s not a personal fantasy game,&#8221; Contreras said. &#8220;Hawks isn&#8217;t the lone chosen one who&#8217;s going to step out and do all the things with the swing of their mighty, mighty saber or whatnot. Hawks is a leader, negotiator, has to be cunning, strategic.”</p>
<p>​&#8221;It&#8217;s a tactical strategy fantasy. So it had to be about how you manage and lead this team, and how you deal with these different personalities and their strengths and weaknesses.&#8221;</p>
<p>​There is also going to be plenty of moral ambiguity in <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em>, despite the setting as a whole leaning quite hard on the polar opposite philosophies presented by the Light and Dark sides of the Force. Its setting—the <em>Clone Wars</em> era—has also played a key role in this, since war often tends to blur the lines between what could be considered good or evil.</p>
<p>​&#8221;We know the way that these ideologies will shake out,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The dust will settle into an era of Rebels and Empire, of very light and dark, good and evil. But things aren&#8217;t so clear during the <em>Clone Wars</em> era, and that makes for a really interesting opportunity.&#8221;</p>
<p>Players will have to truly step into the shoes of the leader, especially when it’s time to deal with interpersonal conflicts between team members, thanks to conflicting worldviews. It’s “part of the fantasy of being a leader,” said Contreras, who noted that the bond system also plays a role in this.​</p>
<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re gonna have people with really strong opinions about some questions, and you can&#8217;t make everybody happy. So finding that as a feature was really key for us as a way to force setbacks in otherwise-upward movement in the bond system.&#8221;</p>
<p>​Earlier this week, studio founder Greg Foertsch spoke about <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-founder-says-respawn-entertainment-lucasfilm-are-to-thank">thanking Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm</a> for &#8220;taking a chance&#8221; on the studio and its project. While he acknowledged that the two companies could have stuck with a &#8220;safe&#8221; and iterative game, they instead gave Bit Reactor a shot, despite tactics games being relatively niche in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p>“Looking at some of the things going on in the industry, it’s very derivative. Art is always that way. Games are no different. But I think, looking at the boldness with which both Respawn and Lucasfilm looked at us,” said Foertsch.</p>
<p>You’ve got these two giants taking a chance on someone like us, having the vision and the courage and the conviction to risk that on a brand-new studio.”</p>
<p>​“The faith in us to do something new, to do something outside of their norms. For both places, turn-based tactics isn’t something that they’ve done.”</p>
<p>​<em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S later this year.</p>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company Studio Founder Thanks Respawn, Lucasfilm for &#8220;Taking a Chance on Us&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-founder-says-respawn-entertainment-lucasfilm-are-to-thank</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:49:27 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=640821</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Greg Foertsch said that the industry tends to be quite derivative, but Respawn and Lucasfilm decided to take a major risk.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With Bit Reactor continuing its work on the tactical strategy game <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em>, studio founder Greg Foertsch has spoken to <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/star-wars-zero-company-studio-founder-praises-lucasfilm-and-respawn-for-taking-a-chance-on-a-tactics-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PCGamer</a> about how much credit Lucasfilm and Respawn Entertainment deserve for the game being approved to begin with. This is especially the case since tactical strategy games tend to be quite niche when compared to major releases like shooters or RPGs.</p>
<p>Foertsch said that many major releases in the industry tend to be quite derivative. However, he is thankful for giant companies like Respawn and Lucasfilm for taking a chance on <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em>.</p>
<p>&#8220;Looking at some of the things going on in the industry, it&#8217;s very derivative. Art is always that way. Games are no different. But I think, looking at the boldness with which both Respawn and Lucasfilm looked at us,&#8221; said Foertsch. &#8220;You&#8217;ve got these two giants taking a chance on someone like us, having the vision and the courage and the conviction to risk that on a brand-new studio.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;The faith in us to do something new, to do something outside of their norms. For both places, turn-based tactics isn&#8217;t something that they&#8217;ve done.&#8221;</p>
<p>He went on to note how easy it would have been for both companies to simply “follow form” and imitate other popular moves in the industry, since that would have likely guaranteed more sales for the game.</p>
<p>“But here you&#8217;ve got these two companies that just had the courage and the conviction to believe in trying something different and giving their audience something new,” he said. “I think that&#8217;s worth mentioning. It&#8217;s just not common anymore. And man, I can&#8217;t say enough about the support we&#8217;ve received from both of those companies.&#8221;</p>
<p>Just last month, Foertsch had also spoken about how a random phone call from Vince Zampella led to him <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-founder-says-call-with-vince-zampella-led-to-projects-development">pitching the entirety of the project</a> on the spot, to which Zampella only asked if it could be possible to make it a <em>Star Wars</em> game.</p>
<p>“I’d left Firaxis after about 22 years of working there and making strategy games my whole career,” said Foertsch. “I knew I wanted to stay in the strategy, the tactics space?. I’m sitting in my office with the lights out and my computer on, my wife’s asleep, my kids are asleep, and the phone rings,” he continued. “It’s this number that I don’t recognize. For some reason, I answered it, and the voice on the other end said, ‘Hey, Greg, this is Vince Zampella. I heard you have a game you want to make. Can you tell me about it?&#8217;”</p>
<p>Unveiled <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-announced-by-respawn-entertainment-and-bit-reactor">back in April 2025</a>, <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> is a turn-based tactics game coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S later this year. The story will be set between the events of <em>Episode 2: Attack of the Clones</em> and<em> Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith</em>, and will likely give players a new look at the battles that have already been covered at length in other <em>Star Wars</em> media.</p>
<p>Foertsch has also spoken about the <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-will-feature-a-grittier-atmosphere-like-rogue-one-clone-wars">grittier atmosphere of <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em></a> that was inspired by <em>Rogue One</em> and<em> The Clone Wars</em>.</p>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company Studio Founder Says Call With Vince Zampella Led to Project&#8217;s Development</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-founder-says-call-with-vince-zampella-led-to-projects-development</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joelle Daniels]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:46:11 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=640329</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Gregory Foertsch spoke about having spent 22 years at Firaxis working on strategy games and wanting to stay in the genre in the future.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An <em>XCOM</em>-styled game that takes place in the <em>Star Wars</em> universe—<em>Star Wars Zero Company</em>—sounds like a no-brainer in hindsight. However, according to Gregory Foertsch, Bit Reactor founder and former art director on Firaxis&#8217; <em>XCOM</em> series (as well as <em>Marvel&#8217;s Midnight Suns</em>), the project has more interesting origins. In an interview with <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/star-wars-zero-company-is-more-than-just-star-wars-xcom-it-feels-like-mass-effect-but-with-turn-based-tactics-and-permadeath/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PC Gamer</a>, he revealed that, after 22 years at Firaxis, where he spent a lot of time making strategy games, he wanted to stay in the same genre for his future projects as well. This became possible thanks to a phone call from the <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/respawn-entertainment-ceo-vince-zampella-dies-in-car-crash">late Vince Zampella</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d left Firaxis after about 22 years of working there and making strategy games my whole career,&#8221; said Foertsch. &#8220;I knew I wanted to stay in the strategy, the tactics space⁠. I&#8217;m sitting in my office with the lights out and my computer on, my wife&#8217;s asleep, my kids are asleep, and the phone rings,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;It&#8217;s this number that I don&#8217;t recognize. For some reason, I answered it, and the voice on the other end said, &#8216;Hey, Greg, this is Vince Zampella. I heard you have a game you want to make. Can you tell me about it?'&#8221;</p>
<p>The phone call would lead to Foertsch describing a brand new tactical strategy game. Zampella asked him if it could be based in the <em>Star Wars</em> universe. &#8220;And I said, &#8216;Sure, different game, but yeah, absolutely.&#8217; Meanwhile, I&#8217;m thinking, &#8216;This is insane, right? Like, this is crazy. It&#8217;s <em>Star Wars</em>.&#8217; And so I said, &#8216;Yeah, I can do that.&#8217; And Vince was just like, &#8216;Pitch me.'&#8221;</p>
<p><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> was <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-announced-by-respawn-entertainment-and-bit-reactor">officially unveiled in April 2025</a>, shortly after a series of leaks <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/bit-reactor-and-respawns-star-wars-strategy-game-screenshots-leak-ahead-of-april-19-reveal-rumour">revealed images</a> and <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-is-the-title-of-the-tactics-game-by-respawn-and-bit-reactor-rumour">its official title</a>. The turn-based tactics game is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026, and is set between the events of <em>Episode 2: Attack of the Clones</em> and<em> Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith</em>, and will likely involve small-scale skirmishes happening amidst the war between the Republic Army and the Trade Federation.</p>
<p>Shortly after the unveiling, Foertsch had spoken about how <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-will-feature-a-grittier-atmosphere-like-rogue-one-clone-wars">will feature a grittier atmosphere</a>, bringing up <em>Rogue One</em> and<em> Clone Wars</em> as the key points of comparison.</p>
<p>“The <em>Clone Wars</em> offers us a lot of the tools we need mechanically for the game, which is great,” explained Foertsch. “But it’s also interesting, we haven’t seen that kind of zoom level in the <em>Clone Wars</em>, and so it’s a pretty unique spot to land that also offered a lot of great options for us from a game design perspective, to tell a really great story with some great mechanics added to it. That really opened the door for us to do a lot of things.”</p>
<p>He was joined by creative executive Kelsey Sharpe, discussing the nature of the <em>Clone Wars</em> story, which allowed for optimistic themes while still maintaining the grounded atmosphere of the war.</p>
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		<title>Star Wars Zero Company Studio is All-In on Tactical Combat, but &#8220;Depth Doesn&#8217;t Cost You Elegance&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-studio-is-all-in-on-tactical-combat-but-depth-doesnt-cost-you-elegance</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ravi Sinha]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:58:03 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gamingbolt.com/?p=640280</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[BitReactor founder Greg Foerstch also wants people to feel "loss" and push through it to "what's on the other side of the experience."]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following its exciting reveal last year, BitReactor&#8217;s <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> has re-emerged in a new cover story by <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/star-wars-zero-company-is-more-than-just-star-wars-xcom-it-feels-like-mass-effect-but-with-turn-based-tactics-and-permadeath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PC Gamer</a>, with new details painting it as a must-have experience for series fans. Of course, given the pedigree of those involved &#8211; founder Greg Foerstch served as lead artist on <em>XCOM: Enemy Within</em> and <em>XCOM 2: War of the Chosen</em> &#8211; it may appear to be another tactical strategy experience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it goes deeper than that. &#8220;The gameplay is what it is about. But depth doesn&#8217;t cost you elegance. You can absolutely have [graphics and storytelling], and not to mention, this genre in particular, you should have those things.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;We pick our battles,&#8221; added animation lead Hector Antunez. &#8220;The heart of the game is in the tactical combat. But we really wanted to add an element that allowed players to spend even more time in the <em>Star Wars</em> environments and not have those spaces be limited by what would make for fun combat.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While <em>XCOM</em> featured a home base (or ship) where players could commission research, train their squad members, and choose which mission to embark on next, <em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> goes even further. Its characters are full-fledged companions with their own backstories and grievances (oftentimes with each other). Lead designer Grayson Scantlebury also confesses to &#8220;poring through books or going on Wookieepedia&#8221; to see which planets made sense &#8220;during the <em>Clone Wars</em> era that I could tell that story.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;Or vice versa: I&#8217;m just browsing through and going, &#8216;Well, what happened on Bespin at this time, or Lothal at this time?'&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That said, your companions aren&#8217;t indestructible. Permadeath is very much a thing, and while it presented a challenge, narrative lead Aaron Contreras is glad to have it. &#8220;About 13 months ago, I lost an argument about permadeath, and it was good that I did; it was the right decision for the game.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Foerstch believes it feeds into a major aspect of <em>Star Wars</em>: Loss. &#8220;I mean, four years old, watching Obi-Wan Kenobi die, right? It&#8217;s about loss, and then also, as a developer, wanting people not to save scum, but to push through the loss, to what&#8217;s on the other side of the experience, to feel it.&#8221; It&#8217;s certainly a feeling which should resonate with contemporary fans as well, especially after TV shows like <em>Andor</em>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> doesn&#8217;t have a release date, but it&#8217;s <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-launches-in-2026-first-trailer-revealed">launching later this year</a> for PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Head <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-features-character-customization-permadeath-and-more">here</a> to learn more about its character customization and other gameplay features.</p>
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