In a recent dialogue with PC Gamer’s associate editor, Ted Litchfield, Greg Foertsch, the creative director behind the highly anticipated XCOM-inspired title, Star Wars: Zero Company, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of tactics games. Foertsch, a veteran from the XCOM development team, firmly believes that a compelling narrative is essential to the genre, challenging the notion that tactics games can thrive solely on strategic gameplay.
Embracing Narrative and Aesthetic
Foertsch articulated his perspective by highlighting a common misconception within the gaming community: that tactics games should prioritize puzzle-like mechanics over rich storytelling. He referenced his previous work on Marvel’s Midnight Suns, where he served as art director, as a prime example of how a tactics game can successfully blend engaging narratives with strategic depth.
“It’s not an either-or situation,” Foertsch asserted. “I’m not sure why fans have been conditioned to think that strategy games can’t indulge in visually stunning graphics or tell memorable stories. We can—and we should—aim for both.”
With a commitment to delivering a game that excels in both storytelling and visual appeal, Foertsch and his team at Star Wars: Zero Company are poised to redefine expectations within the genre. For those eager to dive deeper into the game’s features and development insights, Litchfield’s comprehensive preview offers a wealth of information, alongside an informative explainer that covers all the essential details about this exciting new title.