Star Wars Zero Company released in late August to great reviews, but its launch was bittersweet, as a large chunk of developer Bit Reactor’s staff was furloughed, unsure if they would be returning to work. For at least a portion of them, however, that uncertainty is over, as they’re back at the studio.
Speaking to Game File, Bit Reactor CEO Greg Foertsch said the studio had “started the process of returning more of our team back to work” but stopped short of giving specific percentages or figures. Game File’s sources said the headcount following this return is more than half of what is was pre-furlough, but it’s unclear when or if more staff will return in the future. A lawsuit involving Foertsch and co-founder Alison Kelly is currently ongoing, as well.
Games in genres as niche as turn-based tactics can sometimes struggle to make a major impact, but Star Wars Zero Company is about as good as these games get. Alongside a surprisingly approachable prequel-era story, the game mixes classic XCOM-style combat with some unique Star Wars twists, like force-pulling enemies out of cover so they can be obliterated by your blasters.
In our Star Wars Zero Company review, Steve Watts called it “the next great evolution of the genre.” For a different twist on Star Wars once you’re finished with Zero Company, you can now grab the excellent Star Wars Galactic Racer, as well.