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EA Unveils Star Wars Zero Company, Announces 2026 Release for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X

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Electronic Arts has officially announced its upcoming Star Wars game, Star Wars Zero Company, a single-player, turn-based tactics title developed in collaboration with Bit Reactor, Respawn Entertainment, and Lucasfilm Games. Set towards the conclusion of the Clone Wars, the game promises a “gritty and authentic” narrative, featuring an unconventional squad of operatives who are tasked with combating a new, galaxy-threatening danger. Scheduled for release in 2026, Star Wars Zero Company will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.

The game was first teased following a leak, but it was officially revealed during the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan. In Star Wars Zero Company, players will take on the role of Hawk, a former Republic officer who is now leading a team of elite mercenaries. The operatives that make up Zero Company are as diverse as they come, hailing from different corners of the Star Wars universe. Players will encounter familiar Star Wars archetypes such as astromechs, Jedi, and droids, each with unique personalities and combat skills, contributing to the game’s tactical depth.

Alongside the announcement, EA revealed a trailer showcasing both cinematic scenes and gameplay footage, giving fans a glimpse into the strategic gameplay they can expect. Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor, described the game’s design philosophy as being deeply integrated with the immersive Star Wars galaxy. He emphasized that Star Wars Zero Company would offer players an original storyline set during the Clone Wars era, where their choices will have meaningful consequences. The tactical combat is designed to be both deep and approachable, with a cinematic presentation to enhance the overall experience.

Players will guide Zero Company through a series of tactical operations and investigations, spanning various locations across the galaxy. In addition to strategic combat, players will also be responsible for developing a base of operations. Customization plays a key role in the game, with players able to personalize Hawk’s appearance and combat class. The rest of the operatives can be selected from a wide range of Star Wars character classes and species, allowing for further customization in terms of appearances, loadouts, and abilities. With its rich lore and tactical gameplay, Star Wars Zero Company is shaping up to be a unique and immersive addition to the Star Wars franchise.

Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction Developer Is Already Working on Its Next Game, Director Reveals

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Hazelight Studios, the developer behind Split Fiction, has already begun work on its next game, just weeks after the successful launch of their latest co-op adventure. The studio, based in Stockholm, has revealed that the development process is still in its early stages. In a recent interview, director Josef Fares shared his excitement about the future project, emphasizing that the team is “fully focused” on what lies ahead, despite the fresh success of Split Fiction. He expressed eagerness to dive into the next creative challenge, even though details about the project remain under wraps for now.

In an interview on the Friends Per Second podcast, Fares discussed the team’s happiness with the launch of Split Fiction. He acknowledged the positive reception of the game, but quickly shifted focus to the future. “For me, personally, every time a game is out, I’m kind of done with it,” Fares remarked. “I’m always thinking, ‘Okay, now it’s time for the next thing.'” While the team is proud of their latest success, Fares revealed that he is already thinking ahead, saying that the upcoming project is already underway. Though he couldn’t share specifics, Fares hinted that co-op gameplay, a hallmark of Hazelight’s past titles, would remain integral to the studio’s future work.

Fares was careful not to reveal too much about the new project, noting that it is still in its infancy. However, he did offer a glimpse into the development timeline, explaining that the studio typically works on games for three to four years before releasing them to the public. This means that Hazelight’s next title could be just a few years away from being unveiled, but for now, the team is keeping quiet about the specifics. The director’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, though, as he expressed the studio’s collective excitement despite the lack of details.

The work on Hazelight’s next game began approximately a month ago, just weeks before the launch of Split Fiction. Although it’s early days, the studio is already laying the groundwork for what could be another groundbreaking project in the realm of cooperative gaming. Hazelight’s commitment to creating innovative and emotionally engaging co-op experiences appears to be stronger than ever, with the team looking forward to what the future holds, even if the game’s name and concept remain a mystery for now.

BioWare Faces Major Workforce Reduction Following Layoffs and Relocations

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BioWare, renowned for its work on iconic franchises like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, is facing significant organizational changes, including layoffs and staff relocations. Recent reports reveal that the studio has reduced its workforce by more than half compared to just two years ago. This downsizing includes over 20 layoffs and the permanent relocation of several employees to other teams under the umbrella of its parent company, Electronic Arts (EA). The restructuring appears to be part of BioWare’s renewed focus on developing the next Mass Effect installment, a project that has already seen staff reassigned within EA in recent months.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that some of BioWare’s employees, initially “loaned out” to other EA teams after the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have now been informed that their moves are permanent. These staff members, once part of BioWare, are now officially absorbed into the EA studios to which they were reassigned. This transition has left the original studio with fewer resources, as it no longer retains these workers within its own ranks.

Along with the permanent relocations, BioWare has also been forced to let go of approximately two dozen more employees. These layoffs and staff transfers have brought the studio’s headcount to fewer than 100 employees, down from over 200 at the start of 2023. This drastic reduction in workforce is a reflection of the challenges BioWare faces in its attempts to continue delivering high-quality games while also aligning with EA’s broader strategic goals.

While BioWare’s future remains uncertain, the shift in focus toward Mass Effect suggests that the company is concentrating its remaining resources on a project that could potentially re-establish its prominence in the gaming world. However, the downsizing and restructuring raise questions about the studio’s capacity to manage multiple large-scale game developments simultaneously and how it might affect its reputation moving forward.